A Smiling Day Counselling

20/04/2026

My friend Ivy with her degree paper "Master's of Counselling". In my messy living room, without any dress up or ceremony.

She said she has gained enough through the journey, so there's no point bragging about it. Plus she didn't think anyone would care.

Now hear me out, you don't choose this profession to make money, there's plenty of other much much easier ways to do that. This is a narrow path, forcing you to face yourself, your hurt, flaws and failures, then discover your strength and hope by tuning in, not zoning out. You need to be brave enough to choose emotional healing yourself, and faithful enough to endure all that comes with it.

What does it take for her to obtain a Master's degree of Counselling, committed to be a person-cenred humanistic counsellor, and become a Level 4 registered member of Australian Counselling Association?

• Over 150 hours of professional supervision;
• Over 1500 hours of client contact hours;
• Over 10 years of formal education with theoretical essays, roleplays, case studies, live session recordings and evaluations.
• Studied theories, modalities, researches over the past 100 years.
• Mandatory ungoing professional development to sharpen skills with current research, evidence and practices.

And what makes a good counsellor and therapist? I say she definitely is one:

• Active ongoing reflection of her own life, working on her own trauma and triggers to prevent projection and countertransference towards her clients;
• Learning to give, nurture, practice unconditional love and acceptance, while setting boundaries and making assertive and sometimes tough decisions.
• Grief, self-doubt, forgiveness, compassion, persistence and faith. Even more, spiritual surrender and be in awe. Go through them, there's no way around.
• All these while actively trying to be a good wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, friend and running a small business.

The connection and healing we experience with another human who's walked a human journey with the same limbic system to you, is not something artificial intelligence can ever replace. Because that's how we are designed to function and thrive. That's precisely why our Creator even came to us in a human form.

As for me, Ivy is one of a kind. A rare friend who is capable of holding space for me. Never quick to judge or to give advice, always present with loving acceptance and listening ears. Strong enough to not shy away from vulnerabilities, yet humble enough to always pursue personal and professional growth. A woman of faith and a role model to many. The depths of our conversations and her faith is not what a mere post like this can measure.

01/04/2026

Dear Aussie friends, if you need somewhere to turn to in regards to mental concerns beyond the existing system, your network or financial capacity, please do check out this new Free Government Service open to the general public. Evidence based practices. No referrals needed.

There's always hope, we just need to start Somewhere! My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Medicare Mental Health Check In is a new digital service designed to support your mental wellbeing. Get started today with free access to programs that use a safe, evidence-based approach to help you manage early mental health symptoms.

07/03/2026

Anxiety has a seat on my table, for it has every valid reason to be there, intending to protect me by preparing for the worst. I thanked the diligent signals my body gave me, knowing I've got the energy to act when it's needed. Then I ask Anxiety to sit on my table, watching me lead it and all other emotions, with calm, curiosity, compassion, connection and the hope rooted far beyond myself. They followed me, being present, live and act with our best hope. Hope that we are designed to flourish.

26/02/2026

May you connect with people who see the best in you, and bring the best out of you.

29/01/2026

I highly recommend this book to any parents with children of any age. Parenting not only requires love, but also skills.

23/12/2025

Many would say this has become a complicated season with triggers and overwhelm. My heart goes out to you if you feel this way.

Return to the original Christmas. The story is of the most humble beginning, inviting us to rest, trust and have hope.

We don't need to do more. Doing more does not give us peace and purpose.

Where do you find rest for your soul?
Where and who do you turn to that's bigger than yourself?

03/12/2025

If your anxiety and fear are getting louder in the holiday season, precisely the time you want to experience joy and peace, you are not alone.

Festive times we try to quiet down the negative emotions, or lock them away for good.

But they won't give up, because they have a purpose to serve. They need you to spend some non-judgemental quiet time with them, and listen to what they have to say.

Joy and sadness can exist at the same time. In fact, they are the two sides of the same coin in this broken world. If you shut down one, neither are you able to experience the other. But you can hold them both together, and cherish their richness that makes us feel alive.

11/11/2025

Our bodies are one of the greatest gifts we've been given in this life.

It's always telling us something: danger or safety, our emotions, our wellness, our triggers...

Learn and harness the signals. Work with them. They are our guides, pointing us towards a way.

They are one of our richest resources. We just need to learn to listen in.

30/10/2025

30/10/2025

Even when you feel alone, you never are. May you remember again and again, all the love, wisdom and connection you've received from others, from previous generations, through community, arts and stories. Carry them with you wherever you go.

19/01/2025

Sadness came to tea last night
as she’s often done before
but I didn’t let her in this time
I stopped her at the door

“I’m off to meet with friends”, I said
“your timing isn’t right
I can’t allow your atmosphere
it’s not the place tonight”

but sadness wouldn’t take the hint
her manners lack finesse
her pace was slow and heavy
yet she kept up nonetheless

and even when I took my place
amongst my laughing friends
she squeezed herself right in-between
her boldness never ends

and I was sure my friends would see
this spectre at the feast
and somehow think me lesser
for inviting such a beast

but no, their warmth was undeterred
as if nothing was new
I think perhaps they know by now
I sometimes come as two

and even sadness seemed to glow
a lighter shade of grey
to know that she’s accepted
seemed to lighten up her day

so let your sad accompany you
don’t think her hard to bear
no need to face her all alone
just pull an extra chair.

-- Donna Ashworth
"Sadness comes"