https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo daily 0.75 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/blog-empathyversussympathy monthly 0.5 2021-11-05 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/blog-postsundayscaries monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/blog-postthefivelovelanguages monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/blog-postimpostersyndrome monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/self-esteem-too-high-too-low-or-just-right monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/counselling-what-you-need-to-know monthly 0.5 2021-07-12 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/should-the-one-word-you-need-to-erase-from-your-vocabulary monthly 0.5 2021-08-08 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/pandemic-fatigue monthly 0.5 2021-09-13 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/love-maps-how-to-build-stronger-relationships-by-learning-about-your-partners-inner-world monthly 0.5 2021-10-31 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/no-is-a-complete-sentence monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/how-does-counselling-work monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/how-to-find-a-good-counsellor monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/4-reasons-why-we-should-stop-commenting-on-other-peoples-bodies monthly 0.5 2022-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/8ce701a8-52ed-4f38-8ad1-58142a923389/body+image.jpg Blog - 4 reasons why we should stop commenting on other people’s bodies https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/how-many-counselling-sessions-will-i-need monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/39f7b42d-5d00-446a-af7a-bce993f0a893/counselling+sessions.jfif Blog - How many Counselling sessions will I need? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/why-boundaries-are-important-and-how-to-set-them monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/4-boundaries-which-are-helpful-to-set-for-a-healthy-relationship-or-marriage monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/e254a9cf-1b44-45a8-bae9-f86a5899d74f/unsplash-image-Br6HpT9fhTM.jpg Blog - 4 boundaries which are helpful to set for a healthy relationship or marriage - Make it stand out For most people, the idea of setting boundaries in relationships seem unnecessary, or detrimental to the relationship as they fear the boundary will push their partner away. However, this assumption is not correct. Boundaries are essential to healthy relationships and, really, a healthy life. Do healthy relationships have boundaries? Yes! In my previous blog introducing boundaries and their importance, I explain that a boundary is anything that marks a border. It’s a real or imagined line that marks the edge or limit of something or the limit of a subject, principle or relationship. Therefore, your personal boundaries are guidelines, rules or standards that a person creates to identify reasonable, safe and acceptable ways for other people to behave towards them. But why do I need to set boundaries in my relationships? No matter the length or nature of your relationship, setting boundaries is a critical component to maintaining a healthy connection with your partner. Healthy boundaries reflect you - your principles, values and guidelines. A violation in those boundaries may arise when your partner disrespects, ignores, or isn’t even aware of those principles or personal needs. I had a counselling client who was struggling with balancing motherhood, her job and family and household commitments. The client was depleted, had no energy, and was repeatedly running late to work due to school drop offs. She was fearful of losing her job, her self-esteem was suffering and she felt like she was failing as a Mother. On exploring this further, it became apparent that the client was responsible for most of the house and family chores, as her husband had a stressful job which required long hours. The client did not feel that the chores were shared proportionally, and was resentful, and as such, there was a strain in her marriage. The client said her husband was reasonable, but she didn’t feel comfortable asking him for more help, she was also raised to believe that women did more housework and child rearing. She thought this was her burden to bear, but knew changes were needed as she was starting to neglect herself. When I started exploring boundaries with this client, the concept was foreign to her, she was so uncomfortable saying no and clarifying her needs to her husband. Utilising CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) we worked through the limiting beliefs that were holding her back, and set boundaries around her relationship, which included communicating her needs and seeing herself, and her time as having value. Not surprisingly her husband was unaware that my client felt so overwhelmed and did not know that she required more support as she kept telling him ‘She was fine’. Once she communicated her needs clearly with her partner and clarified any questions he had, they agreed to a way forward, one in which they both felt supported in the household. My client reported that her relationship improved once these boundaries were set, because they were both willing to put in the work to ensure that the relationship stayed strong and safe. Having a close partnership should not have to conflict with your own needs. What are some other boundaries in relationships? Physical boundaries- Boundaries around physical proximity, personal space and sexual needs. Eg, if you are uncomfortable trying a new sexual position with a partner, you can say no and your partner cannot pressure you. Conversational boundaries: Includes topics and subjects you are open to discussing and not discussing, and what will happen if the conversation gets heated. Eg if you and your partner have different political persuasions, and you feel uncomfortable continuing the conversation. Time Boundaries: How much time you spend with each other, away from each other, with each other’s family etc. Eg you may have a boundary that you will not spend every weekend with your mother-in-law as you don’t get along, you agree to once a fortnight. Financial boundaries: How will your money be split, are you each responsible for your own share of the bills? Do you have shared savings goals? Eg: “I would like my salary to go to my personal account, and not credited into our joint account”. A healthy relationship encourages communication and mutual respect. Without respect, there are no boundaries. A loving partner will respect and value the boundaries you have set. Defining boundaries can be difficult. If you have never set yourself boundaries and feel uncomfortable saying no, it may all seem a little intimidating. It may be helpful to speak to a counsellor who can help you define, set, and communicate your boundaries. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/easter-a-time-for-resurrection-and-renewal monthly 0.5 2022-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/5e10f6db-e9a7-4153-8255-a2ee038013a6/unsplash-image-v2HgNzRDfII.jpg Blog - Easter – a time for resurrection and renewal - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/mothers-are-not-superheroes-they-are-human monthly 0.5 2022-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1651965458440-Z6RTU2DBA856YCQC4F31/unsplash-image-S1NYr9djLtU.jpg Blog - Mothers are NOT superheroes. They are Human. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/emotional-self-regulation-what-it-is-and-how-you-can-develop-and-practice-it monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/b19d7d86-1557-4a26-a5e8-30fce1c534dc/unsplash-image-xMNel_otvWs.jpg Blog - Emotional self-regulation, what it is and how you can develop and practice it. Mindfulness and checking in with your body is a great way to self-regulate your nervous system. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/6-tips-for-dealing-with-relationship-conflict monthly 0.5 2022-05-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1653875266933-4NR9V6HQZ7QJ1RD61ORH/unsplash-image-mv38TB_Ljj8.jpg Blog - 6 tips for dealing with relationship conflict https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/perfectionism-its-dark-side-and-five-strategies-to-achieve-a-more-realistic-balanced-vision-of-success monthly 0.5 2022-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1654754920842-96EI3GSZ2MVT4KA4KX3V/unsplash-image-fMbRKk2la0s.jpg Blog - Perfectionism: its dark side and five strategies to achieve a more realistic, balanced vision of success. - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/trauma-its-effect-and-how-to-recover monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1ef8ce0f-6eb6-496b-9bad-b0594045ad1a/unsplash-image-EDJKEXFbzHA.jpg Blog - Trauma, its effect and how to recover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/how-trauma-affects-people-differently-an-example monthly 0.5 2022-09-30 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/blo/fight-freeze-flight-or-fawn-the-four-trauma-responses-and-its-effect-on-our-nervous-system monthly 0.5 2022-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1667774814071-LEXG2O4JXNQLVFZCTZAN/unsplash-image-Cbf5Qzt2QIY.jpg Blog - Fight, Freeze, Flight or Fawn: the four Trauma responses and its effect on our nervous system https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/home daily 1.0 2023-07-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1613691132413-0B2XHGV2GZZUNHMP5WO9/FullSizeRender.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1622525814414-DF0A5A9I6DAKXVDBYRQ7/unsplash-image-Qg6lPXJ6IL4.jpg Home https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/about daily 0.75 2022-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1613633215829-RVRC5X8544PT9A7NP2YB/IMG_1979.jpeg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1613782439041-PHQW2P57673O81GA2L3F/image-asset.jpeg About - MY APPROACH As a professionally trained Counsellor, I use an integrated counselling approach when dealing with my clients. We are, after all, unique beings and therefore I do not find that one approach works for everyone. I believe that you are the expert in your life, therefore I predominately work from a person-centred counselling approach. I draw from aspects of Person Centred Therapy, Solutions Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). However, the modality that I use will depend on you as an individual, your situation and how you present on the day. In our sessions, I will walk beside you on your journey, and I will be there to guide and support you in each step ahead, and beyond. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/services daily 0.75 2022-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1614052917924-FUIF1D48XEIPQI3K1IH9/image-asset.jpeg services - WORKPLACE ISSUES COUNSELLING Stress from workplace related issues is a physical and emotional response that is harmful, and can affect your mental health and well-being. Symptoms of workplace stress include feeling anxious, irritable or depressed, loss of interest in work, a drop in performance, problems sleeping and/or waking up in a state of anxiety and panic at 3am, fatigue and trouble concentrating. When workplace stress is very high and/or prolonged it can affect your mental health with an increased risk of anxiety, burnout, depression and substance abuse disorders. Not to mention the strain this has on other areas of your life. Step Ahead Counselling can provide you with support in dealing with your workplace issues, and help you address any underlying psychological factors that you may be experiencing as a result of workplace stress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1614054396563-KVDTMNE3KO8X4BZCZW34/image-asset.jpeg services - RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING Healthy relationships can have plenty of advantages such as happiness, contentment, and connection to others. However conflict, communication breakdown and arguments can lead to unhappy and unhealthy relationships. The development and maintenance of healthy relationships can be challenging and couples often face many difficulties during their relationships. Step Ahead Counselling can help couples work through difficulties at any stage of a relationship and help the couple understand and resolve their conflicts. The counselling environment can also help couples resolve issues, achieve more clarity, improve communication, develop intimacy, and build and grow their relationship. Step Ahead Counselling can also provide support to individuals and/or couples who are recently separated/divorced, entering the dating scene or navigating through it, and those who are working on the most important relationship of all - the one with self. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1614055218719-RQCIXO2CT1UOJ9161ZQ5/image-asset.jpeg services - INDIVIDUAL COUNSELLING Life can get difficult – especially when we’re faced with challenges that feel distressing, overwhelming, or beyond our control. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss all of your concerns, and explore options and opportunities for change. Quite often, it’s not just one area of life that feels out of balance, but a combination of issues that contribute to an overall sense of confusion or distress. You may be struggling with thoughts and feelings about yourself and your self-worth, your life direction, or relationships with others. Counselling is a practical, helpful way to prioritise your concerns and work through them at your own pace. You don’t have to figure things out alone. Step Ahead Counselling can help you address a whole range of issues, and no concern is too small. Your feelings, your wellbeing and your personal goals are important. https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/relationship-counselling-1 daily 0.75 2021-02-20 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/faq daily 0.75 2022-03-04 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/fees-appointments daily 0.75 2022-03-23 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/contact daily 0.75 2021-03-04 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/step-ahead-privacy-policy daily 0.75 2021-03-03 https://stepaheadcounselling.com.au/appointments-1 daily 0.75 2021-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1614832691179-NQAM2XSPVAWQO5WJTYCM/image-asset.jpeg Appointments (Copy) 15 minute FREE introductory call https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600d1dc787812b75eb0b6819/1614833311343-IPPPLSE3YLFZO6RNPUPS/image-asset.jpeg Appointments (Copy) after hours