Viewing posts in post_tag: wellness
Fascia and Trauma: Why the Body Belongs in the Mental Health Conversation
As a psychotherapist trained in Somatic Experiencing, I work with clients whose distress shows up not only in thought and feeling but also in the body — in chronic tension, in shallow breath, in a persistent sense of being disconnected from themselves. For a long time, this somatic dimension of suffering has been sidelined in … read more
Therapeutic Touch in Sydney: Co-Regulation, Somatic Psychotherapy and Trauma Therapy in Australia
Co-regulating touch: when the body learns safety in relationship Touch has always sat at the edges of psychotherapy — powerful, intimate, and often misunderstood. Yet when we look closely at how human nervous systems develop and regulate, it becomes clear that touch is not an “extra”. It is one of our earliest languages of safety. … read more
Unexpected Ways of Getting Out of Shutdown: Why Pickle Juice Might Be Your New Best Friend
Here’s something you probably weren’t expecting to read in a trauma therapy blog: pickle juice might be one of the most effective tools for managing dissociative shutdown states. I know, I know. It sounds completely bizarre. But stick with me here, because the clinical evidence – and the lived experience of people I work with … read more
Riding the Waves of Persistence: Life Lessons from Surf Therapy
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
Braving the Holiday Season 2024
How to BRAVE the Holiday Season The holiday season arrives this year amid global uncertainties and economic pressures that many Australians are feeling deeply. While the festive season traditionally brings joy, it can also amplify our challenges. We’re navigating not just family expectations and complicated histories, but also conversations about rising living costs, climate concerns, … read more
Losing a Loved One to Addiction
Losing someone to addiction carves a unique kind of hole into our hearts. We don’t just lose them once – addiction steals them from us again and again. We watch as they choose substances over family gatherings, as they vanish for days to drink with friends. Watch them disappear behind lies, drift toward people who … read more
The Nuanced Divide: Unpacking Psychotherapy vs. Counseling
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
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
The Safe and Sound Protocol: Navigating the Path to Balance
In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of peace is more crucial than ever. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers a unique approach to achieving balance and well-being. In this blog, we’ll explore the history and practical benefits of SSP, a therapeutic auditory intervention developed by neuroscientist Dr. Stephen Porges. The Genesis of Safe and … read more
Six simple ways to regulate your nervous system
Here are six easy ways to keep your nervous system in check for better health. Getting started Our nervous system is very important to our health as a whole. It controls many functions and processes in our bodies, like how we react to stress, digest food, and how our immune system works. Keeping it in … read more
5 signs you could have disordered eating
Orthorexia rates are on the rise. Wellness habits are meant to result in a healthy overall lifestyle, but for some, it sends them along a dark and dangerous road of disordered eating, as psychotherapist Andrea Szasz explains.
Preventing or Healing Burnout
Working in the mental health field may be very fulfilling at times, but also quite taxing. It may be quite taxing on the mental and emotional health of mental health practitioners to give assistance to those at their most vulnerable. In the mental health field, burnout is frequent and may devastate the therapist and their … read more
Orthorexia
Recently I had a conversation with Lucy E. Cousins from Marie-Claire about what happens when healthy eating becomes dangerous. I am called a Dr in the article, which is not yet true. I am in the process of doing my PhD but it is a long road 🙂 Orthorexia is a term used to describe … read more
Celebrating Mother’s Day, from the Rebel Fairy
Guest post from the Rebel Fairy In celebration of Mother’s Day and all the love and generosity our mothers may give us, let’s send some acknowledgment to the Mother of all Mothers, Earth! There isn’t anyone as patient, forgiving and generous as Mother Earth. It’s quite incredible to think about how literally everything we need … read more
How to BRAVE the Holiday Season in 2020
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