The Heart and Mind Collective

The Heart and Mind Collective Psychology and Allied Health support that considers the whole person, from the inside out.

Navigating grief is a deeply personal journey, but you don't have to walk it alone. Here's a gentle guide to coping with...
15/08/2025

Navigating grief is a deeply personal journey, but you don't have to walk it alone.

Here's a gentle guide to coping with loss, reminding you that your feelings are valid, support is available, and patience with yourself is key.

Remember, healing is a process, not an event. If you find yourself struggling, know that it's a sign of strength to reach out for help.

At The Heart & Mind Collective, we are here to support you every step of the way. Book an appointment by following the link below:
https://www.theheartandmindcollective.com.au/contact

Today, on International Youth Day, we at The Heart & Mind Collective celebrate the vibrant spirit, creativity, and poten...
11/08/2025

Today, on International Youth Day, we at The Heart & Mind Collective celebrate the vibrant spirit, creativity, and potential of young people. This day is dedicated to recognising the vital role that youth play in shaping our future and driving positive change in our communities.

We are committed to supporting the mental well-being of young individuals, helping them navigate the complexities of life with confidence and resilience. We believe in empowering youth to explore their passions, overcome challenges, and realise their full potential.

Let's take a moment to appreciate and uplift the young people in our lives. Encourage them to pursue their dreams and remind them that their voices matter. Together, we can create a future where every young person feels supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

If you or a young person you know needs support, don't hesitate to reach out. Book an appointment with us today.

This year's Bullying No Way Week theme is a powerful one: 'Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.' It takes immense courage to stan...
11/08/2025

This year's Bullying No Way Week theme is a powerful one: 'Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.' It takes immense courage to stand up to bullying, both for those who are targeted and for those who witness it.

At The Heart & Mind Collective, we know that bullying is a community responsibility. It takes all of us to create an environment where everyone feels safe and celebrated. We believe that with the right support, everyone can learn how to respond to bullying in a positive and effective way.

This Bullying. No Way! Week, we're here to help you be bold. If you or your child needs support in navigating bullying, understanding its impact, or building the skills to speak up, our clinicians are ready to help.

Book an appointment with us to find your voice and build resilience:
https://www.theheartandmindcollective.com.au/contact

Resources and support for bullying prevention available here: https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/preventing-bullying/national-week-of-action

Life's an incredible journey, often filled with unexpected twists, strong winds, and changing seasons. Sometimes, these ...
08/08/2025

Life's an incredible journey, often filled with unexpected twists, strong winds, and changing seasons. Sometimes, these shifts can feel overwhelming, leaving us searching for solid ground.

At The Heart & Mind Collective, we understand this journey. We want to be your branch of support, offering a safe and nurturing space where you can weather any storm and truly reach your full potential.

Whether you're navigating a challenging period, seeking personal growth, or simply need a compassionate ear, our dedicated clinicians are here to walk alongside you. Book an appointment with us today.

Feeling uneasy, worried, or fearful? That might be anxiety, and it's a normal human response to stress. But what happens...
06/08/2025

Feeling uneasy, worried, or fearful? That might be anxiety, and it's a normal human response to stress. But what happens when that feeling becomes overwhelming, frequent, and starts to interfere with your daily life? That's when it might be an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety can manifest in both physical and psychological ways and understanding the symptoms and causes of anxiety is the first step towards managing it.

The physical symptoms of anxiety include:

◽Rapid heartbeat or palpitations: Your heart might feel like it's racing.
◽Shortness of breath or hyperventilation: Feeling like you can't get enough air.
◽Sweating or trembling: Excessive perspiration or shaking.
◽Muscle tension: Tightness, aches, or pains in your muscles.
◽Dizziness or lightheadedness: Feeling faint or unsteady.
◽Stomach problems: Nausea, "butterflies," or digestive issues.

The psychological symptoms of anxiety include:

◽Excessive worry or unease: Constantly feeling anxious and unable to control those thoughts.
◽Restlessness or irritability: Feeling agitated or easily frustrated.
◽Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus or make decisions.
◽Sleep disturbances: Trouble falling or staying asleep.
◽Panic attacks: Sudden, intense episodes of fear often accompanied by severe physical symptoms.
◽Avoidance: Steering clear of situations or places that trigger your anxiety.

Anxiety is often a complex interplay of several factors:

◽Genetics: Anxiety disorders can run in families.
◽Life events: Stressful or traumatic experiences can be significant triggers.
◽Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters can play a role.
◽Personality traits: Certain personality types may be more predisposed to anxiety.

If anxiety is persistent, severe, or consistently interfering with your daily life, it's crucial to seek professional help. Our mental health clinicians can help you understand the root causes of your anxiety and develop effective strategies to manage it. Book an appointment with The Heart & Mind Collective today.

Today, on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, we reflect on the powerful journey embedded in ...
03/08/2025

Today, on National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, we reflect on the powerful journey embedded in this year's theme: "Little Footsteps, Big Future." This theme is a profound commitment to the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Every child represents a legacy of resilience and a promise of a future, creativity, and wisdom. For The Heart & Mind Collective, this day underscores our dedication to fostering environments where these children feel safe, celebrated, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Let's collectively ensure their little footsteps are guided by love, respect, and opportunity, paving the way for a big, bright future for all!

Do you ever feel caught in a relentless loop of unwanted thoughts, intense anxiety, and repetitive behaviours that bring...
01/08/2025

Do you ever feel caught in a relentless loop of unwanted thoughts, intense anxiety, and repetitive behaviours that bring only fleeting relief? This is often the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) cycle at play:

◽Distress: It begins with intense discomfort or unease.

◽Obsession: An intrusive, unwanted thought, image, or urge pops into your mind, causing significant anxiety.

◽Compulsion: You then feel driven to perform repetitive behaviours or mental acts to reduce that anxiety. This could be checking, washing, counting, or arranging.

◽Relief (Temporary): Performing the compulsion brings a brief sense of calm. However, this temporary relief strengthens the cycle, making you more likely to repeat it next time.

This insidious loop can consume your time and impact your life. But you don't have to stay trapped. At The Heart & Mind Collective, our compassionate clinicians are dedicated to helping you understand your specific OCD patterns and develop effective strategies to break free. We offer evidence-based therapies to empower you to challenge obsessions, resist compulsions, and build a life no longer dictated by OCD.

Need support in understanding and breaking free from the OCD cycle? Book an appointment with The Heart & Mind Collective today.

Today is International Day of Friendship, and at The Heart & Mind Collective, we believe in the power of genuine connect...
29/07/2025

Today is International Day of Friendship, and at The Heart & Mind Collective, we believe in the power of genuine connection! Whether it’s the friends who lift us up, the colleagues who inspire us, or the family members who stand by us, these bonds are essential for our well-being and growth.

Meaningful friendships nourish our hearts and minds, offering support, understanding, and joy. They help us navigate life's challenges, celebrate our successes, and remind us we're never alone.

Take a moment today to reach out to a friend who makes a difference in your life. A simple message, a phone call, or sharing a laugh can strengthen those invaluable ties.

It can be incredibly challenging to understand what you're feeling when depression sets in. It often goes beyond just "f...
28/07/2025

It can be incredibly challenging to understand what you're feeling when depression sets in. It often goes beyond just "feeling sad" and can impact every part of your life, from your energy levels to your ability to enjoy the things you once loved.

If you've been struggling with a persistent sense of low mood, a loss of interest in activities, or notice significant shifts in your sleep or appetite for more than two weeks, these could be signs that depression is at play.

Recognising these changes is the first brave step toward seeking support. At The Heart & Mind Collective, we're here to offer a compassionate and understanding space where you can explore what you're experiencing and find effective strategies to help you navigate these feelings. You don't have to figure this out alone.

Need support? Book an appointment with The Heart & Mind Collective today.

Meet Leanne, a dedicated Registered Psychologist!With a rich background in teaching and school psychology, I have extens...
23/07/2025

Meet Leanne, a dedicated Registered Psychologist!

With a rich background in teaching and school psychology, I have extensive experience working with young people and their families. I offer compassionate assessment, counselling, and case management, and have a special focus on supporting neurodiverse individuals (ADHD, ASD, giftedness, learning difficulties) from a neuro-affirming perspective. I'm also a proud LGBTIQ+ ally.

As a former primary school teacher, I approach learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, and behavioural issues with a holistic educational psychology lens. I'm passionate about helping people uncover their unique strengths through the assessment process and discovering tailored strategies to thrive.

I work gently and compassionately with those facing emotional distress, grief, anxiety, panic, and depression. My experience includes supporting young people experiencing suicidal ideation or self-injurious behaviour, utilising modalities like DBT, CBT, and ACT.

In my spare time you might find me with my favourite paintbrushes, exploring my new passion for oil and watercolour painting. I love painting landscapes and flowers, embracing the joy of learning something new – a beautiful reminder of growth and discovery!

I'm currently available for therapy appointments on Saturdays. Need support? Book an appointment with me today by following the link in our bio.

Ever wondered why some days you feel like you're riding a wave of emotions, while others you feel more in control? That'...
21/07/2025

Ever wondered why some days you feel like you're riding a wave of emotions, while others you feel more in control? That's where emotion regulation comes in!

At The Heart & Mind Collective, we often talk about emotion regulation as our ability to influence which emotions we have, when we have them, how we experience them, and how we express them. It's not about suppressing feelings, but rather about skillfully managing them so they don't manage us.

So, how do we do it? It's a journey of developing healthy coping strategies and mindful awareness! This can involve:

✔ Identifying what you're feeling and why.
✔ Mindfulness practices to observe emotions without judgment.
✔ Cognitive reframing to shift unhelpful thought patterns.
✔ Engaging in self-care activities that soothe and ground you.
✔ Seeking support from trusted people or professionals.

Learning to regulate emotions is a powerful skill that can lead to greater well-being, stronger relationships, and a more fulfilling life.

If you're looking to build your emotional toolkit, we're here to help. Book an appointment today.

While EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful and highly effective treatment for trau...
16/07/2025

While EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) therapy is a powerful and highly effective treatment for trauma and other distress, it's important to understand that it's not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Generally, EMDR may not be suitable, or requires careful consideration, for individuals with:

◽Active psychosis or dissociative disorders without prior stabilisation:
Processing intense trauma can be overwhelming if a solid foundation of emotional regulation and safety isn't established first.

◽Active substance abuse:
Addiction can interfere with the therapeutic process and the ability to process trauma safely.

◽Certain severe medical conditions (e.g., specific neurological disorders or uncontrolled epilepsy):
In rare cases, the bilateral stimulation might pose a risk or be uncomfortable.

◽A very limited support system or unstable living situation:
Stability is often crucial for effective trauma processing.

If EMDR isn't the best fit for you, our experienced clinicians offer a range of other evidence-based therapies tailored to your unique needs. We're here to help you navigate your healing journey with the most appropriate support.

Curious about the best therapeutic approach for you? Book an appointment with us today for a comprehensive assessment and to discuss your options.

Address

6/31 Dwyer Street
North Gosford, NSW
2250

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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