PRESS RELEASE

Taking small steps key to some sense of normality in Christchurch

"A great opportunity for some much needed catharsis," is how Chris Hight, a highly experienced Auckland counsellor currently based in Christchurch, describes the impact of the memorial service last week. "That combined with the happily, incorrect predictions of the Moon Man, has allowed people to take a breath. In the midst of almost constant change, such as the Sunday night quake, loss of the World Cup Rugby games and housing relocations in their thousands, people need to identify some anchors in order to gain some semblance of normality in their lives."

Hight highlights that, while small rituals day to day may seem insignificant, they are symbols of winning the battle with adversity. She encourages people to make an extra effort to organise simple things family and/or friends can do together to derive some positive downtime. Going for a walk in the park or playing a board game together are good options. "It's not about complex activities. It's remembering to connect with each other outside of the ever present difficulties of basic daily life within the current environment."

Hight notes that online support resources are continuing to be popular and effective as they remove the need to travel. This includes free phone support such as via http://www.lifeline.org.nz/ plus cost effective paid options to receive expert assistance just using computers from home or work, such as via Hight's online counselling service www.askchris.co.nz and other services such as http://www.aucklandcounselling.com

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