Wellbeingsupportspace

25/10/2025

Currently working towards my Accredited Mental Health Social Work application- let’s say, its a process! But once it is done, I will be able to offer options via medicare! Exciting times. This is such a great post about the difference between AMHSW and Psychologist!

The biggest differences between the two aren't in therapy, it's more the focus in their early training - psychologists (generally) have more training in research and statistics, whereas social workers (generally) have more training in how people and systems interact - but BOTH psychologists and Accredited Mental Health Social Workers get training and experience in therapy and BOTH of us engage in evidence-based practice and we all learn about all of those things. Accredited Mental Health Social Workers complete additional training and sit an exam to be registered, they are able to provide services under the Medicare Better Access scheme. They have additional training in using focus psychological strategies like CBT, ACT & EMDR

All clinicians at The Therapy Hub are registered with the relevant registration body for their profession, which requires they undertake ongoing professional development and access regular clinical supervision (meeting with a clinician who has additional qualifications in supporting, mentoring, and overseeing their practice).

After their initial training, both will pursue certain specialisations, and all our clinicians at The Therapy Hub have undertaken and continue to engage in ongoing training/development in talk therapy.

24/10/2025

🌻 National Hidden Disability Week 🌻

Not all disabilities are visible and that’s why this week matters.

Around 80 to 85 percent of people with a disability have one that isn’t immediately apparent.

For many autistic people, differences like sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or communication challenges aren’t always seen, but they’re deeply felt.

💜 Through our Autism Friendly Charter, Autism SA helps businesses and communities build spaces that are welcoming, understanding, and accessible for everyone.

Let’s take the time to listen, believe, and make every space more supportive, whether a disability is visible or hidden.

👉 Learn more about Autism Friendly Charter and sign up here: https://autismfriendlycharter.org.au/

23/10/2025

Some days it feels like I’ve been advocating for my child since before they were even born. Every meeting, every email, every conversation — trying to make sense of what’s happening and how best to support them.

It’s exhausting when you feel like you’re constantly fighting to be heard. When new people come along, look at your child for a moment, and tell you again that something isn’t quite right — as if you haven’t been living and breathing it for years.

We don’t want there to be something wrong. We just want understanding, consistency, and to feel like we’re on the same team — home and school, together.

Parents aren’t perfect. We’re tired, we’re trying, and we carry a lot behind the scenes. Sometimes what we need most isn’t advice or judgment — it’s compassion, collaboration, and a reminder that we’re doing our best. 💛

22/10/2025

🙌🌻 Now Taking new referrals

At Wellbeing Support Space, founder Cate brings nearly 20 years of experience in human services to her compassionate, client-centred private practice.

As an Accredited Social Worker with the AASW, Cate offers a broad range of services tailored to support individuals, families, professionals, and organisations across various life domains, including:

✔️ Capacity building and practical support
✔️ Individual counselling
✔️ Professional supervision
✔️ Training and consultation for teams
✔️ Support through Employment Assistance Programs (EAPs)

Cate works from South Connect Health Hub on Wednesdays.

To find out more or to book an appointment, contact Cate on:
0437 182 282 or cate@wellbeingsupportspace.com.au

19/10/2025

For me, this morning felt different. I actually bounced out of bed and made it to my government job early (for once). Things just flowed. I think it’s because I’ve been putting more effort into looking after myself lately, not just mentally but physically too.

I caught up with friends, did Parkrun, went for beachside walks, and finally stopped procrastinating on some business admin in preparation for my tax appointment this week.

It reminded me how much the little things really matter.

And here’s why. I started noticing my early warning signs creeping in:
• Feeling grumpy
• Getting teary
• Not sleeping well
• Being less patient with my kids (and my partner haha)
• Wanting to be alone

A great DBT skill for moments like this is STOP – Stop, Take a step back, Observe, and Proceed mindfully.
Another one I find helpful is PLEASE, which reminds us to take care of our Physical health, balance Eating, avoid mood-Altering substances, get enough Sleep, and Exercise.

Sometimes it’s the small, consistent things that make the biggest difference.

How can you start a conversation about mental health at your work today?

18/10/2025

This is such a helpful way of understanding the window of tolerance!

The Window of Tolerance.
Credit : Lindsay Brahman.

We always stand a much better chance of staying on course if they pay close attention to our nervous system.

This is especially true for those with a history of trauma.

Learning about fight, flight, fawn, and freeze can be helpful, but learning how these responses manifest in our bodies is where the magic really starts.

When we understand how fight, flight, freeze, or fawn show up for us, we can develop an internal template to refer back to in moments where we are feeling a lot of (or beginning to shut down and feeling no emotion at all) that alerts us when it’s time take steps to soothe our and return to our window of tolerance.

No one has an innate ability to pause during a conflict and reflect “Gosh, I think I might be moving into a freeze response.”

Instead, this realization tends to be something we recognize as we reflect on an experience later.

Growing the capacity to check in with ourselves and notice, in the moment, when we are slipping into a response is one key to learning how to self-soothe, expand our , grow emotionally, and build .

That’s where my new comes in: it’s a tool specifically for helping us recognize when we are moving out of our window of tolerance (where we can listen, learn, and respond thoughtfully) and into a reaction state.

Like the Emotion Sensation Wheel, the Fight, Flight, & Freeze Embodied Wheel is a tool to prompt conversations and build awareness by showing how each of these responses *tends* to show up through physical sensations.

It's not prescriptive- it's a conversation starter. It's meant to teach, to stir, and to prompt conversations that build awareness, connection, and experience through awareness.

Download a digital copy of this art via Lindsay Brahman's website

18/10/2025

🌳🍎 Food insecurity is real — but so is community.

Since moving into our new home, we’ve discovered more than 20 varieties of fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables growing right here in our backyard. It’s been such a reminder of how abundant nature can be — and how much often goes to waste when we can’t use it all.

Recently, someone shared with me an incredible local initiative called Fruit Share Adelaide — a volunteer-run organisation rescuing surplus fruit and produce from backyards across Adelaide and redistributing it to people experiencing food insecurity.

They coordinate volunteers to harvest, sort and share fruit that would otherwise go to waste, partnering with over 70 food relief organisations. To date, they’ve rescued more than 30,000 kilograms of fresh produce — an amazing grassroots example of community, connection and care in action.

For anyone with a fruit tree, veggie garden or simply a passion for reducing waste — I’d encourage you to check them out. It’s such a simple way to make a meaningful impact.

🍊 Grow. Share. Connect.
Because when we share what we have, everyone thrives.

17/10/2025

This morning at Parkrun, I was reminded once again of the simple but powerful ways community, connection, and movement can transform our mental health.

Having kids often changes how (and when!) we move our bodies. Sleep becomes fragmented, weekends are full, and self-care can easily slip down the list. But what I love about Parkrun is that it’s inclusive. Whether you walk with a pram, jog alongside a friend, or run your personal best — everyone is welcome.

There’s something incredibly grounding about starting the weekend surrounded by people, outdoors, moving together. For parents, this can be more than just exercise — it’s a chance to:
✨ Reconnect with yourself outside of the “parent” role
✨ Role model healthy habits for your kids
✨ Reduce stress, improve mood, and boost mental clarity
✨ Build a sense of belonging (even if you only manage a walk and a coffee!)

Community connection is one of the most protective factors for mental health. Regular exercise, even gentle movement, releases endorphins and can lower anxiety and depression. But it’s the social connection that often keeps us coming back — the smiles, the shared encouragement, the familiar faces week after week.

For me, Parkrun isn’t about speed. It’s about showing up — for myself, for my kids, and for my wellbeing.

parkrun Australia

16/10/2025

A huge achievement by collective efforts particularly those of the AASW NDIS working group!

Social work included in new NDIS Therapy Supports Guidelines

The new NDIS Therapy Supports Guidelines have been published and are available here →📖 https://bit.ly/4onR6uW

This is a significant milestone in acknowledging the role of social workers in supporting people with disability. The AASW has consistently advocated for this addition by providing feedback to the NDIA.

🙏 A huge thank you to our NDIS Guidelines Working Group and many of our members who’ve advised us, your expertise has been invaluable in ensuring this inclusion.

This advocacy is made possible by members. Every member strengthens our voice and your membership powers progress. Become a member. https://bit.ly/4pGAsbf

15/10/2025

✨ Core Belief: “I Am Not Enough” ✨

Many of us carry this quiet, painful belief deep inside.
It can show up in subtle ways…
• Overworking to “prove” your worth
• Feeling like you constantly fall short
• Comparing yourself to others and always coming second
• Saying yes when you want to say no, because you fear disappointing people
• Struggling to accept praise or celebrate your achievements

This belief often develops early — through experiences of criticism, trauma, emotional neglect, or unrealistic expectations. It becomes like an invisible lens, shaping how we see ourselves and the world.

💭 The good news? Core beliefs can be unlearned.
Here are a few gentle ways to begin shifting this story:
1. Notice the Inner Voice
Start by observing your self-talk with curiosity, not judgment. When “I’m not enough” thoughts appear, name them: “Oh, there’s that old belief again.” This helps create distance between you and the belief.
2. Gather the Evidence
Write down moments, qualities, and achievements that contradict the belief. Big or small, they all matter. Over time, this builds a more balanced inner narrative.
3. Use Compassionate Language
Speak to yourself the way you would to a close friend. Replacing harsh self-criticism with kindness is powerful in rewiring old patterns.
4. Set Boundaries and Honour Your Needs
When we start to believe we are enough as we are, we also start to protect our energy. Saying “no” can be a radical act of self-worth.
5. Seek Safe Support
Whether through therapy, support groups, or trusted relationships, healing often happens in connection. Being truly seen and accepted by others helps us rewrite these core stories.

🌱 You are enough — not because of what you do, but because of who you are.
It’s okay if it takes time to believe this fully. Healing core beliefs is a process of gentle, consistent practice.

If this resonates with you, know you’re not alone ❤️

15/10/2025

Such a great skill 🙌

DBTSkills : Urge Surfing.
Urge surfing is a mindfulness skill that refers to managing unwanted urges or behaviors like emotional outbursts, aggression, or addictive urges.

Instead of trying to suppress or give in to the urge, individuals are encouraged to practice acceptance or “riding out the waves of urges” on an imaginary surfboard.

The DBT Urge Surfing Technique Handout explains what urge surfing skill guides clients on adopting a non-judgmental stance towards the urge in four steps.

It illustrates a wave, along with different stages of the urge, such as the trigger, rise, peak, and fall.

Using this handout helps to manage unwanted urges and emotions, and reduce impulsive behavior, which leads to better self-control.