Firelink Counselling

14/09/2025

Feeling Drained? Understanding Emotional Fatigue

Life can be demanding—work, family, relationships, daily responsibilities. Over time, constantly giving without recharging can leave you feeling like you’re running on empty. This is called emotional fatigue (or emotional exhaustion), and it goes beyond normal tiredness.

You may feel:

Persistently tired, even after rest

Irritable, overwhelmed, or “going through the motions”

Detached from people or activities you care about

Struggling to concentrate or make decisions

How it builds:
Chronic stress, caring for others, and putting constant pressure on yourself can gradually deplete your emotional reserves.

Steps toward recovery:

Prioritise rest and self-care

Set healthy boundaries

Share what you’re going through with supportive people

Try restorative activities like mindfulness, journaling, or time in nature

Seek counselling for strategies to manage stress and rebuild resilience

Moving forward:
Emotional fatigue is your body and mind’s way of saying: it’s time to care for yourself too. With the right support, you can restore balance and energy—and move from simply surviving to truly thriving.

10/09/2025

Sometimes self-care looks like two wheels, fresh air, and the open road. A reminder that recharging doesn’t always mean slowing down — sometimes it means riding into freedom.

08/09/2025

Burnout or Depression? Knowing the Difference Matters

Feeling exhausted, unmotivated, or emotionally drained can be confusing. Is it burnout from stress, or is it depression? While they can look similar, they aren’t the same—and understanding the difference can help you get the right support.

Burnout often comes from ongoing stress (work, study, caregiving). Signs include:

Constant tiredness, even after rest

Irritability or detachment

Loss of motivation for tasks you once managed

Trouble focusing or being productive

Headaches, poor sleep, or tension

Depression goes deeper, affecting mood and outlook:

Persistent sadness or hopelessness

Loss of interest in things once enjoyed

Feeling worthless or guilty

Changes in appetite or sleep

Thoughts of not wanting to be here

Key difference: Burnout often eases with rest or reducing stress. Depression tends to linger and affect all areas of life. Sometimes, long-term burnout can even turn into depression if left untreated.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure, reaching out to a counsellor or mental health professional can help you find clarity and support.

⚠️ If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, please call 000 (Australia) or Lifeline on 13 11 14. You are not alone.

Both burnout and depression are signals that you deserve care. With the right support, recovery is possible.

28/04/2025

A small but special moment from the past weeks — one of my clients drew a picture of Minky, my mascot office cat 🐾.

Moments like these are such a reminder that connection, creativity, and shared smiles are just as important to the healing process as anything else.
It’s the simple, genuine moments that make this work so meaningful.

24/04/2025

🌿 New Location Announcement 🌿

I’m really excited to now be offering counselling sessions from in Briar Hill!

This warm, welcoming space was created with community at its heart — surrounded by native gardens and filled with practitioners who genuinely care. It’s a place where people of all ages come for support, and I’m so grateful to now be part of it.

I’ll be seeing clients on Wednesday arvo's and I’m so grateful to be practicing in a place that truly reflects the values of connection, wellbeing, and holistic health. I’ll be offering counselling to teens, adults, couples, and families — with a focus on creating a safe, inclusive, and affirming space.

📍 Family Tree Health, Greensborough
🗓 Wednesday arvo appointments now available
📩 DM or head to firelinkcounselling.com to book online

17/04/2025

🐝 Now Listed with the Diamond Creek Traders Association!
Exciting news — I’m officially part of the Diamond Creek Traders Association!

As a local counsellor, I’m proud to be part of a community that supports and uplifts small businesses and local wellbeing services.

Looking forward to continuing to support mental health right here in Diamond Creek 💚

Grateful to be recognised as part of the Diamond Creek Traders Association 🌿
Being connected to this vibrant, community-focused network means more opportunities to collaborate, grow, and support locals with inclusive and compassionate mental health care.

13/04/2025

“Not all spaces feel safe — mine is built to be.”

As a counsellor, I offer something a little different. My practice is grounded in empathy, inclusivity, and deep respect for each person’s lived experience.

I work from a neurodiversity-affirming and LGBTQIA+ inclusive lens, supporting teens and adults who are navigating identity, overwhelm, anxiety, and relationship challenges.

This is a space for the quiet, the questioning, the misfits, the burnt out — and those just trying to feel more like themselves again.

You’re welcome here.

11/04/2025

🌿 Hey, I’m Jamie 👋

I’m an accredited counsellor offering trauma-informed, client-centred support for teens, adults, and families.

Whether you're navigating ADHD, autism, identity and relationship concerns, or feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or stress — you're not alone.

I offer a warm and inclusive space where you can feel safe, heard, and supported, either in person in Melbourne’s north or online via Telehealth 💻🌱

If you’re looking for grounded, empathetic, evidence-based support, feel free to reach out or book a session today 💬

Reach out via my website: https://firelinkcounselling.com/

Let’s work together toward healing and growth.

Discover expert face-to-face counselling services Melbourne's northern suburbs, specialising in LGBTQIA support and mental health for youth and adults. Using evidence-based techniques ensure effective care tailored to your needs.

10/04/2025

🌈 Inclusive Practice Matters
I’m proud to share that I’ve been featured on the Victorian Inclusive Practitioner List!

This list recognises mental health professionals committed to providing safe, affirming, and inclusive care for LGBTQIA+ communities and neurodivergent individuals.

Explore the list here > https://www.vicinclusivepractitioners.com/

Everyone deserves a space where they’re seen, heard, and respected — just as they are.

Feeling grateful to be listed as a trusted, inclusive practitioner in Victoria.
My work centres on affirming support for LGBTQIA+ folks, neurodiverse individuals, and anyone navigating life’s challenges in a world that doesn’t always fit.
Thank you to everyone creating safer spaces in mental health.

06/04/2025

🧠 Neurodiversity: Myths vs Facts
MYTH:
"People with ADHD or Autism just need to try harder or act ‘normal.’"

FACT:
Neurodivergent minds function differently — not incorrectly.
Support, understanding, and acceptance make all the difference.

🧩 Autism and ADHD are spectrum-based and impact focus, emotion regulation, and sensory processing — not motivation or effort.

💬 Let’s replace judgment with curiosity. Neurodiversity isn’t a flaw — it’s a part of human diversity.

There’s no one-size-fits-all brain — and that’s something worth celebrating.
Let’s break the stigma and build a more inclusive world, one truth at a time 💛
Save this to revisit later or share it to spread awareness.

21/01/2025

🌿 Nature’s Hidden Wonders: A Source of Healing and Inspiration 🌿

I recently had the incredible opportunity to explore a stunning cave system, guided by someone deeply passionate about conservation and the natural world. The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Walking through these ancient spaces, witnessing rare ecosystems like a rarely-seen centipede, and feeling the quiet stillness of the caves reminded me of the profound connection between nature and mental wellbeing. Moments like these fuel my passion for eco-therapy—helping people find healing and balance by reconnecting with the natural world.

Nature has a way of grounding us, inspiring curiosity, and fostering resilience. Whether it’s the calm of a forest, the rhythm of the ocean, or the mystery of an underground cave, these spaces offer a unique kind of therapy for the mind and soul.

A heartfelt thank you to our guide for sharing her knowledge and love for these remarkable places. Her dedication to preserving them inspires me to continue weaving the lessons of nature into my counselling practice.

What natural space has inspired you or brought you a sense of peace? Share your stories below—I’d love to hear how nature has impacted your journey.

🌍🪨🌿

13/12/2024

Recently got to hang out with to rescue a hive of bees that had made their home in an old possum box. 🪵 This wasn’t just about saving the bees—it was also a chance to reflect on the parallels between nature and mental health.

Just like these bees needed a safe, supportive space to thrive, we all need environments where we can feel secure, supported, and connected. 🐝💛

Engaging with bees can remind us of the importance of nurturing both the world around us and our own well-being. Watching their resilience and teamwork can encoiurage us to approach our mental health with the same care and attention.

Check out the video to see the rescue in action and learn more about how bees and mental health go hand in hand. 🌿🍯