Mental Health Reimagined

Know When to Hold 'em, Know When to Fold 'em

Mon, 03 Feb 2025 23:04:37 GMT

Newsletter #16

This is a bit of a bittersweet update. Due to some personal matters needing my attention, I am going to scale back the additional parts of Mental Health Reimagined for the next 6 months or so.

Clinics and client care will remain unchanged, but all courses will be paused (including the upcoming ADHD one) and that means my ability to send out these updates will also be on hold.

"Know when to walk away, know when to run"

I've loved writing to you and sharing various thoughts and reflections with you over the past 12 months but as Kenny Rogers would say, sometimes you need to know when to put your cards down.

Anyone reading this would have no doubt how passionate I am about Mental Health and Mental Health Reimagined but in order to maintain it through this challenging time, I am making a conscious choice to scale back, look after myself and focus on the most important aspect of what I do - seeing clients.

"the secret to survivin' Is knowin' what to throw away And knowin' what to keep"

You can still reach me via email and I will do my best to share some smaller reflections and insights via social media. You will remain on this list even though it will be inactive and so you'll automatically hear from me again once it starts up again.

Thank you for your understanding,

Bec x

The All or Nothing Trap

Mon, 06 Jan 2025 00:00:01 GMT

Newsletter #15

One of the topics I’ve been wanting to cover for a while now is the notorious problems to do with the “All or Nothing” mindset. Also known as a core thinking error if you’ve done some CBT in the past.

If I’m honest, I’ve been guilty of riding around this cycle most of my life as a self proclaimed perfectionist. Awareness alone hasn’t been enough to break the cycle for me, but it is possible to make some serious changes once you are aware of the pattern and willing to focus on progress over perfection.

Awareness isn't always enough to break the cycle

The reason I want to talk about it with you today? Because 6 days into the new year and I can guarantee that there are already going to be a ton of people out there feeling frustrated, disillusioned and guilty that there well intended resolutions aren’t going perfectly to plan.

I’m here to remind you that the goal is never about perfection. If you want to make some changes that’s fab, you have 365 opportunities available to you this year to implement something. Even if you practice a new habit 200 times this year that’s a hell of a lot better than doing it 5 times and giving up because you missed a day and are now a self declared “failure”.

If your goal was to quit smoking and you haven’t... start by having 1 less per day if that’s all you can manage. That’s 365 less cigarettes by the end of the year & that is definitely not nothing. If you wanted to do 30 minutes of exercise, have a crack at 5 minutes with full permission to stop after that time of you’re not feeling it. Chances are that after 5 minutes, you might want to do more anyway. Worse case scenario doing 1,825 minutes of exercise is so much better for your overall health than no exercise.

Progress is always better than perfection

It doesn’t matter what the goal is. You can apply this to anything. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. What does 1% of progress towards your goal look like? Start there.

So my question to you is to ask yourself, "What goals are you working on now? What does your 1% look like?"

Have a great week,

Bec x

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Mon, 23 Dec 2024 23:44:40 GMT

Newsletter #14

As 2024 winds down, I want to wish you all a lovely Christmas & New Year.

I’ll be taking a much needed break until I reopen on the 8th Jan.

This time of year means very different things to us all.

TAKE TIME TO SET YOUR PRIORITIES

This time of year means very different things to us all.

For me, my priorities are:

recharging my batteries
spending time with loved ones
reflecting on the year that is winding up (the good, the bad & the ugly)
setting goals & priorities for the new year ahead
visioning about where I want to be this time next year
practicing gratitude for all the things that have made 2024 wonderful

Your priorities could be completely different from mine and that is 100% okay.

I think what’s useful though, is to have a clear sense of what you want & need from this time of year.

celebrate the way that feels right to you

So my invitation to you is to think about what YOU want from the next couple of weeks and whatever the answer is, do your best to make it happen!

Have a wonderful Christmas & I look forward to a spectacular 2025!

Bec x

Protect Your Mental Health This Festive Season

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 23:03:13 GMT

Newsletter #13

The festive season is here!

While it’s a time for celebration, it can also bring stress, overwhelm, and pressure to make everything perfect. If you’re feeling this way, know you’re not alone.

Today, I want to share some simple strategies you can use to help protect your mental health and help you truly enjoy this time of year.

Prioritise moments of calm

1. Set Realistic Expectations

The holidays don’t have to be Instagram-worthy to be special. Focus on what matters most to you and your loved ones, and let go of the pressure to tick every box. Remember, it’s about connection, not perfection.

2. Prioritise Your Budget

Gift-giving and celebrations can add financial stress. Plan ahead, set a realistic budget, and stick to it. Thoughtful, meaningful gifts or even experiences (like a beach day!) often mean more than expensive ones.

3. Manage Your Time

It’s easy to overcommit during this time of year. Whether it’s work parties, family gatherings, or end-of-year events, don’t be afraid to say “no” when you need to. Protect your time and energy for the things that matter most.

4. Find Moments to Recharge

A walk on the beach, a quiet cup of tea, or just 10 minutes of deep breathing can work wonders. Prioritise moments of calm in your day to reset and recharge.

5. Connect with Nature

We’re lucky to have an Aussie summer for the festive season! Spend time outdoors, soak up some sunshine (with sunscreen, of course!), and enjoy our beautiful landscapes—it’s a natural mood booster.

6. Reach Out for Support

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk to someone you trust or a mental health professional. The festive season can stir up complicated emotions, and it’s okay to ask for help.

7. Celebrate Your Way

Traditions are lovely, but they’re not rules. If certain activities or gatherings don’t serve you, create new traditions that feel right for you and your family.

talk to someone you trust and/or a mental health professional

This festive season, remember to care for yourself as much as you care for others. Small, intentional actions can make a world of difference.

Wishing you a joyful and peaceful festive season!

Warmly,

Bec x

Real Talk: Sharing Experiences Can Be Profound

Mon, 25 Nov 2024 02:20:01 GMT

Newsletter #12

So I’m going to be real with you today.

I haven’t been in the best headspace the past couple of weeks. I’ve been dropping balls all over the place and keeping up with the bare minimum has been challenging at times.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Because I’m human, like we all are, and shared experiences can be profound.

Because I’m no better than anyone else and I'm not immune from rough patches.

I’ve worked hard this year to build myself a support system

As I sat here reflecting on what to write here (in the middle of the night no less, because my sleep has gone to poop…) I realised what the big takeaway was.

The last two weeks I’ve been tired, struggling to concentrate, low in motivation and emotional. I’ve definitely dropped balls all over the place like I said. My to do list is overrun, I’m behind in returning calls, I’m not organised for Christmas & the list goes on.

But what I’ve worked really hard on this year, is building myself systems and supports around me and my takeaway is the realisation, that when it mattered most - it worked.

The wins:

The team I’ve been madly perfecting, has been able to effortlessly step up for me in my time of need and keep everything afloat. They even sent me flowers
The cleaner already existed and so she kept the house under control
My to do list is huge BUT the system I use to manage tasks means I still know what needs to be done
Important appointments and commitments were prescheduled, ensuring that things related to my wellbeing keep moving forward without extra effort
Likewise new routines like meal prep and shopping have been easier to continue because there was pre-existing momentum
My mind has been a bit of a mess but practices of journaling & gratitude are already in place and have been a lifesaver
I was able to communicate to people that I wasn’t feeling amazing & they have held space for me while I move through the yuck

it could have been much worde without these safeguards in place

So my message to you is to ask yourself, "What safeguards you I in place for the harder times?"

I’m not trying to make it sound like this has been easy, because it hasn’t. I’ve been working hard on these changes for an extended period of time. But it dawned on me how much worse it could have been without these safeguards in place (that I hadn’t even fully realised).

The month leading up to Christmas brings up a lot of stress for most people. Is there anything you could preplan now to look after future you?

Have a great week,

Bec x

Leveling Up in Love: Utilize the Five Love Languages

Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:58:09 GMT

Newsletter #11

Most people are pretty familiar with the idea of ‘love languages’, described by Gary Chapman.

Just in case you need a quick refresh, they are:

Physical touch
Words of affirmation
Acts of service
Gifts
Quality time

remember to love others in their love language too

One of the biggest missteps I see though, when I work with people on relationships is that they tend to love their partner / significant other/s in THEIR love language, not the other persons.

It totally makes sense, I get it.

If gifts light you up, then it makes sense that you want to show love by giving beautiful, thoughtful or glorious gifts. And whilst that can be incredibly thoughtful and generous (like who doesn’t love gifts?!?!), if your partner’s love language is physical touch and you REALLY want to connect with them, then you need to remember to love them in their love language too.

The moral of the story, whilst touch, words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts and quality time are ALL special, try to take some time to work out what your love language is AND what your partners is.

There are loads of quick quizzes and free images online that you can use to work it out, or if you’re really invested you can read the whole book (but you definitely don’t need to for this exercise).

https://5lovelanguages.com/

Identify both your love language AND your partners

My challenge to you this week is to do one thing for someone you love in THEIR love language and see what the impact is.

Share this newsletter with someone you care about so they too can level up.

Have a great week,

Bec x

What Would You Do If You Couldn't Fail?

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:44:19 GMT

Newsletter #10

I was recently working with my coach and she made me do some journaling on “what would I do if I couldn’t fail?”. At first, I just stared at her with a dramatic look of disdain on my face. LAME is what I was thinking and I told her I couldn’t think of anything.

She threw back an equally dramatic face and told me to just shut up and write. So I did.

it showed so many suppressed dreams and desires

Honestly, I was shocked at what I wrote. I realised there was all of these things that this tiny part of me desperately wanted to strive for but given the risk of failure felt high, I had pushed them away as “silly”, “selfish”, “time-wasting” or “impractical”… whatever excuse landed the easiest. When I read back over the list though, it actually represented so many suppressed dreams and desires.

Imagine a world where fear of failure doesn't exist. What dreams would you chase? What risks would you take? Often, it’s our fear that holds us back, stifling our creativity and ambition. But what if you approached life with the mindset that success was guaranteed?

So here’s my assignment for you.

Grab a pen and start writing. What would YOU do if you couldn’t fail?

Allow your imagination to run free.

Envision dreams without limits.

Embrace experimentation.

it’s often our fear that holds us back from our dreams

Once you’ve worked it out, leave a comment and tell me just one thing you wrote down. Be brave and let that one thing out of your head and into the universe.

Have a great week,

Bec x

Navigating ADHD Misdiagnosis in Adults: What You Need to Know

Mon, 14 Oct 2024 00:36:07 GMT

Newsletter #9

I’m eager to dive into an important topic with you all today: mental health misdiagnosis, particularly in relation to adult ADHD.

As someone who spends a LOT of time exploring the complexities of mental health diagnostics, this issue truly resonates with me. One day, when I get a magic wand (much like my EMDR magic wand), I’d love to see clinicians spending as much time UNdiagnosing people as they do, diagnosing them.

So, let’s jump into some ADHD points:

ADHD doesn't just 'disappear' when you grow up

ADHD: Not Just a Childhood Disorder

First things first: ADHD isn’t just a childhood condition. While many of us associate ADHD with hyperactive kids, it often persists into adulthood. Unfortunately, many adults go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed, leading to a range of challenges in their personal and professional lives.

The Symptoms Can Be Sneaky

One reason for the misdiagnosis is that adult ADHD symptoms can be quite subtle. Unlike children, adults may not exhibit overt hyperactivity. Instead, symptoms like chronic procrastination, disorganization, and difficulty focusing can easily be mistaken for laziness, anxiety, or even depression. This overlap creates a perfect storm for misdiagnosis.

The Impact of Co-occurring Conditions

Many adults with ADHD also face other mental health conditions, such as anxiety or mood disorders. These comorbidities can mask ADHD symptoms or exacerbate them, complicating the diagnostic picture. For instance, someone might be treated for anxiety when, in reality, their primary struggle is rooted in unrecognized ADHD.

The Importance of a Thorough Evaluation

So, how can we combat this misdiagnosis? A comprehensive evaluation is key. This means more than just filling out a questionnaire. It involves a detailed history of symptoms, lifestyle, and perhaps most importantly, feedback from family or close friends. When it comes to adults, understanding the full context of someone’s life can make all the difference.

Advocate for Yourself

If you suspect you might have ADHD, don’t shy away from advocating for yourself, regardless of other people's opinions. It’s vital to communicate your concerns with a mental health professional and to seek a second opinion if needed. Many adults have been told their challenges are simply “part of life,” but a proper diagnosis can open the door to effective treatment and support which can ultimately be life changing.

Every individual’s experience is unique

Misdiagnosis in adults with ADHD is a significant issue, but awareness and education can empower individuals to seek the help they deserve. Remember, understanding ADHD as a spectrum rather than a strict set of criteria is essential. Every individual’s experience is unique, and recognizing that can lead to significantly better outcomes.

If any of this has resonated with you, I encourage you to comment with any questions or personal experiences you’d like to share. I can’t wait to delve into this topic a WHOLE lot deeper in the future.

Have a great week,

Bec x

Why I Think New Years Resolutions are Overrated

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 00:17:57 GMT

Newsletter #8

I’m sure you’ve noticed that this year is whizzing by like the speed of light. I definitely say this every year, but this year feels faster than ever and based on loads of conversations with clients this month, it seems like we are all feeling the same way.

As we head into the last 3 months of this year, no doubt it will be busier than ever. First it will be the race to Christmas and then before we know it, New Years Eve will be upon us all and people will be flooded with hope for 2025 and have New Years resolutions coming out the wazoo. Most of which will be abandoned or forgotten about by the time February rolls around.

Don’t keep putting it off

Last NYE as many of you would know, didn’t quite go to plan for me. That day, while out with my little family, I had a pretty serious medical episode that scared the bejeezus out of me. I spent the rest of NYE in an emergency department and 2024 was suddenly looking VERY different.

I didn’t set any “resolutions' last year but I’ll tell you what I did do, I started living my life way more intentionally. I started thinking about who I wanted to be and more importantly how I wanted to feel moving forward.

2024 has involved a bunch of changes that I never saw coming and they have been profound. They weren’t born out of a few glasses of bubbles and Green Day’s ‘time of your life”, they were born out of deep reflection and dreaming about what the future could be and then working out how to make it happen.

Sounds easy right? But of course, it isn’t. Sometimes we can do it alone, but more commonly, we really need to sit down with someone to hold our hand and guide us through this process to really get clear on our vision and goals.

My advice? Forget about NYE resolutions and stop waiting for later. Watch out for the WHEN / THEN trap (eg. when I am debt free, then I will be happy, when I lose 10kgs, then I will be confident etc)

That’s not how it works folks.

stop waiting for later

If you want to make changes, then do it NOW. You could achieve an epic amount in the next 3 month BEFORE 2025 eve rolls around. You could experience a total transformation in your life and your mental health. Don’t keep putting it off when you could have that now.

There’s loads of ways to do this work, one of them is to jump in on my next course because I promise that if you show up and do the work, you won’t be the same person. If you are thinking about it, now is the time! You’re worth it.

Have a great week,

Bec x

Knowing When to Take the Plunge

Mon, 16 Sep 2024 23:51:16 GMT

Newsletter #7

So yesterday I stepped outside of my comfort zone (again)...

I booked a single day retreat at the Peninsula Hot Springs with a group of strangers! Normally I'd be pretty nervous about this but since my Bali retreat earlier in the year, I was much less nervous than I expected (I ended up meeting some pretty cool people as it turned out)!

When I signed up to today, we had the option to add a guided "fire and ice" package. I have no idea what compelled me to select it, but by the time I arrived today, I was berating myself for being so stupid. I have been offered ice plunges before, and honestly thought it was the most ridiculous concept imaginable.

it felt amazing ... Afterwards

So fast forward to 2pm and it was "fire & ice" time. So with my two new retreat friends, I arrived at the challenge. I was more than a little bit anxious.

First we got super hot in the sauna
Then they dunked us in the cold pool... wow, that was cold
Then back to the sauna
Then a 30 second ice plunge.. omg omg omg breathtaking (literally)
Then back to the sauna for a final heat up
And then a THREE MINUTE ice plunge... uh oh, RIP Bec...

Holy crap, how would I last 3 minutes when 30 seconds felt like a thousand knives stabbed into my body?

But guess what? I did and afterwards I FELT AMAZING.

The reason I could do it was because our facilitator was so inspiring. She spoke about how modern-day life had stopped us being accustomed to being uncomfortable. We live in this ultra climate-controlled bubble where we never have to be too hot or too cold and our bodies just simply weren't made for that on a cellular level.

She explained how cells can collapse and move through the body causing a host of problems like chronic pain, inflammation, cardiac disease, cognitive problems and so much more. However, through rapid temperature changes, our body can self-heal many of these problems. She coached us through the critically important breathing techniques and then cheered us along as we did it.

And it got me thinking about how this theory applies so perfectly to other parts of our life including, of course, our mental health.

So much growth and recovery is created from discomfort like:

Coming to therapy
Sharing difficult stories
Setting boundaries
Having uncomfortable conversations
Challenging your thinking
Doing hard things

Discomfort is where we start to experience transformation

Getting uncomfortable creates our biggest periods of growth. It's where we experience genuine transformation.

So, I'd love to ask yourself, where are you shying away from the potential benefits of getting a little uncomfortable??

I'd also love you to leave a comment and let me know!

Why not take the plunge (wink) and see what amazing things could come from it?

Bec x

I Don't Have Time! Set Your Priorities for Success

Mon, 02 Sep 2024 07:00:09 GMT

Newsletter #6

Life for most of us is pretty busy and fast paced. We can have a lot going on and a lot of different priorities to juggle.

Most of us know the key things we need to incorporate for better Mental Health. Exercise, nutritious food, self-care, time with friends, meditation, mindfulness practice, fun and whatever else is important to you.

But I hear the same thing over and over (and of course, I say it too..!)

I. Don’t. Have. Time

My challenge to you this week, right this minute – is to open your smart phone and check your average screen time amount.

This number can be pretty confronting. It’s not unusual for people to have more than 5+ hours of screen time per day (and that is just from our phones). But even if your number is just a couple of hours, ask yourself how else could you be using that time?

Could you reallocate 10 minutes for some intuitive movement or exercise?

What about 10 minutes to sit in the sun with a cup of tea?

Could you spare 30 minutes to make yourself a nutritious lunch for tomorrow, so you are prepared before you go to work and don’t waste your money on crappy takeaway?

What value is screen time adding to your life? Maybe some of it is very intentional and joyful which is great. But maybe there are also hours of mindless scrolling that don’t serve you well, impact your sense of wellbeing and rob you of precious time.

Ask yourself what’s missing from your life right now

And can you reallocate some of your precious time to intentionally set yourself up for your success?

Have a great week

Bec x

What's Your 1%? Give Yourself Permission to Dream

Mon, 19 Aug 2024 06:52:47 GMT

Newsletter #5

Living your dream life starts with having a clear vision of what you want for your future. You need to begin by defining your goals and values and understanding exactly what makes you feel happy and fulfilled. The main barrier I tend to see is that people don’t actually have a clear sense of what they want, often because they haven’t given themselves permission to dream.

I have this wondrous activity that I do with people to help them find clarity around their long-term goals. I do this in Week 1 of my Mastering Mental Health Course and sometimes 1:1 with clients during sessions too. Clients have described it as... “powerful”, “profound” and “amazing”.

The impact of gaining clarity about your future goals can be magical

I’ve had clients bounce out the room with renewed excitement and inspiration and I’ve also had people break down in tears, realising where they have gone off track. Generally, it’s a mix of both. Whilst the clarity is amazing, the tears are incredibly valuable too. The tears come from a place of deep knowing and ultimately, they provide information about what’s missing.

I would strongly encourage you to take some time to pause and reflect about what your dream life would look like in 5 or 10 years from now, if it was perfect for you. Think about your personal life, relationships, friendship, work, hobbies, health, the whole lot.

Once you start to get some clarity about what you want, you can start to take meaningful action towards meeting your goals. Don’t worry if it feels too big, too overwhelming or unachievable. Just let yourself dream and believe.

Now start by setting even a couple of goals that would get you closer to that dream life. Spend some time thinking about the type of person you would need to be to have that dream life as well. Would you need to be determined? Tenacious? More courageous? More committed?

Now how would you show up every day if you were that more determined / tenacious / courageous / committed version of yourself?

What’s one little change that you could make, starting tomorrow?

How could you get 1% closer to your dream?

Have a wonderful week!

Bec x

Microdosing on Joy: Managing Exhaustion and Burnout

Mon, 05 Aug 2024 00:24:33 GMT

Newsletter #4

It’s not uncommon that people tell me that they spend much of their time feeling exhausted and unfulfilled. Life is busy, I get it. We spend an awful amount of time working, hustling, planning, cooking, cleaning, organising and doing life admin. When you’re not running around doing ALL THE THINGS, the urge to do nothing can be VERY tempting.

Whilst I am all for doing nothing (who doesn’t need a good Netflix session?), it doesn’t necessarily equate to doing things that genuinely bring you joy. The problem with too much mindless couch time, is that once the joy slips away, it’s easy to find yourself complaining of being “burnt out, depressed and uninspired”.

When people are struggling with depression, there are a couple of behavioural changes that I always ask them to make:

Activity Scheduling – Start by doing one productive thing and one pleasurable thing every day. Structure it like you would any other appointment, this one is just with yourself. If nothing currently feels pleasurable, then you need to go ahead and schedule in something that *used* to be pleasurable so we can trick your brain into releasing some dopamine.
Write a List - Include everything you either enjoy or have enjoyed in the past. It’s not uncommon for people to feel quite confronted by this activity because they can’t think of anything to write down. Go deep, think about your favourite activities, favourite people, favourite colours, favourite textures, favourite feelings. Write down as many things as you can, no matter how small.

think about how you can integrate more things from that list in your day-to-day life

Maybe you used to really enjoy taking a long hot shower with some music on, maybe you like to curl up under a beautiful soft blanket and read by the fire, maybe you like to go out into the garden and pick a single flower to put in a vase on your counter. It could be even a smaller, you could love singing along to a particular song, watching something silly online for a couple of minutes, looking at old photos.

The trick is, when you feel exhausted or burnt out, you generally don’t feel like doing any of this stuff. You might take the shower, but you can’t be bothered putting the music on. You can’t be bothered reading or walking outside. You are in survival mode and just focusing on getting through the daily grind.

So, if you were going to microdose on joy this week, what would you do? What could you schedule in for even 2-3 minutes each day that might bring you a moment of joy and make you smile.

Add it to your to-do list. You’re worth it.

Bec x

Finding Perspective: Understanding Our Emotions

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 00:09:09 GMT

Newsletter #3

Perspective is like a compass for our minds, guiding how we see and handle life's ups and downs, especially when it comes to mental health.

It’s easy to dismiss an offer of perspective as invalidating - well meaning comments about how there’s “always someone worse off” is not particularly helpful when you’re struggling.

It's not just about thinking positively; it's about understanding our emotions and situations clearly. This helps us handle challenges better and bounce back from setbacks. When we face tough times, a good perspective can even help us find meaning and opportunities for growth.

Having a healthy perspective means seeing things in a balanced way

I once listened to an amazing live speaker (with a long history of mental health problems) who suffered a profound set of injuries after falling off a stage. While she spent months in hospital in recovery and rehabilitation, she chose to only read books about the holocaust. She said it was impossible to feel sorry for herself while reading about incomprehensible trauma and so she focused on getting better instead.

Did it make her trauma, pain or distress any less? No. Probably not.

But it certainly shifted her perspective. It gave her the ability to see her challenges with clarity and resilience. It gave her strength in a really difficult time and no doubt helped her to appreciate what she did have (such as family to visit her, a chance to recover, access to healthcare etc).

In some situations, it’s extremely hard to find perspective but I challenge you to try anyway. I myself, have had a huge dose of perspective this week and I certainly plan to practice a whole bunch of extra gratitude and not take anything for granted.

Have a wonderful week,

Bec x

Tricky People: Talking to Children About Potential Danger

Mon, 08 Jul 2024 23:53:43 GMT

Newsletter #2

(TW: Childhood abuse)

Raising children and trying to keep them safe can be super overwhelming, especially if you’ve suffered abuse yourself. Sadly, the rates of children sexual abuse in Australia remain high.

Current statistics suggest that 1 in 3 girls experience childhood sexual abuse and almost 1 in 5 boys.

Most children are abused by someone they know or who is known to the family.

So with these horrifying statistics in mind, how do you talk to children about people who could potentially be a danger to them? How much information do you need to give and what do you say? How do you address the fact that if they were to be in danger, it is most likely going to be from someone they know and trust?

Often people worry that these conversations strip children of their innocence but given the statistics, this is a far better option than them having their innocence destroyed by a predator. Knowledgeable children are safer children.

Start talking to your children about TRICKY people, rather than “good” and “bad” people

Explain that almost all tricky people seem like good people to begin with and will often feel safe, trustworthy and fun to be around. They need to have a framework to understand how someone they trust can suddenly become unsafe.

Teach them exactly what constitutes inappropriate behaviour and role play with them what to say if someone violates a boundary such as saying “Stop! I don’t like that and I’m going to tell my mum and she will tell the police”.

Make sure they anticipate the scare tactics from perpetrators such as threats about telling an adult. Explain that these are all the TRICKS of the TRICKY people.

Warn them about other TRICKS such as adults saying they “depend” on the child, sending gifts, photos, special secrets etc. Children need to have an understanding of potential grooming behaviours.

Make a habit of asking your children every day what was the best part of their day and what was the trickiest?

Reassure them that whatever they tell you, will ALWAYS be believed and acted upon and that they will never get into trouble for speaking up.

Teach them to use the correct terms regarding their “private parts” so there is no potential for misinterpretation related to an abused child.

Talk to your children about body safety, consent and tricky people OFTEN. Children who are comfortable with these conversations and have a sound understanding of body safety are significantly less likely to become victims.

I know this is a hard topic but it’s so incredibly important. The simple change in language to “tricky people” can be game changing. If you know anyone who cares for young children, who this could be beneficial to, please consider forwarding it to them.

Have a wonderful week,

Bec x

The Power of Affirmations: The Benefits of a Positive Mindset

Mon, 24 Jun 2024 06:44:37 GMT

Newsletter #1

I’ve been meaning to start this newsletter for SO long. I plan to start with fortnightly newsletters and then will reevaluate depending on how they are received. I would love to know if they add value for you? If you have any feedback or suggestions on future content, please go ahead and send it through.

Now you might think affirmations is a strange topic to start off my newsletter (a little bit of woo woo?!?), but this topic has been coming up a lot in the clinic this week and so I have decided to embrace it.

There can be some pretty impressive benefits of using affirmations (even if you’re skeptical). Here are a few:

Affirmations can help to cultivate a positive mindset by focusing on what you want to achieve or how you want to feel
They can help shift negative or self critical thinking
They can be a powerful reminder of your goals and aspirations
They can promote self awareness by encouraging reflection on your values, strengths, and areas for improvement
They can foster resilience by promoting a positive outlook even in difficult situations

I would strongly encourage you to choose just one affirmation to practice this week

Write it down, pop in on your phone screen, put it on a sticky note where you’ll see it everyday or stick it to the bathroom mirror. Just see how it feels? At the end of the day, it’s a minute of your time and it costs nothing!

Here are some of my faves:

It is safe for me to heal
I deserve kindness
I’m ready to heal
I can handle difficult emotions
I am worthy
It is safe for me to choose recovery
I love and accept myself
I am learning to be me
I choose happiness
It’s safe for me to feel joy

What do you think? Could you push yourself out of your comfort zone and try an affirmation? Which one will you try?

Have a wonderful week,

Bec x

Empowering Healthcare: The Crucial Role of Australian Nurse Practitioners

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 05:28:44 GMT

In the dynamic landscape of Australian healthcare, Nurse Practitioners (NPs) emerge as pivotal figures, armed with extensive post-graduate clinical experience and a comprehensive education at a Master's level. These highly skilled professionals operate within an advanced nursing model of care, holding the legal authority to practice independently and autonomously, surpassing the scope of a registered nurse.

Nurse practitioners work across a variety of healthcare settings

Advanced Scope of Practice

Nurse Practitioners wield a unique set of skills that allows them to provide complete episodes of healthcare. Their advanced scope encompasses assessing and diagnosing health problems, ordering and interpreting diagnostic investigations, formulating and evaluating response to treatment plans, prescribing medicines, and referring patients to other health professionals within their specific areas of competence. NPs can also admit and discharge consumers from health services and hospital settings.

Collaborative Approach for Access

One of the distinguishing aspects of Nurse Practitioners is their collaborative approach to healthcare. They work seamlessly with other health professionals to enhance access to healthcare for Australian communities. This collaboration extends beyond immediate treatment to encompass health promotion, disease prevention, and health management strategies. Through this collaborative effort, NPs contribute significantly to improving health outcomes for specific patient populations and entire communities.

Person-Centred Care as a Priority

Nurse Practitioners are not only clinical leaders but also adept at forming partnerships with health consumers and their families. In this capacity, they can act as primary health providers, fostering a personalised and holistic approach to healthcare. By combining advanced nursing knowledge and skills with advanced diagnostic reasoning and therapeutic expertise, NPs epitomise person-centered care.

Clinical Leadership and Influence

In addition to their direct patient care roles, Nurse Practitioners serve as clinical leaders, influencing health service delivery and the broader nursing profession. Their influence extends across various healthcare settings, marking their presence as a catalyst for positive change.

Addressing Common and Complex Health Conditions

A distinctive strength of Nurse Practitioners lies in their ability to diagnose and manage health consumers with both common and complex health conditions. This versatility makes them invaluable assets in addressing the diverse healthcare needs of the Australian population.

Nurse practitioners help to provide accessible healthcare services

In conclusion, Australian Nurse Practitioners play a crucial role in the healthcare ecosystem. Their extensive education, combined with practical experience, positions them as versatile and influential healthcare providers. As they continue to contribute to collaborative care models and person-centred approaches, Nurse Practitioners stand as beacons of progress, shaping the future of healthcare delivery in Australia.

Mental Health Reimagined

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"Know when to walk away, know when to run"

"the secret to survivin' Is knowin' what to throw away And knowin' what to keep"

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Awareness isn't always enough to break the cycle

Progress is always better than perfection

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

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TAKE TIME TO SET YOUR PRIORITIES

celebrate the way that feels right to you

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Prioritise moments of calm

1. Set Realistic Expectations

2. Prioritise Your Budget

3. Manage Your Time

4. Find Moments to Recharge

5. Connect with Nature

6. Reach Out for Support

7. Celebrate Your Way

talk to someone you trust and/or a mental health professional

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Newsletter #12

I’ve worked hard this year to build myself a support system

it could have been much worde without these safeguards in place

Leveling Up in Love: Utilize the Five Love Languages

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remember to love others in their love language too

Identify both your love language AND your partners

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it showed so many suppressed dreams and desires

it’s often our fear that holds us back from our dreams

Navigating ADHD Misdiagnosis in Adults: What You Need to Know

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ADHD doesn't just 'disappear' when you grow up

ADHD: Not Just a Childhood Disorder

The Symptoms Can Be Sneaky

The Impact of Co-occurring Conditions

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Don’t keep putting it off

stop waiting for later

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it felt amazing ... Afterwards

Discomfort is where we start to experience transformation

I Don't Have Time! Set Your Priorities for Success

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I. Don’t. Have. Time

Ask yourself what’s missing from your life right now

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The impact of gaining clarity about your future goals can be magical

Microdosing on Joy: Managing Exhaustion and Burnout

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think about how you can integrate more things from that list in your day-to-day life

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Having a healthy perspective means seeing things in a balanced way

Tricky People: Talking to Children About Potential Danger

Newsletter #2 ﻿

(TW: Childhood abuse)

Start talking to your children about TRICKY people, rather than “good” and “bad” people

The Power of Affirmations: The Benefits of a Positive Mindset

Newsletter #1

I would strongly encourage you to choose just one affirmation to practice this week

Empowering Healthcare: The Crucial Role of Australian Nurse Practitioners

Nurse practitioners work across a variety of healthcare settings

Advanced Scope of Practice

Collaborative Approach for Access

Person-Centred Care as a Priority

Clinical Leadership and Influence

Addressing Common and Complex Health Conditions

Newsletter #2