Next Door Counselling & Consultation

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Next Door Counselling & Consultation

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Next Door Counselling & Consultation
Mental Health Service
🚪Telehealth Counselling Australia Wide
🚪Memory Loss & Dementia Specialist
🚪Registered Clinical Supervisor
🚪Online Bookings Available Now!

18/01/2026

Yesterday I took my children to the Tooradin Tractor Pull. I used to be the kid watching in Quambatook, so it felt pretty special to come full circle.

As I stood there, smelling diesel in the air and watching tractor after tractor attempt to pull the same heavy load, I couldn’t stop thinking about my work.

We all start strong and give it everything we’ve got.
And then sometimes, the front wheels lift and you cannot move forward anymore.

I see this all the time in my therapy room.

People who have been carrying far too much for far too long. People who are exhausted, cognitively overwhelmed and still telling themselves they should be able to keep going.

Sometimes our bodies force us to stop not because we’re weak but because the load has become too heavy.

Maybe this is how you feel, stuck and unsure if its burnout but you know something is ‘off.’

As we move into 2026, I keep coming back to this question: What are you still carrying that doesn’t need to come with you into the new year?

If you need space to pause, make sense of the weight you’ve been carrying and work out what comes next my door is always open.

Sometimes, just like these epic tractors, we are forced to stop and thats ok.

See the booking link in my bio to make an appointment ☺️

11/01/2026

After a Bushfire Disaster its likely that you are feeling a whole lot of emotions at once, or you may feel nothing at all. There is no right way to process disaster but here are 4 strategies to help you cope with the huge mental load.

1. Be gentle with yourself.
When the smoke clears, many people spend days learning what has been lost for themselves, those they love and their wider community. This constant stream of information is heavy and it affects everyone differently.
If you need to keep working, stay busy, gather all the information, withdraw, rest, or even go away for a while, allowing yourself the space to do what YOU need is okay. There is no right or wrong response.

2. Connect with supports available.
Help is coming. Disaster recovery services and government supports are designed to ease some of the pressure and allow your brain to take a breather.
Connecting with services on the ground and accessing financial or practical assistance can reduce overwhelm. For up to date government support and local services, visit your local council website. Disaster recovery crews are there to help.

3. Understand the shift from survival to grief.
After a traumatic event, our brains often move into survival mode, running on adrenaline. For a time, this can help us get through. When that adrenaline wears off, grief can arrive suddenly and feel overwhelming.
This is where connection matters. Reaching out to friends, family, neighbours, local supports, or your GP can help share the mental load. It may not feel comfortable at first but it can help you stay grounded and supported.

4. Do not forget the basics, especially yourself.
Amid recovery, essential needs like eating, sleeping and attending to your own health can easily slip into the background. Try to remember that recovery is a staged process and you are needed, for yourself and for others. Small, consistent acts of self care matter.

We all experience disaster trauma differently but these strategies are not limited by time, place, or gender. Recovery is one day, one step at a time.

Standing with you- Hannah and the NDC Team.

10/01/2026

Many of you may not know that I spent several years working in Disaster Recovery. It is a chapter of my life I still hold very close to my heart.

I walked across our great land, from flooded paddocks to burnt bushland, supporting farmers, families, local communities and first responders. What stayed with me most was the understanding of the word impacted.

In disaster recovery, we knew that you did not have to be the person who lost everything to be impacted. If you lived in the town, worked alongside those who were hurting, responded to the emergency, or loved someone who lost their home or livelihood, you were impacted too.

That understanding still guides my work today.

So however this post finds you, please know this. Your feelings matter and they are valid. You do not have to minimise your experience or carry it alone.

If you need someone to talk to, our door is always open. We offer telehealth and phone support, with immediate availability.

You do not have to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out.

Please stay safe out there wnd take care.
Hannah and the Next Door team. 🙏

08/01/2026

💭 Narcissism in Families and Relationships

I see many clients who’ve been impacted by narcissistic parents or partners. It’s more common than people think and while the term gets thrown around loosely, many don’t really know what it means.

When we explore communication patterns, feelings and changes in relationships, it often becomes clear that traits of a narcissistic personality are at play in the background.

And I’m here to tell you: NO, you are not crazy.

Understanding Narcissism can help you:

Recognise unhealthy patterns

Set boundaries with confidence

Heal from repeated emotional abuse

Rebuild relationships that are safe and supportive

Awareness isn’t about labeling, it’s about giving yourself clarity, tools and space to protect your mental health and wellbeing.

If you are feeling unsure, reach out today. Together we will find a path forward.

03/01/2026

The kids were trying to teach me a new game that’s been doing the rounds on Instagram and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t do it without snorting flour everywhere 🤣

It reminded me of the long battles we often find ourselves in. Even with focus, effort and good intentions, sometimes we just can’t do the thing we’re trying so hard to do.

And that’s not failure. It’s a very human limit. Sometimes the work is noticing, softening and letting ourselves laugh, rather than pushing harder.

So if you’re setting 2026 goals, remember to be gentle. Allow the laughter and give yourself permission to enter the new year at your own pace.

We have limited sessions remaining for Jan. NOW booking into February. ✨

See you soon,
Hannah

28/12/2025

I’m ending the year enjoying these inbetween days and feeling grateful for all that was in 2025. Growth isn’t always loud, sometimes it’s steady, sometimes heavy and sometimes deeply meaningful. Growth is often hidden within change and all periods of change hold an important part in our stories.

As we leave one year behind and enter another, I hope you’re enjoying some quiet moments and a little sunshine. ☀️

See you online, or at one of our consult rooms in 2026!

Hannah ☕️

23/12/2025

✨4 Tips to Survive a Toxic Family Christmas ✨

1. Set boundaries ahead of time.
Decide what you will and won’t tolerate before the day arrives. It might sound like:
“I’m not discussing work/relationships today.” “If the conversation becomes unkind, I’ll step outside.” Clear boundaries protect your energy and help you stay anchored.

2. Keep an exit strategy (physical or emotional)
You don’t have to stay in discomfort. Plan small breaks: sit outside, take a short drive, or volunteer for a “last-minute grocery run.” These micro-escapes give your nervous system a reset and help you stay regulated.

3. Stay connected to your body
Toxic dynamics can pull you straight into old patterns. Use grounding techniques you recommend every day: slow breaths, feeling your feet on the floor, noticing what’s around you. These tiny moments of presence can stop a spiral before it starts.

4. Give yourself permission to leave early, or not attend at all
You’re an adult now. You’re allowed to prioritise safety, peace and wellbeing. If you go, go on your terms. If you stay home, do so without guilt. Your nervous system will thank you.

The Holiday Season can bring all sorts of unimagined expectations. We think we have to do it all and in that process forget that we had boundaries in place for a reason. Families can be wonderful but they can also be a great source of stress and emotional triggers for many. For some, they are abusive.

Here is your gentle reminder to remember that you are important and that your needs and safety are just as important in the holidays as every other day.

If you need to chat, reach out at www.nextdoorcounselling.com.au
See you soon, Hannah ✨

20/12/2025

🎄 Feeling Overstimulated This Holiday Season? 🎄

Just like we can overeat during the festive season, we can also overconsume stimulus—from endless social gatherings, notifications, shopping and bright lights to non-stop planning. Too much input can leave you feeling drained, stressed, or disconnected from yourself.

✨ Tips to manage holiday overstimulation:

Take intentional breaks from screens and social media.

Step outside for a walk or some fresh air.

Create quiet, calm spaces at home—even for a few minutes.

Focus on one thing at a time instead of juggling everything.

Notice when your mind or body feels “full” and give yourself permission to pause.

Write a daily “to-do” list like I do—it helps you prioritise, reduce overwhelm and celebrate small wins. ✅

This Christmas, give yourself the gift of downtime and self-care. Your brain and body need it to fully enjoy the season. 💛

17/12/2025

💔✨ The First Christmas Without Your Loved One ✨💔

The first Christmas can feel heavy, lonely, or bittersweet. Traditions may bring up sadness instead of joy—and that’s completely normal.

💛 Gentle ways to honor your loved one:

Choose a quiet moment to acknowledge them—your choice, your time.

Light a candle, say a prayer, or share a memory.

Enjoy their favourite drink or food.

Take a walk in a place they loved, or visit a meaningful spot.

Bring out a photo or keepsake that reminds you of them.

Even small acts of remembrance can bring comfort and connection amidst the celebrations.

✨ A few reminders for yourself:

Your feelings are valid—grief looks different for everyone.

It’s okay to change, skip, or create new traditions.

Be gentle with yourself—healing doesn’t follow a schedule.

You are not alone. Take this Christmas one moment at a time and allow space for both grief and love.

14/12/2025

Thinking of all those impacted by the terror in Bondi, NSW, tonight.

You do not have to be on the beach to feel vulnerable, fearful, or unsafe. Terror and fear can ripple outwards, affecting us in unexpected ways.

Please be gentle with yourselves and take care.

To all our NSW clients, we are holding you in our thoughts.

Hannah and the Team 🙏

13/12/2025

🎄 Christmas is different for us all 🎄

Some of us love it, some hate it and some simply survive it. Whatever your experience this year, your way is okay. You don’t need to force joy, meet expectations, or fit into a picture-perfect holiday. Your feelings are valid and your approach to this season matters too.

✨ Here are 5 tips to survive Christmas when money is tight and family dynamics are tricky:

1️⃣ Simplify Gift-Giving – Homemade, heartfelt, or shared experiences can mean more than expensive presents. Even a note or baked treat can make someone feel special.

2️⃣ Set Boundaries Early – It’s okay to say no to gatherings, debates, or traditions that drain you. Protect your mental health—it’s the best gift you can give yourself.

3️⃣ Focus on Moments, Not Money – Walks, movie nights, or cooking together create memories that last longer than anything store-bought.

4️⃣ Budget & Be Honest – Decide what you can realistically spend and communicate your limits to reduce tension and stress.

5️⃣ Prioritise Self-Care – Step outside, nap, read, meditate—whatever helps you recharge.

💛 Remember: Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect to be meaningful. Focus on connection, gratitude and small joys—your way.

Lets not just survive but enjoy the end of year together- Hannah

Address

Mornington, VIC
3931

Website

http://www.nextdoorcounselling.com.au/

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