When most people hear about 12-step programs, their minds jump straight to Alcoholics Anonymous, smoky halls, and talk of “a Higher Power.” For many, this imagery can feel off-putting—especially if you don’t resonate with religious language. But here’s the truth: 12-step programs are not about religion. At their core, they are about connection, accountability, and … read more

Motherhood Beyond Birth: The Many Faces of Nurturing When we think about mothers, our minds often first conjure images of pregnancy, birth, and that initial cradling of new life. But motherhood, in its truest essence, transcends the biological process of giving birth. Being a mother is fundamentally about creating a safe, predictable and nurturing environment … read more

Learning to surf, like navigating academia, requires patience, guidance, and the courage to keep getting back up. Here’s what one session with Blue Dot’s Surf Therapy taught me about resilience and growth. The Beginning: Setting Intentions The morning began with a walk along Manly Beach to meet Chris and Gina, who had invited me to … read more

Why Online Therapy Platforms Like BetterHelp Miss the Mark: A Psychodynamic Perspective As a psychotherapist specialising in trauma and attachment, I’ve been watching the rise of online therapy platforms like BetterHelp with growing concern. While increasing access to mental health support is crucial, these platforms often overlook the fundamental aspects of what makes therapy transformative. … read more

  The Revealing Power of the Adult Attachment Interview   As a therapist, I continue to be amazed by the insights that surface when we embark on our self-exploration journeys alongside clients. One experience that proved transformative for me was completing the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) training and becoming a certified coder of the instrument. … read more

The Nuanced Divide: Unpacking Psychotherapy vs. Counseling As a practising therapist and supervisor, I’m frequently asked to clarify the distinction between psychotherapy and counselling. While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are distinct differences in each approach’s training, theoretical foundations, and overarching aims. At their core, counselling and psychotherapy both involve a trained professional … read more

Celebrating Mother’s Day with a Different Perspective Mother’s Day is a time for celebration and gratitude, but for many, it can also bring complex emotions to the surface. Not everyone has a positive relationship with their mother, and others may be dealing with the pain of loss. If you find yourself in one of these … read more

https://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/wellness/mental-health/10-subtle-signs-you-may-have-unresolved-childhood-trauma/news-story/dbdc8b8c53f8270200ea062eed49422d

Dear Brave Therapy™ Friend, We face challenges every day. While fixing a particular problem helps in any given moment, more obstacles eventually arise, and we’re left feeling overwhelmed, stressed, irritable, and depleted. You’ve probably seen this yourself. Much research has shown that the real path to lasting joy, satisfaction, and inner peace… is to build … read more

How to BRAVE the Holiday Season   The holiday season is the time of the year when there might be some extra relational demands of us. While the festive season is generally a happy time, the reflections and celebrations can also be challenging. There are expectations; from family members with whom we may share some … read more

Hello Brave Friends, Our relationships give us most of our joys – and most of our sorrows. They can comfort and lift you, and they can stress and hurt you. As we deal with the coronavirus, it’s more important than ever to have solid, healthy, fulfilling relationships . . . and to mend and resolve … read more

Somehow just wishing Happy New Year does not fit today. Our country is burning. The Earth is in distress, I think she might be outraged. For many of us, loved ones; family  and animals are in danger of the fires. It is hard to celebrate. So to bring Joy to myself today,  I am choosing … read more

How to BRAVE the Holiday Season   The holiday season is the time of the year when there might be some extra relational demands of us. While the festive season is generally a happy time, the reflections and celebrations can also be challenging. There are expectations; from family members with whom we may share some … read more

How to BRAVE the Holiday Season   The holiday season is the time of the year when there might be some extra relational demands of us. While the festive season is generally a happy time, the reflections and celebrations can also be challenging. There are expectations; from family members with whom we may share some … read more

As a psychotherapist, I find that the most common reason clients come to therapy is related to unhappiness in their relationship. Sometimes there are simple communication problems that can be changed in a few sessions, but more often there are deep-seated issues.  Our early experiences in life can create patterns of relating that last through … read more