Innovative Social Work Solutions

27/11/2025

✨ Honoured to Share My Work at the Maurice Blackburn National Abuse Law Conference ✨

Last week I was invited to speak at the National Abuse Law Conference, where I presented on my work as an expert in matters involving abuse in care. It was an incredible opportunity to highlight the realities faced by children and young people in care, the systemic issues that allow harm to continue, and the importance of trauma-informed, accountable practice.

Standing alongside legal professionals, advocates, and sector leaders reminded me why this work matters so deeply — every conversation, every case, and every shift in understanding helps move us closer to safer environments for those who depend on the system the most.

I’m grateful to the organisers for recognising the importance of expert voices in this space, and to everyone who is committed to improving outcomes for children in care. There is still much to do, but moments like this reaffirm why we keep pushing.

💛 Thank you to all who continue to stand for safety, dignity, and justice.



www.sonjakeller.com.au

01/02/2025

I get asked a lot about “gaslighting”
in my work and it is a term that is poorly understood. A lot of people gaslight without even knowing it, and YES, let’s not tip toe around, it’s a form of emotional abuse.

So, here’s the thing I tell clients in couples therapy:

How can we replace hurtful gaslighting words with respectful words in a way that actually helps solve the problem?

Let’s be clear.

Gaslighting is a maladaptive communication style that destroys relationships.

Don’t let that be you.

Innovative Social Work Solutions is founded by Sonja Keller, a certified counsellor, supervisor and social worker.

30/04/2024

16/02/2024

12/02/2024

🧠 Tips and Tricks for Managing ADHD 🧠

💡 Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects millions of people worldwide, impacting their ability to pay attention, stay organized, and control impulsive behaviors. If you or a loved one are dealing with ADHD, here are some helpful tips and tricks to navigate daily life:

1️⃣ Establish a Routine: Set a consistent schedule for daily tasks, such as waking up, meals, work/study times, and breaks. This can provide structure and help maintain focus throughout the day.

2️⃣ Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large tasks can be overwhelming, so break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This approach can make it easier to stay on track and complete tasks successfully.

3️⃣ Use Timers and Alarms: Set reminders and alarms to help with time management. These can serve as prompts for starting, transitioning, or finishing activities, ensuring that important tasks are not forgotten.

4️⃣ Organise Your Environment: Keep your workspace tidy and free from distractions. Utilize storage solutions, color-coded systems, and labels to maintain organization, reducing unnecessary stress.

5️⃣ Prioritise and Focus: Identify the most critical tasks and concentrate on them before moving on to less important ones. Avoid multitasking whenever possible, as it can lead to decreased productivity and increased errors.

6️⃣ Utilise Technology and Apps: Numerous apps and tools are designed

09/02/2024

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09/02/2024

🔍 Are you undiagnosed ADHD? 🔍

Have you ever wondered if you may have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)? ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects both children and adults, impairing their ability to stay focused, control impulsive behavior, and regulate attention.

If you find it challenging to pay attention, frequently lose important items, struggle with organization, or experience difficulty sitting still, it may be worth considering seeking a professional evaluation for ADHD.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial as it can lead to personalized treatment plans that may include medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Proper management can greatly improve your daily life, professional success, and overall well-being.

Remember, ADHD diagnosis should always be made by a qualified healthcare professional. If you suspect you may have ADHD, reach out to a medical expert who specializes in neurodevelopmental disorders for a proper evaluation.

Don't let undiagnosed ADHD hold you back. Take the first step towards getting the support and assistance you need to thrive.

07/02/2024

🧠💖 Neuroscience and Self-Compassion: A Powerful Combination 💖🧠

🌟 Did you know that self-compassion has a profound impact on our brain? 🌟

Research in neuroscience has revealed fascinating insights into the power of self-compassion to transform our mental well-being. When we show kindness and understanding towards ourselves, remarkable changes occur within our brains.

🧬 Firstly, self-compassion activates the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the "love hormone." Oxytocin not only promotes feelings of warmth and connection but also helps reduce stress and anxiety levels.

🌱 Secondly, self-compassion has been shown to dampen our brain's threat response. This means that when faced with challenging situations or negative self-judgment, self-compassion helps to soothe the amygdala, the brain's fear center, allowing us to experience more calmness and emotional balance.

🔄 Thirdly, practicing self-compassion can rewire our brains by strengthening neural pathways associated with empathy, understanding, and self-acceptance. This rewiring enhances our ability to respond to challenging emotions and difficulties with kindness, resilience, and self-care.

So, how can we cultivate self-compassion in our lives?

🌸 Start by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a close friend in times of struggle or disappointment.

🌸 Practice mindfulness to observe your thoughts and emotions.

06/02/2024

🌟 The Importance of Self-Compassion 🌟

🌱 Hey everyone! Today let's talk about the extraordinary power of self-compassion and why it is so essential. 🌱

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the expectations and pressures placed upon us by society and ourselves. We often find ourselves berating, criticizing, and being overly self-critical when we make mistakes or face challenges.

But here's the thing: self-compassion is not just a luxury, it's a necessity for our mental and emotional well-being.

💕 Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same kindness, understanding, and acceptance we would show to a dear friend or loved one. It means acknowledging our struggles and imperfections, without judgment or blame.

So why is self-compassion so important?

✨ Self-compassion cultivates resilience: By acknowledging our mistakes and setbacks with self-compassion, we can bounce back more quickly and learn from our experiences. It allows us to embrace failure as an opportunity for growth.

✨ Self-compassion nurtures mental health: When we treat ourselves with compassion, we reduce self-criticism and increase self-acceptance. This leads to lower levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, and promotes overall well-being.

✨ Self-compassion strengthens relationships: By practicing self-compassion, we become more understanding and supportive towards others, fostering healthier and more