Happiness Matters Counselling

18/10/2025

🎉 Happiness Matters is 10! 🎉

It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole decade since I first opened the doors to Happiness Matters in Gawler Place, Adelaide. Since then, the practice has undergone a seaside change, relocating to the Movement & Wellbeing Centre in Hove before settling into its current home on Partridge Street, Glenelg South, in October 2021.

Happiness Matters has always been just me, but I’ve been lucky to have the support of so many along the way. That support has allowed me the privilege of being there for others, often during their darkest days.

To my wonderful clients, family, friends, and this small Facebook community, thank you for being part of the journey.

09/10/2025

🌏 World Mental Health Day – 10 October

Some days the storm feels dark, heavy, and endless. But even when the clouds roll in, the sun is still there, waiting behind them. The storm will pass, and when it does, the sunshine is always ready to lift you.

No one has to face the storm alone. Talking it through can help lighten the load and remind you that brighter days are ahead. Make a booking: www.happinessmatters.com.au

If today feels tough, please reach out:

Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7)

Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

In an emergency, call 000

☀️ Your storm will pass. The sunshine is waiting.

22/09/2025

You don’t need to be in crisis to try counselling.

Sometimes, it’s simply about slowing down and untangling the jumble of thoughts in your mind. It’s like turning the puzzle pieces the right way up, so you can finally step back and start to see the bigger picture.

Together, we gently sort through those pieces until the image begins to make sense. 💛

If you’d like support to work through your own puzzle, you can book an appointment here: https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/

16/09/2025

Checking in on your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are 3 gentle ways you can support yourself this week:

1️⃣ Take a 10-minute break outside: notice the colours, sounds, and fresh air around you.
2️⃣ Write down one small thing you’re grateful for today.
3️⃣ Reach out to someone you trust and share how you’re really going.

Small steps add up. 💛

And if you feel like you need more support, you can always book a safe space to talk with me here:
https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/online-booking/

11/09/2025

R U OK? Day – Thursday 11 September 2025

A simple check-in can truly change a life. 💛

Here’s how you can help:

Ask: “Are you OK? I’ve noticed you haven’t been quite yourself.”

Listen: Give them your full attention: no judgment, just understanding.

Encourage action: Suggest talking to someone trusted, a GP, a counsellor, or calling a helpline.

Check in again: Follow up in the coming days to show you care.

If you need someone to talk to right now:
• Lifeline: 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
• 13YARN (for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples): 13 92 76
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800
• 000 in an emergency

Looking for a safe, supportive space?
At Happiness Matters Counselling, I'm here to help. You can book a counselling appointment online.

https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/online-booking/

Because your mental wellbeing matters.

08/05/2025

What’s your relationship currency?

At Happiness Matters Counselling, we often support couples who feel like they speak different languages regarding love and connection.

Some people feel valued through affection or quality time, while others think they are valued through practical support, space to recharge, thoughtful gifts, or shared family time. These are all different currencies in a relationship.

But when those currencies don’t align, things can start to tilt. One partner might be pouring love into the relationship in their own way, but the other isn’t feeling it, because their currency looks different. Over time, this can lead to frustration, disconnection, and imbalance.

💡 Counselling can help couples identify their own currencies, understand each other’s needs, and find new ways to connect, without keeping score.

If your relationship feels uneven, know that support is available and that small shifts can make a big difference.

14/04/2025

Counselling Doesn’t Make You Weak — It Means You’re Brave Enough to Care

For too long, we’ve been sold the message that strength means “toughing it out.”
“Just be strong.”
“Harden up.”
“You’ll be right.”

But let’s be honest — pushing everything down and pretending you’re fine doesn’t make life easier. It just makes you more exhausted.

Going to counselling doesn’t mean you’re broken or failing. It means you care enough about your wellbeing to do something about it.

It means you’re brave enough to look at the hard stuff closer.
It means you’re willing to show up for yourself.
It means you want more for your life than just surviving.

You wouldn’t call someone weak for seeing a physio after an injury, so why treat mental health any differently?

Real strength is knowing when to reach out.
Real courage says, “I’m not okay — and I want to talk about it.”

Counselling isn’t about weakness. It’s about healing, growth, and finding better ways to move forward.
And that? That takes guts.

Happiness Matters Counselling offers professional, compassionate support for individuals, couples, and families, both in person and online.

Ready to take the next step?
Visit our website to make a booking:
👉 https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/online-booking/

19/12/2024

🎄 Holiday Hours Announcement 🎄

Please note that our office will be closed on 24th December and will re-open on 13th January 2025.

We wish everyone a peaceful and restful holiday season! If you need assistance or would like to schedule an appointment for the new year, please reach out before we close. You can book your appointment online here: https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/online-booking/

We look forward to supporting you in 2025!

16/12/2024

Exercise + Mental Health = Social, Physical & Emotional Well-being

Exercise isn’t just about building strength but nurturing your whole self!

When combined with a focus on mental health, physical activity becomes a powerful tool for supporting your body and your emotional and social well-being.

Regular exercise helps boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep while also strengthening our ability to cope with anxiety and depression. But it’s not just physical – moving your body also connects you with others, whether it's through group workouts or simply sharing a walk with a friend. This social connection is a vital part of emotional well-being.

By prioritizing exercise and mental health, we’re investing in our overall well-being – feeling good inside and out, physically strong, emotionally resilient, and socially connected.

So, whether it's moving solo or with others, let's embrace the power of exercise to support our mind, body, and relationships.

https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/online-booking/

04/12/2024

Life’s responsibilities—work, family, finances—can pile up, making it easy to withdraw and get caught in cycles of isolation. While being on our own sometimes feels easier, long periods without real connection can start to wear on our mental health.

Isolation Affects More Than We Think

Social media has made us more “connected” than ever, but real connections—those meaningful conversations and shared moments—might be missing. When isolation sets in, it can affect our mental and physical health, making us feel more anxious, stressed, or even burnt out.

Why Socializing Matters

Socializing doesn’t have to mean attending big gatherings if that’s not your thing. It’s about finding moments to genuinely connect with others, which can recharge us and lift our spirits. Sometimes, a quick coffee with a friend, joining a community class, or chatting with a neighbour can make all the difference.

How to Start Reconnecting
• Send That Message: Reach out to someone you haven’t caught up with. A quick “thinking of you” can open the door to reconnecting.

• Get Involved Locally: Many community groups or events, from sports to creative clubs, are open to newcomers. Sharing interests can be an easy way to break out of the cycle of isolation.

• Take Small Steps: If connecting feels hard, start small. Even a 5-minute walk outside can remind us we’re part of a bigger world.

You’re Not Alone in This

If you’ve been feeling isolated, you’re not the only one. But even a tiny step toward connection can start to shift things. Sometimes, reaching out to others is the best way to find the support we need.

https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/online-booking/

18/11/2024

December can be a magical time of year, but let’s be honest—it can also feel overwhelming. Between juggling family commitments, gift shopping, and the end-of-year rush, it’s easy to feel stretched thin emotionally and mentally.

For many, this season also brings up more complex feelings—grief, loneliness, or the pressure to make everything “perfect.” And that’s okay. It’s a lot to manage, and it’s important to prioritise your well-being.

Tips for Navigating the Festive Season

> Pause and Reflect: Take a moment to check in with yourself. How are you feeling, and what do you really need right now?

> Set Boundaries: It’s okay to decline plans or simplify traditions if it helps you feel calmer.

> Make Time for You: Even in the busiest weeks, carve out moments for rest—a quiet cuppa, a beach walk, or just sitting in the garden.

> Ask for Support: Talking things through with someone—whether a friend, family member or professional—can make all the difference.

Remember that you don’t have to do it all this festive season. The best gift you can give yourself (and others) is kindness and care, starting with yourself. 🌟

https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/online-booking/

08/10/2024

Happiness Matters Counselling is here to support you.

Whether you're facing life's challenges or simply seeking personal growth.

We offer:

💛Compassionate, confidential counselling
💛Tailored strategies to help you navigate stress and anxiety
💛A safe space to talk, heal, and grow

You don’t have to go through it alone. Contact us today to take the first step towards a happier, healthier you.

📞 Contact us for more information or to book a session: https://happinessmatters.com.au/wp/online-booking/

Book your appointment online anytime 24/7