Reviewing and Renewing Your Life Plan: How Counselling Can Help You Move Forward with Clarity There are times in life when things look “fine” on the surface—but underneath, something feels off. You might feel stuck, restless, or unsure if you’re heading in the direction you truly want. Perhaps your goals no longer excite you, or […]
Author: John Belchamber
Recharging Over Easter: A Wellbeing Reset for Teachers
For many teachers, the lead-up to the Easter holidays feels less like a gentle finish line and more like a full sprint. Long hours, emotional labour, and the constant pressure of supporting students can quietly take a toll. The Easter break isn’t just time off—it’s an opportunity to reset, restore, and rebuild your mental and physical […]
Men Benefit From Counselling Too
For many men, going through a difficult time can feel like something you’re expected to handle on your own. Whether it’s stress at work, relationship challenges, grief, anger, or a sense that something just isn’t right, there can be a strong pressure to “push through” rather than reach out. But the truth is this: you […]
Five Quick Mindfulness Techniques You Can Use Every Day
When people hear the word mindfulness, they often imagine long meditation sessions or needing to completely clear their mind. In reality, mindfulness can be simple, practical, and woven into even the busiest day. At its heart, mindfulness is about gently bringing your attention to the present moment—without judgement. And the good news is, even brief moments […]
Using An ABC Journal
Using an ABC Journal in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) In counselling, one of the simplest yet most powerful tools you may be introduced to is an ABC journal. This approach, often used alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help you better understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions interact in everyday life. An ABC journal […]
Seven Stages of Counselling: What to Expect
Starting counselling can feel like a big step. Many people are unsure what will actually happen in sessions or how the process works. While every person’s journey is unique, counselling often moves through several broad stages that help create a safe, supportive and meaningful process for change. In approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), […]
Who’s Driving Your Bus?
Who’s Driving Your Bus? – An ACT Metaphor for Life In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we often use simple metaphors to explain big ideas. One of the most helpful is the Driver of the Bus metaphor. Imagine your life is like a bus journey. You are the driver. The bus is heading in the direction of what matters […]
Which Counselling Format Is Right for You?
Face-to-Face, Online or Telephone Counselling: Which Is Right for You? When starting counselling, one of the first choices you’ll make is how you’d like to attend your sessions. Sunny Coast Counselling offer counselling sessions via face-to-face, online (via video), or over the phone. Each option has its own benefits and challenges, and the “right” choice depends on […]
Why We Use Metaphors in ACT Therapy
In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you might notice we use stories and images rather than just talking in technical terms. You may hear about things like passengers on a bus, tug-of-war with a monster, or leaves floating down a stream. This isn’t to be clever or confusing — it’s because metaphors help people understand their inner world […]
Could Someone You Love Benefit from Counselling?
It can be hard to know when to suggest counselling to someone you care about. You might notice they seem different lately — more withdrawn, stressed, or unhappy — and wonder if extra support could help. Counselling isn’t only for people in crisis. It can help anyone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to […]