October 23, 2015

The Power of Self Compassion.

Ever since the transfusion of Eastern Knowledge and wisdom into the West there has been a shift to how we view previously taken for granted ideas or beliefs. Self-compassion is a powerful belief and practice with specific steps that can offer those who are inclined, interested or ready to experience themselves in a much more nurturing light. Self-compassion is not to be confused with self-esteem. Self-compassion teaches us how to give with loving kindness, firstly to ourselves and in so doing we have more space and energy to give to others. Self-esteem however can have the tendency to use language that is comparison oriented such as: ‘I must have a ‘low self-esteem’ if I can’t do that…they must have a ‘higher or better self-esteem’? This language […]
August 17, 2015

Sleep Deprived?

With all the different roles we each tackle every day – from work to parenting, to being a friend or a partner, a household manager/cleaner/cook, to fitting in exercise, and the never-ending list of other random tasks that seem to crop up, sometimes, if not often, it’s our sleep that becomes compromised. It might suffer because time disappears and there simply aren’t enough hours in the day to catch a decent 7 or 8 hours a night. But it might also disappear because the stress of the daily grind catches up with us and causes us to lie awake and stare at the ceiling for hours thinking of that endless to-do list; or it might wake us up repeatedly during the night or early in the […]
May 7, 2014

Will Your Relationship Last? Find Out How!

Negative communication can be destructive to relationships. Conflicts escalate not because of the issue at hand, but rather because of the way couples talk to each other. At times, we end up fighting over what is being said or how things are said and the initial problem does not get resolved. John Gottman, a well-known relationship researcher, author and clinician calls these kinds of negativity the “Four horsemen of the Apocalypse” because they are so harmful to a relationship. According to Gottman, arguments do not predict relationship breakup but the way you argue does. The four negative interactions are: criticism, contempt, defensiveness and stonewalling (withdrawing). The following is taken from Gottman and Silver’s book “The seven principles for making marriage work” (2000). Criticism You will always […]
April 25, 2014

Mindful Parenting

“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered” Dr Suess In the ideal world how do you want your child to remember you; what you have been to them in their life and what you have stood for as a person? Parenting mindfully helps you to slow down and experience being with your child. It involves bringing your purposeful awareness to the present moment with your child with an attitude of openness and curiosity. When being fully present with your child you are more able to appreciate them for the unique person they are, even in their worst moments. Mindful parenting assists you in letting go of unhelpful thoughts about your child or worries about what other people may think […]
March 11, 2014

Suicide – The Warning Signs and Seeking Help

Many individuals and families are affected by suicide, with 2, 132 deaths by suicide in Australia alone in 2009 (ABS , 2011). Suicidal thoughts can be a common response to a crisis, particularly when people feel trapped and unable to see a way out. Being given the opportunity to discuss these thoughts can be the key to exploring alternatives to suicide and keeping safe. This article outlines the risk factors and warning signs that someone may be about to attempt suicide and where help can be sought. Risk Factors The following factors have been associated with increased risk that someone may attempt suicide: Risk Factors Individual Social Contextual Previous suicidal behaviour Abuse/physical violence Unemployment Male gender Isolation Financial problems Mental health concerns Family relationship conflict Neighbourhood […]
January 31, 2014

Improving Couple’s Communication – Using Time-Out

Time-Out Using a “time-out”, just as a sports coach would – signalling a “T” with their hands and taking time out of the game to re-think and re-structure a game plan – can be an effective communication strategy to manage couple’s escalating communications. The 6 steps to taking a “time-out” 1. Recognise that you are experiencing an internal build-up of intense emotion (i.e., anger). Pay attention to the physical indicators your body is sending you. 2. Say to the person you are dealing with “I am beginning to feel………………….” and “I need to take some time-out. I’ll be back to talk about this when I have calmed down”. If you find your level of anger is beyond being able to communicate this message effectively, simply signal time-out with […]

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COOMERA

Fortune Place
Shop 1, 2 Fortune Street
Coomera QLD 4209

(07) 5551 0251

NERANG

Prana Centre
Suite 3,7027 Southport-Nerang Road
Nerang QLD 4211

(07) 5668 3490