Elizabeth Addie

Counselling Philosophy

The person is not the problem. The problem is the problem. Problems can enter our lives through various circumstances, for example family breakdown, trauma or stress. Problems can be with us for a long time, so it can be hard to see ourselves outside the influence of problems. Problems undermine our well being, our view of who we are, our ability to relate well to family members, friends and colleagues. Problems may take away our quality of life and can dim our hopes for the future and prevent us from making meaningful goals for ourselves. Problems can also be part of our broader social and economic life. For example, being unemployed, having a limited education or having to spend too much time at work are factors often not in our direct control, but impact directly on our lives and our ideas of who we are, and can make our problems bigger and more difficult to resolve.

The influence of problems can be disrupted allowing new positive life directions to emerge. When problems are “externalized” through counselling they no longer dominate our sense of who we are and what we can undertake in our lives. We begin to separate from them and see their influence on our lives. We can make choices about other possibilities for our lives.

These new understandings enable life changes, more positive relationships, sense of identity and sense of well being to develop. New understandings emerge from a reconnection with our own strengths, skills, abilities, and values We may remember people who are or have been significant positive influences in their lives. This enables a reconnection with a stronger sense of self. A platform for change, positive relationships and well being is created. We can move forward in our lives.

Inspirational Quotation

“Being in this community has given me an unshakeable faith in the capacity of people to change, to create new lives for themselves. …Now for twelve years I have been watching it happen: a person comes to Clubhouse grappling with illness, or medication, or more often the awful effects of stigma, the attitude of others to mental health issues. And after a time, maybe a month, maybe six months or a year, we see that person grow and change, recover, become the person they were always capable of being. I have seen this so many times that I am now always optimistic about what people can achieve”.
(Bryce Alcock: The retiring Director of Toowoomba Clubhouse)