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SYDNEY ONLINE COUNSELLING AND COACHING
Managing Negative FeelingS
During COVID-19
It’s hard managing negative feelings Managing negative feelings was the topic of a radio interview I had with 2SER-FM (Stephan, The Daily, April 7, 2022). The interviewer thought his audience might want to hear the...
Tips to cope mentally with lockdown
Cope mentally with COVID lockdown The latest COVID lockdowns have taken a toll, with people finding it hard to stay motivated and positive about the future. The realisation that the pandemic will continue longer than...
Mindset to cope with COVID lockdown
Feeling trapped, like a bird in a cage? Taking control of your mindset can be the path out of pandemic distress. Instead of feeling trapped, like a bird in a cage, with a different mindset you start to focus on the...
How to manage Imposter Syndrome
Did you know that some of the most talented, skilled and competent people experience Imposter Syndrome? Apparently, the more successful you are the more likely you are to experience Imposter Syndrome. Many people from...
Tips for creating a ‘new normal’ post COVID-19
Autumn is the ideal season to shed old limitations so you're free to create your 'new normal' post COVID- Be the change you want to see post COVID-19 Autumn is the ideal season to let go of old limitations, to let go...
Is Online Counselling effective?
Online counselling can be done from just about anywhere Many people ask whether online counselling is effective. You will be the best judge because you know best what works for you. So, here are some things to think...
Creativity for well-being during COVID
Engaging with your creativity for wellbeing We’ve had so many challenges, disappointments and losses during COVID so there have to be some upsides. One upside is the increase in creativity, for instance. If you’re...
Why am I So Critical?
If you’re asking the question: why am I so critical, you’re probably fed up with being critical but convinced it’s who you are. Why am I so critical? If you’re asking the question: why am I so critical, you’re probably...
How to keep motivated in winter
It’s hard to keep motivated in winter Why is it hard to keep motivated in winter? To keep motivated in winter a healthy mind-body routine and mindset are key. It is a time when people may drop their usual wellness...
Why compare yourself with others?
What to do about comparing yourself to others? What to do about comparing yourself to others? It’s human to compare yourself with others. We compartmentalise and sort things into categories to make sense of the...
Depression Fame and Fortune
Depression: what can I do when the pressures build? What to do when the pressures build? Depression, fame and fortune? I was interviewed for an article in the Australian Financial Review on how the rich and famous may...
How to break a bad habit
Don’t be defeated by a bad habit “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage…to say ‘no’ to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger ‘yes’ burning inside.” Dr Stephen...
Am I addicted to my smartphone?
The average smartphone user touches their phones (swipes, clicks, types and taps) 2,617 times a day (dscout, 2017). The average smartphone user touches their phones (swipes, clicks, types and taps)2,617 times a day...
How to improve relationship with your partner
Many couples want more connection Improve your relationship with your partner Typically, couples struggle in four areas that when addressed, will improve your relationship with your partner. These include...
Decision-making. Need help?
Making a decision of which socks to wear to work? Decision-making—need help? Decision-making —why is it that some people struggle with making decisions and others find it easy? The answer lies in your past experiences...
Help with self-doubt
Self-doubt eats away at you “The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” Sylvia Plath What is self-doubt? Self-doubt is defined as a lack of confidence in oneself and one's abilities. It is different to...
THE PROBLEM WITH PERFECTIONISM
You can’t score a perfect bullseye every time What is wrong with being a perfectionist? The problem with perfectionism is that it drives you to strive relentlessly for an idealised, unachievable standard...
Talk to people more easily
Conversation is a social skill that takes practise So you want to talk to people more easily? Despite what you think, many people want to be able to talk to people more easily so they feel more comfortable in social...
How do I stop procrastinating?
How do I stop procrastinating? I have spent my days stringing and unstringing my instrument, while the song I came to sing remains unsung. — Rabindranath Tagore How do I stop procrastinating? How do I stop...
Tips for road testing your New Year’s resolutions
Road test your New Year’s resolutions Road test your New Year’s resolutions Did you make any New Year’s resolutions this year? Each year about 50 percent of Australians make New Year’s resolutions. According to a 2015...
Xmas stress? What you can and can’t do about the family
We all experience Xmas stress What is Xmas stress? Xmas is supposed to be a time of joy, goodwill, peace and relaxation, right? That’s a lot of expectations! We might be setting ourselves up for disappointment. Or...
Build confidence with coaching
Build confidence How to build confidence? I have chosen this title "How to build confidence' rather than ‘How to gain confidence’ or ‘How to be confident’. Why? Because I believe we all have the foundations of our...
Self-awareness and change are inextricably linked
Candle, Berry NSW artist, 2014 What is self-awareness? "Self-awareness is how well you know yourself: a psychological state in which people are aware of their traits, feelings and behaviour. Alternately, it can be...
Tired of couple’s arguments?
I know how to resolve this! Couple’s arguments Couple’s arguments may take on a format you are not happy with. You could find they start and end the same way. They might be about the same things. The past may get...
How do I choose my counsellor?
Counselling can shine a light on things you cannot see on your own. How do I choose my counsellor? In addition to checking out the counsellor's qualifications and experience in the area in which you are seeking help,...
Want more in life?
Live your dreams. At a recent Life coach development course I attended on the Gold Coast I was asked a provocative question. What would you do differently if you could start over? I felt sad about some missed...
Clinical supervision – time to stop and reflect
How to find good counselling supervision What do graduate and trainee counsellors need in supervision? ‘In clinical supervision the central focus is on both the optimum treatment outcome for the client and the...
How can I be more optimistic?
Aurora Borealis lights up the sky. Learn to be more optimistic Developing an optimistic attitude gives you a more positive outlook on life. It is a key aspect to good health. Asking the question: "how can I be...
Self esteem revisited
What is self esteem? What is self esteem? Self esteem has been defined as ‘an unfavourable global evaluation of yourself’ (Baumeister, 1996). This is a one-dimensional view which is problematic, as it doesn’t allow for...
Dealing with grief and loss
Grief counselling and support Grief counselling can help you through a difficult period of loss. As it can provide comfort, support and care, and help you understand the process. It can also help you to honour and...
Three Keys to Happiness
How can I be happier? Here are some keys to happiness. Help with happiness Here are three things you can do right now to help with your happiness. When practiced regularly these happiness keys can result in feeling...
Seeking happiness is our life purpose
Authentic happiness Seeking happiness is our life purpose “I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in that religion or this...
Stop drinking – six easy steps
How to stop drinking How to stop drinking 1. Make a no alcohol list Make a list of your thoughts and feelings about stopping drinking for a month (What will you miss? What are some good things?). Why is it...
How to stop drinking in Dry July
Will you be able to stop drinking in July? Will you be able to stop drinking in July? Do you have what it takes to stop drinking for a month? Last year 10,000 people participated in the fourth national Dry July...