How can I support my mum to live a happier life?
My mother has had a rough 10+ years: facing extreme DV, controlling/narcissistic abuse, exposure to drug use/related circles and continues to cope poorly through the use of overworking and alcohol. She escaped from that abusive relationship maybe 7 or so years ago and has been steadily rebuilding most of her life since. Her personality, character and mental state have never quite been the same and we (my sibling and I) can tell she is still in a very dark place which is never not hard for us to see and feel. She's around 60+ years of age and has been working on her feet all of her life (line cooking since she was a teenager to now standing on her feet all day as a Traffic C) to what seems like no end (minimal savings, working hard without building stability or consistent happiness). I've tried in the past to push her towards more accommodating careers (like a sit down admin/office job) but her self esteem is so low that it always ended up in a type of 'not good enough'/'not smart enough" defeat. Alcohol has always been a love of hers, and understandable 'makes her feel better' about alot of the things that goes on in her head and heart - but it is becoming more and more clear to us that the strain of our relationships and the roadblock towards her healing always comes back to the alcohol. Although she only allows herself to drink on her two days off, the pattern dwelling and circling around in the same painful memories and dark emotions is always the same - I guess confused with the sense of 'strength' she seems to feel she gets from it. Besides all of this, there are moments where she is her old, strong and gentle self, and I really do think with proper help and push she could unburden herself from these cycles and self harm (and selfishly we could enjoy our time spent together without regression into all the trauma). A huge contributor to her mental (and probs literal) survival in those worst years was her companion dog. He came with her after she left the relationship and was I guess her rock. Unfortunately, he passed a few years ago, after which loneliness and reclusively seemed to be added to her 'lot'. I know that the logistics of finding affordable living that can house her and another dog would be difficult, but certainly possible and something I intend to work hard on making happen as I know how much of a difference that would make (she has so much love to give fr, it's just buried and mixed up in all the trauma).
Basically TLDR::
Recommendations for ptsd/trauma informed psychologist in SEQLD area that will help in getting a diagnosis and therapy that doesn't "spook her" so to speak. We are relatively low income, so if rebates exist for mental health for a 60 year old that would be ideal!
What price range are we looking at generally speaking? Plus how many sessions does it take to assess and begin treatment (not necessary finish) and what does that involve? I hope to get her started on the journey and if she thinks its helping she could take over
Am I able to book or purchase psych appointments for someone else? If not, how do I get the ball rolling? She hates when I spend my money so Im hoping she'd feel obliged to go - Is that bad?
Job market for mature age/seniors is terrible, what other options are there for her where I don't need to watch her standing in the sun for 40+hrs a week?
Help me think outside of the box to solution for low-cost rentals for single people with some form of dog friendly yard - suburbs (where employment is likely also), financial assistance (she's a stubborn work horse - but its killing her)
What did you do and what worked in similar situations with your afflicted family/friends?
Any advice on any of these issues would be of great, great help! Thank you