Calm Connections Counselling

23/07/2025

A wonderful opportunity to hear from Dr Leonie White, clinical psychologist and family therapist and Michelle Mitchell - Author, Speaker, Educator on supporting families, kids and teens through challenging times!

If you heard my Keynote panel discussion at the recent AAFT conference you’ll know that one of my goals for Family Therapy in Australia is to raise the profile of family therapy and bring it to the broader community and so I was incredibly grateful to Michelle for this opportunity.

I have been following Michelle Mitchell for a long time and absolutely loving her work so it was such a privilege when Michelle invited me to be a part of a webinar to talk about helping kids and teens through hard times and experiencing big emotions. This is a topic Michelle and I are both passionate about.

This webinar is perfect for any family who wants to wrap their arms around a growing child during moments they feel challenged.

Drawing on my systemic family therapy approach, I talk with Michelle about how to shift unhelpful relational patterns, co-regulate through big emotions (without losing ourselves in the process), and hold steady in the middle of the emotional storm.

We’ll cover:
🌿The unhelpful myth that we control or cause kids’ behaviour, and instead think about the many complex factors that contribute and how to become a resource to our kids
🌿Insights about relational loops, including how they form, how they keep us stuck, and how to shift them
🌿One common mistake that most parents make, and lots of helpful tips to get through heated moments
🌿What co-regulation looks like with tween and teens
🌿Valuing ourselves as both people and parents
🌿Finding your “I” position. What you are and aren’t prepared to do in tough moments.
🌿Including kids and teens in conversations about behaviour and solutions
🌿Avoiding the invitation to focus only on the problem, and seeing your child as a whole person

Date: 21st August 2025
Time: 8.00 – 9.00pm AEST
Cost: $30.00 AUD
A worksheet from Leonie will accompany this webinar.
Access: It is yours to watch and view as many times as you want for 6 months from the date of purchase.

Click this link to access the webinar
https://michellemitchell.org/supporting-kids-through-hard-times/?ref=LW2025

22/07/2025

Calling Parents in Adelaide!

If you are a parent of a child aged 0-8 years and you find yourself asking, ''Why is this so hard?'' or feeling like you're reacting in ways that don't match the kind of parent you want to you, then then the Circle of Security is here to support you. You are not alone!

The Circle of Security begins with the core belief: every parent is hard wired to provide competent care. Parenting isn't a performance. It's a relationship and you have the wisdom you need. This program helps you find your inner wisdom to parent the way you want to, to regulate your own emotions while your child is co-regulated.

You've got this! We would love to see you! Booking details below:
https://calmconnectionscounselling.com.au/au/cosp-workshop

19/07/2025

Over the past two years in private practice and since launching Calm Connections Counselling I have expanded my practice with individuals, young people and families by working within a systemic family practice framework. In the last 2 days I have taken the steps towards AAFT accreditation by commencing a 2 year program ''Advanced Certificate in Systemic Family Therapy and Practice'' with the Phoenix Family Therapy Academy. The program aligns with my values of integrative practice and I was very excited to commence this journey in Brisbane this week.

What I love about working in this way is the integration of neurobiology and interpersonal needs of an individual while working relationally in the context of the system that shapes them, both past and present. It was an inspiring few days with founder of the program and teaching staff . It was wonderful to meet the cohort of the program and engage in meaningful systemic conversations. I am looking forward to the journey ahead and continuing my commitment to integrating systemic family therapy into my practice.

27/06/2025

Love this article by Dr Leonie White about the power of relationship as you parent your child or teen. Parenting strategies and techniques are helpful however “it’s the relationship that enables any strategy or technique to have a chance of working”. Enjoy the read!

Parenting was designed to be "power assisted" to grow kids into the best version of themself. And that power comes through relationship.

04/06/2025

Calling all Adelaide parents.....

Calm Connections is partnering up with Life Well and Port Adelaide Enfield Council to bring parents in Adelaide the Circle of Security program. We have two funded programs to offer, one in August and one in October based at Broadview, Adelaide. The program runs for 7 weeks and is free to you offering an in house creche facility.

We are all hard wired for relationships and this program based on 50 years of research and evidence on attachment theory suggests that the quality of the parent-child relationship shapes behaviour; A secure relationship has long-lasting effects on such things as confidence, friendships, and close relationships, learning, stress management and general happiness.

The program also aims to look at the importance of co-regulation with your child and on taking a pause to catch your own ''shark music'' with a view to self-regulate and do something different in the relationship. Meeting with other parents gives you a chance to pause, talk about your responses and to take the pressure of by understanding “good enough” parenting. This can have a ripple effect to not only your relationship with your child but with the whole family.

For more information and to book in please use the QR code or visit us at:

https://calmconnectionscounselling.com.au/cosp-workshop

02/06/2025

A gentle reminder at the beginning of the week that self care needs consistent, daily practice. We cant pour from an empty cup. Like a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, your self-care needs a top up each day.

29/05/2025

Have you ever been followed from room to room by your pet? I know I have by my furry friend, Rosy! Your mammalian friend is hard wired to attach to you and has a need to feel safe and secure just like our children. Did you know you were this important?

I love this article by the Circle of Security International as it highlights that attachment is hard wired in us to connect to another.

''Across species, across lifespans, one truth holds: Connection matters''

Have you ever been followed from room to room by a dog who just couldn’t let you out of their sight?Has a cat curled up on your chest like you were their favorite pillow and therapist?Ever caught yourself whispering, “I love you so much,” to a creature who doesn’t speak English — but gets ...

11/05/2025

To all mothers and mother figures…your beautiful, resilient and appreciated 💐

11/05/2025

To all mothers and mother figures, you’re beautiful, resilient and loved 💐

06/05/2025

It's Teacher Appreciation Week and with every week that has a focus, it is a good reminder to thank you, our teachers and early educators for everything you do in the lives of our children, young people and community. You are appreciated. ❤️

01/05/2025

If you are in the helping profession in Adelaide and interested in learning about family therapy, this introductory course on key skills facilitated by Dr Leonie White is a good one! I highly recommend it.

Do you work in the helping professions?

Come and join me in Adelaide for Key Skills in Family Therapy hosted by Compass Seminars AUS.

Tickets currently on sale ☺️

21/04/2025

Love this!! Relationships are worth nurturing. ❤️