Dr Olga Lavalle

Stress Management: Simple Steps for a Calmer You!

Feeling weighed down by stress? You're not alone, and managing it might be simpler than you think. Here are some effective strategies to help you unwind and find balance.

1. Embark on a stroll—Regular exercise boosts endorphins and can significantly improve your mood. Going for a walk and moving your body is a great stress reliever.
2. Spend time with people you love - Talking with friends and family can provide comfort and a new perspective. Social support is crucial in managing stress effectively.
3. Get plenty of sleep - Adequate sleep can enhance your mood and help you manage your stress.
4. Take time out for yourself - Dedicate some time to a hobby or interest you enjoy. Reading, gardening, or painting can divert your mind from stressors and bring joy.
5. Practice Mindfulness—Incorporate mindfulness techniques such as meditation or mindful walking into your routine. These practices help you focus on the present moment, reducing stress and anxiety.

Integrating these strategies into your daily life can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being. Remember, small changes can make a big impact!

If stress becomes overwhelming, consider consulting a mental health professional. Sometimes, professional guidance is needed to manage stress effectively.

In the quiet moments of reflection on Anzac Day, we express gratitude for the selfless acts of bravery that have shaped our nation.

Lest we forget.

We are now taking new clients and have appointments available.
Ring us on 42445636 to discuss how we can help you.

In NSW, October is . The last few years have been incredibly challenging, and for many of us (whether struggling with mental illness of not) there's been a definite sense of hopelessness. Hope is crucial when it comes to pushing through difficult situations... but it isn't something we can just 'switch on'. When our mental health is suffering, it can be so, so hard to see the silver linings in our lives. When things seem dark, looking for hope - as impossible as it can sometimes seem - has to be an active choice.

The theme for Mental Health Month 2022 is . If we're going to search for hope, we need to engage with what's actually happening for and around us. We also need to tune in to what's happening for the people we love - not only to learn from their experiences, but also to offer connection to those who may be feeling isolated, misunderstood and hopeless.

No matter who you are, you can make a difference. Tune in to mental health this October 💙

www.olgalavalle.com

The first National Mental Health and Wellbeing Survey by the ABS found that 1.1 million (39.6%) young people aged between 16 and 24 years experienced a mental health disorder between 2020-2021.

We have appointments available with our Provisional Psychologist Jeremy Maskour.

Ring us on 02 42445636 to see how Jeremy can help you.

Ohhhh…… we’re wondering what Doc Dre’ is reading? 🤓

Unfortunately, bullying is something that all of us will witness at least once in our life. Whether in the classroom or the break room, bullying is incredibly damaging to EVERYONE involved.

🟦 The personal being bullied feels helpless, embarrassed, unsafe and afraid
🟦 The person doing the bullying is struggling to manage their emotions, but their actions only put more of a wedge between themselves and the people who might be able to help them do so
🟦 The people witnessing the bullying are impacted by the tension and anxiety of the situation, and will often feel ashamed if they cannot or do not intervene

Bullying has short-term impacts, but it can also have long-term consequences. If you need support in dealing with bullying, whether for yourself or a family member, reach out at www.olgalavalle.com. We're here to help 💙

Often when we think about a vision for our future, we settle for vague, unfixed goals such as ‘being happy’ or ‘being a better person’. But if we can create a more specific vision and put well-defined goals in place to achieve it, we’re more likely to see it through. Ask yourself:

💡What kind of life do you want to create?
💡If you had no fear, what would you do in your life?
💡What challenges would you like to overcome?
💡How do you want to improve your life and the lives or others?
💡What legacy do you want to leave behind?

Falling back into old behaviours and thought cycles might give you short term relief. But if you’re willing to take the time to be honest with yourself, defining YOUR vision can go a long way towards mental wellness and a fulfilling life. If you’d like support with setting your life’s vision and goals, visit us at www.olgalavalle.com 💙

Meet Samantha Risi...........

Samantha is an Accredited Practicing Dietician with expertise in a range of health and disease management areas including diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational), gastrointestinal issues (IBS/IBD/Coeliac), eating disorders, metabolic diseases (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight management), malnutrition, nutrient deficiency and much more.

- Appointments are available from Friday 10 June 2022.
- Private Health Fund and Medicare Rebates Available.
- Services under NDIS and DVA as well.

Ring 02 42445636 to find out more!

We are hiring and looking for a Psychologist, Clinical Psychologist, Forensic or Neuropsychologist, or Clinical Psychology Registrar. For further information contact the practice on 02 42445636.

Psychologist/Clinical Psychologist/Clinical Psychology Registrar Job in Wollongong, Illawarra & South Coast Dr Olga Lavalle & Associates is a successful and established boutique private psychology practice in Wollongong on the South Coast. We have an existing team of practitioners who are all coordinated and supported by our full-time practice manager and in-house reception team. Our psychology practice t...

Registrations are closing soon. Don't miss out on your opportunity to attend a live online workshop on 11 June 2021 for anyone working with children or adolescents and is intended for all levels of experience and expertise.
This workshops helps service providers to:
1. To understand the effects of trauma on the brain;
2. Understand the behaviours of children and adolescents who have experienced trauma;
3. Learn about interventions for children and adolescents from a trauma informed perspective; and
4. Understand vicarious trauma and manage your own mental health as a service provider.
Click on the link to register for this interactive online workshop
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/131786574191
A certificate of attendance is provided with 6 CPD points.

Trauma Informed Practice Skills for Working with Children and Adolescents This online workshop enables clinicians to gain knowledge and skills in working with children and adolescents from a trauma informed lens.

Together with Cognitive Behavioural Education we are running a live online workshop on 11 June 2021 for anyone working with children or adolescents and is intended for all levels of experience and expertise.

At the completion of the workshop you will:
1. Understand the effects of trauma on the brain;
2. Understand the behaviours of children and adolescents who have experienced trauma;
3. Learn about interventions for children and adolescents from a trauma informed perspective; and
4. Understand vicarious trauma and manage your own mental health as a service provider.

Click on the link to register for this interactive online workshop

https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/131786574191

A certificate of attendance is provided with 6 CPD points.

Trauma Informed Practice Skills for Working with Children and Adolescents This online workshop enables clinicians to gain knowledge and skills in working with children and adolescents from a trauma informed lens.

Trauma Informed Practice Skills for Working with Children and Adolescents This online workshop enables clinicians to gain knowledge and skills in working with children and adolescents from a trauma informed lens.

Our first Trauma Informed Practice Skills Workshop for the year is filling up fast. CPD points are available for allied health professionals. Click on the link for further information or to register. We look forward to seeing you there.

Trauma Informed Practice Skills for Working with Children and Adolescents This online workshop enables clinicians to gain knowledge and skills in working with children and adolescents from a trauma informed lens.

For many of us, the last twelve months have been chaotic, to say the least. Today, I'd like to encourage you to take a moment - just a single moment - to appreciate the good things in your world. The things that make you smile, the things that make your heart swell with gratitude. They are there; sometimes, we just have to make time to recognise them 💙