People can be scared of many different things, such as dogs, airplanes, needles or insects. And the degree to which we’re fearful of these things can also vary. For example, I personally am scared of birds (this is also known and ornithophobia). Yes, I know…terrifying. However, it’s a mild fear, as this does not stop […]
We have all had moments where we have felt overwhelmed and dysregulated. Swamped by big feelings and emotions, it can feel like they have control of our body, rather than the other way round. For children, this can be a particularly scary experience, and they can struggle to calm down. Teaching children about how their […]
Photo by Giulia Bertelli on Unsplash Life can be extremely difficult. The possibility of human experience is endless. Regardless of how privileged or disadvantaged we are; human beings all connect in our capacity for psychological suffering. We all can move to listening to a harsh internal critic. Do you have an inner critic? If […]
Image source: Photo by Sebastian Pandelache on Unsplash Why an assessment may be helpful? Is your child experiencing difficulties concentrating at school, establishing and maintaining friendships, or unable to meet their academic requirements? There may be more going on for your child than simply misbehaving or not fitting in. More often than not, children […]
Image source: https://sunshine-support.org/resources/#infographics What is Pathological Demand Avoidance Pathological demand avoidance, or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy (PDA)*, is an anxiety-driven need for control and resistance to demands/expectations that threaten a sense of autonomy. Whilst everyone experiences demand avoidance at times (e.g., refusing to complete homework or household chores), for individuals with PDA, everyday demands […]
Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash Have you ever experienced the challenge of navigating a teenager’s sudden outbursts or trying to calm a younger child’s meltdown in a crowded store? It’s a common scenario for many parents. Understanding why the challenging behaviour occurs Psychologist Ross Greene’s Collaborative & Proactive Solutions (CPS) approach emphasises […]
Photo by Aditya Saxena on Unsplash My previous blog aimed at providing a brief overview of trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder. Click here to read more: https://yourmindmatters.net.au/a-brief-overview-of-trauma-and-posttraumatic-stress-disorder/. This blog focuses on how therapy can aid in processing past traumatic or upsetting experiences. There is an abundance of research on various modalities for working […]
Photo by Possessed Photography on Unsplash Anxiety can be an uncomfortable and distressing feeling that we want to get rid of. This can lead to making choices that will alleviate our anxiety in the quickest way. Avoidance behaviours can encompass a wide range of physical and mental actions, from procrastination and refusing to think […]
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash Most people have experienced situations where they have not received what they wanted or needed. These might have been at work, with friends, family, or in intimate relationships. Some may have thought “I am just not an assertive person” and let it go or potentially have it fester […]
Photo by Windows on Unsplash The final year of high school, Year 12, is a crucial period in a student’s academic journey. It’s a time filled with academic pressures, applications for further study for some, and the looming sense of transition into adulthood. Coping with the stress of the year 12’s final semester is […]