CQ Counselling and Lifestyle Medicine Services

CQ Counselling and Lifestyle Medicine Services Online Services only. ACA 4 & Fellow of lifestyle medicine đŸŒ± Workcover accepted. Testing of neurodivergence is also available, see ad

25/09/2025

If youre a registered counsellor in these areas please contact me.

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

Populi Solutions is growing, and we’re thrilled to share that we’ve recently won new business across several regions!

As our reach expands, we’re on the lookout for local practitioners who are passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives.

We’d love your referrals or recommendations for practitioners based in the following areas:

-Ballina
-Murwillumbah
-Grafton
-Bathurst
-Orange
-Mudgee
-Dubbo
-Condobolin
-Narromine

If you know a skilled and passionate practitioner in any of these regions, we’d love to connect. Together, we can continue to bring high-quality, person-centred programs to communities that need them most. 💡

Drop us a message, or an email with any contact details.

Let’s keep growing and creating impact, thank you for being part of our journey! đŸ«¶đŸŒ

Many people are too frightened by the feelings and emotions that run with this to forgive their past.
06/05/2025

Many people are too frightened by the feelings and emotions that run with this to forgive their past.

05/05/2025
06/04/2025

Hi everyone. I havent been on the page much getting some health concerns attended to. Off to see the specialist today in Rockhampton to try and get this Graves diagnosed and under control. Had to go to hospital by ambulance on Thursday night. Heart rate was peaking 140 plus, and I wasn't feeling the best. I had a run of idiopathic ventricular tachycardia the ambulance officer said. Blood tests at hospital were T3 0.01 and T4 53.5. So hopefully I won't be feeling like I can't do anything soon. Have a wonderful day 😊

I've created a dopamine ladder for people with addictions. When you feel the urge to do something you do that is not ben...
29/03/2025

I've created a dopamine ladder for people with addictions. When you feel the urge to do something you do that is not beneficial for you, (such as gambling, drinking, Facebooking) climb the ladder

17/02/2025

A bit on internal dialogues. Have you ever wondered what they are?

I know that sometimes your mind feels like a crowded room, filled with voices pulling you in different directions. Some of those voices push you forward, telling you that you’re capable, strong, and resilient. Others whisper doubts, making you hesitate, second-guess yourself, or procrastinate until the weight of unfinished tasks becomes overwhelming.
This is your internal dialogue, the constant conversation between different parts of you.
Some voices are familiar, like an old friend reminding you of past successes. Others echo words you've heard before, from teachers, parents, or even fleeting moments of criticism that stuck longer than they should have. These internal dialogues shape how you see yourself, how you act, and how you react to the world.
There’s the Motivator, the part of you that believes in your potential and encourages you to keep going, even when things feel difficult. It says, “You’ve done hard things before; you can do this again.”
Then there’s the Doubter, the cautious voice that warns you about failure or embarrassment. Sometimes it tries to protect you, but other times it keeps you stuck, whispering things like, “You’ll mess this up,” or “Why even try?”
And then there’s the Procrastinator, who convinces you that there’s always tomorrow. It tells you, “You’re not in the right mood right now,” or “You work best under pressure anyway.” But deep down, you know how exhausting it feels when tasks pile up.
Here’s the truth: You are not just one of these voices. You are the one listening to them. You get to decide which ones you give power to.
When the Doubter is loud, remind yourself: “I don’t have to be perfect; I just have to start.”
When the Procrastinator takes over, tell it: “Action creates motivation, not the other way around.”
And when the Motivator speaks, lean into it. Repeat what it says. Believe it.
You are not your worst thoughts. You are not defined by your hardest moments. You are the one in control of this dialogue, and with practice, you can make the loudest voice in your head one of kindness, encouragement, and self-trust.
Have you ever caught yourself dismissing your own feelings, second-guessing your experiences, or telling yourself that you’re "just overreacting"? That’s called self-gaslighting, and it happens when you undermine your own emotions, thoughts, or memories, often without even realising it.
It might sound like this:
“I’m probably just being too sensitive.”
“Maybe I imagined it
 it wasn’t that bad.”
“Other people have it worse. I should just get over it.”
Self-gaslighting happens when you internalise doubt, often because of past experiences where your feelings weren’t validated. Maybe you grew up in an environment where you were told you were “too emotional” or had your experiences minimised. Over time, you learned to silence yourself before anyone else could.
But here’s the thing: Your emotions are real. Your experiences matter. Your pain is valid. You don’t have to justify your feelings to anyone, including yourself.
Instead of dismissing your emotions, try this:
Pause and acknowledge: “I’m feeling this way for a reason.”
Reframe the thought: Instead of “Maybe I’m just overreacting,” try “My feelings are valid, and I deserve to explore them.”
Talk to yourself with kindness: Imagine what you would say to a friend who felt this way. Now, say it to yourself.
You don’t need permission to trust yourself. You are allowed to believe in your own reality, to feel what you feel, and to give yourself the same understanding you so freely give others.

Send a message to learn more

We have a new number at CQ Counselling and Lifestyle Medicine Services. 0480 766052.
04/02/2025

We have a new number at CQ Counselling and Lifestyle Medicine Services.

0480 766052.

24/12/2024

To you and yours from CQ Counselling and Lifestyle Medicine Services

Managing Christmas Stress and Anxiety - How to Keep the Holidays JoyfulThe holidays are often described as the most wond...
27/11/2024

Managing Christmas Stress and Anxiety - How to Keep the Holidays Joyful

The holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year, but for many, they also bring heightened stress and anxiety. Understanding the brain's response to stress and how to manage it can help make the season more peaceful and enjoyable for everyone.

Why Does Holiday Stress Happen?
The brain’s amygdala, responsible for the "fight or flight" response, often kicks into overdrive during the holidays due to
Financial pressures
Social obligations
Family dynamics
Perfectionism or high expectations
When the amygdala is triggered, cortisol (the stress hormone) is released, leading to symptoms like
Irritability
Fatigue
Overwhelm
Physical tension
Symptoms of Holiday Stress
Feeling irritable or short-tempered
Worrying excessively about gifts, meals, or family interactions
Physical signs like headaches or a racing heart
Trouble sleeping or feeling emotionally drained
Tips to Keep the Holidays Stress-Free
Set Realistic Expectations
Not everything has to be perfect. Focus on connection, not perfection. Discuss as a family what’s most important to everyone.
Plan Ahead
Create a simple holiday plan. Write down key tasks like shopping, decorating, and cooking. Spreading tasks over days can reduce last-minute pressure.
Take Breaks
Schedule downtime. Read a book, take a walk, or enjoy a quiet cup of tea. Rest is crucial for resetting the brain’s stress response.
Practice Gratitude
Take a moment each day to reflect on something you’re thankful for. Gratitude reduces anxiety and boosts serotonin levels.
Involve the Family
Delegate tasks to family members, like decorating or cooking. Sharing responsibilities not only eases your load but also fosters teamwork and bonding.
Communicate Boundaries
If certain family topics cause stress, kindly set boundaries. For example: “Let’s avoid discussing X and focus on enjoying the holiday.”
Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises
Practice deep breathing or mindfulness when overwhelmed. A few minutes can calm the amygdala and lower cortisol levels.
Handy Tip for Families
"Create a Calm Corner":
Designate a cozy space where anyone in the family can retreat for a few minutes to relax. Include a soft chair, calming scents (like lavender), and a small journal to write down thoughts or gratitude.
By managing expectations, prioritising self-care, and fostering open communication, you can make the holidays more joyful and less stressful for everyone. Remember, the magic of Christmas comes from the love and togetherness we share not from perfection.

Share this handy guide with friends and family to spread the cheer and keep stress at bay

HoHoHo

10/11/2024

My thoughts for this morning

Try speaking to yourself as you would a close friend. You would never hold them to impossible standards or make them feel bad for needing rest or a break. Try to adopt this kinder internal voice. Being kind to yourself is super important. It teaches us more than anyone knows.
Always be kind

Send a message to learn more

06/10/2024

Apologies to all my clients. I am day 16 of having severe respiratory problems from rsv. I'm trying to get back on line asap. It exhausts me to just say 2 sentences. It's frustrating. I am so sorry guys

04/10/2024

Understanding RSV and How Lifestyle Medicine Can Help You Recover Faster

You may have heard about RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) circulating lately, and while it mostly affects young children and the elderly, anyone can catch it. RSV symptoms resemble a cold, but it can lead to more serious respiratory issues, especially for those with weaker immune systems.

Fortunately, there are ways to support your body through lifestyle medicine choices that may help you recover more quickly and boost your immune system. Let’s explore some tips!

1. Nourish Your Body with Whole Foods
When your immune system is fighting off a virus, what you eat matters! Focus on nutrient-dense, whole foods that can strengthen your body’s defence mechanisms. Some important nutrients to include are:

Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens, Vitamin C can boost immune function and help shorten the duration of illness.
Zinc: Foods like nuts, seeds, chickpeas, and spinach are rich in zinc, which plays a key role in immune response.
Garlic: Known for its antiviral properties, garlic can give your immune system a natural boost.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water, herbal teas, and broths to stay hydrated. This keeps mucus thin and helps your body expel it more easily.
2. Prioritise Rest and Recovery
Rest is one of the most powerful lifestyle medicine tools at your disposal. When dealing with RSV or any respiratory virus, your body needs time to recover. Make sleep and relaxation a priority. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and consider taking naps throughout the day if your energy levels are low.

3. Stay Active, but Don’t Overdo It
Gentle exercise can help boost your circulation and immune response, but when you’re feeling unwell, it’s important to take it easy. Light activities like walking or stretching can help your body function more effectively, but avoid intense workouts that may overtax your system when you're sick.

4. Support Respiratory Health
Keeping your airways clear is crucial when fighting off RSV. Here are a few natural ways to support your respiratory system:

Steam Inhalation: Breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water (be careful not to burn yourself!) or take a warm shower to loosen mucus and ease breathing.
Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your room can keep the air moist, making it easier to breathe and soothe irritated airways.
Herbal Support: Herbal remedies like thyme tea, ginger, and honey can soothe your throat and support respiratory function.
5. Boost Your Immune System with Stress Reduction
Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infections like RSV. Try these stress-reducing techniques to boost your immune function:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Even 10-15 minutes a day of mindful breathing or meditation can reduce stress and support your immune system.
Deep Breathing: Practice slow, deep breaths to improve lung function and reduce anxiety.
Grounding Techniques: Take a moment to walk barefoot in the grass or spend time in nature, which has been shown to lower stress hormones and improve immunity.
6. Probiotic Support
Your gut health is deeply connected to your immune health. Incorporating probiotics into your diet through foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut, or taking a probiotic supplement can help keep your immune system balanced and ready to fight off infections like RSV.

While lifestyle medicine can support your recovery from RSV, it’s important to remember that severe cases—especially in children or elderly individuals—may require medical attention. Always consult with a healthcare professional if symptoms worsen or persist.

By supporting your body with healthy foods, adequate rest, gentle movement, stress management, and respiratory care, you can help your immune system recover faster and more effectively!

Send a message to learn more

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