How Counselling Can Support People with a Disability

More than 4 million Australians live with some kind of disability. Isn’t that a daunting figure? And, only about 10% of that number are eligible to participate in the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Without question, people with a disability often face huge hurdles. Employment prospects, financial security, access issues and societal biases are just some of the obstacles that may impact an individual with a disability. On top of that, many will encounter feelings of isolation, frustration and loneliness. For some, it is a long journey of constant re-adjustment to remain as independent as possible. It’s a lot to cope with, perhaps even scary, especially if there’s uncertainty about who to reach out to for support. Talking with an experienced counsellor can be a positive step. Here are some of the ways as to how counselling can support people with a disability…

  • A safe, private and accepting setting to share your story.
  • Access a supportive framework that facilitates positive change.
  • Gain skills and strategies to overcome anxiety, depression and stress.
  • Learn to manage grief and loss.
  • Get help with developing a mindset that enhances wellbeing.
  • Acquire communication skills to become more confident and assertive in relationships.
  • Identify personal and societal barriers and learn techniques to overcome them.
  • Get practical solutions for everyday problems.
  • Discover how to keep motivated and increase resiliency.
  • Clarify aspirations and set goals.
  • Learn to embrace self-compassion, and redefine self-concept and self-identity.
  • Gain empowerment and find a renewed sense of purpose.

Disability is a facet in a person’s life, it is not the whole person. There are many types of disability. Everyone’s lived experience is different. A dozen people with the same disability will almost certainly be experiencing life differently. Whether we have a disability or not, there is a universal desire to lead a full, productive and meaningful life. A professionally trained Counsellor therefore tailors therapy to meet the unique needs, challenges, experiences and aspirations of the individual. The approach is not about focusing on disability or limitations, but instead, encouraging enablement, and helping to highlight and strengthen the individual’s own resourcefulness, determination and positive abilities.

A personal message from Rohan:
We live in a fast-changing world in which taking care of our health and wellness, and each other, is more important than ever. As an experienced professional counsellor, I’m dedicated to helping people improve their relationships, outlook on life and overall wellbeing, offering therapy within an accepting, caring, safe and private environment. I believe that each person’s emotional response to life’s situations and circumstances is uniquely complex, which is why I draw on a diversity of counselling methods to tailor an approach that best meets the distinctive needs of each individual client, couple or family unit.