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Exploring the Grief Toolbox: 10 Powerful Strategies for Coping After a Loss
Grief can be an overwhelming and unpredictable experience, affecting both emotional and physical health and well-being. While there is no "one-size-fits-all" approach to managing change and loss, here are ten easily implemented and effective strategies to help you tap into self-compassion, heal at a pace that suits you, and find a sense of peace as you navigate this difficult time. 1. Spend time with Your Grief Grief can bring waves of emotions, including sadness, denial, an

Carolyn the Counsellor
Mar 10, 20257 min read


Staying in your own lane...
Have you ever noticed how many opinions and comparisons, and how much commentary and judgment the world continually offers? Against a chorus of external noise, it's crucial to stay true to yourself by embracing who you actually are , becoming your own 'north star' and celebrating all the things it means to be you... Have you ever found yourself caught in the trap of comparing your progress to that of others? Wanted what (you think) someone else has? Become preoccupied by (yo

Carolyn the Counsellor
Nov 21, 20244 min read


For the guys: 4 steps to becoming a better partner.
Your relationship is not what it once was. Your partner wants change. You want things to improve but have no idea where to start. Let's look at four simple steps to help you to be the best version of yourself in this relationship... Have you reached a turning point in your relationship? Maybe you're no longer certain about what the future holds. Your bond with each other may be suffering. It may be unclear what to do to help this situation. Luckily, getting started may be ea

Carolyn the Counsellor
Jun 10, 20204 min read


7 Steps to Surviving Separation.
The relationship didn't last but you have one or more beautiful children together. How do you successfully separate and co-parent when it's tough to even speak nicely to each other? You'd prefer to never lay eyes on your ex-partner EVER again! But those kids need two parents who are coping well with life (and each other) so what do you do???? 1. Give yourself permission to grieve the loss and changed circumstances With any change (even welcome change) grief may be present. Ta

Carolyn the Counsellor
Nov 17, 20194 min read


Processing loss after relationship breakdown...
You try everything you can think of. Try to prove yourself, impress or lure them back. Thought about them endlessly. It has taken over your mind and you are feeling less secure and more needy every day. Maybe you've cut this person out of your life before. But back you go again, seeking their approval, their comfort and their focus. Even if it feels negative at times, or that you're not welcome or even valued by them..... without them though, life feels miserable, unbearable

Carolyn the Counsellor
Oct 10, 20193 min read


You can't choose your family...
They take little swipes at you and are "just joking". Insist you do things their way, as YOUR WAY isn't good enough. Are openly critical and never fail to remember in detail some error you made 14 yrs ago.... It's starting to feel like an endless pattern of disrespect, but it's the only family you have. So what can you do?? Family members can be fantastic. Wise and patient. Full of acceptance of flaws and imperfections. You've seen them out there in the world - your friends

Carolyn the Counsellor
Jul 27, 20195 min read


Six Ways to Help Teens Build Self-Compassion.
"I'm a failure." "I always say the wrong thing." "I'm the ugly one in the group." "Everything I do turns to rubbish." Negative thoughts like these are common for some adolescents. The thoughts can cycle around and around - relentless, harsh and judgmental. Do you hold yourself to unrealistic standards? Beat yourself up emotionally? Feel like your own worst critic? You're not alone. Here are some (life-changing) techniques that help reprogram the way you view yourself: 1. Move

Carolyn the Counsellor
Jul 5, 20194 min read


So what actually happens in therapy...?
The first step has been taken, you've booked yourself in for counselling. You feel excited and possibly a bit nervous (eek!). Questions go through your head... "How can I talk about this stuff? Where do I even start? What if I cry?! And what actually happens in a counselling session?" You're here. It feels like a major step. Finally, you can offload the problem, situation, concern or dilemma that has been on your mind for days, weeks, maybe even years. It's taken time to feel

Carolyn the Counsellor
May 28, 20193 min read


Becoming your own best friend...
It turns out she's not so bad after all, this beautiful woman in the mirror gazing back at you. In fact, she's starting to like HERSELF more and more... She's doubted herself in the past. Disliked what she saw. Taken on every mean comment as if it was the truth. Failed to trust her instincts. Believed the negative voices. Spoken to herself like she's her own worst enemy. But that was before. Happily, things have changed. She took time to look deep inside. She didn't realise

Carolyn the Counsellor
May 9, 20192 min read
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