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 […]
Tag: Tips and Tricks
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 […]
Knowing Your Values
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 […]
What Should I Expect in My First Therapy Session?
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 […]
Unhooking from Unwanted Thoughts and Feelings
Unhooking from Unwanted Thoughts and Feelings: An Introduction to Defusion in ACT Our minds are constantly buzzing with thoughts—some helpful, some neutral, and others that can pull us into a cycle of worry, self-criticism, or distress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a unique approach to dealing with difficult thoughts and emotions, one of which […]
What Comes First: Motivation or Action?
Many of us wait for motivation to strike before taking action. We tell ourselves, “I’ll start exercising when I feel motivated” or “I’ll work on that project when I’m in the right mindset.” But what if we’ve got it backwards? The Myth of Waiting for Motivation Motivation is often seen as the driving force behind […]
The Three Life Choices
The Three Choices We Always Have in Life Life is full of challenges, unexpected twists, and moments that test our patience, resilience, and strength. No matter what situation we find ourselves in, we always have three choices: accept it, change it, or leave it. Recognising these options helps us gain perspective and take control of […]
7 Practical Tips for Staying Mindful Throughout the Day
In our busy modern lives, staying mindful can feel elusive. With endless to-do lists and constant distractions, staying present can be a challenge. However, cultivating mindfulness doesn’t require hours of meditation or drastic lifestyle changes. By integrating small practices into your daily routine, you can foster a greater sense of awareness, calm, and connection to […]
Successfully Navigating the Summer School Holidays: A Guide for Parents
The summer school holidays can be both a time of joy and a challenge for parents. With the long weeks ahead, it can feel overwhelming to keep children engaged, happy, and well-balanced. However, with a little planning and flexibility, the summer break can become an enriching experience for the whole family. Here are some practical […]