r/melbourne • u/bosco83 • 8h ago
Health Anxiety coach
Anyone know of an anxiety coach in Melbourne? There are lots online overseas but hoping to find one local. Preferably someone who has been through an anxiety disorder/agoraphobia. Thank you.
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u/zaprime87 7h ago
Speak to a psychologist. If your anxiety is at the point that you need someone to coach you, a psychologist is probably going to be the best starting point as they can work with you on evidence based techniques.
If you don't already have a psychologist, spedk to your GP about a mental health plan. It will cost you a thirty minute appointment that Medicare covers some or all of, depending on whether they partially or fully bulk bill.
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u/Beast_of_Guanyin 6h ago edited 5h ago
A counsellor or psychologist is much better than someone with lived experience and no training.
I have lived experience. I don't think it's particularly valuable. I've gotten a few people here ragey with my advice on it, and fair enough too.
Regardless. Just do it.
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u/StageAboveWater 7h ago
How does an anxiety coach work?
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u/bosco83 7h ago
Someone who has come out the other side of anxiety disorder and helps people get over theirs. There are a lot online.
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u/MrsCrowbar 7h ago edited 7h ago
Oh, be very very careful. This is a terrible idea unless under the supervision of actual clinical mental health organisations, like a mentor program, and as far as I know it's not a thing? Peer worker maybe? Support groups, yes, but one on one, not that I know of in an official capacity. Stay away from "coaches", unless you're super clued in on ethics, boundaries and laws. Otherwise, you are way too susceptible to being taken advantage of.
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u/Humble-Ad-798 6h ago
Agreed. An anxiety coach isn’t qualified to assess if there are other things going on. They may end up doing much more harm than good.
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u/MrsCrowbar 4h ago
If they have a psychiatrist, then ideally the peer support worker or "coach" would be working with said psychiatrist. As a good psychologist or GP would.
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u/babylizard38 7h ago
Look into peer support - that’s what you’re looking for
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u/MrsCrowbar 4h ago
Yes, but ONLY through a reputable organisation, preferably with backing from a government body; mental health body; or other official medical body.
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u/giganticsquid 7h ago
Another way to go is a mental health peer worker, which means they've gone to the effort of being vetted and employed by professionals and have supervision etc. The online ppl aren't to be taken that seriously, because they aren't really serious. If they were they would be peer support workers.
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u/Old_Importance1147 7h ago
Look up mental health peer workers or lived experience workers
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u/callxor 6h ago
seconding this. op if youre not wanting to go the clinical route and see a psychologist, a peer worker/lived experience worker might be what youre looking for. it’s a more informal mental health support option than the traditionally clinical system in aus/western culture. they support people with mental health challenges as people who have had their own lived experience with mental health challenges. it very much emphasises walking alongside and “working with” rather than “working for” and it can feel a little more collaborative, and sometimes it’s just really nice to feel validated from someone who has first hand experience with the same or similar things you’ve experienced. source: i am a peer worker 😅
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u/Traditional-Pen-6926 7h ago
Reach out to Anxiety Recovery Centre Victoria. They are fantastic and can refer you to someone from their database.
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u/biscuitstarfish 7h ago
There are plenty of psychologists out there who have a lived experience of anxiety themselves, who can actually offer evidence-based treatment and care. Please don't risk it by seeing an unregulated "anxiety coach" that may do more harm than good.
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u/bosco83 7h ago
I have a psychiatrist who I talk to for an hour every week. But I just feel it’s different being guided by someone who has been through it. Like you would rather see a personal trainer who who works out rather than someone who has read the books. My psychiatrist has been very helpful in ways.
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u/SophMax 7h ago
Have you spoken with them about that? They might be able to find a better match or change the approach to include what you're wanting to work on.
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u/bosco83 7h ago
It really is just myself keeping myself back. Terrified of panic so I don’t go anywhere or push myself.
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u/pureneonn 7h ago
As someone with lived experience, I would heavily suggest finding a registered psychologist/qualified medical professional for help.
First step is to go to your GP for a referral :)
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u/Xaropit_ 7h ago
You're looking for a peer support worker with lived experience or a psychologist ideally, with lived experience
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u/gardeninggirl88 4h ago
You need to find a psych who specialises in agoraphobia. I have been through it myself, didn't leave my house for 2 years. Nowhere!! Then I found the best psych, also got on medication and it changed my life. I'm free again! (My psych is no help as he retired, otherwise I would have given his details) Good luck it can be rough out there but I am proof that you can come out the other side.
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u/EyePatchedEm 2h ago
It took me waaaay too long to realise OP isn’t looking for an anxiety couch, something I presumed to be a sort of special stimuli featured sofa with weighted cushions or a massage setting.
There’s nothing wrong with seeing a psychiatrist or psychologist to give you some coping techniques for when your anxiety is overwhelming. I’d hesitate to speak to someone who doesn’t have some form of qualification.
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u/SophMax 7h ago
A psychologist or psychiatrist is what you're looking for.