When life gets tough, many of us naturally turn to our friends for support. Friends can be a great source of comfort, encouragement, and companionship. But sometimes, even the most well-meaning friends can’t offer what you truly need to move forward. That’s where counselling comes in — and why it can be a better option […]
Author: John Belchamber
The Power of “I” Statements
The Power of “I” Statements: A Healthier Way to Communicate Communication plays a huge role in how we navigate relationships—whether with partners, family, friends, or colleagues. One simple yet powerful technique that can help you express yourself more clearly and reduce conflict is the use of “I” statements. What Are “I” Statements? “I” statements are a […]
Understanding Grief and Loss
Understanding Grief and Loss: Answers to the 10 Most Common Questions Grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming experience that follows the loss of someone or something significant. Whether you’re grieving the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, loss of a job, or even a shift in identity or health, […]
The Healing Power of the Gestalt Letter
The Healing Power of the Gestalt Letter: A Tool for Emotional Clarity and Closure In counselling, we often carry stories, emotions, and memories that are left unresolved — words left unsaid, feelings that were never fully expressed, or relationships that ended without proper closure. One powerful tool that can help process these experiences is the Gestalt […]
Mindfulness Myths
Mindfulness Myths: Common Misconceptions About Being Present Mindfulness has become a buzzword in the world of mental health and wellbeing, often associated with meditation apps, yoga retreats, and serene Instagram feeds. But despite its growing popularity, there’s still a lot of confusion about what mindfulness actually is—and what it isn’t. As a counsellor, I regularly […]
The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris
Book Summary: The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris Why Struggling to Feel Happy Might Be Making Things Worse In today’s culture, we’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us we should always feel happy, confident, and positive. But what if this relentless pursuit of happiness is actually making us miserable? In The Happiness Trap, Dr. […]
Mental Health Warning Signs
Mental Health Warning Signs – What to Look Out For Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet recognising when something might be wrong can often be more difficult. Mental health challenges don’t always show up in obvious ways, and the signs can be subtle, especially at first. Being able to spot early […]
Understanding Coercive Control
Understanding Coercive Control: What It Is, How to Spot It, and What to Do If You’re Affected In recent years, greater awareness has grown around a form of abuse that often goes unnoticed—coercive control. Unlike physical violence, coercive control can be subtle, insidious, and deeply damaging. It’s a pattern of behaviours used to dominate, isolate, […]
Understanding Compassion Fatigue
Understanding Compassion Fatigue: Symptoms and Strategies for Overcoming It By John Belchamber | Sunny Coast Counselling In helping professions—like counselling, nursing, teaching, social work, or emergency response—there’s a shared thread of emotional investment. Over time, consistently supporting others through their trauma, pain, or crises can take a toll on your own wellbeing. This experience is […]
Encouraging Staff to Access EAP Services
How Business Managers Can Encourage Staff to Access EAP Services for Mental Wellbeing In today’s fast-paced and often high-pressure work environments, supporting the mental wellbeing of staff isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for fostering a healthy, productive, and engaged workforce. Many organisations offer an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), yet these services often go underused due […]