8 GHP Mental Health Awards 2023 Mar23067 Best Anxiety & Depression Counsellor 2023 (Australia): Leon Skaliotis Be Happy Again is a private counselling practice owned and operated by Leon Skaliotis, who specialises in treating anxiety and depression. He is the recipient of the Global Health and Pharma “Best Anxiety and Depression Counsellor - (Australia) 2023” award, which follows from his “Most Compassionate Anxiety & Depression Management Specialist – Melbourne 2022” award. Leon Skaliotis provides a comprehensive range of evidence-based treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology adapted to individual clients’ needs. Leon is dedicated to providing quality service and care for all his clients. He understands everyone is unique, so his tailored approach ensures a compassionate and solution-focused experience. Leon works with adults of all ages and backgrounds, from those who have recently experienced a challenging life event to those with long-term mental health issues. Through the use of Zoom, Leon sees his clients right across Australia and overseas. There are several goals for each client. First, it is to reduce the severity of their symptoms by helping them to learn strategies to manage their current symptoms and problems more effectively. The next goal is to learn how to become better at managing and solving their problems in the future. Finally, the focus is on teaching them how to lead healthier and happier lives. Apart from his many years of counselling experience, Leon has lived experiences of anxiety and depression. “I had extreme symptoms for over fifteen years. Fortunately, those days are long past, but I will never forget the suffering my illness caused for my family and me. This drives me to do everything I can to help my clients recover as soon as possible and to learn how to stay healthy”. Leon selects appropriate techniques that will further his clients’ treatment goals. Additionally, clients are taught how to use selfreporting inventories to monitor their progress. Leon says it’s essential that each client develops a tool bag of effective strategies to use whenever they are challenged in the future. But something else also contributes to his clients’ excellent outcomes. “ My clients know I get them very quickly because I have been in the dark places where anxiety and depression will take you if left untreated. This helps me to develop a deep, non-judgemental connection with a high level of trust. I also work hard at taking good care of myself by practising what I preach. I’m also open about sharing my own mistakes. So, my clients know I’m not perfect, I can laugh at myself, but I also take responsibility and work hard at being disciplined with my self-care.” Developing video conferencing technologies is a significant innovation; however, Leon wasn’t an early adopter. “ I came from a traditional background of counselling which meant “in the same room at the same time” and believed that therapeutic outcomes would be lower with remote counselling. This is the problem with unsupported opinions,” he says. However, forced to adopt video conferencing during the Pandemic to provide continued support, Leon discovered something quite surprising - “I noticed that my clients were recovering faster. Three years on, I see this consistently.” With this evidence, Leon has transitioned to an all Zoom-based counselling service. Leon’s practice has grown exponentially over the past few years because of his reputation for providing quality service and care. He now reaches clients across Australia, which is especially helpful to people living in more remote regions, and also treats clients living abroad. Reflecting on his recovery, Leon says, “first, it was the incredible support of my family, and then it was hundreds of small things put together that made a big difference for me. That’s why I continue to read broadly on mental health and happiness because what I read today could be the best thing my next client needs to break free and recover”. According to Leon, education is crucial for preventing and treating anxiety and depression. To that end, he will take his message and core strategies across Australia, focusing on regional towns early next year. “ When people have the right tools, they can become their own counsellor”, he says. Leon’s passion and dedication to helping his clients are evident from the first contact. “It’s my calling”, he says. “I believe strongly in the power of each person’s resilience and ability to influence their mental well-being positively, and I am blessed to be part of many people’s journeys.” The future looks bright for this dedicated counsellor and his mission to help those with anxiety and depression. With Leon’s help, there is hope that many more will Be Happy Again. If you would like to contact Leon Skaliotis direct, his details are as follows: Be Happy Again [email protected] behappyagain.com.au 61 +(0)414 020 090
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