Endeavour Psychology

06/02/2026

As the week winds down, our team is looking forward to doing those things that help discharge the energy of the week and refuel for the week ahead.

A walk by the water, rest, time with people and pets we care about, or simply slowing the pace.

What helps you reset at the end of a week?

03/02/2026

We’re very pleased to have Amanda join the Endeavour Psychology team!

Amanda is a Provisional Psychologist in the final internship year of her training, and she brings something a little different to the therapy room. After more than 20 years in marketing and advertising, Amanda made a deliberate career change into psychology, bringing with her a curious mind, creative thinking, and a deep respect for people’s stories.

Her work is grounded in trauma-aware practice, with strong emphasis on safety, collaboration, and meeting people where they are. Amanda is particularly drawn to the therapeutic process itself, creating space for insight, reflection, and change that feels meaningful rather than rushed.

🌐 Book sessions with Amanda online at www.endeavourpsychology.com.au
📞 Or telephone 03 5200 9730

30/01/2026

At Endeavour Psychology, we prioritise understanding before advice and problem solving.

15/01/2026

By mid-January, many New Year’s resolutions have already fallen away. Research consistently shows this is not a motivation problem.

Studies indicate that rigid, outcome-focused resolutions, for example “exercise every day” or “never feel anxious”, are more likely to be abandoned than goals that are flexible, process-based, and connected to values. When goals are framed as rules, lapses tend to trigger self-criticism, which then reduces persistence.

Psychological research also shows that behaviour change is more sustainable when people expect fluctuation rather than perfection, and when goals are adjusted rather than discarded.

Letting go of a resolution is not a failure. Often, it is an invitation to rethink how change actually happens.

14/01/2026

AuDHD is an informal term used to describe a person who has both Autism and ADHD. It is not a diagnostic label, but a shorthand term that people use to reflect a lived experience where autistic and ADHD traits coexist.

How do you say it? Most people pronounce it as “or-dee-aitch-dee” or simply “oh-dee-hd”.

Why does the term AuDHD matter? Because Autism and ADHD can interact in complex ways. Traits can amplify, mask, or contradict one another. For example, someone may crave routine while also struggling with impulsivity, or feel socially overwhelmed while seeking stimulation.

Understanding terms like AuDHD can help reduce misunderstanding, support accurate assessment, and foster more compassionate conversations about neurodivergence.

Language evolves as people seek words that better capture their experience. What matters most is curiosity, respect, and listening.

05/01/2026

Each month at Endeavour Psychology we highlight a book that brings clarity, grounding, or practical insight. A physical copy is available in our main reception area for you to look through while you wait.

For January we are featuring The Vagus Nerve Reset by Anna Ferguson (Anna the Anxiety Coach).

This book explores the vagus nerve in clear and accessible language, offering practical ways to understand the link between body and mind. Ferguson provides simple daily practices that support steadiness, balance, and a deeper sense of calm.

Three meaningful takeaways from this book:
• The nerve that changes everything
• Surprising science in plain language
• Techniques that are easy to learn

Take a look next time you visit Endeavour Psychology and let us know your thoughts.

22/12/2025

Endeavour Psychology will be closed from 24 December 2025 and will reopen on 5 January 2026.

For clients who may need additional support during this period, the following services remain available:

• Emergency services: 000
• Medicare Mental Health Centre (8 Station St, Norlane): 1800 595 212
• Barwon Health Mental Health Services (24 hours): 1300 094 187
• Lifeline (24/7): 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14
• Su***de Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Head to Help: 1800 595 212
• Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800
• Grief Line: 1300 845 745
• 1800 RESPECT (sexual assault, family and domestic violence): 1800 737 732

We encourage clients to make use of these supports if needed while the clinic is closed.

We look forward to reopening in January and continuing care in the new year.

21/12/2025

We are resharing this piece from our sister organisation, Grief Action, which focuses on strengthening grief literacy. Seasonal gatherings often highlight absence in unexpected ways. An empty chair at a Christmas table can carry significant emotional weight, not because grief is excessive, but because meaning settles into familiar spaces and routines over time.

This article offers a thoughtful exploration of why these moments can feel so sharp, and why understanding the environmental and relational nature of grief matters when supporting others.

You can read the full article via Grief Action here: https://www.griefaction.com/blog/empty-chairs-at-christmas-tables

Empty chairs at seasonal gatherings can hold powerful emotional weight, revealing messages about how grief embeds itself in everyday spaces.

18/12/2025

Christmas can be a difficult time. While the festive season is often spoken about as joyful and connective, we know it can also bring loneliness, grief, family strain, pain, and distress. You are not expected to manage this alone.

If you or someone you care about needs support over the Christmas period, the following services are available:

• In an emergency, call 000
• Medicare Mental Health Centre (8 Station St, Norlane): 1800 595 212
• Barwon Health Mental Health Services, 24 hours, 1300 094 187
• Lifeline, 24 hours, 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14
• Su***de Call Back Service, 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue, 1300 224 636
• GriefLine, 1300 845 745
• Head to Help, 1800 595 212
• 1800 RESPECT, sexual assault, family and domestic violence support, 1800 737 732
• Kids Helpline, 1800 55 1800
• Men’s Line Australia, 1300 789 978

If you are in immediate danger, please contact emergency services.

If Christmas feels heavy, that matters. Reaching out for support is a valid and important step.

14/12/2025

Talking With Children and Adolescents About Domestic Terrorism

When acts of extreme violence occur, children and adolescents often absorb more than adults realise. What helps is not saying more, but saying things in ways that match their developmental stage.

Preschoolers (approximately 3–5 years)
• Keep explanations very simple and concrete. Avoid details and avoid naming motives or labels.
• Reassure safety without promising that nothing bad ever happens.
• Let play and behaviour changes tell you how they are coping.

If they ask: “What happened?”
You might say: “Something scary happened to some people, and it wasn’t safe. Grown ups whose job it is are helping, and you are safe here with me.”

Primary Schoolers (approximately 6–11 years)
• Answer their actual question, not the one you fear they are asking.
• Correct misinformation they may have picked up from peers or media (and keep the tv and radio off).
• Emphasise helpers and protective systems without minimising harm.

If they ask: “Could that happen here?”
You might say: “Very serious violence is rare, but when it happens it can feel frightening. Many people here work to keep places safe, and we talk about worries when they come up.”

High Schoolers (approximately 12–18 years)
• Expect strong opinions, moral questions, and emotional reactions.
• Avoid debating or dismissing their views, listen first.
• Acknowledge fear, anger, or cynicism without trying to fix it.

If they ask: “Why would someone do something like that?”
You might say: “There isn’t one simple reason. Violence usually comes from a mix of factors. It’s natural to feel unsettled or angry, and we can talk about what this brings up for you.”

Children don’t need perfect answers, they need adults who are regulated and supported themselves. Being mindful of your own exposure to distressing news can help you stay regulated in these conversations.

14/12/2025

The darkest of human behaviour at a festival of light.

The Endeavour Psychology team is deeply concerned by the events at Bondi Beach on Sunday 14th December 2025. We hold in mind those who were murdered, their families and loved ones, and the wider community who witnessed these acts of violence. We also acknowledge the first responders and community members who placed themselves at risk for the greater good.

In the days following events like this, it is common to feel shaken, overwhelmed, or unsettled, even if you were not directly involved. If you notice yourself becoming distressed, it can help to step away from repeated conversations, social media, and 24-hour news coverage that loops upsetting footage.

When feelings of helplessness arise, taking grounded actions can help restore your sense of agency. This can include donating blood, checking in on friends, family, or colleagues who may be struggling, offering practical support within your local community, and making financial donations to organisations providing emergency response, victim support, or trauma care if you are in a position to do so.

30/11/2025

Each month at Endeavour Psychology we highlight a book that brings clarity, grounding, or practical insight. A physical copy is available in our main reception area for you to peruse while you wait.

For December we are featuring Ten Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child’s Mental Health by Australian paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey.

Dr Garvey offers a warm and accessible guide to the foundations of children’s wellbeing. His writing blends everyday examples with evidence informed ideas that support adults in understanding the world of a child.

Three meaningful takeaways from this book:
• The ten insights every adult needs
• What helps children feel safe
• Clear and compassionate explanations

Take a look next time you visit Endeavour Psychology and let us know your thoughts.