https://reservecarecounselling.com.au/

Reserve Care Counselling, 5/30 McAdam Square, Croydon (2025)

29/08/2025

🌟 I recently read an article in Psychology Today that explored the risks of avoiding reality through positive thinking. Positivity is powerful, but when it’s used to avoid discomfort, it can hold us back from addressing real issues. Finding the right balance is key for authentic growth.

Here are 6 strategies to help you strike a good balance:

1️⃣ Observe Your Emotional Patterns

Take a step back and notice when you're relying on positivity. Are you using it as a way to avoid problems or to genuinely motivate yourself? Awareness is key to identifying when you're leaning into toxic positivity versus constructive optimism.

2️⃣ Name Your Emotions

Instead of brushing off difficult thoughts with a blanket of positivity, pause and identify what you're truly feeling. Fear? Anxiety? Sadness? Naming your emotions can help process them, rather than suppress them with forced optimism.

3️⃣ Ask Honest Questions

Get curious about your inner world: “Am I ignoring something important by staying relentlessly positive? What am I avoiding feeling or confronting?” Honest self-reflection helps uncover areas where positivity might be masking avoidance.

4️⃣ Practice Both/And Thinking

Life is nuanced, and it’s possible to hold gratitude and acknowledge pain simultaneously. For example: “I’m grateful for my opportunities, AND I’m feeling overwhelmed right now.” This approach helps you honour the complex reality of your emotions while maintaining hope.

5️⃣ Lean Into Discomfort

Growth often happens in moments of discomfort. Instead of rejecting difficult emotions, sit with them and explore what they’re teaching you. This doesn’t mean being negative—it means accepting that struggle can be a source of strength and growth.

6️⃣ Seek Support

Sometimes, balancing positivity and tough realities can be overwhelming. Reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, or counsellor to help you navigate challenging emotions can provide clarity and validate your experiences.

💡 The takeaway? Being positive is a powerful tool—but not when it comes at the expense of addressing the real issues in your life. True growth comes from embracing both optimism and the uncomfortable realities we face.

27/08/2025

💭 Sometimes, our inner dialogue isn’t kind—and it’s easy to let negativity take over. But you can challenge those thoughts and shift to a healthier mindset. 🧠✨

Here are 5 questions to ask yourself when those negative thoughts creep in:
1️⃣ Is this thought based on facts or assumptions?
2️⃣ What would I tell a friend if they were thinking this way?
3️⃣ Is this thought helping me or holding me back?
4️⃣ What’s a more compassionate or realistic way to look at this?
5️⃣ What’s one thing I can do right now to improve my focus or the situation?

Pause. Reflect. Reframe. 🌟 You deserve to give yourself grace and the power to see things differently. 💛

25/08/2025

Are you worried about your teen’s mental health or emotional wellbeing? Adolescence is a challenging time, filled with transitions, pressure, and big emotions—and sometimes, feeling supported isn’t easy.

At Reserve Care Counselling, Suz specialises in working with teens to help them:
💬 Build self-confidence and effective communication skills
💛 Navigate feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and stress
🤝 Strengthen connections with peers, family, and themselves
🌱 Develop the tools they need to thrive emotionally and socially

Suz’s compassionate, tailored approach gives adolescents a safe space to open up, explore their challenges, and create meaningful change. She believes that every teen deserves the chance to feel heard and understood.

Noticed changes in your teen, or feel like something’s holding them back? Let’s work together to help them move forward with strength and confidence.

👉 Visit reservecarecounselling.com.au or call Suz for more info!

22/08/2025

🕒 "Why do today what you can do… 5 minutes before the deadline?" 😅

20/08/2025

💬 Strong communication builds trust and connection, but talking to your teen can be tricky, especially with all the emotions, growth, and differences in how we express ourselves. Here are some tips to help improve conversations with your teen:

✨ Communication is a Two-Way Street – Listening is just as important as speaking. Your tone, timing, and intention matter, too.

✨ Understand Their Development – Teens are still learning how to process emotions and express themselves. Be patient—it’s all part of growing up.

✨ Be a Role Model for Communication – Stay calm, show empathy, and let them feel safe sharing. Teens mirror our behaviour.

✨ Seek Support When Needed – Struggling despite your efforts? That’s okay. Turn to a trusted friend, family member or professional for support.

Great communication isn’t about being perfect—it’s about listening, adapting, and showing unconditional love. You and your teen are learning together. 💙

18/08/2025

💬 In psychology, the 5 love languages are a powerful tool for understanding how we express and receive love. Knowing yours—and your partner’s—can strengthen relationships and bridge emotional gaps.

✨ The 5 Love Languages:
1️⃣ Words of Affirmation – Loving words, compliments, encouragement.
2️⃣ Quality Time – Undivided attention, meaningful moments together.
3️⃣ Acts of Service – Helping with tasks, showing love through actions.
4️⃣ Receiving Gifts – Thoughtful tokens and gestures.
5️⃣ Physical Touch – Cuddles, hugs, holding hands, and affectionate closeness.

💡 Why It Matters:
When we "speak" different love languages, it’s easy to feel disconnected—even when love is present. But by recognising and honouring each other's language, we can build deeper, more meaningful connections!

💛 Which love language speaks to your heart?

15/08/2025

Putting yourself first isn’t selfish—it’s self-respect. Prioritise your peace, protect your energy, and remember you deserve the care you give to everyone else. 💙

13/08/2025

🎨🧠✨ Did you know that tapping into your innate creativity (yes, we ALL have it!) can have profound benefits for your mental health? Whether it’s painting, crafting, writing, music-making, or simply daydreaming, unleashing your imagination can empower you in incredible ways.⁠
⁠
Here’s how creativity can transform your mind:⁠
⁠
🌟 Process Emotions⁠
Expressing yourself creatively allows you to explore and process complex emotions in a safe and meaningful way. It’s like giving your inner voice a canvas to communicate.⁠
⁠
🌟 Reduce Anxiety⁠
Immersing yourself in a creative activity can calm your mind, improve focus, and quiet those nagging thoughts. It’s a powerful tool for grounding yourself in the present moment.⁠
⁠
🌟 Boost Self-Esteem⁠
Creating something—no matter how simple—is an accomplishment! It reminds you of your capabilities, builds confidence, and helps you feel proud.⁠
⁠
🌟 Improve Overall Mental Health⁠
Creativity is a form of self-care. It provides an outlet for stress relief, nurtures your imagination, and can bring balance to your emotional wellbeing.⁠
⁠
💡 Remember: Creativity looks different for everyone. Whether it’s doodling, planting a garden, dancing, or solving a puzzle, give yourself permission to explore and express your unique way of being imaginative.⁠
⁠
Let your creativity shine—your mental health will thank you! ✨⁠
⁠

11/08/2025

Busy schedules, life’s demands, and growing teenage independence can leave many parents feeling distant from their loved ones.

At Reserve Care Counselling, our family therapy sessions are designed to help bridge the gap:
✨ Improve communication for honest, healthy relationships.
✨ Heal misunderstandings that create distance.
✨ Strengthen family connections when things feel strained.

You can rediscover the closeness you miss—with guidance and a safe, supportive space to work through challenges. 💛

💬 Book an appointment today–Because every family deserves to feel connected.

08/08/2025

I recently read an interesting article in Psychology Today about why forming friendships as an adult can feel so challenging. It turns out, there are some very real and practical reasons behind this struggle—and you're not alone if you've felt this way!

The article explores how major life transitions—like moving, career changes, marriage, or having kids—can disrupt existing friendships and make it harder to find new ones. During our 20s, we’re often surrounded by people with similar life goals and schedules, making it easier to bond. But as we get older, responsibilities pile up, energy dwindles, and those built-in opportunities to meet people start to disappear.

💬 And let’s not forget the impact of social media: While it keeps us “connected,” it can also trick us into thinking everyone else has more fulfilling friendships, which can deepen feelings of isolation. Combine this with how COVID-19 disrupted our social routines, and it’s no wonder that studies show fewer adults report having close friendships now compared to the past.

✨ So, how can we break the cycle?

Make the first move: Don’t wait for others! Initiating plans or reconnecting with old friends can sometimes spark rewarding connections.

Strengthen “weak ties”: Chat with co-workers, neighbours, or even the barista you see every morning. Small, consistent interactions build familiarity—and over time, they can turn into real friendships.

Be vulnerable: Sharing your feelings of loneliness or disconnection with trusted friends can actually help relationships grow stronger.

Developing adult friendships takes effort and patience, but it’s so worth it. Sometimes, all it takes is just showing up.

Have you noticed how friendship changes as we grow? What has worked for you when meeting new people? 💬

06/08/2025

Loneliness is more common in teenagers than many of us realise. Life transitions like starting high school, changing friend groups, or the pressures of social media can leave even the most outgoing teens feeling disconnected and unsure. But as parents, our presence and support can make a huge difference.

Here are 10 ways we can help if our teens are feeling lonely:

1️⃣ Notice the signs – Changes in mood, withdrawal from friends or activities, and excessive screen time can all point to loneliness. Gently open a dialogue with curiosity, not judgment.

2️⃣ Encourage face-to-face connections – Hobbies like sports, art, or volunteering can help them meet new people while building confidence.

3️⃣ Make communication safe and open – When your teen feels ready to talk, listen fully. Questions like “How are you feeling about your friendships these days?” can encourage them to share more deeply.

4️⃣ Teach social skills – Chat about how to start conversations, grow friendships, or rebuild after an argument. These skills can feel overwhelming to teens but are so empowering when practiced.

5️⃣ Support peer connections – Whether it’s reconnecting with old friends or building new ones, help by offering rides, hosting a hangout, or encouraging them to try something new.

6️⃣ Connect with the community – Encourage your teen to join local clubs, workshops, or community events that align with their interests.

7️⃣ Guide social media use – Social media can help teens connect—but it can also amplify feelings of loneliness. Talk about ways to balance online time with offline connection.

8️⃣ Be there during life transitions – Starting high school, moving, or breaking into new friend groups can be hard. Be their emotional anchor during these changes.

9️⃣ Build family bonds – Family dinners, movie nights, or shared hobbies can remind your teen they are surrounded by love and support.

🔟 Normalise asking for help – Let them know it’s okay to talk to a trusted family member, teacher or counsellor. Seeking support is a strength, not a weakness.

Loneliness can feel like a mountain to climb—but they don’t have to face it alone. As parents, the little ways we show up for our teens have an incredible impact on their emotional world. 💛

I see firsthand just how transformative these small moments of connection can be, so be patient with yourself too as you navigate this journey.

Suz

03/08/2025

Today marks the start of Loneliness Awareness Week, so let’s take a moment to remember the power of small, meaningful interactions. Loneliness is something many of us experience at some point in life, and while it can feel overwhelming, even little acts of kindness and connection can help dissolve its grip. 💛

✨ Small, simple gestures can create ripples of connection, reassurance, and warmth. In a world where we’re so often caught up in busyness, they’re reminders that we’re seen, heard, and valued.

Loneliness doesn’t always require grand solutions—sometimes, it’s about showing up in the little moments. So this week, let’s try something:
👉 Say hello to your neighbour.
👉 Check in on a friend you haven’t spoken to in a while.
👉 Ask someone about their day—and really listen to the answer.

You never know what it could mean to them.

Because loneliness isn’t about being alone; it’s about feeling disconnected. And when we take the time to connect—even in small ways—we remind ourselves and others that we’re not so alone after all. 💛

Reserve Care Counselling

29/08/2025

27/08/2025

25/08/2025

22/08/2025

20/08/2025

18/08/2025

15/08/2025

13/08/2025

11/08/2025

08/08/2025

06/08/2025

03/08/2025

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category