Self-Care Psychotherapy

10/09/2025

As World Su***de Prevention Day is Observed today let us remember to be there for each other, to reach out, to listen, and to support in getting help.

***deprevention ***deawareness

15/06/2025

Happy Father's Day and a big Thank You to all the Dads who are showing up everyday, who understand that the essence of fatherhood is in providing unconditional love, support, and caring for the children in their care.

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08/03/2025

Happy International Women's Day!

13/02/2025

The very troubling issue of children expressing suicidal thoughts, attempting su***de, and completing su***de has again been brought to the attention of the public recently.
Su***de prevention and supporting children who are struggling emotionally needs to be given the highest priority both in our homes and in our schools.

Here are some tips re: helping and supporting children who may be suicidal.

Some resources: Lifeline – 800 5588, 231 2824, 229 3636. findcarett.com

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21/12/2024

“ No child should ever feel worthless at Christmas”.
The words below shared by Donna Ashworth, , are so important for all parents and caregivers to remember at this time of year.
Much has been written, sung and shared about the “naughty or nice” list, adding what seems to be lighthearted humour to the holiday season. Yet for many children this is very serious, feeling judged and compared to others, while not understanding what it would take for them to be “good enough”.
The overwhelm and the excesses of Christmas time are challenging enough for them, without having to feel blame, guilt or shame. All children born into this world have a right to experience unconditional love and care simply because they exist. All children deserve to feel a sense of worthiness, safety, and security, and they all deserve to feel happy at Christmas.

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19/12/2024

The hustle and bustle is ramping up as Christmas draws nearer: the cleaning, the baking, the cooking, the shopping for gifts, the partying and socializing.
Children are out of school and excitement is building as to what Santa will leave under the tree, and how many usually restricted treats they will be allowed to indulge in.
For the younger ones the holiday season can be overwhelming, confusing, even frustrating. Toddlers may become more attention-seeking, more irritable, more aggressive, as there are many triggers for these behaviours all around them.
Parents /Caregivers need to maintain their own sense of calm and control so that they will be able to comfort, soothe, and validate feelings as situations with their little ones arise.

The graphic below from illustrates why toddlers may tantrum more during the holidays.

19/12/2023

GRIEVING THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS.
(Reposting as the holiday/festive season is here once again.)

Feelings of grief do not take a break for the holidays.
The holiday season can be very difficult, painful, anxiety-provoking and even depressing for many who have experienced a recent loss or even a not so recent loss. Some losses are accompanied by more shock effect/tragedy than others – accidents, natural disasters, sudden health emergencies, while some are expected, over a period of time. Whether sudden or expected, all losses are accompanied by grieving in some form. Grieving is a process, grieving takes time.
It is okay to grieve through the holidays, to feel the despair, the sadness, the pain of the loss. It is also okay to feel the joy, the beauty and excitement of the season. And it is okay to flip back and forth between the two.

If you would like some support in managing the impact of significant loss and/or major life changes during this time of holiday festivities, please contact a mental health professional or speak to a trusted relative or friend. Although grief may seem to be a very private issue for some, allowing yourself to reach out for support can make a world of difference.
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11/10/2023

09/09/2023

It doesn't matter how many times you say you love a child in your care; what matters is how much time you spend paying attention to them, how well you really listen to what they have to say, how well you acknowledge and respect their feelings, how often you engage in fun activities with them and how often you hug them just because....
If the words "I love you" are not supported by positive actions, they are meaningless.

08/09/2023

Reading is an essential life skill and opportunities to enjoy reading with your little ones are everywhere.
Touching and holding books, feeling the textures, reading letters out loud on labels, on charts, making up games using the sounds of the letters and simple words, all these are enjoyable activities to engage infants and toddlers.
For school-aged children there are libraries and bookstores, reading nooks at home and reading circles with friends. Reading stories at bedtime remains a treasured time in most families.

03/07/2023

It's that time of year again when exam results are looming. Some are excited with anticipation and some are anxious and apprehensive. Whatever the results may be, our children need to be reassured that they are loved for who they are, they are valued, and they are talented. If your child does not achieve the results that you expected
Do:
*Hug them and reassure them of your unconditional love and support always
*Allow them to speak about how they feel
*Engage in a relaxing or fun activity with them
Don't:
*Preach, admonish or chastise
*Ignore them or withdraw your attention
*Compare them to others
Your physical and emotional presence is vitally important at this time, supporting your child in dealing with disappointment and cultivating resilience.

As major exams at different academic levels roll around once again and anxiety levels soar, it is helpful to remember that we all learn and grow at different rates and we all possess varying talents and abilities.

To all our SEA students:

You deserve to feel loved and valued as precious human beings with unique talents and potential always.

Exam performance does not determine your intrinsic worth.

Do your best and be proud of your effort!

Graphic credit: @ Num's the word .

14/05/2023

Happy Mother’s Day to all