Headway Health - Clinical and Consulting Psychology Services

12/11/2025

MBCAction is gaining momentum in it’s many endeavours and has launched the Young Women's Online Support Group together with SoBrave, an Australia wide online group for young women with metastatic breast cancer. Younger women face unique challenges (eg navigating fertility or treatment-induced menopause, managing careers, financial pressures, and young families while undergoing treatment) - and are often more isolated due to their younger age - so this group helps with connection. For more information contact Ros McAuley at rosmcauley@mbcaction.org.au or see:

A voice for metastatic breast cancer Metastatic breast cancer What is metastatic breast cancer? Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread beyond the primary site in the breast or local lymph nodes to more distant sites in the body. The most common places that breast cancer spreads to are th...

04/11/2025

28/10/2025

Have you heard of POTS?

POTS cases have been on the rise since the Covid pandemic. The Australian POTS Foundation describes POTS as a “… complex and often misunderstood condition that affects the autonomic nervous system—the system responsible for regulating essential functions like heart rate, breathing, and digestion. When this system doesn’t work as it should, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms that may appear unrelated, making diagnosis challenging”.

We are sharing some updated statistics in the image below sourced from the Australian POTS Foundation (Home Page - Australian POTS Foundation » Australian POTS Foundation Oct 2025) on the impact of POTS in Australia.

POTS can have a debilitating impact on people’s lives, and a team approach to support patients is vital. Learn more about how psychologists can form part of the support team here: POTS Psychology Clinic in Sydney: https://headwayhealth.com.au/pots/

20/10/2025

It’s EB awareness week – and if you haven’t heard of Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) or to find out more or how you can help support those affected by this debilitating condition, see DEBRA Australia | Working for a life free from pain

DEBRA are hosting their first Walk for Wings event on Sunday 26th October in Hobart, with Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane events taking part soon after, and many people taking part this year virtually – from Townsville, Perth, South Australia and more!

If you haven't signed up yet, it's not too late to join in! Register now for Walk for Wings and help us raise vital funds and awareness for Australians living with If you can't make it to any of the park events, then you can register to complete the walk in your own time during EB Awareness Week – wherever suits.

https://www.debra.org.au/walk-for-wings/?utm_source=edm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=walkforwings25&utm_term=edm3

14/10/2025

We are all hearing more about POTS … and we know Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is tough. For anyone who hasn’t heard of POTS, POTS is a complex and typically chronic condition which affects the various functions of the autonomic nervous system leading to a broad range of symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, nausea, and dizziness which can make day to day life challenging.

Various lifestyle and medical treatments can be used to manage POTS, however symptoms can be debilitating and unpredictable. It’s common for people to feel isolated with the condition and say things like: “I get why its called an ‘invisible illness’ – others don’t get it as I look fine. I just don’t know how I’m going to be one day to the next”.

One piece of the puzzle is finding yourself a supportive healthcare team to help you navigate your journey.

At The POTS Psychology Clinic, we provide personalised psychological strategies to help you feel more supported living with POTS and regain a sense of control over your wellbeing. We offer a range of evidence-based psychological interventions personalised to your individual needs to help with the range of concerns that may accompany POTS.

We can work together on strategies to assist with:

Coping with the emotional “fallout” of living with POTS (such as low mood, uncertainty, grief and health-related anxiety)
Nervous system regulation to support healthier autonomic functioning
Rebuilding your independence and confidence to engage in daily life
How to use exercise and lifestyle modifications most effectively
Communicating your needs with your support system and treating teams
Managing other health conditions such as chronic pain, fatigue, and gut issues.

We also work with families and loved ones to manage their concerns and learn more about how they can assist the person living with POTS to manage your own wellbeing.

Clinical Psychologist, Avnee Lagad, leads a team of psychologists at The POTS Psychology Clinic who understand the challenges of navigating life around POTS. They can work closely with you and your GP, specialists, and multidisciplinary team to provide holistic personalised care that supports you.

We can meet you via telehealth wherever you live in Australia, or in person at our North Sydney or Frenchs Forest rooms. We are professional, warm, compassionate and focused on listening to your needs. To learn more, or to book in an appointme, please contact us on (02) 9453 3027 or email info@headwayhealth.com.au.

https://headwayhealth.com.au/pots/

For more information on POTS and the diagnostic process, please visit the Australian POTS Foundation, and speak to your GP or specialist team about the best care available for you.

09/10/2025

To recognise World Mental Health Day on 10th October, the Australian Psychological Society has developed a number of new resources for the community. We’re including the link to a short 5 minute video for stress as it’s something we can all try, whether we are new to practicing relaxation, or just want to take a pause: 5 minute guided mindfulness for stress
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Fxk8SUT1KA&t=4s

he APS is a starting point for information on a wide range of common concerns, from ADHD, learning disorder, self image in girls, gambling, to loneliness and dementia, so explore here:

Resources for psychologists to share on World Mental Health Day | APS

Take five minutes to reconnect with your mind and body in this guided mindfulness exercise, designed by APS psychologists to help you understand and work thr...

07/10/2025

Sharing information about ourselves or someone we love needing treatment is never a conversation we want to have. It can feel like one of the hardest parts of navigating cancer. All of us have children in our lives, whether they are our own, our grandchildren, or children in our community, and, even when they’re grown up, they’re still our children—and we may feel a deep instinct to protect them.

As each of our situations is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and there may never feel like a “right” time. While there’s no clear prescription for conversations, most agree that trust and sharing information at an appropriate to the person is important. Without enough information, people may fill in the blanks themselves - through guesswork, schoolyard talk, or even Dr Google.

There are however resources and health professionals who can support you: the guide: Talking to kids about cancer | Cancer Council helps you think about ‘what information, when, who and how’ relative to the age of children and young adults; and Canteen (see Support Services for Parents Impacted by Cancer | Canteen Australia) can talk with parents as well as young adults .

Sometimes, speaking with someone outside the family can help you clarify your thoughts and plan. As psychologists we can work with you on strategies and your confidence in learning and listening to find out what your loved ones need to know. We can help you work out what feels right for you and the people in your life to pave a way forward. Please reach out—our team is here to support you and your loved ones.

30/09/2025

Many people navigating cancer treatment find that managing conversations with others can be tricky. While many people appreciate family, friends or wider social contacts asking how they’re going, some questions may not always be welcome—especially if you're trying to take your mind off your health. Sometimes, questions can feel intrusive or come with unsolicited advice, or carers can feel they get the brunt of questions.

Over time, people often say that navigating social situations get easier with practice—whether through having a few standard responses ready, using humour, or simply learning who to avoid! We've heard a range of strategies over the years that others have tried, and you might find some that resonate with you or wish to add to your own repertoire. It’s completely okay to decide how much you want to share and to prioritise your emotional well-being. Planning ahead and setting boundaries can be helpful - politely but clearly set boundaries around what you're comfortable discussing, and repeat your same response if the questions persist. You might rehearse responses like: “Thanks for asking—it's lovely to have a break from it and just enjoy being here tonight”, or “I'm having a good day, thanks. How are you? It’s been a while since we caught up.” These can help redirect the conversation, and you might also ask a support person to step in if needed. Others have said they plan where they may sit, give themselves permission to leave early, or even take a quick break—like a dash to the bathroom—as a circuit breaker.

Peer support groups can be a great way to learn from others who’ve walked a similar path. To find out what’s available near you, visit Cancer Council NSW - Cancer Information and Support or call the NSW Cancer Council Helpline on 13 14 20 as they maintain a directory of groups across different regions, telehealth options, and run the CancerConnect program to link you with someone who has had similar experiences.

Psychologists Avnee, Peter, and Emily (pictured) work with HeadwayHealth at the Centre for Wellbeing, and can help you brainstorm responses and approaches to the unique situations you may face in addition to a range of common concerns that may arise for those managing cancer treatments and their adjustment. You may also wish to ask if your cancer treatment centre offers opportunities for connection, for example, the Centre for Wellbing at the Mater Hospital North Sydney provides programs to help patients connect with others (see: Centre for Wellbeing | Cancer Care | Mater Hospital Sydney).

23/09/2025

HeadwayHealth has been privileged to work with DEBRA to care for families affected by Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) for more than 7 years.

Please take a look the upcoming Walk for Wings event Walk For Wings - DEBRA Australia to see if you can help: https://www.debra.org.au/walk-for-wings/?utm_source=edm&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=walkforwings25&utm_term=edm1

18/09/2025

It’s been a number of years since the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia (COSA) released its position statement on the importance of exercise for those undergoing cancer treatment (cosa-position-statement-exercise-in-cancer-care-dec2020-final-min.pdf). Health professionals are encouraged to discuss exercise with those undergoing treatment and to connect them with experts such as exercise physiologists or physiotherapists. The goal? To make exercise a routine part of cancer care as we know that exercise supports both our physical and emotional well-being, helps manage fatigue, and reduces treatment side effects. Yet ironically, those same challenges—fatigue and side effects—can make it incredibly difficult to get moving, especially if we weren’t previously in the habit of exercising. It’s completely normal to feel like exercise is the last thing you want to do during treatment. You’re not alone.

So what can help?

Start by identifying resources and supports are available to you, and the barriers you’re facing. The Cancer Council NSW’s guide Exercise for People Living with Cancer, is a great place to start. Get expert advice from exercise physiology or physiotherapy services that specialise in supporting people with acute or chronic health conditions - your care team may already work with professionals they can refer you to. If you feel cost is a barrier, speak to your GP about whether you’re eligible for a Chronic Disease Management Plan (CDMP), which provides access to up to 5 subsidised visits per year to allied health services such as physiotherapy, exercise physiology, dietetics, and more.

Make it achievable and enjoyable. A realistic plan to increase movement should be something you enjoy and can build gradually—alongside rest, good nutrition, hydration, and regular medical check-ins. Exercising outdoors, joining others, or turning it into a social activity can help you stay motivated. Or keep it simple: if a friend asks how they can support you, suggest a short walk together instead of another coffee catch-up; most smartphones can track your steps which can be a helpful way to monitor progress and help set realistic goals.

It may take time to find strategies that work for you, and that’s okay. Please don’t use guilt as a motivator. If something isn’t working, talk to your team, re-think, experiment, and try again. Something is always better than nothing. Most importantly, notice your achievements, be kind to yourself, and celebrate every win—no matter how small.