Blue Flame Wellness Psychology Practice

12/11/2023

Perinatal Depression

Being pregnant and having a baby can be one of the most exciting phases of your life, however, it can also be the most exhausting and challenging. This week we would like to acknowledge Perinatal Anxiety & Depression.

Perinatal refers to the period of time when you become pregnant and up to a year after giving birth. Other terms that are often used are antenatal or pre-natal (the period before the birth) and postnatal or postpartum (the period after birth).

Perinatal depression is depression that occurs during or after pregnancy. The symptoms can begin suddenly after birth or gradually in the weeks and months after. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the symptoms are severe enough that the health of the mother and baby may be at risk. According to the latest statistics, one in five mothers experiences a mental health problem during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. However, not only women experience perinatal depression and anxiety! One in ten dads experiences postpartum depression and anxiety.

A low mood, feeling overwhelmed, having distressing thoughts and feelings that affect your daily functioning and overall wellbeing are all symptoms of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is strongly recommended that you reach out for help.

25/10/2023

This week one of our Psychologists helps us to have a better understanding in one of the therapies we use here at our practice.

This is what Alexandra Kelly had to share around Acceptance and Commitment Therapy...

The whole idea behind ACT is to be the sort of person you want to be - living in line with your core values.

Often when we experience psychological pain, our first instinct is to do anything we can to avoid that pain. This can look like avoiding anxiety-provoking situations, pulling away from other people, or doom-scrolling. However, this also means that we might be missing out on opportunities to do the important stuff; seeing friends, studying, really showing up at work or with the family….which leaves us feeling not great at the end of the day. This is where ACT comes in.

Elements of ACT:
1. Mindfulness: Being present -properly present, really noticing the here-and-now experience, thoughts, feelings, and the World around us. This can look like using grounding or relaxation strategies, dropping anchor, or other mindfulness techniques.

2. “Unhooking” or stepping back from unhelpful thoughts. We practice dropping the struggle with them, or letting them dictate what we do or how we feel. This can look like then watching them come and go- as we would waves in the sea.

3. Making space for painful feelings, which involves recognizing that as humans, we don’t feel things for no reason - often there is some wisdom behind how we feel. In making space for them we are moving away from getting swept up in those painful feelings, and no longer putting so much energy into avoiding them (and hence avoiding those meaningful opportunities).

4. Exploring core values - and then exploring fresh ways of acting in line with these. This is the part where we take action! But not any old action; action that is going to feel really meaningful.

11/10/2023

🌟Blue Flame Wellness: proudly celebrating Mental Health Week in Queensland🌟

Mental Health Week is all about promoting well-being and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health conversations.

This year's theme is Awareness, Belonging, Connection.

Did you know that social connections are just as important for our long-term health as factors like diet and exercise? Let's all take a moment this week to reach out to someone we haven't spoken to in a while. A simple call or catch-up can make a big difference in someone's day. Let's cherish our social health!

Keep an eye out as Brisbane landmarks light up in green and purple this week — the symbolic colours of mental health. You'll spot the displays on the Story Bridge, in the Brisbane CBD on Roma Street and King George Square, and at the Tropical Dome at the Mt Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. 🌆✨


Queensland Mental Health Week

29/03/2023

Its WORLD BIPOLAR DAY!

HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD BIPOLAR DAY

1. Help a friend
It is possible that a friend or loved one may be suffering from bipolar disorder. Pay attention to anyone showing extreme mood swings and get them to seek a professional opinion.
2. Talk about it
Talk openly and honestly about bipolar disorder. There is no shame in it! Share your experiences and get involved on World Bipolar Day.
3. Wear a ribbon
The green ribbon is used to represent the disorder. Wear a green ribbon today to show your solidarity.

5 FACTS ABOUT BIPOLAR DISORDER THAT YOU DIDN’T KNOW

1. It affects every aspect of life
Bipolar disorder is crippling and impedes success in every domain of life — work, relationships, and even day-to-day tasks like showering or sleeping, etc.
2. Bipolar disorder comes with other ailments
Bipolar disorder crosses the boundary of just causing mental problems — it affects a person physically as well in the form of spasms, migraines, and metabolic disorders.
3. It is different for everyone
Just like fingerprints, no two bipolar disorders are the exact same — diagnosis varies significantly, which makes characterizing the illness and prescribing treatment for it even more difficult.
4. Celebrities suffer from it, too
Demi Lovato, Mary Lambert, Kanye West, and Richard Dreyfuss are some high-profile celebrities who are combating bipolar disorder.
5. The cause can be anything.
A research team from the University of Michigan conducted a study on bipolar disorder that spanned two decades and found that bipolar disorder cannot be given a single root cause, as it is mostly the result of a combination of biological and environmental factors.

Blue Flame Wellness therapists help our Bipolar clients through different approaches that best suit the individual. Please get in contact with us if you are needing help, counselling or support in this area. You can call us on 0414405424 to make a booking or visit our website on www.blueflamewellness.com.

19/03/2023

IT'S INTERNATIONAL HAPPINESS DAY TODAY!!!
😁😅😂🤣☺️😀😉😄😌🙃😋😉🙂😆😀😁

If you’re happy and you know it, celebrate with us today!!!
Other than being in a neutral state, happy is how we should mostly be. Unfortunately, emotions like anger and sadness are increasingly becoming a default way to live for a lot of us, so here’s a day to concentrate on and appreciate the good things in our lives, BIG or small. 😁

We celebrate International Day of Happiness thanks to the work done by the United Nations and its partner non-profit group Action for Happiness, which is composed of people from 160 countries. The ultimate goal of the movement is to spread awareness that progress is not only about increasing bottom lines and encouraging economic growth, but well-being and human happiness as well.

So as you listen to Pharrell Williams’s ‘Happy’ on repeat, also take a minute this March 20th to consider what truly makes you happy, and how you can pursue it.

BY THE NUMBERS
6 or 7 – the number of hours spent socializing per day that leads to the highest levels of happiness.
5 – the number of positive interactions happy couples have for every negative one.
25% – the percentage increase in happiness from having a close friend living nearby.
15.3% – the percentage increase in your happiness if a loved one is happy.
37% – the percentage by which your happiness increases by wearing bright colors.

SO LET US SPREAD 'THE HAPPY' TOGETHER
You could try one of these... or all!

-Tell a ''Dad" joke to everyone that crosses your path today, those always crack us up.
-Smile at as many people as possible, those big smiles that wrinkle your eyes!
-Laugh often and loud!
-Share compliments...genuine compliments.
-Be kinder today, more forgiving.
-Play fun music that lifts the soul.
-Wear fun, bright clothing to honour the day.
-Wear odd socks or odd earrings or a fun tie!

28/02/2023

Talking about Diabetes and the impact it has in our lives has recently become more relevant for our team at Blue Flame Wellness. One of our own team members lives with this condition. We have also had a family member diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and they are quite young but so brave.

It is worth reading through what our Psychologist, Naomi Griffin, has had to say about Diabetes and the ripple effects that can come from being diagnosed...

"Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body's own immune system attacks the cells that produce insulin, a hormone required to convert glucose into energy. The treatment of this disease invariably must involve replacing this insulin via injections or an insulin pump, and the monitoring of blood glucose levels.

According to Diabetes Australia, 1.5 million Australians are known to have some form of diabetes today. Approximately 10% of these have Type 1 diabetes, and this percentage keeps growing.

Receiving such a diagnosis as a child or teenager, or even as an adult, can be devastating. One day you can eat any food you like, drink anything you want, and the next day you are counting carbohydrates and learning all about the glycemic index. Then there's that decision: injections or a pump. And so much more.

How do you respond to receiving a diagnosis such as this? A permanent disease, one that requires day by day management. There is quite an emotional as well as mental toll. Even the most fun things like social planning can take just that little bit more effort.

Family and close friends can feel quite helpless in this situation as well. Someone might wish they could rescue you from it, or fix it somehow. Another one might make it their mission to cook all kinds of new recipes and revamp the contents of the pantry just for you. You might end up feeling like the diabetes has become everyone's pet project. How can you explain to people what you need from them, and also what you don't need from them at this time?

It can be really helpful to chat with someone who has been through similar experiences, and who can listen with the understanding of the psychological and interpersonal aspects of adjusting to and managing a chronic condition such as Type 1 Diabetes." - Naomi Griffin

16/02/2023

THINKING ABOUT STARTING THERAPY?

Here’s what you can expect in your first consultation with one of our psychologists at Blue Flame Wellness...

Starting therapy can be a daunting experience for most of us, but it has the potential to be such a rewarding and value-adding process. So many questions can play through our minds in the lead up to that first consultation, so we thought it would be helpful to give you a better idea of what potential topics to expect.

Before your first appointment:
Before your appointment, you will be sent some online paperwork and questionnaires to complete. Firstly, this will help your psychologist to get a better understanding of your current situation, and secondly, it helps your psychologist to begin formulating how to best support you.
At Blue Flame Wellness, we choose to do these assessments electronically as it ends up saving some time; however we also are mindful that some of us experience these questions as a bit confronting. As such, if you’d prefer to answer the questionnaires in person with your psychologist, we will gladly support you in that regard.

During your first appointment:
Once the initial paperwork is complete, your psychologist will likely ask you to talk about what brings you to therapy. This is your opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with your psychologist.
Being in therapy is a vulnerable place, and your psychologist will make efforts to help make you feel safe and more comfortable in sharing your story. Usually, it’s a good idea to be as transparent as possible in your sessions, even though it’s uncomfortable. This helps your psychologist to tailor their interventions as appropriately as possible. Of course, if you feel there’s some information you’d prefer to disclose only later once you feel you can trust your psychologist more, then that’s totally ok!
Usually, your psychologist will also ask you about your past experiences with therapy, if any, and any other treatments you may have tried. This information can help them to understand what has and hasn't worked for you in the past and how they can best support you in the present.
If you would like to, you can bring in any information from previous therapies that you think might be helpful.
During the first session, your psychologist will also discuss the importance of confidentiality and explain the limits of this confidentiality. They will also explain how they will communicate with your primary care physician or other healthcare providers, if applicable.

It is important to remember that the first session is just the beginning of the therapy process. It takes time and effort to make changes in your life, but with the support and guidance of a skilled psychologist, you can make lasting improvements in your mental health and well-being.

A Good Fit:
In addition to discussing your current situation and goals for therapy, it is also important to consider the fit between you and your psychologist. A good fit between a therapist and a client is critical for a successful outcome in therapy.
You and your psychologist will work together as a team to achieve your therapy goals. It's important that you feel safe, heard, respected and understood by your psychologist, and that you are able to communicate openly and honestly with them.
A good therapist will be willing to listen and adjust their approach to best suit your needs.
Psychotherapy is relational and we are all human beings. Just as it would take time to build a healthy friendship, it takes time to establish a strong working relationship with your psychologist. Here at Blue Flame Wellness, we actively encourage you to share with your psychologist when you feel heard and understood, but also if you feel misunderstood or when there’s been a miscommunication of some sorts.
Your psychologist is a professional and has invested a lot of time and training into becoming skilled in using helpful therapeutic communication tools, but there may still be moments of potential miscommunications. In these moments, it is so valuable to share this feedback so you and your psychologist can realign and refocus.

In summary:
Overall, your first session with a psychologist will be an opportunity for you to share your thoughts, feelings, and concerns with a trained professional. Your psychologist will listen attentively and offer guidance and support as you work towards your goals. It's a safe space to talk about anything that's on your mind and can help you to feel understood and validated. Remember, you are taking a big courageous step towards improving your well-being, and it's important to be patient with yourself as you move forward in your journey.

07/02/2023

Safer Internet Day

What is Safer Internet Day?
Safer Internet Day is a global event that brings together communities, families, schools and organisations from more than 200 countries to help create safer online spaces.

This worldwide initiative is celebrating 20 years in 2023, making it a great time to reflect as well as look forward.
Technology has evolved dramatically in the past two decades and the benefits have been huge. These developments have also exposed us to many risks with real-world impacts, making online safety awareness even more important.

That's why we are calling on Australians to Connect. Reflect. Protect.

Connect safely and with purpose – by keeping apps and devices secure and using social media in positive ways.
Reflect before we act – by taking a moment to consider how what we do and say online may affect others.
Protect ourselves and others by taking action – by telling family, friends or colleagues about eSafety and how we can help.

By doing these simple things, we can work towards making every day a Safer Internet Day.

06/02/2023

CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH WEEK

What is Children's Mental Health Week?

Children's Mental Health Week is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about children and young people's mental health. This important event is a brilliant opportunity to open a discussion about mental health and wellbeing with children and young people.
The children's mental health charity, Place2Be, set up Children's Mental Health Week to highlight the importance of mental health for children and young people.
We all have mental health and the majority of people will experience some form of mental health issue throughout their lives. In fact, up to 1 in 4 of us will experience mental health problems at some point in our lifetime.
During Children's Mental Health Week 2023, we can take some time to focus on mental health and talk about these important topics with the children in our families or at our work place.

Encourage children to think about how they can best look after their own mental health and encourage parents, carers and teachers to reflect on their role in supporting children with their mental health.
When is Children's Mental Health Week 2023?

Now you know what this special week is all about, but when is Children's Mental Health Week?
Children's Mental Health Week 2023 will take place from 6th-12th February 2023. Schools, youth groups, various organisations and individuals across the country will be taking part. You can get involved, too!

What is the theme for Children's Mental Health Week 2023?

Each year there is a different theme for Children's Mental Health Week. The theme for Children's Mental Health Week 2023 is 'Let's Connect'.

This theme encourages children to explore how they can cultivate meaningful connections in their lives to support their mental health and wellbeing. Connecting healthily with others is a key part of living a fulfilling life and feeling loved, cared for and safe.
We can discuss important topics, such as feeling lonely, making friends and healthy relationships with children and young people during Children's Mental Health Week 2023.

Children's Mental Health Week facts
Here are five Children's Mental Health Week facts to help you learn all about this important event:
• The first Children's Mental Health Week was held in 2015.
• Last year, in 2022, the theme for Children's Mental Health Week was 'Express Yourself'.
• Five children in a classroom of 30 pupils are likely to have a mental health issue (The Children's Society).
• 50% of all mental health problems start by the age of 14 (The Children's Society).
• 75% of children and young people who experience mental health problems aren't getting the support they need (Mental Health Foundation).

If you or your child are experiencing a difficult season and need help through therapy, you are welcome to contact us at our practice by calling 0414 405 424 or you can email us on info@blueflamewellness.com. We also have some valuable information on our website www.blueflamewellness.com

We encourage communication and are here to talk when you are ready.

30/01/2023

I was recently talking to one of our Counselling Psychologists, Naomi Griffin, about some insightful thoughts which were explained so well, relevant for this time of the year and worth sharing...

WHAT IS THE DEAL WITH MINDFULNESS?!

Do you ever find your mind becoming preoccupied with the future, thinking of all the things you need to do but not doing any of them? Or perhaps your mind gets caught on something from the past, and you find yourself playing a particular memory over and over in your head, saying to yourself, "If only I had said this differently", or "If only I had done that differently".

Does the problem keep coming up in your mind, over and over, like it is on repeat? But while you know you "should" do something, you just don't seem to actually do it. As this goes on, you might notice in these times you begin to feel quite frustrated or stressed.

Sometimes our midbrain gets stuck in this kind of "feedback loop", and prevents a connection occurring with the front brain where the decision making would be accessed.

Mindfulness is attending to or focusing on the present. This can be done using some or all of your five senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. By mastering your awareness during mindfulness exercises, dopamine (one of the neurotransmitters) rewards rhythm, and therefore the brain's desire to change can be realised.

Mindfulness as a regular practice is clearly worthwhile. Ironically, letting go of the stress of "I should change" actually provides the freedom the brain needs so it can change.

- Naomi Griffin

24/11/2022

This post is for parents who are struggling with children at meal times. From fussy eaters who don’t want to try new things to children who hardly eat and completely stress their parents out… We have found a lovely resource to get our children involved in food prep and invested in learning about different foods which helps them to be more willing to eat a variety of foods while keeping it simple and fun for them. It’s a great tool to have in your parental toolbox so have a look…

If mealtimes are a battle and you're sick of the bribing and nagging associated with feeding your fussy eater, we have a different approach. Rescue mealtimes with fun Food Play products and activities for picky eaters.

17/11/2022

The UN observes International Day for Tolerance on November 16th, on the anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. It reminds us of the necessity to cultivate tolerance.

What is tolerance?

Tolerance is accepting that with which you disagree. YES! You can make space for habits, situations, people, cultures and beliefs that you do not agree with.

Living in society requires tolerance, acceptance and compassion. These are some foundationals for any relationship.
While tolerance comes with non-violence, intolerance produces racism, homophobia, extremism, conflict, terrorism - intolerance is the hate of that which is different.

Today we invite you to look at areas of your own life where you can cultivate more tolerance.

Starting with yourself, where can you take some steps today (even small) to bring in more compassion and kindness to those parts of you that you might not agree with others or their decisions? You don't have to agree, people are allowed to be different and unique but we do need to make space for each other and be respectful.

One step you can take today is to ask yourself how you can show more love and tolerance to family members, friends and even to the wider community.

It is worth the effort and time...

10/11/2022

This month we celebrate "Use Your Common Sense Day!"

It was established by Bud Bilanich, a career mentor, motivational speaker, blogger, and author. In his work, he highlights how to succeed in life by using common sense.

Here are 5 ways to help you develop your common sense…
1) Compare the risks and rewards of a decision before choosing what to do
Look at the positives and negative outcomes that could come from a decision you’re making, then weigh your options to see which choice will give you the best possible outcome

2) Trust your initial feelings so you don’t over-analyse things too much.
Sometimes, your gut reaction may be the best for you to do. Whenever you’re faced with a decision, take notice of what your first instinct or answer is.

3) Look at your situation from another perspective to think through it clearly.
You may notice that it seems easier to give advice to a friend than it is to tell yourself the same thing. When you’re faced with a tough decision, mentally take a step back and pretend that you’re watching someone else in your situation.

4) Ask someone you trust for feedback if you aren’t sure about your decision.
It’s okay if you don’t know what to do if you’re faced with a tough decision. Reach out to a parent/guardian, guidance counsellor, or a friend you trust and tell them the situation you’re facing.

5) Realize that it’s okay to make a wrong decision every now and then.
Everybody makes mistakes and decisions they regret, but that doesn’t mean all is lost. If you recognize that you’ve made a poor decision, reflect on it and recognize what choice you should have made for the best outcome. If you ever have a similar decision in the future, make the better choice rather than the one you made the last time

08/11/2022

International Stress Awareness Day occurs every first Wednesday in November.
The annual event was established by Carole Spiers, the chairperson of the International Stress Management Association (ISMA), to draw attention to the vital importance of managing and reducing stress in your everyday lives.

Chronic stress is sometimes called a silent killer because it has devastating long-term effects, from hypertension, heart diseases, decreased immunity, loss of sociability, and reduced mental vitality.

Here at Blue Flame Wellness, we support our clients who are suffering from stress using a number of different therapies tailored to the individual designed to help them manage stress and the effects of stress, to promote well-being.

If you are struggling with stress at the moment and need additional support, please give us a call on 0414 405 424 or click on the available link to request a booking and we will be happy to assist you.

Link: https://blueflamewellness.snapforms.com.au/form/request-for-sessions-form

08/11/2022

Zero Tasking Day happens every year on the first Sunday in November.

This is a day where we encourage you to spend an hour consciously allocating yourself some “me-time”.

Me-time refers to activities that preserve and maintain your physical, emotional and mental health.

It is an ongoing commitment to look after yourself through helpful behaviours and habits that protect your health during periods of stress.

So, what will you be doing with your hour of “me-time”?

To query on seeing any one of our psychologists to help you be more mindful and restful, you are welcome to click on the link:
https://blueflamewellness.snapforms.com.au/form/request-for-sessions-form

01/11/2022

31/10/2022

2023 is just a few weeks away and so we are reminding clients to book in for their regular sessions for December, January and February!
Give us a call on 0414 405 424 to secure those session dates.

26/10/2022

Today is Inters*x Awareness Day.

We are here to raise awareness on inters*x anatomy, which is often a source of discrimination as it's not widely understood. Yet, it's a condition that concerns 1.7% of the population!
What is being inters*x?

The older term for it is hermaphrodism, which referred to someone who isn't strictly male or female.

Being inters*x means to be born with both male and female characteristics, anatomically speaking.
For example, a person can have both ovaries and testicles, or a combination of chromosomes that don't match the s*x of the ge****ls.

Here at Blue Flame Wellness we take allyship seriously and support all members of the LGBTIQA+ community. We are proud to have a psychologist on board who specialises in this field.

Please give us a call on 0414 405 424 if we can support you or any family members needing support.

15/08/2022

Malan van der Walt is calling Blue Flame Wellness home from the beginning of September! Malan is a Developmental / Educational Psychologist with special interest in Trauma as well as the LBGTIQA+ community. He is warm and kind and genuine and a real asset to our team.

05/08/2022

WELCOME!

After years of asking Audrey Raffelt to come and work alongside us, (because I just knew we would have the best time in the office)... Audrey has finally agreed!

Audrey is a Clinical Psychologist with a strong background in Eating Disorders. We are so chuffed and so priviledged that she has joined us!

30/07/2022

A WARM WELCOME!

We are very excited to announce that Naomi Griffin has joined our team.

Naomi is a Counselling Endoersed Psychologist as well as a Board-approved Supervisor.

Naomi has trained in several therapy approaches, bringing with her a large amount of knowledge and experience to draw on.
We are looking forward to sharing that knowledge with colleagues and clients alike... and hopefully it could be over great coffee!

10/05/2022

Hi everyone, it's official...we have joined Linked In and here is our link:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/blue-flame-wellness-psychology-practice

Blue Flame Wellness Psychology Practice | Where Psychologists are genuine, thoughtful, diverse, dedicated and skilled. We invite you to join us... let's talk. | We are a well established psychology practice in Taringa, the heart of Brisbane's western suburbs. We have clinicians that are diverse in s...

28/04/2022

And here is Robin Fraser (far right) at the Brisbane Harmony Centre where he presented a talk on the difference between a compassionate approach or a more challenging approach. Holding back and nurturing or urging a client to take a step forward in their process. Both have incredible growth benefits in therapy and it is important for a clinician to be knowledgable and experienced in when to apply either in each individual case.

21/03/2022

PHOBIAS...

"I am sure we can all relate to having fears- snakes, spiders, needles anyone?
The telltale sign of a true phobia is the impact it has on our ability to go about our daily lives. A phobia can lead to significant avoidance of different situations at work, school or home.
The relief is in knowing that a phobia is completely treatable. I use a combination of CBT (exposure therapy) and ACT so at the end of the day, the phobia no longer gets in the way of being able to enjoy a rich and meaningful life."
- Alexandra Kelly (Psychologist at Blue Flame Wellness)

28/01/2022

28/01/2022

EMDR Therapy has been found to be a highly effective form of therapy for people who have been traumatised. Learn all about EMDR at www.emdr.com.