Mind Moves Counselling

04/11/2025

How well do you know the people in your life?

21/10/2025

🌿 Work-Life Balance Reminder 🌿
Recently, I paused to metaphorically “smell the roses” — and literally enjoy the magic of Darwin. An evening at the Deckchair Cinema, surrounded by good friends, delicious African food, and the gentle rhythm of rain during the movie (thankfully missing the earlier storm!).
It was a beautiful reminder of the city I call home and the deep value of friendship, community, and slowing down.
In the midst of supporting others, it’s vital to refill our own cup. This night did just that. 💛

11/10/2025

Recently I read a post:
Do you take photos of the volcano on the lake… or do you reflect on your own eruptions?

It made me pause.

We all erupt sometimes — anger, overwhelm, frustration. But reflection isn’t just about looking back and asking why. It’s about understanding what we were feeling in that moment, and how those feelings shaped our actions.

Because if we don’t understand the emotion behind the eruption — the fear, the hurt, the unmet need — we’re left with lava that scorches relationships and leaves us confused by our own reactions.

🧠 Self-reflection without emotional awareness can feel like trying to read a map without knowing where you are.

💛 Emotional understanding helps us locate ourselves — so we can reflect with clarity, compassion, and the intention to grow.

Let’s not just look at the volcano.

Let’s learn from the eruption.

10/10/2025

🧠 Finding Space for Uncomfortable Emotions
Lately, I’ve been sitting with a theme that comes up often in sessions:
We push uncomfortable emotions aside—burying them under busyness, distraction, or silence. But emotions don’t vanish. They wait. They build. And eventually… they erupt.
Sometimes that eruption looks like snapping at someone we love, making impulsive choices, or saying things we wish we could take back.
Other times, it’s quieter—slipping into anxiety, depression, or even physical illness.
I hear things like:
💬 “I don’t feel anything.”
💬 “I don’t want to feel—it’s too hard.”
And I get it. Feeling is hard. Naming emotions is hard.
But avoiding them doesn’t erase them—it just delays the impact.
What I’ve learned—and what I gently guide my clients toward—is this:
✨ Feeling is freeing.
✨ Naming emotions opens the door to healing.
✨ Making space for discomfort also makes space for joy, connection, and growth.
Let’s normalize emotional honesty. Let’s make room for the full human experience.
If this resonates, share it. Someone else might need the reminder too.
And if you’re struggling, please know—you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here to help. 💛
📍 Palmerston City, NT
📩 DM or reach out via beth@mindmovescounselling.com

17/09/2025

Domestic & Family Violence is a Human Rights Issue

DFV isn’t just about conflict—it’s about control, fear, and the violation of basic human rights.

Everyone deserves: ✨ Safety in their own home
✨ Respect and dignity
✨ Freedom to make choices
✨ To be heard without fear

When these rights are taken away through violence, manipulation, or control, it’s not just a relationship issue—it’s a human rights issue.

Let’s change the conversation:
💬 From “Why don’t they leave?” to “How can we support their rights?”
💬 From silence to action
💬 From blame to compassion

If you or someone you know is affected, please reach out. Help is available. Healing is possible. 💛

13/09/2025

🌿 Creating a Place for Connection
Two and a half years ago,
I left my role in an NGO to start a private practice.
Did it unfold the way I envisioned?

No.
And yet… it has become something deeply meaningful.
I thought I’d be working solely with high-conflict individuals navigating the family law space—which I do.

I made a conscious decision to leave family therapy behind.
No children. No couples. No relationship counselling.

But here I am—working with families, couples, children, and individuals facing anxiety, depression, trauma, suicidal ideation, and family violence.

One thread runs through much of this work:

Abuse and conflict.
Often hidden. Often unspoken
I struggled, especially with working one-on-one with children.
Was I achieving anything?
It felt like playtime—candle making, painting, clay models, beading.
Was this therapy?

I brought this to my clinical supervisor.
And slowly, I began to see it differently.
I was building connection.
Creating safe spaces.
Meeting people where they are—not where I thought we should be.

That connection opened doors.
Children began to share their stories, their pain, their hopes.
And through that connection, we began to explore ways forward.

This week, a mother called me.
She said her child loves coming to sessions.
He seems calmer at home.
But then she said something that stopped me in my tracks:

“He wants to talk about feelings.
He wants to understand how I’m feeling.
He’s learning how to express himself.”

That’s when I knew—I’m on the right path.
We don’t often get feedback in this work.
But when we do, it’s powerful.

My office is small.
It’s filled with pieces of me—crystals, artwork, weighted toys, paints, crafting gear.
I often suggest moving to a larger space.
But unless it’s a big family, the answer is always:
“No thank you. Your office feels welcoming. I feel safe here.”
And that’s what therapy is.
Not just a room.
Not just a technique.
But a place where people feel safe enough to be real.

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going.
Have you ever found healing in unexpected places?
What does safety look like to you?

12/09/2025

RUOK Day was yesterday. But what about today?

We’re encouraged—once a year—to ask, “Are you OK?”
To check in with friends, neighbours, colleagues.
To reach out in the hope of catching someone who might be silently struggling:
💔 someone grieving deeply
💭 someone battling suicidal thoughts
🏚️ someone living with unseen domestic and family violence

But why do we wait for a single day to ask the question?

What happens when you ask… and they say “No, I’m not OK”?
What if you’re not OK either?

These moments are raw. They’re real. And they’re messy.
Because truthfully, many of us don’t answer honestly.
We say “I’m fine”—because it’s easier, safer, less confronting.
We fear burdening others. We fear judgment. We fear vulnerability.

So maybe the real question isn’t just “Are you OK?”
Maybe it’s:
🔹 Can I hold space for you, even if I’m hurting too?
🔹 Can we be not-OK together, and still feel safe?
🔹 Can we build a culture where checking in is everyday, not once a year?

Let’s make emotional honesty part of our daily lives.
Let’s ask, listen, and respond with compassion—not just on RUOK Day, but every day.

Because healing begins with connection.
And sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is say: “No, I’m not OK.”

Send a message to learn more

13/02/2025

🌟 What if I told you that conflict can be a place of growth? 🌟

While conflict can be uncomfortable, it also presents an incredible opportunity for us to improve and strengthen our relationships. It's all about how we approach it.

Imagine approaching conflict with empathy and curiosity, rather than a need to be right. When we learn to listen to truly understand, rather than just to respond, we open the door to deeper connections. Ask questions, show genuine interest, and watch how your relationships transform. 💬❤️

Conflict isn't just a challenge; it's a chance to grow together. Let's embrace it with open hearts and minds! 🌱✨



What do you think? How do you approach conflict in your relationships? 🤔💭

05/02/2025

Understanding Conflict Solutions vs. Conflict Resolutions
In our professional and personal lives, conflicts are inevitable. However, how we address them can make all the difference. Let's explore the concepts of conflict solutions and conflict resolutions and understand their unique roles.
Conflict Solutions involve finding a way to address the immediate issue at hand. It's about solving the problem quickly and efficiently, often through compromise or negotiation.
Example: Two team members disagree on the approach to a project. A conflict solution might involve splitting the project tasks so each can work on their preferred method, ensuring the project moves forward without delay.
Conflict Resolutions, on the other hand, aim to address the underlying causes of the conflict. This approach seeks to resolve the root issues, fostering long-term harmony and understanding.
Example: In the same scenario, a conflict resolution would involve a deeper discussion to understand each team member's perspective, addressing any underlying tensions or misunderstandings. This might include team-building activities or mediation to improve communication and collaboration.
Why Knowing the Difference Matters
Understanding whether a situation calls for a conflict solution or a conflict resolution can help us choose the best path forward.
• Conflict Solutions are ideal for urgent issues that need immediate attention.
• Conflict Resolutions are better suited for recurring conflicts or deeper issues that impact team dynamics.
By recognizing the difference, we can approach conflicts more strategically, ensuring both immediate and long-term success.
How do you handle conflicts in your workplace? Share your thoughts and experiences!

31/01/2025

"Emotions: the driving force behind most conflicts—what role do they play?"
"Emotions like anger, fear, and frustration often play a significant role in conflicts. These emotions can influence how we perceive and react to situations, sometimes escalating tensions.
• Anger: This emotion can make us more aggressive and less willing to listen, leading to heated arguments.
• Fear: Fear can cause us to avoid conflict or react defensively, which might prevent resolution.
• Frustration: When we feel frustrated, we might lash out or shut down, making it harder to communicate effectively.
Identifying and naming our emotions during conflict is crucial. By acknowledging what we're feeling, we can better understand our reactions and take steps to manage them. For example, saying 'I feel angry because...' can help clarify the issue and open up a more constructive dialogue.
Emotional awareness can help de-escalate tense situations. When we recognize our emotions, we can choose to respond rather than react impulsively. This can lead to more thoughtful and effective conflict resolution.
We often recognize emotions by what is happening in our bodies. For instance, anger might cause a racing heart, while fear might make us feel tense or shaky. Paying attention to these physical cues can help us identify our emotions more accurately.
Meta-emotions are the emotions we feel about our emotions. For example, feeling guilty about being angry or anxious about feeling sad. Understanding meta-emotions can provide deeper insights into our emotional responses and help us manage them better.
It's important to remember that we are not alone if we struggle to recognize our emotions and reactions. Many people find it challenging, but with practice, we can improve our emotional awareness and response to conflict."
"Understanding the role of emotions in conflict is the first step to managing them effectively. By becoming more emotionally aware, we can navigate conflicts more constructively and build healthier relationships."
Schedule a time to connect: "Want to enhance your emotional awareness and conflict management skills at work? Join our workplace training program! Learn practical strategies to identify and manage your emotions, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts constructively. Sign up today and take the first step towards a more harmonious and productive work environment."
beth@mindmovescounselling.com
Ph: 0406 539 011

30/01/2025

* Transform Conflict into Growth with Mind Moves Counselling*

When faced with conflict, do you fight, flight, freeze or fawn?
Conflict is a part of life, and our reactions to it can vary widely,
the most common responses are fight, flight, freeze or fawn.

Understanding your reactions to conflict can offer several
benefits:

1. Improved Self-Awareness: Recognizing your default response helps you understand your behaviour patterns and emotional triggers. This self-awareness is the first step towards personal growth and better emotional regulation.

2. Better Conflict Resolution: By understanding your reactions, you can choose more constructive ways to handle conflicts. This can lead to more effective communication, problem-solving, and resolution of issues.

3. Reduced Stress: Knowing how you typically respond to conflict can help you anticipate and manage stress. You can develop strategies to stay calm and composed, reducing the negative impact of conflict on your well-being.

4. Enhanced Relationships: Understanding your conflict responses can improve your interactions with others. It allows you to communicate more effectively, show empathy, and build stronger, more trusting relationships.

5. Increased Emotional Intelligence: Being aware of your reactions and learning to manage them enhances your emotional intelligence. This can help you navigate social situations more effectively and respond to others with greater empathy and understanding.

6. Personal Empowerment: Understanding your reactions gives you the power to change them. You can develop healthier coping mechanisms and take control of how you respond to challenging situations.

7. Reflecting on and understanding your conflict responses can lead to more positive outcomes in both personal and professional settings.

📢 "Want to improve how you manage conflict at work? Join our workplace training program! Learn practical strategies to manage your reactions, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts constructively. Sign up today and take the first step towards a more harmonious and productive work environment."

beth@mindmovescounselling.com

PH: 0406 539 011

www.mindmovescounselling.com

28/01/2025

Transform Conflict into Growth with Mind Moves Counselling

At Mind Moves Counselling, we believe that when managed effectively, conflict can lead to growth and stronger relationships. However, when left unaddressed, conflict in the workplace can result in toxic environments, burnout, and job dissatisfaction.

Many of us shy away from conflict, seeing it as a source of anger and hurt feelings. But with effective management, conflict can be approached from a place of listening and empathy, leading to positive outcomes. Listening to understand, rather than to reply, shows true engagement. Understanding our own emotions is integral to managing conflict effectively.

📢 Call to Action: If you're looking for training in the workplace around conflict solutions and resolutions, reach out to us today! Let’s work together to create a harmonious and productive workplace.
📞 Contact Us:
• Email: beth@mindmovescounselling.com
• Phone: 0406 539 011
• Website: www.mindmovescounselling.com