My Student Placement with ADAVIC – by Nina
My student placement took place at Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria (ADAVIC), in Kew. It occurred once a week every Friday for a period of approximately five months. ADAVIC provides community-based support; information, options and resources to assist individuals manage anxiety and depression issues. These include generalised anxiety, stress and worry, panic disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress syndrome.
ADAVIC is a self-funded, not for profit organisation that is run solely by the help of a team of volunteers and casual staff. It caters for a diverse range of client groups from early age to mature aged citizens.
During my time here I was required to provide telephone support, participate in online board discussions, manage reluctance and resistance in clients through active volunteer involvement in workshops and lectures, attend support groups (established in four locations throughout Melbourne), perform research for their quarterly newsletter, perform research for their facilitator’s manual, analyse popularity of resource materials (such as available books and cd’s), review topical books, expand community awareness and enhance conceptual knowledge of non-clinical treatments for people dealing with anxiety and depression. It must be noted that although it did not offer clinical client experience, a platform was provided to develop and enhance skills based on broader and practical non-clinical experiences.
ADAVIC provided me with insight into the mental health profession. Having had 12 years experience of a Finance background, ADAVIC broadened my mind beyond this field with experience gained for real life issues largely affecting our society in the area of anxiety and depression. Prior to this I’d gained experience and understanding indirectly through peers and work colleagues but not in a community based setting. In this sense ADAVIC was a safe ‘stepping stone’ into the industry and it aided me in further clarifying specific areas of interest in which I’d like to advance and develop, such as grief and loss.
Throughout I was thoroughly impressed by the diverse range of services available which were carried out to the highest degree with continual dedication, hard work and passion. I found this to be refreshing and motivating.
ADAVIC provided a forum in which I was able to expand on industry knowledge, resources available and opportunities to network. Anxiety and depression are such prevalent issues within our society and will present frequently within a clinical client setting. It also assisted me in awareness of how fundamental it is to nurture one’s self through self-reflection, self-critique and supervision ultimately leading to a more effective counselling experience. In addition it provided a platform which cemented my theoretical studies and knowledge with technical experience in the industry. Applying and integrating theory to real life examples was challenging yet hugely rewarding that far surpassed any in-class discussions or role-plays undertaken. In doing so it highlighted the importance of maintaining effective boundaries and self-protection.
On occasion it was frustrating that due to limited funding and therefore resources, ADAVIC is restricted in assisting community members. On a positive note my conceptual knowledge of non-clinical treatments and advocacy for people dealing with anxiety and depression, was enhanced. It also emphasised the relevance of active listening and reflection skills which were invaluable tools for managing clients within ADAVIC.
I am grateful of my experience with ADAVIC and it is with some sadness my time here as a volunteer finishes. I took personal pride in being able to reassure people they’re not alone in their distress, with assistance readily available through the means of professional help, education and an array of other resources. I praise the team for their tremendous efforts which are leaving a lasting positive impression and imprint on the community. I’d personally like to thank Anna, Nathan and Abbey for there ongoing support and inspiration. Never lose sight of the amazing benefits you’re providing and always remember to “live your life with passion”!
By Nina – ACAP Placement Student - September 2010
My student placement took place at Anxiety Disorders Association of Victoria (ADAVIC), in Kew. It occurred once a week every Friday for a period of approximately five months. ADAVIC provides community-based support; information, options and resources to assist individuals manage anxiety and depression issues. These include generalised anxiety, stress and worry, panic disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and post traumatic stress syndrome.
ADAVIC is a self-funded, not for profit organisation that is run solely by the help of a team of volunteers and casual staff. It caters for a diverse range of client groups from early age to mature aged citizens.
During my time here I was required to provide telephone support, participate in online board discussions, manage reluctance and resistance in clients through active volunteer involvement in workshops and lectures, attend support groups (established in four locations throughout Melbourne), perform research for their quarterly newsletter, perform research for their facilitator’s manual, analyse popularity of resource materials (such as available books and cd’s), review topical books, expand community awareness and enhance conceptual knowledge of non-clinical treatments for people dealing with anxiety and depression. It must be noted that although it did not offer clinical client experience, a platform was provided to develop and enhance skills based on broader and practical non-clinical experiences.
ADAVIC provided me with insight into the mental health profession. Having had 12 years experience of a Finance background, ADAVIC broadened my mind beyond this field with experience gained for real life issues largely affecting our society in the area of anxiety and depression. Prior to this I’d gained experience and understanding indirectly through peers and work colleagues but not in a community based setting. In this sense ADAVIC was a safe ‘stepping stone’ into the industry and it aided me in further clarifying specific areas of interest in which I’d like to advance and develop, such as grief and loss.
Throughout I was thoroughly impressed by the diverse range of services available which were carried out to the highest degree with continual dedication, hard work and passion. I found this to be refreshing and motivating.
ADAVIC provided a forum in which I was able to expand on industry knowledge, resources available and opportunities to network. Anxiety and depression are such prevalent issues within our society and will present frequently within a clinical client setting. It also assisted me in awareness of how fundamental it is to nurture one’s self through self-reflection, self-critique and supervision ultimately leading to a more effective counselling experience. In addition it provided a platform which cemented my theoretical studies and knowledge with technical experience in the industry. Applying and integrating theory to real life examples was challenging yet hugely rewarding that far surpassed any in-class discussions or role-plays undertaken. In doing so it highlighted the importance of maintaining effective boundaries and self-protection.
On occasion it was frustrating that due to limited funding and therefore resources, ADAVIC is restricted in assisting community members. On a positive note my conceptual knowledge of non-clinical treatments and advocacy for people dealing with anxiety and depression, was enhanced. It also emphasised the relevance of active listening and reflection skills which were invaluable tools for managing clients within ADAVIC.
I am grateful of my experience with ADAVIC and it is with some sadness my time here as a volunteer finishes. I took personal pride in being able to reassure people they’re not alone in their distress, with assistance readily available through the means of professional help, education and an array of other resources. I praise the team for their tremendous efforts which are leaving a lasting positive impression and imprint on the community. I’d personally like to thank Anna, Nathan and Abbey for there ongoing support and inspiration. Never lose sight of the amazing benefits you’re providing and always remember to “live your life with passion”!
By Nina – ACAP Placement Student - September 2010
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