Caring…Practical…Professional
SOS Inc provides counselling to assist people who may be experiencing significant distress, suffering and crisis in their lives. Professional counselling is available to assist with a wide range of personal and relationship issues, including:
- Anger
- Anxiety, Panic & Worry
- Abuse issues
- Confidence issues
- Conflict
- Couple Relationships
- Depression
- Employment/Unemployment: change, loss & redirection
- Family Issues
- Grief & Loss
- Living with Mental Illness
- Loneliness & Isolation
- Self-Esteem
- Stress
- Trauma
How do I arrange an appointment?
Telephone the SOS Inc First Contact Interviewers (FCI) on
03 9583 9869 between 11:00am & 2:00pm Monday to Friday or leave a message any other time and we will call you back.
Who may use our services?
Any adult or couple who require counselling may contact us and request an appointment.
Who provides the counselling?
All counselling is provided by professional counsellors and/or psychologists.
What times are available for appointment?
Daytime appointments and limited evening/out-of-hours appointments are available. We may need to operate a waiting list at times. Every effort is made to keep waiting times to a minimum.
Fees for counselling
Our aim as a non-profit organisation with a benevolent focus is to provide quality counselling and support to all, including those in circumstances of crisis and extreme need. Therefore fees are structured according to financial means.
Session fees are based on 0.1% of gross annual income per counselling session (i.e. equivalent to paying $10 (or part thereof) per $10,000 (or part thereof) of annual income/combined household income.).
There is a minimum charge of $15 per session. First session is free of charge. Fees may be waived in circumstances of extreme hardship and with approval.
The above fee structure is available only to person/s funding their own counselling. Contracted services are also available to organisations; please contact the Director of Counselling for details.
SOS Group Programs
SOS Counselling is also responsible for facilitating, implementing and running a range of group programs and courses at a minimal cost to participants.
SOS Parenting Program
SOS conducts parenting group classes for parents of children up to 6 years of age. Learn skills that can help you overcome the difficulties you experience as a parent and develop positive relationships with your children. The course is conducted by an experienced presenter of parenting programs, with more than 20 years experience as a Maternal and Child Health Nurse.
Course Outline
- Understand why children behave the way they do: Ages & Stages of Understanding; Food, Fatigue & Moods; Personality Styles; Sibling Position.
- Sibling Rivalry & Setting Boundaries.
- Conflict Resolution (age appropriate)
- Positive relationships, achieving desirable behaviours, optimism and resilience.
- The importance of “successful praise”, including bright children.
- An overview of: Protective Behaviour, Muscle Memory, Music and Movement to enhance brain integration, reading etc.
- Resources include Positive Parenting Handouts.
When is the course conducted?
Conducted once each school term (depending on numbers) 4 sessions of 1¾ hours each.
Evening sessions: 7:30pm to 9:15pm
Morning sessions may be available if there is sufficient demand.
Where is the course conducted?
St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, 90-92 Como Parade West, Mentone, 3194. Follow signs on arrival.
How do I make a booking to attend?
Call SOS Inc on 03 9583 9869 or Jo Allan (Parenting Course Presenter) on 03 95628690 to register your interest with name and contact number. When the expressions of interest have reached 6 to 8 people, you will be notified of the next available course. Individual help may be offered by phone following your enquiry.
Manage Anxiety … instead of anxiety managing you!
Workshop Program
Learn skills and strategies that can help you to manage and reduce anxiety.
While a certain degree of anxiety is a normal part of life, for some people or at some times it can seem to get out of control. It can restrict your life and take away feelings of joy and contentment. This group program will help you to understand anxiety and how it affects your life. We cover principles and strategies used in cognitive behavioural therapy to assist you in managing and reducing anxiety. We consider ways to deal with anxiety, rather than avoiding it or being dominated by it.
Sessions are conducted in a small group setting to enable interaction in a relaxed but structured atmosphere. While active participation can be very beneficial, there will be no pressure on individuals to contribute in any particular way. Printed handouts are included.
The workshop is conducted by a psychologist with experience and expertise in assisting people with anxiety problems and disorders.
Sessions: 3 weekly sessions of approximately 2 hours each. For current cost, dates and other details, to book or express interest call SOS Inc on 03 9583 9869. Bookings are essential and group numbers for each workshop are limited.
Relaxation Techniques Workshop
This workshop will teach you relaxation techniques that will help you achieve a sense of calmness and control over your stress responses.
Relaxation techniques have been found to be very useful for managing and reducing stress and anxiety in daily life. The workshop includes comprehensive instruction in the relaxation exercises as we practise them together, as well as step-by-step printed information on how to practise these techniques on your own. When attending, please wear comfortable clothes and bring a towel to lie on.
For current details including cost, dates, to book or express interest call SOS Inc on 03 9583 9869. Bookings are essential and group numbers for each workshop are limited.