When Worry Won’t Switch Off: Understanding Anxiety and What You Can Do About It You know the feeling. It’s late, the house is quiet, and your mind is anything but. A to-do list that never ends. A conversation you’re replaying on a loop. A low-level hum of dread that you can’t quite name, let alone […]
Author: John Belchamber
The Happiness Trap
What Science Says About Joy, Meaning, and the Good Life Most of us want to be happy. We work towards it, plan for it, sometimes bargain with ourselves over it: “I’ll be happy when I get the promotion.” “I’ll feel better once things settle down.” But what if some of the ways we pursue happiness […]
Supporting Your Employees’ Mental Health
Is Your Business Prepared to Support Your Employees’ Mental Health? Download our free EAP Guide — written specifically for Sunshine Coast businesses. If you run a business on the Sunshine Coast and you’ve been wondering whether an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is something you need — or even what one actually is — you’re not […]
The History of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
A modern counselling approach backed by decades of research If you have been looking into counselling options, you may have come across the term “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” — often shortened to ACT (pronounced as the word “act”). ACT is an evidence-based counselling approach that helps people develop psychological flexibility: the ability to handle difficult […]
The Myth of Motivation
The Myth of Motivation: Why Waiting to Feel Ready Keeps You Stuck It’s one of the most common things we hear in counselling: “I just need to get motivated.”“Once I feel ready, I’ll start.” It sounds reasonable. After all, motivation feels like the engine that drives action. But here’s the truth — motivation doesn’t come before […]
Introducing Our Products Page
At Sunny Coast Counselling, we believe that personal growth and emotional well-being shouldn’t be limited to the counselling room. Sometimes the right workbook, journal, guide, or practical resource can help you continue learning, reflecting, and taking positive action in your everyday life. That’s why we’ve created Sunny Coast Counselling Products: We’re building a growing range […]
Book Summary: How To Disagree Better
What It Means for Your Relationships In her book How to Disagree Better, behavioural scientist Julia Minson tackles something most of us quietly avoid: disagreement. Whether it’s with a partner, colleague, or family member, many people would rather sidestep conflict altogether. But as Minson explains, disagreement isn’t the problem—how we handle it is. This is a powerful idea […]
Negotiable vs Non-Negotiable Issues in Relationships
Every couple, no matter how strong or connected, will face differences. Some are small and manageable. Others feel deeply personal, even immovable. One of the most important distinctions you can learn—whether on your own or in couples counselling—is the difference between negotiable and non-negotiable issues. Understanding this difference can shift the way you approach conflict, reduce frustration, and help […]
How to De-escalate a Difficult Situation
A practical guide for everyday moments We’ve all been there—voices raised, tension building, and a situation starting to feel like it could spiral. Whether it’s a disagreement at home, a tense moment at work, or a confrontation in public, knowing how to de-escalate can make a real difference. De-escalation isn’t about “winning” or shutting the […]
EAP Team Debriefs
Show moreShow less Why Team Debriefs Matter After a Workplace Incident Workplace incidents—whether critical events, conflict situations, or periods of intense pressure—can leave a lasting impact on individuals and teams. In the immediate aftermath, most organisations focus (rightly) on safety, compliance, and operational recovery. But there’s another step that’s just as important and often overlooked: […]