Reaching Forward Counselling Services

21/12/2025

Forgiveness is a deeply personal and often complex process that means different things to different people. For some, it may feel like offering absolution or condoning harmful behaviour; for others, it can seem like excusing or tolerating what was done. The idea of forgiveness can even feel reductionist—oversimplifying deep pain or minimizing the impact of a wrong. But at its core, forgiveness is not about approving of the hurt or forgetting what happened; it is about reclaiming your own peace and power. It is a person-centred journey, an internal decision about what emotions or energies you are willing to carry forward. You don’t have to say the words to the other person—forgiveness is primarily about you. It’s a chance to release anger, resentment or grief, and to create space for healing and growth. In this way, forgiveness becomes less about the offender and more about your own well-being and transformation. The benefits of forgiveness include:

1. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Holding onto anger or resentment keeps your body in a state of tension and stress. Forgiveness helps you release that burden, leading to a calmer mind and body.
2. Improves Mental Health
Letting go of grudges is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and emotional distress. Forgiveness creates space for emotional healing and mental clarity.
3. Enhances Physical Health
Studies show forgiveness can lead to lower blood pressure, improved heart health, and a stronger immune system by reducing the physiological effects of chronic stress.
4. Frees You from the Past
Forgiving allows you to stop reliving painful memories and take back control of your present and future, rather than being defined by past hurt.
5. Strengthens Relationships
Forgiveness helps rebuild trust and restore relationships—whether with others or yourself—by opening the door to understanding, empathy, and communication.
6. Promotes Personal Growth
Forgiveness encourages maturity and emotional intelligence. It teaches you to deal with conflict in healthier, more constructive ways.
7. Increases Inner Peace
Letting go of resentment lifts a heavy emotional weight. Forgiveness brings a sense of relief and peace, helping you feel more centred and balanced.
8. Improves Self-Esteem
When you forgive, you're taking responsibility for your own emotional well-being. This self-empowerment can build confidence and self-worth.
9. Breaks the Cycle of Hurt
Forgiveness disrupts the cycle of retaliation or bitterness. It allows healing to begin—for yourself and others—rather than passing pain forward.

Courtesy of EAP #

16/10/2025

Courtesy of EAP:
Few workplace challenges are as quietly draining as dealing with a passive-aggressive colleague. Unlike direct conflict, this style of communication hides tension beneath a surface of politeness: through sarcasm, procrastination, silent treatment or subtle digs. Understanding what drives passive-aggressive behaviour is the first step in handling it effectively.

From a psychological perspective, passive-aggression often stems from an avoidance of direct conflict. A person may fear negative consequences if they express anger openly, so frustration leaks out indirectly. This pattern can be shaped by early experiences (e.g., conflict wasn’t safe at home), low psychological safety in the workplace, or difficulty with assertive communication skills.

How to respond without escalating the cycle
Stay calm and curious. Reacting with irritation often fuels more resistance. Instead, notice the behaviour and consider the underlying need—perhaps autonomy, recognition, or respect.
Communicate clearly. Passive-aggression thrives in ambiguity. Use “I” statements: “When deadlines shift without notice, I feel pressured. Can we agree on a clear timeline?” This approach promotes assertiveness without blame.
Don’t mirror the behaviour. Meeting sarcasm with sarcasm creates a spiral. Modelling the direct, respectful communication you’d like in return helps break the cycle.
Addressing the issue directly
If the behaviour persists, you can gently name it without accusation. For example: “I noticed you seemed frustrated in that meeting. I’d value hearing your perspective more openly.” This signals both recognition and an invitation to engage directly. Such interventions build trust and psychological safety, which research shows are essential for effective teams.

When to involve leadership
If passive-aggressive behaviours consistently disrupt teamwork or productivity, it may be time to escalate. Frame the issue in terms of impact, for example, missed deadlines, low morale, strained collaboration, rather than personality flaws. Leaders can then set clearer expectations, support communication training or mediate if needed. Ultimately, the antidote to passive-aggression is a culture that rewards openness, not avoidance. By staying steady, setting boundaries and encouraging direct dialogue, you help shift the workplace climate from covert tension toward constructive collaboration.

28/07/2025

Reaching Forward Counselling Services has been in operation since 2013, providing affordable counselling services to children, teenagers, adults, couples, and families, as well as concession card holders. Our counselling services encompass various areas, including Mental Health Care Plans, NDIS funding managed by clients, couples therapy, working with children and teenagers, and EAP approval at the discretion of employers. For further information, please message or follow our page.

28/06/2025

Never lose hope

15/06/2025

10/06/2025

For your info if interested.

For Parents and Carers

25/05/2025

Courtesy of EAP #

Five strategies to enhance Resilience
We all face challenges that stretch us, wear us down, or make us question our ability to cope. In those moments, what makes one person bounce back while another struggles to recover? A growing body of research suggests the answer often lies in mindset—specifically, a growth mindset. A growth suggests that talents, abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, learning and persistence—rather than being fixed traits. Research has shown that individuals with a growth mindset embrace challenges, persist through obstacles, see effort as the path to mastery, learn from criticism and find inspiration in the success of others. This contrasts with a "fixed mindset," the belief that qualities are static and unchangeable. This flexible way of thinking fosters both resilience and a stronger sense of personal agency in the face of adversity. Cultivating a growth mindset isn't just about positive thinking; it's a fundamental shift in how we perceive ourselves and our potential.

Five key strategies to help cultivate a growth mindset

1. Embrace the Power of “Yet”
When you catch yourself thinking, “I can’t do this,” try reframing it to, “I can’t do this—yet.” This subtle shift in language acknowledges your current limitations without making them permanent.

Try this: The next time you or your team fall short, add “yet” and ask, “What’s one thing we can try differently next time?”

2. Reframe Failure as Feedback
Resilient individuals don’t see failure as a dead end. Instead, they treat it as a teacher. Studies in educational and organizational psychology show that when people view mistakes as opportunities to learn—rather than proof of inadequacy—they recover more quickly and are more motivated to try again.

Try this: After a setback, lead a “failure debrief.” Ask what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d do differently next time.

3. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Outcomes
Praising effort reinforces the belief that growth is possible. When we focus on how hard someone worked, rather than how smart or talented they are, we nurture persistence and grit—two essential traits of resilience. Focus on the process of learning and improvement, recognizing that consistent effort, even in the face of setbacks, is what leads to meaningful growth.

Try this: When giving feedback, focus on the process: “You really stuck with that problem, and your strategy paid off."

4. Seek Out Challenges
Shying away from difficult tasks might feel safe, but it doesn’t lead to growth. Choosing to tackle challenges—even at the risk of failure— builds cognitive flexibility and problem-solving skills, which are crucial components of resilience. Instead of feeling threatened by a tough situation, try reframing it as an exciting opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge.

Try this: Set personal or team “stretch goals” that push you outside your comfort zone, then reflect on what you learned through the process.

5. Build a Resilient Self-Narrative
Your inner dialogue shapes how you respond to adversity. Growth-minded individuals tend to narrate their experiences through a lens of learning, not defeat. Research in narrative psychology suggests that framing your story with themes of growth and agency increases psychological resilience.

Try this: Journal about a recent struggle. Instead of focusing on the loss or failure, write about what you learned, how you changed and what strengths you uncov

16/05/2025

Love ❤️

15/05/2025

***** Appointments available

Bulk billing is no longer available at my practice. I am charging the rebate fee, which other professionals charge in addition to their bulk billing fee.

Concession card holders will also get a reduced fee.

Please contact for further details on fees.

A little about my practice:

I'm passionate about helping people in need and finding them opportunities to excel.

Helping others may be the secret to living a life that is not only happier but also healthier, wealthier, more productive, and meaningful.

Reaching Forward Counselling Services

08/05/2025

Courtney of EAP:

Workplace Bullying:

Bullying thrives in silence and confusion. With clear strategies, support and boundaries, you can reclaim your voice and create healthier working environments.

· Know the Signs:

o Repeated exclusion, criticism, sabotage or gaslighting.

o Subtle forms like eye-rolling, public correction or withholding information.

o Psychological effects can include anxiety, low self-worth and burnout.

· Document Everything:

o Keep a dated log of incidents with specific details.

o Save emails, messages, or screenshots as evidence.

o Track the impact on your work and wellbeing.

· Set Boundaries:

o Use clear, calm language to assert limits.

o Repeat your stance if necessary without explaining excessively.

o Don’t engage in emotional back-and-forth.

· Activate Ally Support:

o Confide in a trusted colleague or supervisor.

o Encourage bystander intervention when safe.

o Consider HR or union reps as formal allies.

· Use Workplace Policies:

o Familiarize yourself with anti-bullying and grievance procedures.

o Submit formal reports with documented evidence.

o Request a written response or timeline for follow-up.

· Emotional Self-Protection:

o Practice self-soothing techniques (deep breathing, grounding).

o Set work/life boundaries to decompress after work.

o Validate your feelings and seek trauma-informed support.

· Seek External Help:

o Talk to your GP or EAP Assist.

o Join support groups or professional networks for advice.

· Build Psychological Safety:

o Encourage open feedback and inclusivity in your team.

o Model respectful communication and conflict resolution.

o Speak up when you see bullying behaviour.

· Protect Your Self-Concept:

o Remind yourself the bullying reflects on them, not you.

o Use affirmations and strengths-based reflection.

o Focus on your contributions and values.

· Know When to Exit:

o If nothing changes and it's harming your wellbeing, consider moving teams or roles.

o Your safety and dignity are worth prioritizing.