Sophia Ajaka

Sophia Ajaka is a Registered Psychologist and an Associate Member of the Australian Psychological Society.

Sophia studied at Macquarie University in Sydney and she has over 15 years clinical experience working in both private and public sectors.

Sophia enjoys working with adults from a variety of backgrounds. Sophia’s areas of interest include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Postnatal Depression
• Parenting
• Separation/Divorce
• Stress Management
• Sleep Difficulties
• Relationship concerns
• Self-Esteem Building
• Conflict Resolution
• Resilience Building
• EAP counselling
• Career Counselling/Coaching
• Eating Disorders
• Weight Management

Sophia is committed to providing a confidential, non-judgemental environment, where clients feel safe to explore concerns. Sophia has a holistic approach and is passionate about supporting people to develop skills in order to create change, enhance coping mechanisms and improve overall wellbeing.

Sophia is empathic, compassionate and tailors her therapeutic approach to the needs of the client. Sophia draws on a range of therapeutic modalities, which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Schema Therapy, and Mindfulness- Based Therapy.

Sophia takes face to face appointments at our Kogarah clinic on Fridays. To make an appointment at with Sophia please call the clinic on 02 9553 9823

 

Top Tips to Managing your Mental Health:

1.Get Active and Maintain a balanced diet: Exercise is a great way of managing everyday stressors. It can also help reduce the impacts of Depression and Anxiety. Moving your body every day will increase endorphins and help you feel mentally more alert.

2.Connect With Nature – Being in nature helps us manage stress and anxiety. Incorporating nature in your daily routine is a good way to improve mood and regulate emotion.

3.Practice Gratitude – Practicing gratitude is good for the soul. Writing down 3 things you are grateful for every day can lead to improved wellbeing. Practicing gratitude can contribute to enhanced empathy, improved sleep and increased mental strength.

4.Get Enough Sleep – Sleep and mental health are closely connected. Sleep deprivation affects your psychological state and mental health. Having a consistent sleep routine is important. Practicing the same bedtime rituals and maintaining consistent sleep and wake times is useful when considering overall wellbeing.

5.Build relationships – We are social beings. There are numerous benefits to developing and maintaining healthy social connections. Having strong healthy relationships lowers the rates of anxiety and depression and contributes to an improved self-esteem.

6.Seek help – Every day life can be challenging. If you are struggling to feel happy, find meaning or cope there is help available. Visit your local Generl Practioner to discuss the best options for you. Some useful services include:

Beyondblue Support related matters. Phone: 1300 22 46 36
http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Black Dog Institute
https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

LIfeline
24 hour telephone counselling service. Phone: 13 11 14
http://www.lifeline.org.au/