Wildflower Hearts & Minds

01/08/2025

Last weekend I took my daughter to Move for MADA fun run for a few reasons.
firstly I wanted to educate her on who MADA are - Maitland Against Domestic Abuse Committee.
Secondly it opened an opportunity for us to talk about all forms of domestic abuse, coercive control and emotional abuse. I really want her to understand what I did not and for her to know that if something doesn’t feel right she can talk about it.
Thirdly being out in community, being active and creating a sense of belonging is so important in her development and for all of our mental health.
With an option of 2km, 5km or 10km she chose the 5 and in the crazy windy weather she pushed through the hard and found her strength to finish strong.
We arrived early and spent the morning painting rocks with Mindaribba, chatting to Carrie’s Place, Hume Housing, the MADA team, the Return and Earn team, Girl Guides and more.
We cheered on the 10km runners, encouraged the younger kids and my daughter was so proud of her own achievement.
Get amongst your community, educate our young ones and talk about all the things in life that broaden horizons, bring the truth into the light and empower our children and young people to speak up.
Thankyou MADA

19/07/2025

Super quick trip to the Gold Coast that has been priceless in my learning journey. 2 amazing days of counselling children and young people and a sparked interest to further my knowledge in play therapy, trauma focussed cognitive behaviour therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy.
With the statistics rising for children and young people needing support I know what an impact I can have.
It makes the hard days and long sleepless nights worthwhile, and although the logistics of getting away for residentials is difficult in many ways I am determined to find a way.

So much knowledge shared this weekend. Feeling very grateful for this experience.

06/07/2025

I don’t usually post on here about my adventures but I thought I would share. Its been over 2 years since I stood on the start line of a race event. In the past event training would have consisted of a structured training plan where I would have been running 3-5 days a week with a bit of PT thrown in.
It’s 4 weeks today till we get to adventure in an official event and training has been non existent. Today we went out to hike 20km with almost 700m of elevation to see if it was walkable under cut off. It is!
The day will be about the journey, enjoying the incredible scenery and loving the event atmosphere and the company.
I took this photo while we were out today. It reminded me of finding balance in life, that every stone or story in our lives stacks up to create the whole picture of our experiences. Finding peace, and being at one with nature.
Priorities change, but if you remember your why you can do what you love even if it looks very different to how it did in the past. Everything hurt today but it was so worth it 🪴

Thanks to for being out there with me today.

03/05/2025

As I advance my skills in Dependency Counselling I thought I would share some things along the way.

Did you know?

The statistics for the number of people we lose in Australia as a result of problematic alcohol and other drug use may surprise you.

There is help and there’s help for our young people now too with the opening of a residential program for youth in the area run by The Ted Noff’s Foundation. I have toured the facility and it is very impressive with a bright, welcoming team of staff to support our young people.

Your past does not need to define your future.

20/04/2025

I was working in the garden with my daughter yesterday when we came across this tiny little 🐌 snail. Its little shell was almost transparent. It got me wondering about how many other tiny little creatures had made homes in our garden.

I was also very fortunate to be able to reconnect with 2 other amazing art therapists that I met during our training. Kelly from and Minet from .avenue had a fabulous video call to talk about what we’ve been up to, run through some ideas for what’s to come and bounce our creativity off one another. It’s so important to stay connected with like minded people and I’m looking forward to our next catch up.

Our catch up like the little snail reminded me again that it’s the little things in life that matter most.

What little thing changed your day today?

❤️

04/04/2025

Behind the scenes!

Last weekend I had the privilege of holding an art therapy session at Conscious Connection Autumn Day Retreat held at .cosmos.co

Laughter, tears, kindness, love and 15 like minded women holding space for one another. There really is nothing quite like it.

I shared the technique of Neurographic art, something I use regularly and hope that others will incorporate into their days as well.

Until next time 🫶 🙏 💕

01/04/2025

When your heart is full and you leave feeling grounded ❤️ an incredible day with amazing women - Thankyou 🙏

I had the pleasure of sharing a Neurographic art therapy session at retreat on Sunday. The ladies who attended, please feel free to share any of your art that you would like to share with us.

09/03/2025

With the unpredictable weather from the cyclone we decided to have a weekend at home. There were no amazing nature pics to share from the weekend so here’s a throw back to my first over night hike earlier this year. Section 1 of the Great North Walk from Sydney to Thornleigh with an overnight camp at Lane Cove. Was a scorcher of a weekend but we got it done and are excited for section 2 when we can coordinate our schedules to fit it in.

This weekend was about family, celebrating the little wins, appreciating the little things.

08/03/2025

A change from the iceberg image we often refer to when we talk about the behaviour that is seen and the underlying build up that we don’t.
Thankyou The Therapist Parent for a new perspective on this image.

The Therapist Parent 🧡

08/03/2025

You never know who needs these.

Save them in your phone, share them with the people you love.

❤️

03/03/2025

Summer is done and Autumn is creeping in. I love the rain and couldn’t resist enjoying a moment to admire my frangipanis covered in water droplets.

Take time in your day to stop and notice the things you love, the things that make you smile. Let the people in your life stop and enjoy the simple pleasures. Slow the busy.
Listen to the song end before getting out of the car, watch the birds feeding in the tree, take a few minutes each day to realise the little things have a big impact ❤️

Have a great day