Hope and Resilience Counselling

07/11/2025

07/11/2025

You have heard it said that dogs are a man's best friend. In my counselling when people are stressed, I tell them to take their dog for a walk, and if they don't own a dog, think about buying one. Dogs know when we are down and they will sidle up to us, looking at us with loving eyes. When everything in life hits the fan, dogs are there for us.

But what about cats? We have heard another saying "Dogs have masters but cats have servants. Nobody really wants to be anyone's servant. Cats can be loving too. They can cuddle up to you and sit on your lap, keeping you warm on cold nights, or my case when cat sitting recently, sit on your head when you're on the couch.

Here is an interesting article: Can you speak Cat?

Cats are excellent at communicating, but humans still routinely misunderstand them.

🐱Take our cat quiz: https://theconversation.com/do-you-speak-cat-take-this-quiz-to-find-out-268217

07/11/2025

🌟 Understanding relationships is key to fostering healthy connections! Check out Gottman’s Four Horsemen: criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Recognizing these patterns is the first step towards positive change. Let’s work on replacing them with non-judgemental and non-critical communication, love and compassion! 💖

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30/10/2025

🌟 Exciting news! 🌟 I’ve just launched a new website for Hope and Resilience Counselling! 🎉✨ Check out the fresh look and discover the unique services I offer to support you on your journey toward healing and growth. Your path to well-being starts here! 🌈💛 Visit now and let’s embark on this journey together!

👉 www.hopeandresilience.com.au

Hope & Resilience Counselling in Wagga Wagga, NSW, offers compassionate trauma and general counselling. Call now on 0423 385 761 for support.

20/10/2025

In a world where relationships can often feel challenging to navigate, the Sound Relationship House model developed by John and Julia Gottman offers invaluable insights for building strong, lasting connections. At Hope and Resilience Counselling, the focus is on fostering an environment where individuals and couples can thrive in their relationships.

This model emphasizes key components such as building love maps, fostering shared meaning, and managing conflict in a healthy way. Each element serves as a blueprint that can help unlock deeper understanding and intimacy, encouraging partners to act with kindness and empathy even during difficult times. By integrating these principles into counseling sessions, clients are guided toward creating a resilient foundation that not only survives challenges but flourishes in the face of them.

John Dodwell’s dedicated approach ensures that every session is tailored to meet the unique needs of those seeking guidance, providing a supportive space to cultivate hope and resilience. Whether learning to communicate effectively or rediscovering shared dreams, clients can expect to embark on a transformative journey toward deeper connection.

Taking the first step towards a healthier relationship is within reach. Explore the Sound Relationship House model and experience the profound impact it can have on your relationship.

20/10/2025

New research reveals that autism is not a singular disorder, highlighting the need for personalized support and understanding. Each individual's journey is unique, and this insight can empower families and the community to embrace diverse experiences. Let's foster a more inclusive world together.

Autism diagnosed early differs genetically and developmentally from autism identified later, challenging the theory that it is a single, uniform condition.

14/10/2025

Understanding the amygdala hijack is crucial for navigating stress. This term refers to a situation where intense emotional responses can flood our system, making it challenging to think clearly and respond effectively. It's essential to recognize when this happens and take steps to regain control.

Strategies such as mindful breathing, grounding techniques, and reframing your thoughts can help to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm. In my practice at Hope and Resilience Counselling, I support individuals in developing these tools to manage their emotions better and to cultivate resilience. Together, we can transform moments of stress into opportunities for growth and healing. Remember, it’s not about avoiding stress entirely but finding ways to respond with clarity and strength.

08/10/2025

Bullying is not a harmless childhood rite of passage; it has deep and lasting effects on both young minds and adults in the workplace. At Hope and Resilience Counselling, it's crucial to shine a light on this issue that too often goes unaddressed. Whether it happens on the playground or in the office, bullying can lead to anxiety, depression, and a diminished sense of self-worth. It can affect academic and professional performance, relationships, and overall mental health.

There is hope. Building resilience within individuals can mitigate the impact of bullying and lead to healing. Open conversations about experiences and feelings create an environment where everyone can feel safe, respected, and supported. Encourage awareness, foster kindness, and disrupt the cycle of bullying in your community.

My commitment is to be a resource for those seeking guidance on how to navigate these challenging experiences, offering a safe space to discuss, understand, and heal. Remember, every individual deserves respect, understanding, and the right to thrive without fear of bullying.

Let’s stand together to promote kindness and build resilience. Together, we can create environments where bullying is not tolerated and everyone feels empowered.

06/10/2025

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but understanding how it affects the body and mind can be transformative. The brain's amygdala, often referred to as the emotional control center, can sometimes react impulsively during threatening situations, leading to what is known as an amygdala hijack. This phenomenon causes individuals to respond to stress with a flight, fight, or freeze instinct.

In times of heightened stress, it is vital to recognize these reactions and understand that they are natural, evolutionary responses designed to keep us safe. However, when the amygdala takes over, rational thinking may be compromised, resulting in decisions that aren't always in one's best interest.

At Hope and Resilience Counselling, John emphasizes the importance of developing tools and techniques to manage stress effectively. By harnessing the power of hope and building resilience, individuals can regain control over their responses and navigate life's challenges more effectively. The journey towards emotional well-being begins with understanding and adapting one's responses to stress, a pivotal step in promoting a healthier, more balanced life.

Let's take steps together towards resilience and hope.

06/10/2025

Life often tests our limits through pain, suffering, and grief. These experiences can feel overwhelming, and it’s common to find ourselves questioning our strength. However, it is in the depths of these struggles that resilience is born. Through understanding and embracing these emotions, there is an opportunity for healing and growth. Each step taken toward acknowledging pain can lead to a brighter path ahead. Remember, it's not about avoiding the hurt—it's about finding the tools to navigate through it.

At Hope and Resilience Counselling, I believe that every journey toward healing is unique. Sharing your story is a powerful act, and seeking support can be a pivotal moment in your life. You are not alone in your experiences, and reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Together, we can explore the pathways to reclaiming joy and peace, even in the toughest of times.

04/10/2025

Anxiety can manifest in many ways, often presenting itself through physical symptoms that can feel overwhelming. For individuals navigating these challenges, it’s important to recognize that you are not alone in this journey. As John Dodwell from Hope and Resilience Counselling emphasizes, understanding the connection between your mind and body is a powerful step toward healing.

Many people may experience a racing heart, shortness of breath, or even a sense of impending doom when anxiety strikes. These physical reactions can be alarming, but they are common. Just as your body responds to stress, there are ways to retrain your responses, foster resilience, and build a toolkit of coping strategies.

Creating a supportive environment can make a significant difference. Practicing mindfulness, engaging in regular physical activity, and developing strong support networks are just a few practices that can help ease anxiety symptoms over time. Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength, and support is available. Take those first steps toward a life of empowerment and resilience.

Your mental health journey is unique, and each small step counts towards overcoming anxiety. Keep pushing forward; your strength resides in taking those steps every day.

02/10/2025

Anger is a powerful and often overwhelming emotion that many experience at some point in their lives. It can be a response to pain, frustration, or feelings of helplessness. Understanding and overcoming anger is both a journey and an opportunity for personal growth.

At Hope and Resilience Counselling, the focus is on recognizing what triggers these feelings and finding ways to constructively channel them. It’s essential to approach this process with empathy towards oneself. Anger is not the enemy; rather, it's an emotion that signals a deeper need for communication, understanding, or change. Embracing this perspective can transform anger from a destructive force into a stepping stone towards greater self-awareness and inner peace.

Taking time to process these feelings, practicing mindfulness, and reaching for healthier coping mechanisms are all part of the healing journey. Whether through seeking support, engaging in physical activity, or practicing deep breathing techniques, there are countless paths to finding serenity amidst anger.

Every step taken is a testament to resilience, showcasing the strength found in vulnerability. Remember, healing is not linear, and it’s okay to stumble along the way. Those moments of challenge serve as opportunities to emerge stronger and more compassionate.

Reach out when support is needed; hope and resilience lie within, waiting to be harnessed. Together, the journey towards tranquility can begin.