Nicolette Ward Counselling

28/04/2026

Everything we think, do, see and say has a ripple effect, no matter how large or small. I am always humbled by the opportunity I have been given to sit with folks, to hear their voices and to travel with them in their lives for a short while. I am really curious though - what would make a good group gathering that would allow us all to just sit and hear each other’s experiences so we can all offer support and just hear people - it seems that the social connection is no longer there - how do we create this in our community in a way that is life affirming ? Any ideas? I would love to hear your thoughts

28/04/2026

Betrayals.

16/04/2026

Met the legend tonight from a distance - Besel presented around micro-dosing - M**A and psilocybin.

Not sure where I am positioned with this. Perhaps a new role as integration support for the person who comes out of microdosing.

His wife is wonderful too. Watch this space…

31/03/2026

Stretching the vagal nerve through deep breathing signals safety to your body, counteracting fight, flight, or freeze responses. It's not just about survival, but true safety. This can also relax those around you.

30/03/2026

Is this situation similar to fight, flight, or freeze? It's actually the same. Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory explains two main modes: ventral vagal (engagement/happiness) and dorsal vagal (collapse/freeze). Your nervous system literally has two relational modes.

24/03/2026

Your breath is the ultimate nervous system regulator. Learn to intentionally breathe to manage your own nervous system, and even influence others. This practice, like meditation or exercise, takes time to become automatic, but the awareness you build will transform your responses.

21/03/2026

Couples don't fail from lack of love, but when their primal instincts take over. When our inner ambassadors are off-duty, withdrawal and shutdown begin. This is often the first sign of a relationship's end.

18/03/2026

Did you know your partner has mirror cells, also called glial cells in the brain? When you take a breath and relax, they naturally mirror that calm. It’s a powerful way to help your primitive brain settle and your rational mind return.

13/03/2026

Ambassador leadership means slowing things down. When you can't truly hear someone because you're just waiting to respond, take a breath. Reassurance and clarity can calm everyone's reactions, allowing for genuine connection.

06/03/2026

Why would we want to think about our relationships in terms of our Nervous System? When we pay attention to our REACTIONS, there is often a moment of choice before we RESPOND. This can influence the outcome of our interactions.

27/02/2026

This week in counselling:

There is a normalisation around co***ne usage among some females, i.e. several female clients use co***ne as if it were as normal as drinking a coffee.

The Research:
Female recent use increased to ~3.7%, narrowing the traditional gap with men (who were at ~5.3%) in Queensland

Penalites:
If police catch someone with co***ne for personal use:
Maximum penalty: up to 15 years imprisonment (that’s the legal maximum on paper).

In reality: first-time minor possession often results in:
* Drug diversion program (if eligible)
* Fine
* Good behaviour bond
* Criminal conviction (if diversion not granted)

I would like to know what is causing this increase in using a Schedule 1 Dangerous Drug?

Is it because:

1. It is more accessible
2. It is affordable by middle class families
3. It is considered cool
4. It is fun to do
5. It takes away boredom

Why is this becoming more prevalent in the female sisterhood?

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