Open Circle Wellbeing

03/07/2025

What is AuDHD? Many adults that I work with have discovered that they have both autism and ADHD. In the past, they were diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, depression and/or OCD. And certain traits became more noticeable over time: parents deprived of sleep, women struggling with perimenopausal brain fog, and others experiencing different kinds of stress which made it harder to mask. The feeling of being constantly distracted, side-tracked by sensory issues or finding it more challenging to interact socially.

What can help? Calming techniques can help to reduce stress. But often the most important step is understanding more about how our minds work and ways to build on a multitude of strengths.

25/06/2025

Music, dance, yoga and breathing exercises given children the opportunity to process trauma in a safe and supportive environment.

A program to help Ukrainian children has shown promising results, with three-quarters of participants experiencing improved mental health.

08/05/2024

What is perinatal counselling? The journey of 'matrescence' - or becoming a mother - can last a lifetime and require significant psychological adjustment. Amidst the joy, it can also involve feelings of loss, grief or guilt, as well as unaddressed trauma. This can disrupt bonding and attachment, and impact on other relationships, as well as your mental health over the longer term. Counselling can help you to view these experiences in the wider context of your life, and develop positive coping strategies.

Perinatal counselling during pregnancy and the postpartum period can involve:
- Co-creating birth preferences and strategies which prioritise your cultural and psychological needs.
- Practising fear-release methods to reduce stress and work through any past trauma.
- Support with developing a mental health care and/or safety plan if needed.
- Fourth trimester planning, including how to balance baby, family and relationship needs with self-care.
- Postnatal de-briefing about your birth experience and ongoing mental health support, including screening for signs of anxiety and/or depression.

It's never too late to reach out for support.

Chat to Natalie to find out more (03) 5910 1103 or via opencirclewellbeing@gmail.com.
https://www.opencircle.life/perinatalcounsellingsupport

24/04/2024

How does polyvagal theory help to heal trauma? The vagus nerve stretches from the brain stem through all of our major organs to link functions such as breathing, heart rate and pain perception. When activated it can help the body feel calm and regulated. However, after trauma the nervous system can no longer do this, which leads to shutting down and becoming “stuck” in survival mode. A healthy vagus nerve can calm the nervous system to re-establish safety and gradually release trauma.
Find more tips here: https://www.opencircle.life/post/polyvagal-theory-for-healing-trauma

17/04/2024

Have you heard about adrenal fatigue? 24/7 stress can overstimulate the adrenal glands, which regulate estrogen and testosterone. This can lead to hormonal imbalances at any life stage including during adolescence, pregnancy and menopause; it can also have a significant impact on fertility. However, lifestyle changes which reduce 'fight or flight' responses and promote 'rest and digest' can help to restore energy, boost the immune system and improve overall wellbeing.
Read more here: https://www.opencircle.life/post/what-s-up-with-my-adrenals

17/04/2024

"Embodiment is the sense of experiencing ourselves and the world through our bodies. Researchers have found that accessing the emotions in our body - being actively attuned to our senses - has a discernible impact on our well-being, and strengthens our connection to other people and the world around us. Immersive artworks support embodiment and a greater sense of presence, bringing us back to our body, our breath and ourselves. They break down boundaries, grounding us, connecting us, calling on us, simply, to just be."

13/03/2024

Join our upcoming hypnobirthing sessions to learn about relaxation techniques and fear release methods for a calm and instinctive birthing experience.🌟
- 6.30 - 9pm Tuesdays 30th April - 28th May (F2F)
- 6.30 - 9pm Saturday 20th July - 17th Aug 2024​ (F2F)

Online sessions are also available.

opencirclewellbeing@gmail.com