Empowering Change: Community-Driven Initiatives to Combat Gender-Based Violence By Susan George
Violence against women and girls is one of the most pervasive human rights violations in the world today. It cuts across all socio-economic classes, ethnicities, religions and age groups. The statistics surrounding gender-based violence in Australia are staggering and remind us that no community is immune to this issue. Violence against women is preventable. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics,...
Breaking Barriers: Destigmatising Mental Health Conversations By Susan George
Despite its undeniable importance, discussing mental health often invokes discomfort and apprehension in our society. Why is it that something so fundamental to our existence remains shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding? Conversations surrounding emotional well-being are frequently dismissed or avoided, perpetuating a culture of silence, shame and misunderstanding. These barriers not only impede open dialogue but also deter individuals from...
Parenting with Patience: Overcoming the Urge to Yell and Building Healthy Communication By Susan George
Parenting is undoubtedly one of life's most rewarding experiences, but it also presents unique challenges that can test even the most composed individuals. From managing toddler tantrums to navigating the complexities of adolescent rebellion, there are numerous situations that can push parents to their limits, making it tempting to resort to yelling or harsh language. Yelling is a subject that...
Neurodiversity: Stimming and Sensory Overload By Susan George
For those on the autism spectrum and with other neurological differences, the world can often be an intense sensory experience. Everyday sights, sounds, smells, textures and tastes that may go unnoticed by neurotypical individuals can be amplified and overwhelming for neurodivergent people. This sensory overload can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and a desperate need to stim (self-stimulatory behaviour) to regain...
How to Overcome Lack of Motivation By Susan George
Everybody has experienced feeling unmotivated at some point in their lives. Although every person may experience various roadblocks to motivation, the underlying struggle is something we all can relate to. Knowing what's causing your motivational low is the first step towards addressing it and gaining your drive restored. Our levels of motivation can be influenced by a wide range of aspects...
What Drives You? Understanding Motivation Types By Susan George
Motivation is the fuel that propels us forward, the driving force behind our actions and decisions. It's that inner spark that ignites our ambition, perseverance, and determination. But what exactly is motivation, and what are the different types that influence our behaviour? In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of motivation, consider various types, and shed light on how...
Martin Seligman’s Theory of Learned Helplessness: Implications for Motivation By Susan George
Have you ever felt stuck and unable to escape a difficult situation, even when a solution was possible? This phenomenon is known as learned helplessness. Learned helplessness occurs when an individual faces challenging situations but feels incapable of finding solutions, even if they are readily available. Those struggling with learned helplessness often express frequent complaints, feeling overwhelmed and powerless to...
PERMA: A Practical Model for Improving Well-Being By Susan George
Happiness and wellbeing can seem fleeting. We strive for them, yet they are often realised only in hindsight. Though most agree well-being is essential, our culture and competing priorities don't always align with experiencing it. Martin Seligman, a pioneer in positive psychology, put forth the PERMA model outlining five building blocks of human flourishing. PERMA provides a framework beyond just feeling...
What Might Be Helpful With Your Child’s Going Back To School’ Worries? By Jessica Benson-Lidholm
Going back to school can be stressful for everyone in the family. New faces, new rooms, new teachers, etc. For some children and teens (and adults too!), change can be incredibly difficult to move through. Sometimes it can be useful to sit down with your child or teen and discuss what might feel scary or difficult about returning to school and figuring...