Vivid Life Psychology

18/03/2022

With so much going on in the world we want to pay attention to what kids are being exposed to and how it is shaping their thinking. Many adults with anxiety have memories of being a worrier as a child. Fun books that help kids to see an alternative way of thinking are are great way to help them find balance.

A Mighty Girl Pick of the Day: "The Whatifs" by Emily Kilgore. Cora is constantly worrying, plagued by those nervous questions: the Whatifs! These sneaky little creatures like to make her worry about everything, from little things -- what if my crayon breaks? ñ to big ones -- what if my dog runs away? Some of her Whatifs are silly, others are frightening, some are likely to happen, others are impossible -- but Cora feels like they are following her everywhere! And with a piano recital coming up, Cora is particularly plagued with Whatif worries, each one weighing her down more than the last.

Fortunately, her friend Stella helps her see that Whatifs don't have to be negative -- she can turn her Whatifs around by asking herself 'What if I play better than ever?' As her head begins to fill with positive Whatifs full of possibilities, the 'heavy, lumpy, and grumpy' ones start to slink away. With her confidence boosted, even when she hits a wrong note in the middle of the recital, Cora is able to recover quickly after assuring herself, 'What if I CAN do this?' Filled with vibrant artwork by Zoe Persico, this gentle picture book introduces real-life cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in a playful way, perfect for showing kids they can overcome their worries and thrive! Highly recommended for ages 4 to 8

"The Whatifs" is available at https://www.amightygirl.com/the-whatifs

For books to help older kids understand and manage anxiety and worry, we recommend "What To Do When You Worry Too Much" for ages 6 to 12 (https://www.amightygirl.com/when-you-worry-too-much), "Outsmarting Worry" for ages 9 to 13 (https://www.amightygirl.com/outsmarting-worry), and "The Anxiety Workbook for Teens" for ages 13 and up (https://www.amightygirl.com/the-anxiety-workbook-for-teens)

If you're an anxious parent hoping to break the cycle of worry, we highly recommend the parenting book "Anxious Kids, Anxious Parents: 7 Ways to Stop the Worry Cycle and Raise Courageous and Independent Children" at https://www.amightygirl.com/anxious-kids-anxious-parents

There is also a helpful book for parents on how to help kids feel calm in an anxious world, "When the World Feels Like a Scary Place" is available at https://www.amightygirl.com/world-scary-place

For books to help kids of all ages manage their worries, visit our blog post "25 Books to Help Kids Overcome Anxiety, Worry, and Fear" at https://www.amightygirl.com/blog?p=22612

You can also learn about new Mighty Girl book releases and other Mighty Girl stories in our email newsletter -- to subscribe, visit https://www.amightygirl.com/forms/newsletter

23/12/2020

What a year! It feels like so much and yet so little happened this year. It felt like it went so fast... and yet so slow at times. Each person's experience was so unique, some with much less to do, some with much more. It was a year of paradoxes. One thing we all seem to share though is the need for some relaxation, fun, reconnection and freedom.

Vivid Life Psychology is taking a break and will return on 18th January 2021. Wishing you all a safe, enjoyable holiday season and a new year full of hope, inspiration and peacefulness.

Should you require urgent support over the holiday period please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Suicideline on 1300 651 251, or your local mental health triage service or hospital.

11/08/2020

A heads up to any clients attending face-to-face appointments. This is my new look for 2020. It's a stylish new trend inspired by all the fabulous dentists out there. Don't worry, strictly no drilling in our sessions.

05/08/2020

COVID-19 Service Update: ⁠
As we find ourselves in Stage 4 lockdown in Melbourne, you might be wondering whether you can still access the support you need. As psychological services are classed as 'essential services' face-to-face appointments are still available if required. Masks, distancing and hygiene practices will be followed. You are allowed to travel outside of the curfew time and further than 5km from home if it is to access care. If questioned on your travels you will likely need some evidence of your appointment such as an email or SMS reminder. Telehealth appointments via phone or Zoom are also available.⁠
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If you have already used your 10 Medicare rebates for 2020, you can now access an additional 10 sessions for 2020 if you live in Victoria. Arrange an appointment with your GP for a Mental Health Care Plan. We will get through this together.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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22/07/2020

Often what we think the world expects of us is based on our assumptions about what others are thinking, our relationship with achievement, how much our self-worth relies on our achievements, and our beliefs about whether we are capable or good enough. If you find yourself being your own worst critic and using the "should" word, take a step back and consider the possibility that no one expects you to be or do anything different to who you are and what you are doing right now. Perhaps you don't have to achieve anything at all to be good enough. Perhaps it's time to learn how to just be, and know that this is enough. You are enough just as you are.

Melissa Thomas
Psychologist
Vivid Life Psychology

13/07/2020

If you're feeling a little stressed, anxious or on edge your nervous system may be trying to protect you from a perceived threat. This is a helpful response when there is immediate danger, so we can fight off a predator, flee from danger or freeze for our safety. Most of the time however, these are not the responses that suit the kinds of stressors we encounter in this modern world. We can't run from a pandemic, fight our boss, or freeze when we feel overwhelmed. So what can we do instead?

Well, we might start by thanking our nervous system for trying to protect us. It means well. Then we can try to communicate to it directly through our senses to inform it that we are safe, grounded, and that everything is going to be okay. Start by picking one of your senses (sight, sound, smell, touch, or taste) and really tune into that sense. Note all the things you can perceive using that sense, then move on to the other senses, one by one.

Tune into your environment using your senses, because although logically we know where we are and that we are safe, in times of perceived threat our nervous system forgets. The more calming and soothing the environment the better. A great exercise to do whilst sitting somewhere calm with a hot drink. Take this moment for yourself regularly and you will retrain your nervous system to know what is danger and what is not. Give it a try. Your sense of safety and calm is worth the time.

11/07/2020

When life gives me lemons, I try to make lemonade.... or in this case, fashionable face masks! Can't pass up a craft project!

As psychological services are considered essential services, face to face appointments are still available. Physical distancing and sanitisation practices will be followed and I'm happy to wear my new fancy mask.

If you feel more comfortable staying in isolation or are quarantined due to being unwell telehealth appointments are available via phone or Zoom.

Get in touch to make an appointment. Link in bio.

01/07/2020

It's a beautiful, even warm winter day in Melbourne today. Have you soaked in some of the warm sunshine?

09/06/2020

Meet the psychologist: Melissa Thomas
MProfPsych, BPsySc (Hons), MAAPi, MAPS

Hello! My name is Melissa Thomas. I'm the founder and treating psychologist at Vivid Life Psychology. I'm very excited to be launching this business, It's a labour of love and gives me the opportunity to connect with clients in a different way. Just by taking a look at the website vividlifepsychology.com.au you get to see through my eyes. If you feel I am the right fit for you and the services on offer are what you're seeking, then I might get the privilege of knowing and helping you.

So, here's a bit of info about me. I'm a registered psychologist with extensive experience in the non-government, not-for-profit and private sectors. I hold a Master of Professional Psychology and have worked with adolescents, adults, older adults and couples from all walks of life.

My goals are: to provide a safe, grounding, accepting and enjoyable space to connect authentically with clients; to support them to gain understanding and insight into internal and external barriers to growth and movement; to uncover their hopes for the future; provide tools for continued self-development; and empower clients to take steps towards change and growth.

I use an integrative counselling approach drawing from interventions including: Narrative Therapy, Systems Therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I also provide counselling and pre-marriage/commitment assessment and skill-building sessions to couples.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions or wish to make an appointment. I look forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,

Melissa Thomas
Psychologist
Vivid Life Psychology

09/06/2020

Service Adjustments for COVID-19:

Vivid Life Psychology are offering therapeutic services via phone and video consultation to those in isolation due to COVID-19. If you have been unwell or have travelled in the past 14 days, have been in contact with someone with COVID-19, or are socially isolating please arrange a telehealth or phone session.

Telehealth has been found to be as effective as face-to-face services but may not suit everyone. As such, socially distanced face-to-face sessions are also available, with a thorough cleaning regime in place and masks worn. Please get in touch to discuss which option is best for you.

Medicare rebates can be claimed for Telehealth sessions for individuals. Contact your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access these rebates. If you live in Victoria you are able to access 20 rebates in 2020 instead of 10. If you have used your first 10 sessions contact your GP for a new Mental Health Treatment Plan.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.