Fairy Wren Counselling

23/11/2025

Lily Allen's new album has been on repeat on my headphones this weekend, and its brought up a lot of feelings.

This album features themes of betrayal, anxiety, turmoil and loss of trust in relationships. It specifically focuses on non-monogamy and the pain that comes with opening up an existing relationship (especially if you're feeling reluctant or if your partner isn't honouring agreements or being transparent or kind).

So many parts of this album rang true, as I've heard variations on these themes from many clients who are struggling to discern if they're finding non-monogamy difficult because of their own internal issues, or whether they're in an unhealthy relationship.

If you need help untangling worries around your own relationship, please reach out for help. I can work with you to explore these issues and find more clarity for you.

19/11/2025

November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day when we take a solemn pause to remember Transgender people who have lost their lives to violence and discrimination.

Fairy Wren Counselling proudly welcomes Transgender and gender diverse clients. I stand firmly by your side to remember those lost, and lift up those who are still fighting.

19/11/2025

Just because a day starts off bad, doesn't mean it has to continue that way. Here's what I do to salvage a bad day.

17/11/2025

Big news! Fairy Wren Counselling now has couples sessions available. If you've been feeling stuck or disconnected in your relationship and you need assistance working through these issues, please feel encouraged to reach out.

13/11/2025

I'll be running a free workshop at the on December 2nd, focusing on gratitude, reflection and appreciation. I'd love to see you there!

#2025

13/11/2025

Hi folks, I'll be running this free workshop in December at the Ballarat Libraries, to teach you about the therapeutic benefits of gratitude, reflect on the year you've had and offer a letter of thanks to someone that's made a positive impact in your life this year. It's free to attend, but you must register your spot.

Take time to reflect on the year that’s been and express gratitude to the people who made a difference.

This uplifting letter writing workshop with Vanessa Bowen from Fairy Wren Counselling will explore the importance of gratitude in our everyday lives. Learn how expressing thanks can improve mental health, strengthen relationships and boost overall wellbeing.

This session will guide you through writing your own gratitude letter to someone who has had a positive impact on your life in 2025.

📅 Tuesday 2 December

⏰ 10am-12pm

📍 Ballarat Library

🎟️Bookings required: https://events.humanitix.com/wellbeing-matters-gratitude-letters

12/11/2025

ChatGPT is not a substitute for a real, human counsellor. Here's why...

03/11/2025

Are you actually mad that they haven't texted you back, or are you hurt because you've decided that means that they've forgotten you, they don't care about you or you're not important to them?

Often, when we have a big reaction to somebody else's actions, we're not actually mad about the action, but the story we're telling ourselves about what that means.

29/10/2025

I learned this anxiety management technique from. 's book, Beyond Anxiety and it's one that I come back to over and over.

The most common way that people with anxiety deal with this emotion is to try to push it away, to silence it, to wish it would leave. Bit that only makes it bigger and more impactful.

Instead, treat your anxiety with kindness and curiosity. Hold it gently, reassure that frightened part of yourself and move forward with self-compassion and grace.

21/10/2025

You can be an effective, ethical counsellor without blindly following the rules and expectations that are set for therapists.

Here are 4 counselling "Rules" that I don't follow.

20/10/2025

Do you know a Great Woman of Ballarat? 💫

Nominations are now open for Great Women of Ballarat 2026!
Since 2008, this program has celebrated more than 200 local women who make our city stronger through leadership, advocacy, kindness and action.

Nominations open 13 October – close 10 November 2025.
Learn more and submit your nomination:
👉 https://www.ballaratfoundation.org.au/great-women-of-ballarat

19/10/2025

Jealousy is often a mask for a deeper emotion, and once you identify what that emotion is, it's so much easier to work with it.

Usually, it's one of these 3:

Fear: I'm scared that someone or something will interrupt my connection with my special person.

Shame: I feel inadequate and I'm worried that this person fills the deficit I perceive I'm leaving in my partners life.

Longing: I see my partner devoting time, energy or enthusiasm to another person or thing and I want them to show that to me.

Once we know the emotional root of the jealousy, it's a lot easier to work to alleviate it and get you what you need to feel safe and secure.