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Pro-Bono
45 min • Free
Pro-Bono Therapy
Pro-bono therapy stands for the commitment to the provision of mental health services free of charge to individuals who cannot afford traditional therapy. At Synapse Mental Health, we believe that access to mental healthcare should not be limited by financial constraints. Our team of dedicated psychologists are committed to serving our community by offering pro-bono services to those in need.
Counselling
Counseling generally refers to a broader range of helping professions, including career counseling, educational counseling, and marriage counseling. It may involve providing guidance, support, and advice to individuals or groups. Counseling can be short-term or long-term, depending on the specific needs of the client.
How can this help?
Both counseling and therapy can be helpful for individuals seeking to:
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Improve mental health: Address symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions.
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Resolve personal issues: Work through relationship problems, grief, or trauma.
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Enhance self-awareness: Gain a better understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
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Develop coping skills: Learn healthy ways to manage stress and challenges.
Therapy
Therapy is often more focused on addressing deep-seated emotional or psychological issues. It typically involves a therapeutic relationship between a trained professional and the client, where the client can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in a safe and supportive environment. Therapy can be individual, group, or family-oriented.
Importance of Mental Health
The Importance of Mental Health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. It affects how we think, feel, and act. When our mental health is in good shape, we are better equipped to handle life's challenges, build strong relationships, and achieve our goals.
Our Approach
At Synapse Mental Health, psychologists employ an eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from various evidence-based practices. This allows them to tailor their treatment to the unique needs of each individual. Some of the common therapeutic approaches used include:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Focuses on mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings, and commit to living a meaningful life.
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Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Emphasizes finding solutions and building on strengths.
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Person-Centered Therapy: Provides a supportive environment where individuals can explore their own feelings and experiences.
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Narrative Therapy: Helps individuals understand their life stories through a collaborative process, empowering them to create new narratives and possibilities.
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Family Therapy and Psychoeducation: Involves working with families to address relationship issues and improve communication while fostering a supportive environment conducive to growth.
By combining these approaches, Synapse Mental Health psychologists can provide comprehensive and effective care to individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being.
Typical Process of Therapy
The therapeutic process can vary slightly depending on the specific approach used, but there are some common elements:
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Initial Consultation: This is often a brief meeting to discuss your concerns, goals, and expectations for therapy. The therapist will also provide information about their approach and the therapeutic process.
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Assessment: The therapist may conduct a more in-depth assessment to gain a better understanding of your mental health history, symptoms, and coping mechanisms. This may involve completing questionnaires or engaging in a detailed interview.
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Goal Setting: Together with your therapist, you will establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for therapy. These goals can focus on improving your mood, relationships, or overall well-being.
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Regular Sessions: Therapy typically involves weekly or bi-weekly sessions, providing a consistent space for exploration and growth. During these sessions, you will have the opportunity to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your therapist.
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Therapeutic Techniques: Your therapist will employ various therapeutic techniques based on their chosen approach. These may include exercises, homework assignments, or guided imagery.
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Ongoing Evaluation and Adjustment: Throughout the therapeutic process, you and your therapist will regularly evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed. This ensures that the therapy remains effective and relevant to your changing needs.
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Termination: As you achieve your goals and develop the skills to manage your mental health independently, you and your therapist will discuss termination. This may involve gradual tapering of sessions or a final session to review your progress and discuss ongoing self-care strategies.
It's important to remember that therapy is a collaborative process. Your active participation is essential for achieving positive outcomes. Open communication, trust, and a willingness to explore your emotions are key factors in the success of therapy.
Eligibility for pro-bono services may vary based on individual circumstances and available resources. Interested individuals can inquire about eligibility criteria and the application process by contacting Synapse directly or by requesting to book below.