https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections daily 0.75 2026-01-12 https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/from-guilt-to-grace monthly 0.5 2025-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d544f32c-ef22-436d-acc9-0f573671f64b/blog+images.png Blog - From Guilt to Grace: Letting Go of 'Perfect' and Embracing 'Good Enough' - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/c38e427d-db0a-4cdc-bd0a-e80541f65fa0/blog+images+%281%29.png Blog - From Guilt to Grace: Letting Go of 'Perfect' and Embracing 'Good Enough' - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/4e9aba81-43dd-4169-b387-bbaab2cdbd1d/blog+images.jpg Blog - From Guilt to Grace: Letting Go of 'Perfect' and Embracing 'Good Enough' - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/6c58e69a-a95d-426f-afe7-4519cad8e5af/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - From Guilt to Grace: Letting Go of 'Perfect' and Embracing 'Good Enough' - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/2fda1a1f-0c99-45e8-b3b0-e7fa416e1053/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - From Guilt to Grace: Letting Go of 'Perfect' and Embracing 'Good Enough' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/af6252bd-625a-4e26-916c-c5bdb1a0fae3/blog+images+%283%29.jpg Blog - From Guilt to Grace: Letting Go of 'Perfect' and Embracing 'Good Enough' https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/how-to-recharge-avoid-burnout-as-a-busy-parent-this-summer monthly 0.5 2025-01-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/1734077042891-MM0FLYRWJT3G88GPX3R8/blog+images+%286%29.png Blog - How to Recharge & Avoid Burnout as a Busy Parent This Summer - Make it stand out As a mum of school-aged kids, the Aussie summer holidays can bring a mix of fun, connection, and challenge. However, the reality of balancing work, family commitments, and personal needs can quickly turn this season into a whirlwind. While the break gives us an opportunity to unwind and reconnect, the pressures of planning activities, managing expectations, and keeping everyone happy can leave us as parents feeling stretched. Following are a handful of thoughts on how we as parents can recharge, set healthy boundaries, and enjoy a calmer, more fulfilling summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/4d64be76-9949-45a3-b148-2a72a53a717b/blog+images+%287%29.png Blog - How to Recharge & Avoid Burnout as a Busy Parent This Summer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/92023972-2d07-49ac-8d38-5fa993ee38ac/blog+images+%288%29.png Blog - How to Recharge & Avoid Burnout as a Busy Parent This Summer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/0f95a526-5edf-4907-83c2-bdcc9541de13/blog+images+%289%29.png Blog - How to Recharge & Avoid Burnout as a Busy Parent This Summer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/469e4e5a-b9e6-4979-8db4-2c087d528a73/blog+images+%2810%29.png Blog - How to Recharge & Avoid Burnout as a Busy Parent This Summer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/efb4a105-71dd-47d4-a826-c7c7603a346d/blog+images+%2811%29.png Blog - How to Recharge & Avoid Burnout as a Busy Parent This Summer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d82bb631-8c12-45fb-84b1-54b6e167a637/blog+images+%2812%29.png Blog - How to Recharge & Avoid Burnout as a Busy Parent This Summer - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/managing-expectations-and-overwhelm-this-christmas-season monthly 0.5 2024-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/215ee793-f999-4286-944e-b02c29ee8209/2.jpg Blog - Managing Expectations and Overwhelm this Christmas season  - Make it stand out The Aussie Christmas holiday season is a blend of summer heat, festive cheer, and long standing family traditions. While it's a time to unwind and celebrate, it can also carry with it a whirlwind of expectations and responsibilities. From hosting the perfect gathering to finding the ideal gifts, societal and family pressures can leave many of us feeling overwhelmed. What if this year, you were able to take a step back and focus on creating a low-stress, enjoyable Christmas by managing your expectations, setting healthy personal boundaries, and prioritising self-care? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/faf334f2-74dc-4421-b6a1-533678629e9c/3.jpg Blog - Managing Expectations and Overwhelm this Christmas season  - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/2c14c251-e9a5-4695-97d8-1cc6a6c985f0/4.jpg Blog - Managing Expectations and Overwhelm this Christmas season  - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/563abf0e-bc5e-4a57-a480-2ee74bc192e1/6.jpg Blog - Managing Expectations and Overwhelm this Christmas season  - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/328d722d-a451-4ffa-bd87-37b8fa641a32/5.jpg Blog - Managing Expectations and Overwhelm this Christmas season  https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/07de7ba5-f6c6-4a1f-a040-3b2bda8912f6/7.jpg Blog - Managing Expectations and Overwhelm this Christmas season  https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/5-myths-about-conflict-holding-you-back monthly 0.5 2024-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/36f5c6a2-b1ed-4562-9e7d-b3de26931047/1.png Blog - 5 Myths About Conflict Holding You Back - Make it stand out Let's be honest for a moment. Who loves conflict? If you answered YES, you would be amongst the rare few who do. If NO was your response, welcome to the world where, in my experience, the majority of the population sit. Conflict is a ‘dirty word’ and to be avoided at all costs by so many. But why? There's no denying that conflict can be uncomfortable, especially for us as women juggling multiple roles at work, home, and beyond. Many of us have been conditioned from a young age to believe that conflict is something to avoid. However, it is possible for conflict to be healthy, and it's essential for both personal and relational growth. It can serve as a catalyst for understanding, connection, and even deeper trust when navigated effectively. Yet, there are numerous common myths about conflict that often hold us back from expressing our needs and standing up for ourselves. Let’s explore a few of these myths, particularly how they affect working mums, and briefly discuss how its possible to overcome them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/90d61adb-94ca-45d1-891e-c77a9dba939d/2.png Blog - 5 Myths About Conflict Holding You Back - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/fbe1058b-15a8-4dd7-a987-945c3ffc2e2e/Waves+Crashing+on+a+Rocky+Shore+Two+Trees+with+Intertwining+Roots_.jpg Blog - 5 Myths About Conflict Holding You Back - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/115b48e7-950c-4770-8d61-ddcdc5d05307/3.png Blog - 5 Myths About Conflict Holding You Back - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/6e4a3917-0e90-418c-ac42-4dcd6a0ba845/4.png Blog - 5 Myths About Conflict Holding You Back https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d4051e87-2d46-4f19-b718-51c37ad0fe0b/5.png Blog - 5 Myths About Conflict Holding You Back https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/have-we-lost-the-art-of-disagreeing-respectfully monthly 0.5 2024-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/fbf14093-af7e-4166-9b6a-061e7d731158/1.jpg Blog - Have We Lost the Art of Disagreeing Respectfully? - Make it stand out There's an interesting, yet disturbing phenomenon I've been observing over the past few years. What seems to be an ever increasing number of people blowing up other people's character based on a difference of opinion. What has happened to actively listening to another perspective, disagreeing respectfully and moving forward with an attitude of healthy acceptance of the person even while sitting in a place of disagreement? Is it that as a culture we've lost the art of disagreeing respectfully? In a world where we’re often hiding behind screens, many disagreements turn into nasty, personal character-shaming tirades. Whether it’s on social media, in politics, or even around the family dinner table, it feels like we’re losing the ability to talk things through calmly, while still maintaining our differing perspectives. So why does this matter? And what can we do to bring back the skill of disagreeing without being rude and dismissive? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/8d9b6378-9065-4c39-af7d-ebb4112ef2a8/2.jpg Blog - Have We Lost the Art of Disagreeing Respectfully? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/b54f0d60-41c9-4d0c-a1d0-570c45f7f07d/3.jpg Blog - Have We Lost the Art of Disagreeing Respectfully? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/9dd4076c-f29c-430a-a5ad-3f182cc8c1fd/4.jpg Blog - Have We Lost the Art of Disagreeing Respectfully? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/052c47aa-fe57-4c20-a505-f08f73cc5547/5.jpg Blog - Have We Lost the Art of Disagreeing Respectfully? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/f66cee5c-1a27-4d8b-a659-4ae12571b6ee/6.jpg Blog - Have We Lost the Art of Disagreeing Respectfully? https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/coping-with-overwhelm-a-guide-for-busy-aussie-mums monthly 0.5 2024-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/eb829207-777c-4757-8336-f025e0ef4e43/121.png Blog - Coping with Overwhelm: A Guide for Busy Aussie Mums - Make it stand out Calling all Aussie mums! Do you feel the overwhelm of mum-life? Do you wonder if this is ‘just the way it is’? And wonder if it'll only end once your kids leave home in 18-20 years time? Being a mum has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Also perhaps THE single most challenging role I've ever navigated. It is filled with nuance. Left turns and right. Crossroads and dead-ends. And all the stunning joy-filled moments. Life as a mum can often feel like an endless juggling act. Between work commitments, school pick-ups and events, keeping the house in order, outside of school kids activities, and trying to find time for yourself, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. What if I told you, you don't have to manage everything on your own? (PSA: I don't have a magic pill to sell you). But with some practical strategies, you can work on regaining control and finding more balance, even on your busiest days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/212c80b4-2476-4127-9978-fa47e0fad0e9/125.png Blog - Coping with Overwhelm: A Guide for Busy Aussie Mums - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/6afca4d5-10c9-483a-b709-f294e744b385/blog+images.jpg Blog - Coping with Overwhelm: A Guide for Busy Aussie Mums - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/593abdc6-d7ef-45ca-9752-ef2aea747685/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - Coping with Overwhelm: A Guide for Busy Aussie Mums - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d2159130-d2bc-4b2b-84db-7deda0cb8bb9/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - Coping with Overwhelm: A Guide for Busy Aussie Mums https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/465d851d-272c-4b90-98a2-a130a333aeb8/blog+images+%283%29.jpg Blog - Coping with Overwhelm: A Guide for Busy Aussie Mums https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/mental-health-awareness-why-it-matters monthly 0.5 2024-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/b4d66b6b-1e0d-439e-b811-71c50086e268/blog+images+%281%29.png Blog - Mental Health Awareness: Why It Matters - Make it stand out October is Mental Health Awareness Month in Australia, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma. This is yet another key opportunity to initiate open conversations about mental health and well-being, with the reminder that our mental health is equally as important as our physical health. So let's continue to make that a reality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/3d541d5a-b8d3-4684-8b75-272963cf9deb/118.png Blog - Mental Health Awareness: Why It Matters - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/3e9357c7-57ac-4660-ac20-d27b2b01f3c7/119.png Blog - Mental Health Awareness: Why It Matters - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/82c90e16-3e5a-4487-8543-a7b5a39bc046/mental.jpg Blog - Mental Health Awareness: Why It Matters - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/the-father-wound-understanding-its-impact monthly 0.5 2024-10-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/b0253c57-4741-4688-8849-a54102330b36/blog+images.png Blog - The Father Wound: Understanding Its Impact - Make it stand out We've previously discussed the importance of our early years and the impact they have on our growth and development from childhood through to adulthood. Earlier we acknowledged the Mother Wound and how it shows up in our lives. Now, we'll turn our attention to the Father Wound and look at how this can impact us too. The term "Father Wound" refers to the emotional pain caused by an absent, abusive, neglectful, or emotionally unavailable father. This concept, often discussed by holistic psychologist Dr. Nicole LePera, highlights how the relationship we have with our father impacts many aspects of our lives, especially how we see ourselves and go about doing relationships with others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/3e8d6554-9348-4ae9-a890-bf02854c4a0c/blog+images.jpg Blog - The Father Wound: Understanding Its Impact - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/2102da58-cfc4-491c-93c3-21ab14f49b6b/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - The Father Wound: Understanding Its Impact - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/56cec2bc-1071-40ff-b028-9b3a9365fac9/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - The Father Wound: Understanding Its Impact - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/menopause-and-mental-health monthly 0.5 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/26fb6ec7-79d6-4d1f-8b3f-541ff571f0c8/blog+images+%286%29.png Blog - Menopause and Mental Health - Make it stand out Its Women’s Health Week this week in Australia - the perfect time to shine a spotlight on a topic that has historically been swept under the carpet. Perimenopause and menopause are pivotal stages in every woman’s life, yet conversations around them are few, particularly regarding their profound impact on women's mental health. Dr Mary Claire Haver and Dr Louise Newson are two leading voices advocating for open discussions and better education around this transition, helping women navigate it with more understanding, support, and empowerment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/644ee1a9-5421-404b-a49d-09ca20e80279/blog+images+%288%29.jpg Blog - Menopause and Mental Health - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/cd087e94-7bf6-4aed-8cb6-2c480f8c5613/blog+images+%288%29.png Blog - Menopause and Mental Health - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/b6e4f4b5-ebb9-4f6b-9d6f-7938092a7de4/blog+images+%289%29.jpg Blog - Menopause and Mental Health - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/efa480e2-25b4-4754-b99e-5c33add096ce/blog+images+%2810%29.jpg Blog - Menopause and Mental Health - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/10-journal-prompts-to-help-manage-anxiety monthly 0.5 2024-09-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/a4473a0b-22ba-4725-91dc-9d3b875d7449/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - 10 Journal Prompts to Help Manage Anxiety - Make it stand out Navigating anxiety can feel incredibly overwhelming. There are countless evidence based tools and strategies to help manage anxiety. Journal writing is one of those tools that continues to gather increasing evidence for benefits to our mental health and wellbeing. According to a 2023 research article, “Journalling engages various regions of the brain that are responsible for emotional regulation and processing. When you put your thoughts and emotions into words, the prefrontal cortex, the area associated with higher-order thinking and decision-making, becomes activated. This engagement helps you gain a sense of control over your emotions and promotes emotional regulation.” As this research suggests, journal writing can be an effective way to process your thoughts and emotions, and calm your mind. Journalling offers opportunity to explore your feelings, uncover behaviour and thinking patterns, and can help develop coping strategies. It can often be challenging to know where to begin, so I'd like to share with you 10 simple journalling prompts that can help you on your way to discovering (or rediscovering) some of these incredible benefits of journal writing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/c3afa593-8441-4130-9b11-cf43224da536/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - 10 Journal Prompts to Help Manage Anxiety - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/400eb1e4-669c-40a0-9095-8741e7b3d256/blog+images+%283%29.jpg Blog - 10 Journal Prompts to Help Manage Anxiety - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/1bdb4037-61fe-4fac-85c5-9af5b8826f2e/blog+images+%284%29.jpg Blog - 10 Journal Prompts to Help Manage Anxiety - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/342ac450-0a2b-4ac9-b7b8-7e8a334fabcd/blog+images+%285%29.jpg Blog - 10 Journal Prompts to Help Manage Anxiety - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/a3fb1b65-e342-476f-ad5a-e3bbcfc49df3/blog+images+%286%29.jpg Blog - 10 Journal Prompts to Help Manage Anxiety - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/20b65f13-d09f-412d-a958-00fdddcb00cf/blog+images+%287%29.jpg Blog - 10 Journal Prompts to Help Manage Anxiety - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/debunking-misconceptions-about-therapy monthly 0.5 2024-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/60f53cc0-5848-41b1-b0c5-f3ded071ad68/blog+images.jpg Blog - Debunking Misconceptions About Therapy - Make it stand out As a therapist of 16 years I've heard a whole range of interesting thoughts from people about their expectations of therapists or counsellors. Therapy can carry with it a number of misconceptions that cause people to hesitate seeking out the support they need. Let’s debunk five common misunderstandings about therapy and shine a light on what it’s actually all about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/cbee7e67-f7b9-4a82-8682-b54e05e60bf3/90.jpg Blog - Debunking Misconceptions About Therapy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/38bdc4f2-07b5-4c7d-a5d6-5d9be8e90a68/91.jpg Blog - Debunking Misconceptions About Therapy - Make it stand out 2. Therapy Is Only for 'Crazy' People Myth: There’s a belief that therapy is only for those with severe mental illnesses. Reality: Therapy can be beneficial for anyone wanting to improve their mental and emotional health, manage stress, or work through life’s challenges. It's like a gym membership for your mind. Just like you don’t need to be an athlete to go to the gym, you definitely don’t need a severe mental health issue to benefit from therapy. Whether you’re dealing with stress, relationship issues, or just want to better understand yourself, therapy can be incredibly helpful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/32b415a2-bebf-4497-af8d-d8f8943beda2/92.jpg Blog - Debunking Misconceptions About Therapy - Make it stand out 3. Therapists Will Judge Me Myth: Some worry that therapists will look down on them or think they’re strange. Reality: Therapists are trained to be non-judgemental and empathetic. They’ve heard a wide range of stories and experiences and are there to help, not judge. In fact, therapists often admire your courage for seeking help. They’re more interested in understanding your perspective and providing support than they are in passing judgement. I'm more inclined to save my judging for talent shows, not my clients! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/eea43452-c877-425a-8c73-007c4051019b/93.jpg Blog - Debunking Misconceptions About Therapy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/f7709b9a-426e-499b-8897-0920a7610941/94.jpg Blog - Debunking Misconceptions About Therapy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/neuroplasticity-how-our-brain-changes-during-sleep monthly 0.5 2024-08-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/e56025e8-ed88-4bb0-9651-47ef60816f38/blog+images.jpg Blog - Neuroplasticity: How Our Brain Changes During Sleep - Make it stand out Have you ever wondered what happens to your brain while you sleep? It turns out, your brain is hard at work even when you're not consciously aware of it. This process is known as neuroplasticity, and it plays a crucial role in our mental and emotional wellbeing. During sleep, our unconscious mind takes over and starts organising and sorting through the thoughts and experiences we've had during the day. This is like a nightly housekeeping session for the brain. Meanwhile, our conscious mind, which is active when we're awake, takes a back seat during sleep, allowing the unconscious mind to do its job effectively. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/7b14c81c-36d6-44a6-8584-6a596960ed40/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - Neuroplasticity: How Our Brain Changes During Sleep - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/981cdffe-6dec-4633-a4c7-c6690bba72f3/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - Neuroplasticity: How Our Brain Changes During Sleep - Make it stand out Managing nightmares starts with managing our thoughts during waking hours. This proactive approach can significantly impact our sleep quality. One effective method is the Neurocycle mind-management technique developed by experts in neuroscience. This technique emphasises deliberate and intentional mind management as a lifestyle choice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/fa65a652-856c-4066-b158-05be7413e2fb/blog+images+%283%29.jpg Blog - Neuroplasticity: How Our Brain Changes During Sleep - Make it stand out To begin, calming the brain with deep breathing is recommended. Inhale deeply for 5 counts and exhale slowly for 11 counts, repeating this sequence three times. This practice helps to relax the mind and prepare it for effective management of thoughts. Next, become aware of the emotional and physical signals your body sends you, such as tension in your shoulders or uneasiness. Instead of ignoring these signals, acknowledge and accept them without judgment. This allows you to understand what your body and mind are trying to communicate. The Neurocycle technique is versatile and can be applied to any aspect of life that involves thinking. By practicing this method regularly, you empower yourself to manage stress, regulate emotions, and improve overall mental health & wellbeing. Understanding neuroplasticity, especially how our brain changes during sleep, sheds light on the importance of proactive mind management. By taking steps to address our thoughts and emotions during waking hours, we can positively influence our sleep quality and mental health. Embracing techniques like the Neurocycle method not only supports better sleep but also enhances our ability to navigate life's challenges with resilience and clarity. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/inside-out-2-a-therapists-perspective monthly 0.5 2024-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/9d278818-a3af-45bf-9e7e-0ab90e8bd2d7/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - Inside Out 2: A Therapist's Perspective - Make it stand out Recently I took my kids to see "Inside Out 2", the highly anticipated sequel to one of my favourite animated movies of all time. To be honest, I was a little nervous about how Disney would pull this off. The first movie portrayed the basic emotions so brilliantly, delving into the inner workings of the human emotions. This sequel takes a deeper dive into more of the intricacies of human emotions, introducing more complex emotional experiences that resonate with people in a very real and genuine way. I can say, I was pleasantly surprised, actually relieved, at the clever portrayal of these new characters. One of the standouts from "Inside Out 2" for me as a therapist is its exploration of the more nuanced and multifaceted emotions that we experience in our daily lives. The movie introduces ‘new’ emotions that go beyond the basic joy, sadness, anger, fear, and disgust portrayed in the original movie. Emotions including anxiety, envy, embarrassment, ennui (boredom/tiredness) take centre stage, highlighting the intricate tapestry of feelings that make up our emotional landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/c099569c-eb57-4673-a31b-9e214bc411b2/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - Inside Out 2: A Therapist's Perspective - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/98838de6-5c11-442d-8bd6-26a00aafe1fa/blog+images+%283%29.jpg Blog - Inside Out 2: A Therapist's Perspective - Make it stand out Envy Envy is a complex emotion that often goes unnoticed or unacknowledged. "Inside Out 2" brings Envy to the forefront, highlighting its destructive nature and the toll it takes on people's wellbeing. Envy is portrayed as a green-eyed character, constantly comparing itself to others and feeling inadequate. By exploring Envy in such a personal way, the movie encourages us to reflect on our own experiences with this emotion and the negative impact it can have on self-esteem and relationships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/ef69bcef-43ee-4503-b78c-de078aad500d/blog+images+%284%29.jpg Blog - Inside Out 2: A Therapist's Perspective - Make it stand out Embarrassment Embarrassment is a universal emotion that we have all experienced at some point in our lives. I think "Inside Out 2" captures the essence of Embarrassment perfectly, portraying it as a blushing and self-conscious character. The movie explores the very real fear of judgment and the desire to fit in that so many of us experience, also highlighting the vulnerability that accompanies this emotion. By depicting Embarrassment in such a relatable way, the movie encourages us to embrace our own vulnerabilities and develop greater self-compassion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/f66d759f-354d-43f1-8578-81295a03cb43/blog+images+%285%29.jpg Blog - Inside Out 2: A Therapist's Perspective - Make it stand out I highly recommend "Inside Out 2" as a ‘must-watch’ for therapists and individuals regardless of age. It offers such a thought-provoking and heartwarming journey into the intricacies of the human psyche. This sequel is a testament to the power of storytelling in highlighting the complexities of our emotions and the resilience of the human spirit. I'd love to hear your thoughts once you've seen the movie too. Please feel free to keep the conversation going. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/healthy-habits-mental-health-and-wellbeing monthly 0.5 2024-07-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/1719034177550-SW1EKMLHTXSMPADKBBDY/blog+images.jpg Blog - Healthy Habits, Mental Health and Wellbeing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/a93a10c3-0a55-49e6-8d8f-c4921c9dbeca/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - Healthy Habits, Mental Health and Wellbeing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/e5d1e1fc-a7ad-4a62-bd78-adfc6a09b540/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - Healthy Habits, Mental Health and Wellbeing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/cb1f0e48-dfad-4f66-a5d2-fc39ab61aef8/blog+images+%283%29.jpg Blog - Healthy Habits, Mental Health and Wellbeing - Make it stand out When it comes to developing healthy habits, Clear introduces the concept of habit stacking. This involves pairing a new habit to an already existing one, making it easier to integrate into our daily routine. For example, if you want to start a meditation practice, you can stack it with your morning routine by meditating for a few minutes while sitting and drinking your morning coffee. Clear also emphasises the importance of our environment in shaping our habits. By ensuring our environment is conducive to establishing and maintaining healthy behaviours, we can set ourselves up for success. This can include removing temptations, creating visual cues, and surrounding ourselves with supportive individuals. I would love to encourage you to consider incorporating Clear's teachings with the principles of Polyvagal Theory (as mentioned above). Discover how developing healthy habits can positively impact your mental health and wellbeing. By engaging in activities that promote safe, secure social connection, such as joining a community group or volunteering, we have the opportunity to activate our ventral vagal state, leading to an increase in experiences of safety and belonging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d2c8140b-239e-416f-abb1-43193e46b880/blog+images+%284%29.jpg Blog - Healthy Habits, Mental Health and Wellbeing - Make it stand out Regular exercise is another essential habit that benefits our mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. It also reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality, and enhances cognitive function. By making exercise a habit, we can improve our overall wellbeing and resilience to stress. Practicing mindfulness and meditation is yet another powerful habit for mental health. These practices help us cultivate present-moment awareness, reduce rumination, and enhance emotional regulation. By integrating some form of mindfulness activity into our daily routine, we can develop a greater sense of calm and clarity throughout our day. Hopefully it's becoming clear that healthy habits are vital for our mental health and holistic wellbeing. They activate our ventral vagal state, promoting feelings of safety and connection. Habit formation provides practical strategies for developing and maintaining healthy habits. As we integrate small, incremental changes into our daily routine and align our habits with our desired identity, we have the ability to create lasting positive change. Whether it's exercise, mindfulness, or social engagement, these habits have significant power to bring transformative change in our lives and strengthen our mental health and overall wellbeing moving into a more holistically, healthy future. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/understanding-ptsd-raising-awareness monthly 0.5 2024-06-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d7847dfa-bb24-4398-831e-440e5cf0b355/PTSD+Awareness+Month Blog - Understanding PTSD: Raising Awareness - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/cf5473c4-78aa-4347-9c78-d08ca6fcf6e8/Understanding+PTSD Blog - Understanding PTSD: Raising Awareness - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/e11ff00b-a8a0-491a-8bf6-dda2586b122a/The+Impact+of+Avoidance Blog - Understanding PTSD: Raising Awareness - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/f84fc1aa-12d8-48cf-8b59-cccd1a0692e2/Supporting+those+with+PTSD Blog - Understanding PTSD: Raising Awareness - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/the-importance-of-somatic-work-in-healing monthly 0.5 2024-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/1716278434592-M8ENPD6I0ZNK6XAQGN0F/blog+images.jpg Blog - The Importance of Somatic Work in Healing - Make it stand out Understanding Somatic Work Somatic work involves practices that help us become more aware of our bodily sensations and the ways these sensations relate to our emotions and thoughts. This type of increased awareness makes way for the release of stress and trauma stored in our body. Techniques such as somatic experiencing, body-oriented psychotherapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques are commonly used to facilitate this process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/da5e263b-76e4-4878-ad26-6ee83cee432a/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - The Importance of Somatic Work in Healing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/a824f80b-2260-451c-81d5-0c9e0063a77d/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - The Importance of Somatic Work in Healing - Make it stand out Releasing Stored Trauma Trauma is not just a psychological experience. It is also a physiological one. Psychiatrist, Bessel van der Kolk's extensive research published in his book, ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, shows that the body holds onto traumatic memories, which can manifest as chronic pain, tension, or other physical symptoms. Somatic work facilitates the release of these stored traumas by encouraging individuals to pay attention to their bodily sensations and to process these sensations in a safe and supportive environment. Over time, this practice can help to alleviate both physical and emotional pain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/cc41281c-5e5a-4dd8-97f8-bd6b86e2ab10/blog+images+%283%29.jpg Blog - The Importance of Somatic Work in Healing - Make it stand out Enhancing Emotional Resilience Regular practice of somatic techniques can enhance emotional resilience by improving our body's capacity to handle stress and recover from adverse experiences. When we learn to tune into our body's signals and respond with self-compassion and care, we build a stronger, more resilient nervous system. This resilience not only helps in managing everyday stress but also prepares us to cope more effectively with future challenges. Incorporating somatic work into our lives offers profound benefits for our nervous system and overall wellbeing. By focusing on the body-mind connection and releasing stored trauma, we can achieve greater emotional balance, reduce stress, and enhance our resilience. For those seeking a holistic approach to healing, exploring somatic practices may be the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant life. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/the-mother-wound monthly 0.5 2024-05-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/57e246e9-8875-4cdb-94c0-5b18d9a5d2c3/blog+images.jpg Blog - The Mother Wound - Make it stand out What is the Mother Wound? The mother wound is defined by the psychological and emotional trauma that is the result of a dysfunctional or strained relationship with your mother or mother figure. It can show up in many different ways. They include feelings of abandonment, unworthiness, inadequacy, or a persistent sense of not being enough. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/11ef0908-d6c7-48bc-8e53-704ab0900f8a/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - The Mother Wound - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/59dac471-b8ce-4ef2-b6ea-04f56c28bb7d/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - The Mother Wound - Make it stand out Signs of the Mother Wound Identifying the mother wound can be crucial for healing. Some common signs may present as the following: Fear of Rejection Constantly seeking approval and fearing rejection or abandonment. Self-Doubt and Insecurity Feeling inadequate or unworthy regardless of accomplishments. Perfectionism Striving for perfection to gain approval or validation. Difficulty Setting Boundaries Struggling to establish healthy boundaries in relationships. People-Pleasing Putting others' needs before your own to avoid conflict. Chronic Guilt Feeling guilty for asserting yourself or making decisions independently. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/950e7120-9a44-4f32-9a46-1d041b2b89ae/blog+images+%284%29.jpg Blog - The Mother Wound - Make it stand out Healing the Mother Wound Healing from the mother wound is a journey of self-discovery and self-compassion. Here are some steps to begin the healing process: Acknowledge Your Pain: Recognise and acknowledge the pain you've experienced. It's okay to feel hurt and angry. Engage in Therapy: Therapy can provide a safe space to explore your emotions, understand patterns, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Set Boundaries: Learn to set and enforce healthy boundaries, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Boundaries are essential for taking care of yourself and having healthy relationships. Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Practice self-care activities that nurture your body, soul and spirit. Reframe Your Narrative: Challenge negative beliefs about yourself. Replace self-criticism with affirmations of self-worth and what you are capable of. Forgiveness: Forgiving doesn't mean excusing or forgetting. It's about freeing yourself from the burden of anger and resentment. Connect with Supportive People: Surround yourself with supportive friends, mentors, or therapists who can provide encouragement and validation. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/anxiety-and-its-impact-on-the-nervous-system monthly 0.5 2024-05-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/1713512246956-GKES345Z3LY04LIBIAF5/41.png Blog - Anxiety and its Impact on the Nervous System - Make it stand out A common human experience Have you ever felt uneasy, worried or fearful about something? Maybe it was a short-lived experience. Perhaps it's been a relentless reality for some time. If so, you are not alone. Anxiety is a common experience that impacts millions of people worldwide. Feelings of fear, worry, and uneasiness, are just a few signs that you may be experiencing anxiety. Physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling also accompany anxiety. To better understand anxiety and its impact on the nervous system, let's take a look at the Polyvagal Theory, a groundbreaking concept developed by Dr. Stephen Porges. This theory provides valuable insight into the physiological responses connected with anxiety and offers a new perspective on how we can manage it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/8c63aca6-5b11-44da-ba17-d5e8b1626631/39.png Blog - Anxiety and its Impact on the Nervous System - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/369c7bea-8041-4acd-9472-e86aa1a3070d/blog+images.jpg Blog - Anxiety and its Impact on the Nervous System - Make it stand out Impact of Anxiety on the Nervous System Anxiety can have significant effects on the nervous system, impacting both physical and emotional well-being. Chronic anxiety can lead to a dysregulated autonomic nervous system, resulting in a constant state of hyperarousal or hypoarousal. This dysregulation can contribute to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, digestive issues, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/cb2cd975-5bd9-4d8a-aad1-46ee64399650/42.png Blog - Anxiety and its Impact on the Nervous System - Make it stand out Managing Anxiety from a Polyvagal Perspective Understanding anxiety through the lens of the polyvagal theory can provide valuable insights into effective management strategies. Here are a few approaches: 1. Regulation Techniques: Engaging in activities that promote a sense of safety and connection, such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness, and grounding techniques, can help regulate the autonomic nervous system and reduce anxiety symptoms. 2. Social Support: Building and maintaining healthy relationships can activate the VV branch, promoting feelings of safety, security and support. Seeking out social connections and engaging in activities that promote a sense of belonging can be beneficial for managing anxiety. 3. Therapeutic Interventions: Therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic experiencing can help individuals with anxiety rewire their nervous system responses and develop healthier coping mechanisms to move toward greater nervous system regulation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/dcc8f2b5-03db-4b37-934a-b331113d05f4/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - Anxiety and its Impact on the Nervous System - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/family-of-origin-our-foundation monthly 0.5 2024-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/1712980760004-PFMC36W1WHFPC2J64DWO/blog+images.jpg Blog - Family of Origin: Our foundation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d4e2a5be-506f-43af-9468-ad2f186b27e2/blog+images+%281%29.jpg Blog - Family of Origin: Our foundation - Make it stand out Relationship patterns: Our family of origin influences the way we form and maintain relationships. By understanding the dynamics within our family, we can recognize any unhealthy patterns or dynamics that may be impacting our current relationships. This awareness enables us to make conscious choices and break free from negative cycles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/daa59d71-4129-46ea-84bb-5511abd80174/blog+images+%282%29.jpg Blog - Family of Origin: Our foundation - Make it stand out Emotional well-being: Our family experiences shape our emotional development. Understanding our family of origin helps us identify any unresolved emotional issues or traumas that may be impacting our mental health and wellbeing. By addressing these issues, we can work towards healing and improving our wellbeing in a holistic way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/7f137ade-3fab-4c45-b67b-252ef6671ca0/blog+images+%283%29.jpg Blog - Family of Origin: Our foundation - Make it stand out Parenting and family dynamics: Our family of origin greatly influences our parenting style and how we create our own families. By examining our own upbringing, we can become more aware of the positive aspects we want to carry forward and the negative aspects we want to avoid. This self-reflection can help us become more intentional and effective in our own parenting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d7e01894-bcd2-47a9-ab90-02f8cab33ddf/blog+images+%284%29.jpg Blog - Family of Origin: Our foundation - Make it stand out Cultural and societal influences: Our family of origin also plays a significant role in shaping our cultural and societal beliefs. Understanding our family's values, traditions, and cultural background helps us appreciate our heritage and allows us to navigate cultural differences in a more informed and respectful manner. Overall, exploring our family of origin helps us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our relationships, and the world around us. It provides a foundation for personal growth, healing, and creating healthier and more fulfilling lives. As you find yourself exploring the world of counselling, ask your therapist about family of origin work and how it might benefit you in your own personal growth journey. It can only provide deeper insights to support you in your journey through life. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/attachment-our-childhood-bond monthly 0.5 2024-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/1711103113909-PK4AAJCK21KV16GICR6M/Untitled+design+%281%29.jpg Blog - Attachment: Our Childhood Bonds - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/e81ecca9-1ade-40ef-9483-09337a878bdc/Untitled+design+%282%29.jpg Blog - Attachment: Our Childhood Bonds - Make it stand out Building Trust and Security During our early years, the attachment we form with our caregivers lays the all-important foundation for how we learn to trust and feel secure in relationships. When a child feels loved, cared for, and consistently responded to, they develop a firm sense of trust in the world around them. This trust becomes the basis for future healthy relationships and helps individuals navigate challenges and setbacks later in life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/c2fac6f1-5f0d-4a01-8829-a80bfade3a0c/Untitled+design+%283%29.jpg Blog - Attachment: Our Childhood Bonds - Make it stand out Emotional Regulation Children who have secure attachments with their caregivers learn how to regulate their emotions more effectively. When a child feels safe and supported, they are more likely to develop healthy coping mechanisms and a high level of emotional resilience. On the other hand, children who experience insecure attachments may struggle with emotional regulation, leading to difficulties in managing stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/a24d26ca-2188-4fae-803d-32c8778968d6/Untitled+design+%284%29.jpg Blog - Attachment: Our Childhood Bonds - Make it stand out Social Development Attachment experiences in childhood significantly impact our social development. Securely attached children tend to have more developed social skills, empathy, and the ability to form healthy relationships. They learn how to communicate their needs, understand others' emotions, and develop a sense of empathy and compassion. In contrast, individuals with insecure attachments may face challenges in forming and maintaining relationships, experiencing difficulties in trust and intimacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/d000b185-1284-43a9-b00d-cc1497a73997/Untitled+design+%285%29.jpg Blog - Attachment: Our Childhood Bonds - Make it stand out Self-Esteem and Identity Formation The quality of our childhood bonds influences our sense of self-worth and identity formation. When children receive consistent love, support, and validation from their caregivers, they develop a positive self-image and a strong sense of self-worth. This, naturally, contributes to their overall confidence and ability to navigate life's challenges. In contrast, children who experience inconsistent or neglectful attachments may struggle with low self-esteem, self-doubt, and difficulties in forming a stable sense of identity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/f0ec45c4-5e30-49ac-9233-461af860265e/Untitled+design+%286%29.jpg Blog - Attachment: Our Childhood Bonds - Make it stand out Mental Health and Well-being Research has shown that the quality of our childhood attachments has a significant impact on our mental health and holistic well-being. Secure attachments act as a protective factor against mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse and various other addictive behaviours. On the other hand, insecure attachments increase the risk of developing mental health disorders and can contribute to emotional difficulties later in life. https://www.novocounselling.com.au/reflections/good-stress-vs-bad-stress-understanding-the-difference monthly 0.5 2024-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/1709875605180-PQHWF59LOUPSJKFJH18B/19.png Blog - Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: What’s the Difference? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6289d563df9d0c7b630162c7/35719402-f610-4355-8556-f56677cc8385/15.png Blog - Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: What’s the Difference? - Make it stand out Defining Good Stress: Good stress, also known as eustress, refers to the positive form of stress that motivates and energises us. It is the type of stress that pushes us to achieve our goals, meet deadlines, and perform at our best. 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