30-50% of Australian adults have acute insomnia symptoms at any given time.  For most this is caused by stress, grief, medical procedures or parenting young children.  For about 70% of these adults the symptoms last less than 3 months before sleep returns to a normal sleep pattern.

Unfortunately about 30% go on to develop chronic insomnia and it is estimated that 2.5 million Australians adults are experiencing the condition.

CBT-i therapy is best practice therapy for insomnia and includes:

• Assessment of the physical, psychological and behavioural causes of insomnia 

• Understand and address the perpetuating factors of insomnia

• Support and guidance in restoring a healthy sleep pattern

• Providing you with the knowledge and tools to self-manage any future occurrences of insomnia.

APS/ASA

We grieve when we love, and when we love deeply, we also grieve deeply.  

Grief is a normal part of life but can be overwhelming, painful and isolating. For each of us, grief is a personal experience and we are on a unique journey.  Often without the necessary tools or knowledge to manage the turmoil of emotions we continuously experience.  

Even though it may not feel like there will ever be a time when it does not hurt this much, healing is possible because we can heal when we feel. There is no normal way to grieve, and no normal timeline.  Having time to talk can help make sense of what we are going through and will release the guilt that is such a integral part of grief. Eventually the pain lessens and the love memories remain.  This allows us to live our lives more fully again.

It is estimated that approximately 68% of the population has experienced at least one trauma, and about 26% have experience four or more traumas in their lifetime.  

We all react to the traumatic incident in different ways.  Often the impact is only noticed days/weeks/months/years after the confronting experience has occurred.  For many the impact can be complex and long term.  

When experiences are traumatic or confronting, our normal ability to cope becomes overwhelmed and we can experience one/all of the following symptoms: 

• Reliving and reexperiencing the event either as a strong memory or feeling physically as if you are there again

• Be on high alert all the time which impacts sleep, diet, concentration, irritability and anger.  A bit like feeling wound up and ready to snap most of the time.

• Being watchful and avoiding anything that may feel uncomfortable or bring back memories.  This includes people, places and experiences.  Also smells, sensations, lighting, particular events, sounds, to name but a few.

• The overwhelm we experience often leads us to feel numb.  And we detach from relationships, enjoyment, closeness and intimacy.  

• The loneliness and isolation are further hurdles to recovery.

This can lead to developing depression, anxiety, stress, and relationship challenges.  And all trauma has grief. 

 The good news is that there are many things that can help us manage the impact and often change the impact altogether.