WHO IS SARINA; Sarina is a graduate of the Holistic Counselling and Life Care Diploma at Naturecare College Sydney 2009, who also  holds a Diploma of Nutrition from the same college, graduating in 1992. For the past several years Sarina has been working as an independent counsellor with several of the elderly residents of a leading nursing home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. As part of her commitment to her work  with the elderly and their families, Sarina engages in extensive research as well as attending workshops and courses relevant to this field of work. Sarina has also had specific training in bereavement counselling as she sees this as an essential component to her work with the elderly.

Sarina is also greatly assisted by my faithful side kick, Molly the dog, who is very warmly received wherever we go.

Note; Molly only accompanies me if the client is comfortable with dogs and request her presence.

TEA & TALK: In creating Tea & Talk I envisioned the provision of a vital service to the elderly in order to assist them in their emotional wellbeing. Whatever the individual situation entails, I am able to provide support and comfort. There may be feelings of grief and/or loss either from the death of a loved one, loss of physical function such as mobility or the loss of independence that necessitated the, often difficult, transition from the family home to a new environment such as a nursing home. My assistance may come in the form of working with the family or one on one with the elderly client. The aim is to ensure the long term emotional health of an aged parent and the additional benefits this brings to their extended family and friends.

The cornerstone of my practice is my commitment to maintaining the dignity of the individual client as well as recognition of the preciousness of their life. Experience has taught me that most people fare much better when they are supported in their desire to remain in their own home. However, some cases result in the need to be moved into a Nursing Home or Retirement Village. If this is the case, I then work with the elderly parent and their family to ensure this transition is as smooth as feasibly possible by providing support and a familiar presence in an unfamiliar environment.

As an additional function, when working supportively with the elderly, unresolved issues may arise that can be addressed and cleared in safety. This usually has the benefit of releasing long held negative emotions. It can also be helpful in alleviating any underlying tension or stress within families. This in turn, can help restore the relationship between family members or allow it to become a more positive and loving one. Very often the result of the counselling relationship is surprising in that the client finds themselves reflecting on many aspects of their life they have not thought about for a long time or ever before. This freedom to explore their life can have far reaching benefits including relief from physical symptoms, sometimes reducing the need for some medications. The ripple effect this has on their quality of life can be enormous.
As a rule, the client is never taken where they don’t want to go. Meaning, if they don’t want to talk about something, they don’t have to. It is entirely up to the individual what they are prepared to disclose during any of the counselling sessions

An example of how it works:
Imagine you are sitting opposite someone who you knew you could say anything to knowing that they would not judge you or think badly of you. This person is not going to tell you that you were wrong or bad. Finally!!! You feel ‘heard’. Here is someone who is able to just listen, not interrupt or tell you what you should do. You are able to tell your whole story. When this person speaks, it is without judgement; you feel their understanding and empathy. Then, quite miraculously, you feel the weight lift from your shoulders. This burden has been there so long you have forgotten what it was like to live without it. Now you feel lighter and things don’t seem quite as impossible or difficult as they did when you first sat down to talk.

If you have an elderly parent; One of the biggest issues that can occur among the elderly is the worry of burdening loved ones with their problems. This is where my role is vital as someone with whom the elderly can speak with freely and openly, knowing that what they say will not be repeated and will be a confidential contract between themselves and the counsellor. This also means that if there is an issue that the elderly client would rather not disclose to their carer or children, I am available to listen and allow the unburdening. This could very well be the first opportunity they have had in their life to talk about an experience that has been with them for a very long time. It is a simple process that is incredibly effective. As well as this, I am able to support the family in caring for an elderly parent. With increasing demands on your own life from your workplace and/or your children; It can make an enormous difference to the quality of your life if you know you have someone to regularly check in on an elderly parent.

LOCATION, TIME AND COST; I have counselling rooms available in Mona Vale for consultations. Alternatively I am able to visit the client in their home or the retirement village if mobility or transport is an issue.

• The Initial Consultation is for an hour and half and costs $90 for pensioners or $120 for non-pensioners.
• The sessions are for one hour and cost $65 for pensioners or $90 for non-pensioners.
• Payment by direct deposit is preferred. However, if this does not suit we can discuss alternative arrangements.
• The number of sessions needed is different for every individual. As a general guideline I have found that three to four sessions are required initially. Afterwards we can review together what the best course of action may be with each individual. The client has the ultimate choice to continue or not. In most cases the time between appointments can be extended from weekly or fortnightly to monthly or as needed. Again, this is determined by the client.