Is Anger a problem for you?
Anger is a normal emotion but for many people how they experience anger and how they express it can become a problem. Anger is an emotion that can range from mild annoyance to intense rage. It is a feeling that is accompanied by biological changes in your body. When you get angry, your heart rate […]
Finding that space
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” These are some powerful words from Victor Frankl who was an inspiring and influential psychiatrist and holocaust survivor and author of many books including “Man’s Search for Meaning”. […]
Relationship Tip #4 – Avoid the 4 Horsemen
Dr. John Gottman uses the metaphor of the Four Horsemen of the apocalypse to describe communication styles that can predict the end of a relationship. Criticism – When we criticize we tend to attack our partner and put them down. Learn how to communicate a complaint in a more helpful way so it can be […]
Relationship Tip #3 – Repairing and Exiting Arguments
All couples will probably argue at some time but happy couples know how to exit the argument before it gets completely out of control and too much damage is done or they try to repair the situation quickly. If an argument is getting too heated, it’s Ok to take a 20 min break. Acknowledge you […]
Relationship Tip #2: Soften your “start up”
Raise issues “softly”. Discussions invariably end on the same note they begin with. If you start harshly by attacking or criticising your partner verbally it will usually escalate and make the conflict bigger. They will instantly be in ‘fight or flight ‘ mode. It’s ok in a relationship to have complaints but how do we […]
Relationship Tips
We can become very complacent at times in our relationships and before we know it the atmosphere has become ‘cloudy’ or negative. Here are some tips that can help keep a rich climate of positivity in our relationships that predicts happiness and contentment. Each week a new tip to put into practice or to experiment […]
Turning those New Year’s resolutions into action!
At this time of year we have all probably made some positive resolutions for the New Year. Most of us are good at making resolutions, making some plans or goals, but the problem is turning our good intentions into behaviours. Here are 4 steps that can help: Reframe the goal or resolution in a positive […]
Psychology Week 2015 8th-14th November
National Psychology week is organized by the Australian Psychological Society (APS) and aims to increase public awareness of how psychology can help people and communities lead healthier, happier and more meaningful lives. Psychology Week 2015 comprises events across Australia, a media and social media campaign, a wellbeing survey and the release of a range […]
Relationships and Couples Counselling
Laurie has recently completed levels 1 and 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy as well as level 3 Practicum Training and uses Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work with couples. Why is the Gottman Method Couples Therapy different? Gottman couples therapy uses an integrated approach that is based on 40 years of evidence […]
Breathing. Why it is so important to reduce stress and anxiety?
When most people get stressed they breathe high up from their chest and this can trigger off our fight and flight response that induces a panicked response and escalates our anxiety or stress. It helps to slow down your breathing and breathe deep from your stomach. This changes your physical state, helping to engage the […]