Nikki Grant Life Choices

05/11/2025

15/09/2022

Here is a good reminder.

01/04/2022

This is a great pictorial of grief.

03/02/2022

Do you have a particular life obstacle you’re trying to overcome? Sometimes, seeking help from a professional is the best way to put things into perspective

I want to help you find the tools you need to get over a particular life obstacle.

​I offer individual therapy to adults and older teens. I also offer supervision and consultation services to Psychologists and Other Mental Health Professionals.

I work in an active, 'future focused' way. I believe in giving the past the attention is deserves, but moving forward, and making a better future.

​I come from a background in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

There is currently little to no wait for appointments. I recognise that making that first call can be difficult, so if you don't feel comfortable phoning (0481480248), contact can be made via email: nikki@ngp1.com.au

30/01/2022

I hope that everyone has had a great Christmas and New Year. I am returning from a much needed break. I am pleased to be able to inform everyone that I am finally able to reopen my books to new referrals and am able to offer appointments with little to no wait time.

27/08/2021

Here is a reminder of phone numbers for anyone who needs to reach out for additional support during this difficult time.

Over the past few months, the number of mental health incidents have increased dramatically. Lockdown, including loss of work, is hard for many and more and more people are finding it difficult to cope.

The admin team here are constantly being informed of these incidents, and the number is increasing daily. We will usually not post such incidents for a number of reasons, mainly for privacy purposes, but just because you are not hearing about them, it does not mean it is not happening. Because it is, on a large scale.

Is it exhausting and sad for us to hear of so many people struggling just to get through the day, so please, we encourage you to reach out to your family or loved ones if you find yourself unable to cope.

There are many other sources where you can speak in confidence. Please do not be afraid to reach out.

You are not alone.

27/06/2021

This is an important read for anyone with teens or pre teens

Dear Mum and Dad,

Please stick with me.

I can’t think clearly right now because there is a rather substantial section of my prefrontal cortex missing. It’s a fairly important chunk, something having to do with rational thought. You see, it won’t be fully developed until I’m about 25. And from where I sit, 25 seems a long way off.

But here's what i want my parents to know..

My brain is not yet fully developed

It doesn’t matter that I’m smart; even a perfect score on my math test doesn’t insulate me from the normal developmental stages that we all go through. Judgement and intelligence are two completely distinct things.

And, the same thing that makes my brain wonderfully flexible, creative and sponge-like also makes me impulsive. Not necessarily reckless or negligent but more impulsive than I will be later in life.

Please stick with me.

So when you look at me like I have ten heads after I’ve done something “stupid” or failed to do something “smart,” you’re not really helping.

You adults respond to situations with your prefrontal cortex (rationally) but I am more inclined to respond with my amygdala (emotionally). And when you ask, “What were you thinking?” the answer is I wasn’t, at least not in the way you are. You can blame me, or you can blame mother nature, but either way, it is what it is.

At this point in my life, I get that you love me, but my friends are my everything. Please understand that. Right now I choose my friends, but, don’t be fooled, I am watching you. Carefully.

Please stick with me.
......

Here’s what you can do for me

1. Model adulting.
I see all the behaviors that you are modeling and I hear all of the words you say. I may not listen but I do hear you. I seem impervious to your advice, like I’m wearing a Kevlar vest but your actions and words are penetrating. I promise. If you keep showing me the way, I will follow even if I detour many, many times before we reach our destination.

2. Let me figure things out for myself.

If you allow me to experience the consequences of my own actions I will learn from them. Please give me a little bit of leash and let me know that I can figure things out for myself. The more I do, the more confidence and resilience I will develop.

3. Tell me about you.

I want you to tell me all the stories of the crazy things you did as a teen, and what you learned from them. Then give me the space to do the same.

4. Help me with perspective.

Keep reminding me of the big picture. I will roll my eyes at you and make all kinds of grunt-like sounds. I will let you know in no uncertain terms that you can’t possibly understand any of what I’m going through. But I’m listening. I really am. It’s hard for me to see anything beyond the weeds that I am currently mired in. Help me scan out and focus on the long view. Remind me that this moment will pass.

5. Keep me safe.

Please remind me that drugs and driving don’t mix. Keep telling me that you will bail me out of any dangerous situation, no anger, no lectures, no questions asked. But also let me know over and over and over that you are there to listen, when I need you.

6. Be kind.

I will learn kindness from you and if you are relentless in your kindness to me, someday I will imitate that behavior. Don’t ever mock me, please and don’t be cruel. Humor me-I think I know everything. You probably did as well at my age. Let it go.

7. Show interest in the things I enjoy.

Some days I will choose to share my interests with you, and it will make me feel good if you validate those interests, by at least acting interested.

One day when the haze of adolescence lifts, you will find a confident, strong, competent, kind adult where a surly teenager once stood. In the meantime, buckle in for the ride.

and.. Please stick with me.

Love,

Your Teenager
....

By Helene Wingens
https://grownandflown.com/letter-from-teen-to-parents/

27/05/2021

Here’s a great read on supporting your children through anxiety.

The temptation to lift our kiddos out of the way of anxiety can be spectacular. Here's the rub though - avoidance has a powerful way of teaching them that the only way to feel safe is to avoid. This makes sense, but it can shrink their world.

We also don't want to go the other way, and meet their anxiety by telling them there's nothing to worry about. They won't believe it anyway. The option is to ride the wave with them. Breathe, be still, and stay in the moment so they can find their way there too.

This is hard - an anxious brain will haul them into the future and try to buddy them up with plenty of 'what-ifs' - the raging fuel for anxiety. Let them know you get it, that you see them, and that you know they can do this. They won't buy it straight away, and that's okay. The brain learns from experience, so the more they are brave, the more they are brave - and we know they are brave.