Bruce Laing - Psychologist

17/08/2023

Check out, follow and like our new instagram account. It will have bunch of helpful mental health information on there.

13/06/2023

We have a therapy room to rent in the Albany Creek area. If you or an allied health professional that you know is interested please contact me.

11/06/2023

Cultivating Positive Body Image and Managing Intrusive Thoughts

Developing a positive body image is crucial for young women to nurture their self-esteem, confidence, and overall well-being. However, intrusive thoughts can often undermine these efforts.

Recognize the power of media: Understand that the media often portrays unrealistic beauty standards, which can negatively impact body image. Remember that these images are often heavily edited and do not represent real people. Limit your exposure to media that promotes unrealistic ideals and seek out diverse representations of beauty.

Embrace self-acceptance: Celebrate and appreciate your unique qualities. Focus on your strengths, talents, and accomplishments rather than solely on physical appearance. Remind yourself that you are more than just your body.

Challenge negative thoughts: When intrusive thoughts arise, question their validity. Ask yourself if there is any evidence to support them or if they are simply unfounded assumptions. Replace negative thoughts with positive affirmations and self-compassion. For example, if you catch yourself thinking, "I'm so ugly," replace it with, "I am worthy of love and respect just as I am."

Practice self-care: Engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself and promote self-care. This could include exercising regularly, eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing), and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring you joy.

Surround yourself with positive influences: Seek out friends and role models who support and uplift you. Build a network of people who appreciate you for who you are and encourage positive body image. Engage in open and honest conversations about body positivity and mental health.

Avoid body comparison: Remember that comparing yourself to others is not productive or healthy. Recognize that everyone's body is unique and that beauty comes in various shapes, sizes, and forms. Instead of comparing, focus on self-improvement and personal growth.

Challenge societal norms: Challenge societal beauty standards by embracing diversity and advocating for body acceptance. Surround yourself with body-positive media, including social media accounts that promote body positivity, inclusivity, and self-love.

Engage in positive self-talk: Be mindful of how you speak to yourself. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations. Remind yourself of your worth, inner beauty, and the unique qualities that make you special.

Practice gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by focusing on the things your body allows you to do rather than its appearance. Appreciate your body's strength, resilience, and capacity to experience joy, love, and connection.

Remember, developing a positive body image takes time and effort. Be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process. Surround yourself with positive influences and engage in activities that promote self-compassion and acceptance. You are deserving of love, respect, and happiness just as you are.

11/06/2023

Saw this awesome creature while walking. Connecting with nature is good for connecting with ourselves and others

04/06/2023

Some tips for parents on social media use.

While social media can offer various benefits, it's essential for parents to guide their adolescents in using it responsibly. Here are a few suggestions to help parents manage their teens' social media usage:

Open communication: Maintain an open and honest dialogue about the potential risks and consequences associated with excessive social media use. Discuss cyberbullying, privacy concerns, and the impact on mental health.

Set boundaries: Establish clear rules regarding screen time and social media usage. Encourage breaks from screens, especially during mealtime and before bedtime.

Lead by example: Model healthy digital habits yourself. Show your teen that you value face-to-face interactions and offline activities.

Encourage real-life connections: Encourage your teen to participate in extracurricular activities, spend time with friends, and engage in hobbies that promote personal growth and social interactions.

Foster self-esteem: Help your teen develop a strong sense of self-worth by emphasizing their unique qualities and talents. This can reduce the need for validation through social media.

Monitor online activity: Keep an eye on your teen's social media accounts, ensuring they maintain appropriate behavior and avoid harmful content. Use parental control tools if necessary, but balance this with respect for privacy.

Promote digital literacy: Teach your teen critical thinking skills to discern reliable information, recognize online dangers, and make informed decisions while using social media. The folks in America are starting to legislate to protect children and young people. The big business applications that gather information and preferences target young users with advanced advertising, game offers and lifestyle must haves. They are starting to see this as serious concern.

Remember, the goal is not to completely prevent social media usage, but rather to encourage responsible and mindful engagement while prioritizing real-life connections and personal well-being.

06/02/2023

We currently have minimal wait times at our Albany Creek office. Rebates are available with a referral from your GP or you can use private health insurance if psychology is covered. You can call us on 30129045 or email at info@alternativedirection.com.au or check out our website

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. Desmond Tutu.Alternative Direction offers a range of evidence based individual therapy options for children, teens, adults, and families.About OUR SERVICESHOW WE CAN HELP YOU CHILD The childhood years are marked with immense....

18/07/2022

We have two offices for Alternative Direction Therapy Services https://alternativedirection.com.au at 8/691 Albany Creek Rd Albany Creek and another at 7/135 Ferny Way, Ferny Hills, 4055.
email info@alternativedirection.com.au

Wait times are currently short at our Albany Creek Office
We can work children and adults who are experiencing struggles with anxiety, depression, family changes and life transitions, trauma, OCD, parenting struggles, eating disorders, issues of gender and sexuality to name a few. If you would like to know more or you are struggling with something not mentioned above please contact me and I can answer your question.

12/06/2022

Hi Folks, if you are travelling to my new office you won't see signs out front yet. The address on Albany Creek Road is correct and I am upstairs in the offices right across the road from the Primary School. We are waiting for the sign writing to happen and it should be done soon.

06/06/2022

28/05/2022

After a couple of years in Paddington I've decided to move office and be closer to home. My new office will be at 8/691 Albany Creek Road in Albany Creek and is the second location for Alternative Direction Therapy Services. Phone number and website updates soon. Email to info@alternativedirection.com.au

Cheers
Bruce

28/05/2022

03/03/2020

This looked interesting and posted on Teens Matter 2, some common things people experience when struggling with anxiety.

05/02/2020

Excited about my new space to work in

04/02/2020

04/02/2020

I've recently started with the team at Brisbane Specialist Suites, Latrobe Tce, Paddington. I have no wait list at the moment. cheers Bruce