Lifehaven Counselling Services - Sue Dean

20/03/2026

Well, Hi! I have been quiet on here lately. Life gets busy and tiring doesn't it?

So, a little bit about the work I do - I am trained in trauma work and I have 16 years of experience working with people living with the impact of trauma.

The impact of trauma exists in changes to how our nervous system works. Basically the effects are in your body and emotional and memory centres of the brain.

Did you know the way your whole body works is designed to keep you safe? Parts of your brain and nervous system work together scanning your environment 4 times a second for threats.

Most people have heard the phrase "fight/flight" and have a vague idea of what it means (more on that next time). There is another state that we can refer to as "fawn and freeze".

When fight or flight can't keep us safe our nervous system takes us into fawn or freeze. When survival or safety means staying small and still our body does its work to keep us in that state. However there is no time to consult with the "Thinking brain", it reacts in a nano-second.

Small steps of safety will bring us back to normal operating procedure but how long that takes is dependent on your trauma history, your sense of safety, and other factors.

The link below is a fabulous description of the freeze state (technical term is Dorsal Vagal).

If you are ready to work on your own trauma recovery give me a call on
0408 735 857 💜

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18VND2Qemm/

28/02/2026

"Hold onto hope that you will recover".

Yes, recovery from complex trauma IS possible. Regaining or gaining stability, function, hope, self-care, relationships is possible. I have seen this recovery with clients.

14/12/2025

Following the shooting at Bondi Beach, you may come across online content that is distressing.
Sometimes it can be unhelpful to see distressing scenes over and over again.
The eSafety Commissioner advises that if you see violent, distressing or harmful material:
1️⃣ Don't share it further – even if your intention is to help or raise awareness, you may cause distress to others.
2️⃣ Report graphic material to the platform to help get it removed quickly.
3️⃣ If the material is not removed, or if it's seriously harmful, you can report it to eSafety.
Your actions could protect you and others from seeing that content again.

Beyond Blue is available with free 24/7 support by phone on 1300 22 4636 or webchat at https://www.beyondblue.org.au

13/12/2025

How's the busiest of seasons going for you?

Taking some time to connect with something you love and enjoy will give some respite to the stress.

For me, it's taking photos of flowers and spending time with my dog. Multiple moments in the day to pause and slow.

I'd love to hear your respite moments ⬇️

05/12/2025

We say NO to violence against women and girls because no one should ever have to face abuse. When violence occurs, survivors of gender-based violence need access to safe and supportive resources. Counseling, legal assistance and secure shelters are essential lifelines that help victims leave abusive situations, recover from trauma, and rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.

Zonta International and its clubs worldwide work to ensure that support and protection are within reach for all women and girls. By funding advocacy efforts, promoting education and awareness, and partnering with local organizations to strengthen community services, Zontians help create a world where survivors can find safety, healing, and the opportunity to thrive.

24/10/2025

Last Friday was World Mental Health Day and our club held its annual Lift the Lid Breakfast. The guest speaker Sue Dean spoke about being connected as an essential part of mental health.
Image-Rotarians Jim Barnes and Fran Hodgson with Sue Dean

17/10/2025

Treating yourself with the same kindness as you would treat someone else may feel foreign, but would you be curious to see what it would feel like? What do you notice?

Self-compassion is key to living a happy and fulfilling life. Here are six practical ways to cultivate self-compassion:

1️⃣ Speak kindly to yourself: Use a gentle tone, especially when things go wrong. Practice patience, love, and understanding toward yourself.

2️⃣ Ask yourself what you need: Acknowledge that your needs count.

3️⃣ Validate your pain: Recognize and accept your emotional experience.

4️⃣ Write a self-compassionate letter: Put pen to paper and offer yourself words of comfort and encouragement, just as you would to someone you love.

5️⃣ Remember you aren’t alone: We all face challenges, and this imperfection is what makes us human.

6️⃣ Treat yourself like a friend: Be supportive and helpful toward yourself.

Which of these practices resonates with you today? 💖 Share your thoughts below!

13/10/2025

Today a major milestone for the future of Counsellors and Psychotherapists has taken place. May this advance the cause of recognition and inclusion of Counsellors and Psychotherapists in the Medicare Benefit Scheme.

The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) welcomes the formal endorsement of the National Standards for Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Australia by the Minister of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Hon. Mark Butler MP.

10/10/2025

Happy World Mental Health Day. 😄💖👌

This year the Australian theme is CONNECT.

Connect with Self; Community; Others and Nature.

Connecting with self can be challenging for many people for different reasons.

Let's look at what connecting with self means.

Each individual is a tapestry of genetics, personality, characteristics, strengths, talents, values, beliefs, thoughts, emotions, interests and challenges, with an array of experiences, relationships and choices. No two are the same. Connecting may be giving consideration to the unique individual that you are, acknowledging, accepting, allowing yourself to be yourself. Honouring what is important to you, what is helpful, healthy and enjoyable for you.

You may wish to learn new ways of connecting with yourself, and/or with family, friends, community. Ways that honour yourself and others.

If you are struggling with challenges to your mental health perhaps look at the ways you are connecting with yourself.

If you would like to explore that with me, I am available on Fridays by appointment. Phone/text 0408 735 857.

The objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.  

01/10/2025

Love listens. Full stop