Step Psychology

04/08/2025

Loneliness Awareness Week (5th to 11th August) https://lonelinessawarenessweek.com.au/

Feel like a little challenge? Here are some simple ideas:

Say hi to a neighbour.
Ask about someone’s day.
Be open to small talk.
Ask to pat someone’s dog (or cat).
Reach out to someone who's doing it tough.
Listen actively to someone.
Invite someone for coffee.
Reconnect with old friends.
Share a meal.
Enrol in a short course.
Volunteer locally.
Join a club.
Attend a community event.
Start a hobby.

Disclaimer: These tips are for general support and are not a substitute for professional advice. If you're struggling, please reach out to a qualified mental health provider or a trusted person in your life. You matter, and help is available.

03/08/2025

Today is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day (NAICD).

Let's celebrate about our National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children.

https://www.snaicc.org.au/our-work/campaigns/childrens-day/

01/08/2025

https://www.seek.com.au/job/86106950

This job is for you if you want to: enjoy your workplace, focus on your clients, develop your skills, look after yourself, and do great work.

28/07/2025

🌈 Building a Positive Sense of Self-Worth 💪

Hey there! Remember, your journey to embracing your self-worth is both personal and powerful. Taking steps to nurture your self-esteem can truly transform how you view yourself and the world around you. Here are a few gentle reminders to help you along the way:

✨ Celebrate your strengths—every achievement counts! ✨

💖 Practice kindness to yourself, embracing all those beautiful imperfections.

🙅‍♀️ Avoid comparing your journey with others; your path is uniquely yours!

📝 Set realistic goals and cherish every small step of progress.

💭 Practice positive self-talk, surround yourself with uplifting people, and don’t forget to engage in self-care activities that rejuvenate your spirit. Embrace challenges as stepping stones and always reflect on what you're grateful for.

If you're ever feeling overwhelmed, know that it’s perfectly okay to seek support. You're not alone in this journey! 🌼

Take it one day at a time, and watch yourself bloom! 🌻❤️

21/07/2025

🐾 How Pets Enhance Well-Being 🐾

Pets offer more than just company—they significantly boost our overall well-being. Here’s how:

Emotional Support: Pets provide comfort and companionship, helping to alleviate loneliness and stress.

Stress Reduction: Interacting with pets lowers blood pressure and reduces stress hormones, promoting relaxation.

Increased Activity: Dogs encourage regular exercise, which improves mood and physical health.

Sense of Purpose: Caring for a pet adds structure and fulfillment, especially during challenging times.

Social Connection: Pets help facilitate interactions and build a sense of community.

Enhanced Mood: Pets trigger the release of feel-good hormones, boosting happiness and joy.

Mindfulness: Spending time with pets encourages living in the moment and reduces overthinking.

Decreased Loneliness: Pets offer a sense of companionship and being needed, counteracting isolation.

Integrating pets into our lives creates a nurturing and joyful environment that enhances overall well-being. 🌟

# Mentalhealth

10/07/2025

✨ Cultivating Everyday Mindfulness: Simple Tips for a More Present Life ✨

Mindfulness isn't just for meditation—it's a powerful practice that can enhance our daily routines. Here are some practical tips to bring more awareness into your everyday life:

Present-Moment Awareness: Focus on your current surroundings. Notice the details to anchor yourself in the present.

Mindful Breathing: Try the 4-7-8 technique—inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8—to calm your mind.

Mindful Eating: Savor each bite. Appreciate the textures and flavours of your food.

Gratitude Practice: Keep a gratitude journal. Reflect on three things you're thankful for each day.

Mindful Movement: Sync your breath with your movements in exercises like yoga or walking.

Mindful Listening: Reflect back what you hear to ensure understanding and show you’re engaged.

Embracing Routine Tasks: Turn routine activities into moments of mindfulness by focusing on the sensations involved.

Self-Reflection: Use guided journaling prompts to explore your thoughts and emotions.

Mindful Communication: Pause before responding in conversations to ensure thoughtful and clear communication.

Mindful Breaks: Take intentional breaks to reset, using them for deep breathing or brief meditative moments.

Incorporating these small practices can make a big difference. Embrace the journey of mindfulness and enjoy the richness it brings to each moment! 🌟

19/12/2024

The team at Step Psychology hope all our clients have a safe holiday and enjoy a break.

We are closing on Friday 20th and will be returning on Monday 6th January. We will respond to all messages upon our return.

The Christmas holidays can be a challenging time
for some and support is always available.

Please reach out to these services while we are closed.

13/12/2024

https://murrayphn.org.au/focus-areas/mental-health/su***de-prevention/su***de-prevention-training/?

Free su***de prevention training available designed to provide everyday people with simple steps to help save a life from su***de

05/12/2024

18/10/2024

This week AAPi has worked with psychology and consumer agencies to form a coalition of nine peak agencies and launched a petition calling for more care for those who need it.

Clients with complex mental health conditions and people who have survived trauma are among those most likely to need more than 10 sessions to improve.

You will remember that in 2022 the Federal Government halved Medicare-rebated psychology sessions from 20 to 10 and since then has failed to provide a care plan for vulnerable people who need more sessions.

Psychologists agree there is a cohort of clients, often with complex mental health issues or a history of trauma, who simply cannot improve their mental health with a 10-session cap.

As your professional association, we have been in constant contact with politicians since 2022 in an effort to negotiate more care for patients with complex needs.

We urge you to consider signing the petition, and to share it on your social media and in your reception areas with people who may also be concerned about this ongoing restriction on their care.

It is our ultimate hope as a coalition that the public, and all psychologists, will support the petition and send a clear message that more care is required for clients with complex needs.

A COALITION OF EXPERTS AND PATIENTS

Mental health clients and psychology organisations have formed a united coalition of nine peak agencies and begun a petition to address the ongoing shortfall in Medicare-rebated psychology care available to Australians. The agencies, who hope other professionals will join them, say the 10-session Medicare rebate cap on psychology care robs people of essential care. The coalition is calling for more Medicare-rebated psychology sessions for those who need it.

Psychology Coalition Members:
• Consumer advocacy organisation Lived Experience Australia
• The Australian Clinical Psychology Association - ACPA
• Australian Psychological Society
• Institute of Clinical Psychologists
• Australian Association of Psychologists Inc
• Institute of Private Practicing Psychologists
• Association of Counselling Psychologists
• Heads of Departments and Schools of Psychology Association
• The Australian Educational and Developmental Psychology Association

The petition can be found here: https://ow.ly/jyFo50TNgbv

12/09/2024

A conversation truly can change a life 💛

People who are regularly asked R U OK? feel more supported, connected, cared about and better about themselves and their situation.

Our free Conversation Guide has practical tips for how to navigate an R U OK? conversation, today, tomorrow and any time someone needs your support.

Download it at https://bit.ly/2ZcG05n