Associated Psychology Practice, Penrith & Katoomba

17/12/2025

Finishing up letters & reports prior to our Christmas closure is so much nicer when I have the lovely Tilly resting peacefully on my shoulder. It also stops me from getting distracted because I am nap trapped. Although I am starting to get hungry so might have to gently relocate her soon.

17/12/2025

Feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your thoughts? 🌀 Perhaps as we are getting closer to Christmas and there is still so much to do!
Grounding strategies are simple, evidence-based techniques that help shift attention from distressing thoughts back to your body and the present moment. They don’t avoid emotions—they help them move through your body, restoring calm, control, and safety. 🌿
Try this quick mental exercise to ground yourself:
• Count back from 10
• Count back from 20
• Count back from 52 by 4
• Count back from 105 by 7
• Count back from 204 by 12
Repeat for 2 minutes and notice the shift. 🧠✨

16/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GWAjgVFa6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and friends of those who lost their lives in the horrific tragedy in Bondi last night, and our hearts go out to Jewish communities around the country. We strongly condemn this display of hatred, violence and anti-Semitism and we stand in solidarity with this community, who are once again carrying the weight of grief, fear and intergenerational trauma in the aftermath of this violence.

Our thoughts are with all those directly impacted, and we wish a full recovery to those injured. We also express our sincere gratitude to the first responders and community members who bravely attended the incident.

We recognise that the mental health impacts of this tragedy will be far-reaching, affecting not only those directly involved but also children, families, practitioners, first responders and the broader community. At a time of heightened collective unease and distress, connecting with loved ones and supporting one another is more important than ever.

For anyone struggling in the wake of this event, support is available. We encourage people to reach out for help, prioritise care for one another, and consider limiting exposure to distressing media coverage. A list of national crisis support services is available on the AAPi website, as well as advice for supporting children: https://ow.ly/75Ib50XJmxP

16/12/2025

Isabelle – Mental Health Accredited Social Worker
Meet Isabelle Peters, supporting teens and adults with identity, belonging, emotional wellbeing and life transitions using CBT, ACT and mindfulness.
Available Wed & Fri in Katoomba and online.
📞 (02) 4722 3137

10/12/2025

Connect With Your Value
Working towards goals can motivate us and feel rewarding, but when we cannot achieve our goal, and the outcomes are beyond our control, we are left feeling disappointed or hopeless. Focusing on our values offers a different approach.

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Russ Harris calls values “our heart’s deepest desires” – guiding how we want to live. Living by our values creates freedom and choice, helping us respond rather than react, and act in ways that are truly aligned with what matters most to us.

Values are like a compass – they point the direction, but there’s no “finish line.” Small, consistent actions in line with your values is what creates a meaningful life.

Try The Life Compass Exercise –
1. Think about what matters most – Ask yourself:
“What kind of person do I want to be?”
“What really matters to me in my relationships, work, or personal growth?”
2. Then Link these Values to Action - How can I live in my values today? For example, if you value kindness, how can you show someone kindness today?

If you think Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) could help you, book in with our clinician Isabelle Peters who provides ACT Intervention at AAP in Katoomba. Call (02) 4722 3137 or email info@associatedpsychologypractice.com to book in.
&CommitmentTherapy

09/12/2025

Nila – Mental Health Accredited Social Worker
Introducing Nila Abbasayn, supporting individuals (12+) and families with trauma, relationships and emotional wellbeing using CBT, ACT and Motivational Interviewing.
Available Mon & Tue in Kingswood and via telehealth.
📞 (02) 4722 3137

04/12/2025

Pets have a positive impact on your mental health and well-being. Not hard to tell which type of pet our team members favour!

03/12/2025

🎄 As Christmas is approaching, take a moment to focus on the little things that bring joy! ✨

Start a Gratitude Advent:
📝 Write one thing you’re grateful for each day on a sticky note and display it on a wall.
🍽️ Share your daily gratitude at dinner with family.
📖 Jot notes in a jar and read out on Christmas
✍️ Write it down in your personal notebook to look back on later.

A few minutes each day can boost your mood, bring your family closer, and set a warm tone for the Christmas season ahead 🌟

02/12/2025

Emily – Psychologist
Meet Emily Liddle, a warm psychologist supporting adults and teens with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges and life transitions using CBT, ACT and DBT-informed approaches.
Emily is available in Kingswood Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri and via telehealth.
📞 (02) 4722 3137

30/11/2025

We had a fun time at glow bowling for our end of year get together. It was great to chat and have a laugh outside of the practice.

27/11/2025

🎄 Feeling Stressed This Holiday Season? We Can Help.

The end of the year can be tough—school transitions, grief, family stress, or just feeling isolated can make the holidays overwhelming.

Our Psychologists and Mental Health Accredited Social Workers have appointments available before our Christmas closure (20th Dec) for both new and existing clients. We offer support for:

Anxiety & low mood

Grief & life transitions

Family stress & adjustment difficulties

Clinicians with availability:

Isabelle Peters (MHASW) – Katoomba, Wed & Fri | Adolescents 12+ & Adults

Jeskara Gordon (Psychologist) – Katoomba, Mon & Wed | Adolescents 14+, Adults & Couples

Nila Abbasyan (MHASW) – Kingswood, Mon & Tue | Adolescents 12+, Adults & Families

Brigitte Pride (Psychologist) – Kingswood, Wed & Fri | Adolescents 12+ & Adults

Sessions in-person or via telehealth. Medicare rebates available where applicable.

Don’t wait—book now to get support before Christmas by calling 4722-3137.

26/11/2025

🎶 “I like to move it, move it!” 🎶

Our minds and bodies love movement—any kind of movement! 🏃‍♂️💃🤸‍♀️

Run, swim, dance, jump, hop, skip, sway, stretch… just get moving today and feel the difference! 💪✨