Posts by Colleen Ward
You don’t have to be alone to feel lonely – Part 1
It was after work one day, and I was on the bus making my way home. The bus was packed. I had people sitting right beside and across from me. And I was sobbing, but no one noticed. No one asked if I was okay. No one gave me a comforting smile. Instead, they were…
Read MoreSurviving Mother’s Day Grief – coping with the loss of your Mum on Mother’s Day
Every day can trigger memories of Mum after she has passed, but there are often two days that can be more painful than any other – her birthday and Mother’s Day. While her birthday is a personal affair that intimate friends and family will commemorate with you, Mother’s Day celebrations are everywhere and seem impossible…
Read MoreHow does your mental health stack up? Your health is more than just weight and blood pressure
Did you know that mental health concerns are steadily growing in communities across Australia? Figures from the ABS show that in 2014-2015, there were about 4 million Australians who reported that they had a mental or behavioural condition, and four years later in 2017-2018, this number went up to 4.8 million – that’s a whopping…
Read MoreBetter YOUR Balance this International Women’s Day
Four areas in life to improve balance in For 24 hours, the world’s spotlight is on women’s issues thanks to International Women’s Day. So let’s make the most of it! From where I sit as a counsellor, I see every day that while every situation is unique, there are definite patterns women present at various…
Read MoreSurround yourself with animals for improved mental health
Six reasons cuddling up to a fur baby can lift your mood and outlook on life When it comes to addressing and improving mental health, it’s critical that the environment is non-judgmental and non-threatening to create a space that can help improve confidence and wellbeing. Counsellors and medical practitioners work through a number of strategies…
Read MoreWhy January is a great month for making hard decisions
New Years’ celebrations may have seemed like ages ago now but the reality is, it’s been less than four weeks since we saw in 2019. It’s natural that as the year unfolds and our daily commitments and pressures start to settle back in after some time off, the twinkle in your eye that was there…
Read MoreFeeling sad or lonely this Christmas?
Not all Christmases are merry and bright – here’s why it’s normal to feel this and how to survive the festive season guilt-free If Christmas is giving you heart palpitations, a pit in your stomach or bringing tears to your eyes, I want you to know one thing: you are not alone, and this is…
Read MoreHow to improve your relationship using the 5 Love Languages
Do you know your partner’s love language? Do you sometimes feel like you show more affection toward your partner than they do for you? Does your partner shower you in flowers and gifts after an argument, but all you want is a verbal “sorry” from them? While love is universal, we all feel and express…
Read MoreChristmas expectations and commitments
Christmas is the season to be jolly apparently – definitely the most awaited and celebrated season all year. Unfortunately for some, this time of the year also brings stress, pressure, and worse, depression due to a whole host of reasons. There is a cultural drive towards excessive spending during this season and many of us…
Read MoreCouple’s Counselling – breaking down the stigma
I’m not sure whether it’s the portrayal in popular culture or if it’s our own ego that gets bruised, but the stigma I see attached to couple’s counselling worries me. Every relationship can benefit from counselling, not just those that are on the brink of collapsing. Through couple’s counselling, it is my role to…
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