Couples counselling can be a powerful way to reconnect, communicate better, and work through challenges together. But what happens if it doesn’t seem to be helping? Many couples feel frustrated or disheartened when therapy doesn’t lead to the change they hoped for. If you find yourself in this position, it doesn’t necessarily mean your relationship—or […]
Tag: Tips and Tricks
Staying Mentally Well During the Hot Weather Season ☀️
Living on the Sunshine Coast means we’re lucky to enjoy a warm, outdoor lifestyle — but when the temperatures soar, the heat can take a toll not just on our physical health, but also on our mental wellbeing. Hot, humid weather can lead to fatigue, irritability, disrupted sleep, and even increased anxiety or low mood. […]
How Climate Change Affects Our Mental Health
In recent years, many of us on the Sunshine Coast have noticed how conversations about climate change have become more urgent — and more personal. Whether it’s the increasing number of bushfires, floods, or heatwaves, or simply the uncertainty about what the future might hold, these changes are affecting not only our environment but also […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
Understanding Your Behaviour
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 […]
Review of the Healthy Minds App
The Healthy Minds app is a free, science-backed mental wellbeing program developed by researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It stands out for its focus on building skills in mindfulness, compassion, insight, and purpose — all through evidence-based practices grounded in neuroscience. One of the major strengths of Healthy Minds is its accessibility. It offers […]