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 […]
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: 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: 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 […]
Understanding Compassion Fatigue: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Solutions Compassion is at the heart of caring professions — whether you’re a therapist, nurse, social worker, teacher, or caregiver. But when emotional support becomes a daily demand, the capacity to care can start to erode. This is where compassion fatigue can quietly take hold, often without individuals […]
Understanding Toxic Masculinity: Attributes and Impacts Toxic masculinity has become a widely discussed topic in recent years, often sparking debate and misunderstanding. While the term can be polarising, its intention is not to vilify men or masculinity itself. Rather, it refers to a set of socially reinforced beliefs and behaviours that limit emotional expression, reinforce […]
Understanding Your Behaviour: How the Stimulus–Thought–Emotion/Feeling–Behaviour–Consequence Model Can Help You Understand Yourself Ever found yourself overreacting to something small and wondering afterwards, “Why did I do that?” Or maybe you keep getting stuck in the same patterns — like procrastinating, getting defensive, or feeling anxious — and you’re not sure how to change it. There’s […]
The Importance of Knowing Your Values – And How to Discover Them In a world full of noise, knowing what truly matters to you is like having a compass in a storm. Your personal values are the principles and qualities that give your life meaning and direction. Whether you’re navigating big life decisions or simply […]
Stress is a word we hear often, and usually not in a positive light. It’s commonly linked to burnout, anxiety, and overwhelm. But not all stress is bad. Some stress can be helpful, even healthy. The key is understanding the difference between good stress and bad stress, and how each affects us physically, emotionally, and […]
Starting therapy can feel like a big step—exciting for some, nerve-wracking for others. If you’re considering counselling but feel unsure about what to expect in your first session, you’re not alone. Many people have questions about the process, from what will be discussed to how they’ll feel afterward. Here’s a breakdown of what typically happens […]