As many Illawarra businesses adapt to the challenge of COVID-19 local relationship counsellor Catherine O'Grady has moved to online counselling via video conferencing platform Zoom.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ms O'Grady knows how important it is to continue providing support to couples. Especially as the community deals with the uncertainties created by coronavirus.
"Many people may be experiencing stress, anxiety and fear as they navigate the enormous change and uncertainty of this COVID-19 pandemic, and this may be having an impact on their relationship," she said.
"Now, more than ever though, it is important to build or strengthen the connections in our relationships and seek help in a safe environment.
"Some may be feeling overwhelmed and during this time of social distancing and self-isolation feeling like there is nothing can be done but the good news is that online counselling is a viable option.
"This is why I have introduced the option for online relationship counselling".
Ms O'Grady said while face-to-face counselling with couples in the same room is preferable, she has joined others in her profession to offer an online option.
And clients had been making the adjustment well.
"While it might seem strange at first, it's a relatively straight forward process and other than having access to a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer with a camera, microphone and speaker function. No other special equipment is necessary".
Ms O'Grady knows from her experience in the field that help for people to restore relationships is sometimes urgent. Particularly at a time like this.
She said if anyone needs to talk to someone right now a range of services can immediately assist.
- For emergencies people can call 000.
- Lifeline is available at www.lifeline.org.au and on 131114.
- Beyond Blue can be reached at www.beyondblue.org.au or on 1300 22 4636.
- 800RESPECT National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service can be contacted on www.1800respect.org.au and at 1800 737 732.
The Illawarra Mercury has launched a Taking Care of Business campaign.
Each day we will highlight a local business who is adapting or evolving to be able to keep operating under these trying times.
If you know of a business adapting, please send us an email titled Taking Care of Business to cos@illawarramercury.com.au.
We have also put a call out and will run a list of cafes, restaurants and clubs who are offering takeaway or delivery on our Facebook page. If you know of an outlet now offering home delivery or takeaway, please let us know and add it to the list.
Read more:
- Wollongong-founded COVID-19 Facebook foodie group 'Illawarra Menus' racks up 20,000 followers in six days
- Why a Gong muso is virtually excited about COVID-19 music lessons online
- List of Illawarra restaurants and cafes offering delivery and takeaway during the COVID-19 shutdown
- Liquor and Gaming Authority allows Grill'd to deliver beer or wine with meals
- After bringing joy to fire ravaged communities over summer Ken Murray is doing the same in Wollongong with COVID-19
- How to plan a wedding in 23 hours because of COVID-19
- Wollongong's Deli and Dine on Market dances into customers' hearts with grazing boxes amid COVID-19 crisis
- Clubs and eateries face closure as PM announces new restrictions
- What Illawarra clubs and eateries are doing to survive coronavirus
- New music initiative to help the community to keep on jammin during social isolation
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we aim to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
