Christmas 2021 - While many of us ponder how unsettling this past year has been, and certainly for some, hardships moved in and created chaos. Nevertheless, it is important to stop a while and consider the parts of life that have offered something less disparaging. As I reflect on my [...]
Encouraging Connections at Xmas - Xmas is almost here and already we are surrounded by images of consumerism. Marketing companies spend millions on creative images for the retail sales market, in order to convey the message that Xmas time is shared by happy, functional families. Sales are generated through the [...]
Individuality: The Oxford dictionary defines ‘Individuality’ as “the quality or character of a particular person or thing that distinguishes them from others of the same kind.” Amongst the people you know, who would you describe as being an individual? Do you believe you are a person who has the courage to [...]
Fear can be a trickster; we witness its immense power today, when our days are filled with so much uncertainty. We watch as fear weaves its way through the lives of people who become seduced with the media’s constant messages of deep concern. We sense its presence when comparing ourselves [...]
As a coach /counsellor I am always looking for new concepts to help my clients lead happier, more meaningful and more productive lives. Learning to become mentally healthy requires that we acquire a few simple consistent skills. Practised daily, as part of your regime, they can uplift our spirits and [...]
In years gone by, many people were raised in a large family where sharing was a way of life. Money was not as readily available and credit was difficult to access. Consequently, less compulsive buying habits made it possible for people to save their money prior to making an expensive [...]
Do you have unfinished business left over from 2019? Before we can make a start on a new project, we need to clear a pathway and allocate calm space to begin. Mostly, this translates to having awareness of loose ends, paying attention to jobs left undone, and reminding ourselves of [...]
At times it may appear that humanity has indulged in self-entitlement and continuous insatiability. We often hear the question, “What has happened to human kindness, to overall wellbeing, to generosity and community spirit”? The recent Australian landscape of destruction, which has instilled confusion and fear has been felt by people [...]
Reflections on a year - The year’s end often calls for a time of self-reflection. For some of us, the year has not been easy. Health issues, job insecurity, relationship endings, and family concerns have all played a part in sustaining a reasonably high level of anxiety and unease. Within [...]
Interesting how most people shy away from the idea of showing any signs of vulnerability. Perhaps because we grow up in a culture where being seen by others as emotionally strong is anticipated, more often expected. Marketing advertisements expose the importance of words such as “soldier on under duress,” even [...]
Couples often come to counselling at the end of their relationship. Each time, I feel a sense of sadness about how easy it has become for two people to use language and words that criticise, belittle and destroy each other. Unfortunately, when couples find themselves in this pattern of behaviour, [...]
Have you ever reflected upon the countless times during the day where critical thoughts and harsh words, in your direction, appear to be normal? For many of us, this choice of behaviour far outweighs the words of self-optimism, authentic praise or realistic compliments that we spontaneously endorse. Comforting self-talk is [...]
Nearly everyone has a deep need to be acknowledged, to be recognized and accepted for who they truly are. However, many people are knowingly and callously influenced, and emotionally harmed, by others. This learning translates to a sense that they have no value. When people believe that they are insignificant, [...]
Stress is an everyday fact of life. How we find ourselves responding to stress determines what impact it will have on your life and your future. Davis, Eshelman & McKay, (2008) suggest that some stress is good for us and other types of stress can be particularly harmful. When stress [...]
Throughout my youth, freedom of choice was a rare treat, one I did not experience very often. Family, teachers and adults decided and voiced where what and how any duties were to be achieved. In spite of this, I always believed that personal choice was one of the very best [...]
When considering our New Year Resolutions, many of us pledge to make a few desirable changes. I often wonder just how many of us, will in fact, follow through. Are you able to create a strong mindset and summon a well-organised practice into a daily schedule? Countless people believe they [...]
