Be You Psychology & Counselling

28/09/2025

Becoming a parent for the first time is one of the biggest life changes you’ll ever go through. It’s no wonder so many parents find their mental health harder with their first baby.

With my second baby, I’ve noticed the difference. Experience, perspective, knowing about my neurodivergence, putting supports in place early, and being kinder to myself have all helped me feel steadier this time around.

Whether you’re about to go from 0–1 or 1–2, here are some reminders:

💜 The transition is huge, and that’s normal.
💜 Confidence grows with time and experience.
💜 Supports (both practical + emotional) make all the difference.

You’re not failing, you’re adjusting. And you’re not alone!

What has your experience been like going from 0-1 or 1-2 kids? 🩷

14/09/2025

🩷 P O S T P A R T U M U P D A T E 🩷

The early postpartum weeks are such a unique and tender chapter.

For me, these past few weeks have been a blur of round-the-clock feeding, broken sleep, countless nappy changes and learning how to balance the needs of both a newborn and a toddler.

Some days feel like a rhythm flows naturally, and other days are filled with constant adjusting.

As a psychologist, I know how common it is to feel stretched thin and depleted in these early weeks, and it’s something I’ve been reminded of personally.

The days can feel long, the nights even longer, and yet there are also moments of deep joy and awe: watching tiny milestones (she’s already rolling!), soaking in those quiet newborn cuddles and witnessing our family begin to shift into its new shape.

Postpartum and the fourth trimester is a time of HUGE transition - physically, emotionally, and practically. Sleep deprivation, recovery, and shifting identities can all play a role in how we feel. It’s normal to experience many ups and downs, and it doesn’t mean you’re not coping, it just means you’re human, adjusting to a very big life change.

I’m approaching this stage with a mix of compassion and realism. It isn’t easy, but it is meaningful. A lot of the time it’s just “survival” to be honest.

My focus right now is on slowing down where I can, being gentle with myself, and remembering that it’s okay for things to feel very messy and overwhelming in this season.

I’ll continue to share insights into my postpartum adjustment, both from my professional background and my lived experience.

If you’re in this stage too, whether it’s your first baby or your fourth just know that you’re not alone in the juggle, the struggle, the exhaustion and the beauty of it all 🩷

28/08/2025

She’s here! 🩷

Our hearts are overflowing with love as we welcome our daughter, Eliana, into the world! ⭐️

Born on the 26th of August 2025 at 3:04pm, weighing 3.95kg and 52cm long, she is pure perfection ✨

In Greek, Eliana means “daughter of the sun”, and the sun is a star, our closest, brightest one! To us, she is our sunshine, our star, and the light in our universe, shining her warmth and love into every corner of our lives! ☀️ 💫

Leo is now a proud big brother, and with Eliana in our arms, our little family feels beautifully complete. 🦁⭐️

Welcome to the world, Eliana, our shining light, our star! 🌟☀️✨

21/08/2025

This pregnancy has tested me in every way.

I endured months of Hyperemesis Gravidarum, multiple hospitalisations, and IV fluids just to survive. All while trying to care for my toddler and keep my psychology practice afloat.

Then at 28 weeks, my cousin and godsister was tragically taken from us. The contrast of grieving such a devastating loss while carrying new life nearly broke me.

Now, at 40 weeks, I am tired, sore, and waiting. But as I look back, I see more than pain. I see the ways I’ve grown. I’ve learned that strength is found in the smallest acts of survival, that grief and love can coexist, and that family is everything.

This growth has not only changed me, it has shaped the mother I will be to the baby I’m about to meet. It has stretched my heart wider and taught me that even in the hardest seasons, there can be love, hope, and light.

To anyone else walking through a difficult season, just know this: the pain may change you, but so will the growth. And one day, you will look back and see how it has prepared you for the love still to come 🩷

21/08/2025

Not my own, but worth sharing! Credit: Pixie Nelly (Facebook). Shared with permission.

22/07/2025

It’s not that your needs are “too much.”

It’s that your nervous system is wired for very specific kinds of care, communication, and connection.

When others miss the mark, it can feel lonely, exhausting, and even lead to emotional deprivation.

This post shares why this happens (especially for autistic and AuDHD people) and some small, practical steps to support yourself through this common experience.

14/07/2025

Some weeks really test you…

I’m 34 weeks pregnant. My nausea has come back (again). My car broke down (the alternator is gone) and it’s getting fixed Friday. My husband’s brand new car has suddenly started having battery issues now, too.

And to really top it off… yesterday, his car broke down while he was driving me around to medical appointments all day. We got stranded. With our toddler in tow. Because of course we did.

Add to that a mountain of work and admin I need to catch up on, and honestly? I’m stressed.

But here’s what I’m reminding myself (and maybe you need this reminder too):

It’s okay to feel overwhelmed when life feels like a relentless pile of “too much”.

It’s okay to say, this isn’t just about the car.

It’s about the exhaustion of trying to hold it all together - physically, mentally, emotionally, when everything feels shaky.

Because it’s not just about the logistics. It’s your nervous system. It’s the accumulation of stress and responsibility and the sheer mental load of trying to keep a family functioning when the practical things we rely on fall apart.

So if you’re having “one of those weeks” too…
Lower the bar where you can. Ask for help (if it’s available). Cancel what can be cancelled. Give yourself credit for simply staying afloat 💪🏻

One step, one repair, one breath at a time.

This isn’t forever.

You’re doing your best. That’s enough 💜

13/07/2025

There’s no doubt AI is becoming part of our everyday lives. From writing and organising to offering helpful suggestions. But when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, it’s important to remember: no technology can replace the power of human connection.

AI can be a useful tool, like a journaling prompt or self-help book, but it’s not therapy.

It doesn’t know your history, your context, or your nervous system. And it can’t offer co-regulation, attunement, or a safe relationship to hold space for your healing.

If you’re curious about how to use AI safely, swipe through for some gentle guidance on boundaries and healthy use.

Like any tool, it’s all about how you use it.

08/06/2025

SAFETY BUBBLES 🫧

For many neurodivergent folk, the world can sometimes feel overwhelming, loud, fast, and “too much”.

That’s why safety bubbles matter.

They’re not about avoidance — they’re about nervous system protection and regulation.

They’re the people, spaces, routines and comforts that help us feel SAFE enough to exhale and be our authentic, unmasked selves.

Your bubble might include quiet, movement, sensory tools, special interests, or time alone.

It’s yours to define.

Inside your bubble you can rest.
You can regulate.
You can BE YOU 💜☺️

You don’t need to justify your bubble.
And you’re always allowed to return to it 🫧

🫧 What’s in your bubble?

04/06/2025

✨ Heading to the Yellow Ladybugs Conference - Day 3 in person tomorrow! ✨

I’ll be there in full personal mode, not work mode—as a late-diagnosed, high-masking AuDHDer, a psychologist, a mum of one (with one more on the way!), and a neurodivergent human who loves purple, quiet corners, yoga, and deep chats about identity, motherhood, yoga, nature and art 💜

I’ve shared a little about me in this carousel post so that if you recognise me, you’ll know it’s okay to say hello 👋🏻 💛

I tend to be more open and talkative online than in person, but I love connecting with kind, curious people—especially fellow neurodivergent psychs and creatives.

💔 Just be aware that we’ve sadly experienced a loss in my family this week so I may not be as chatty as usual, and I may look a little sad or reflective at times. I wasn’t going to attend but I think the distraction will be helpful, and my cousin would want me to be there.

Let me know in the comments:

🌼 Are you going to YLB?
🌼 How might I spot you?
🌼 What’s something you’d love to chat about or find community in?

Also happy to swap IG handles, emails or websites if we connect and want to stay in touch after the conference 🫶

Can’t wait to see you there! 💛

25/05/2025

Do you seek out stimulation or try to avoid it — or maybe both?

Sensory processing is personal. It’s not about being “too sensitive” — it’s about your nervous system doing its job to keep you feeling balanced.

You might seek loud music, tight hugs, or spinning one minute… and need silence and a dark room the next. That’s not a contradiction — that’s neurodiversity.

What sensory inputs soothe or overwhelm you? Some of my clients like to create a “sensory menu” to choose from at various times. Perhaps you could also give this a go!

19/05/2025

As a migraine sufferer myself I will definitely be tuning in to this one. I know many of my clients, colleagues and loved ones also experience migraine. It is so debilitating.

🔔 Reminder 🔔 Tune in to SBS tomorrow night for a powerful conversation on the burden of invisible illness.

Carl Cincinnato from Migraine and Headache Australia will be discussing the pain and stigma of migraine and how his personal struggle with migraine affected his early career, productivity, mental health and quality of life.

Whether you live with an invisible illness, know someone who does, or are simply curious, this is a conversation worth watching. Education is a powerful tool for building empathy,
understanding, and driving change.

🎥 The episode will spotlight powerful stories from people living with chronic conditions like migraine, fibromyalgia, long COVID and more.
🕣 8:30 pm AEST, Tuesday 20th May
📺 Live on SBS or stream later on SBS On Demand