Zelna Faurie Counselling

07/01/2026

The FDA has approved the first-ever psychobiotic designed to treat anxiety by repairing and strengthening the gut brain connection. Unlike traditional anti-anxiety medications that act directly on the brain, this groundbreaking treatment works through the gut microbiome, targeting the trillions of microorganisms that influence mood, stress response, and emotional balance.
Researchers have found that specific gut bacteria produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA, and dopamine, which play essential roles in regulating anxiety and overall mental health. When the gut microbiome becomes imbalanced, these chemical signals weaken, leading to heightened stress, mood disorders, and difficulty managing emotions.
The newly approved psychobiotic contains carefully selected bacterial strains shown to reduce inflammation, enhance neurotransmitter production, and restore healthy communication between the gut and brain. Clinical trials demonstrated significant reductions in anxiety levels, improved mood stability, and better sleep quality—without the common side effects seen in standard psychiatric medications.
This approval marks a major milestone in mental health treatment, highlighting the growing recognition of the gut as a powerful regulator of emotional well-being. By focusing on the root causes of anxiety within the microbiome, this therapy opens the door to safer, more natural, and highly effective approaches for millions struggling with chronic stress and anxiety disorders.
This breakthrough underscores the importance of gut health in mental wellness, signaling a new era where microbes—not just medications—can reshape emotional resilience and brain function.

07/01/2026

Your peace of mind is biological armor for your heart.
Your nervous system and heart are in constant conversation. Studies show when the vagus nerve is toned through stress management and deep breathing, it shields heart cells from aging. Inner calm isn’t just a feeling. It’s what keeps your heart beating strong for a lifetime.
Shared for informational purposes only.
Source: Cardiology Research

18/12/2025

At its core, Social Safety Theory (SST) suggests that the human brain and immune system evolved with one primary goal: ensuring our physical and biological survival. Because humans are inherently social, we developed a powerful drive to form friendly bonds while simultaneously maintaining a "high-alert" system. This system anticipates social, physical, or microbial threats, like rejection or infection, and prepares the body for potential injury before it even happens.

The Brain’s Surveillance System
To manage this constant need for security, the brain continuously monitors the social environment to distinguish between safety and threat. This surveillance is managed by a specialized "social brain" comprised of the amygdala network (which detects danger), the mentalizing and empathy networks (which help us understand others), and the mirror neuron system (which allows us to model social actions). Together, these circuits interpret social signals to determine if our surroundings are supportive or hostile.

The Biological Signal Pathways
When the brain perceives a social threat, it initiates a multi-level "Biobehavioral Response" through four primary communication pathways: the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), the HPA axis, the vagus nerve, and meningeal lymphatic vessels. These pathways act as a bridge, allowing the brain to talk to the peripheral immune system and vice versa. Each pathway has a specific job: the SNS prepares the body for immediate action, the HPA axis manages the hormonal response, the vagus nerve acts as a biological "brake" to calm inflammation, and the meningeal lymphatics allow immune signals to travel from the brain to the rest of the body.

Molecular Impact and Health Risks
The specific chemicals released by these systems significantly change our genetic expression. For instance, the SNS releases epinephrine and norepinephrine, which suppress antiviral genes while increasing pro-inflammatory genes—essentially shifting the body into an "injury-ready" state. While cortisol from the HPA axis usually reduces inflammation, it can actually increase it if the body becomes "resistant" due to chronic stress. This biological shift is vital for short-term survival, but if it is triggered constantly by a toxic social environment or internal anxiety, it increases the risk of serious health problems and behavioral issues.

The Power of Mental Schemas
The intensity of this biological reaction is not the same for everyone; it is moderated by factors like genetics, culture, sleep, and childhood environment. Central to this process are social safety schemas—internal mental templates developed over a lifetime that shape how we perceive the world. These schemas act as the ultimate "lens," determining whether we see a social interaction as a threat or a comfort. By shaping our perceptions, these schemas initiate the entire chain of biological events that ultimately dictate our long-term health and disease risk.

Reference: Slavich, G. M. et al. (2023)

14/12/2025

14/12/2025

14/12/2025

12/12/2025

23/11/2025

When someone is unkind, tries to exclude you, or violates your boundaries, you have the right to be upset. Research suggests that saying "ouch" to them, out loud, could be empowering. Here's why.

An honest reaction signals you'll stand up for yourself.

18/11/2025

A late start doesn’t mean a lesser journey ☺️

I began my psychology path at 39. Much later than most… but it became my greatest strength.

For a long time I felt behind. But I learned that growth has no deadline and purpose has no age limit.

My late start shaped the way I connect, understand, and support the people I work with.

If you think you’re starting too late…
You’re not. Your timing is perfect.

18/11/2025

A late start doesn’t mean a lesser journey☺️

I began my psychology journey at 39, much later than most, but with a depth of life experience that became my greatest strength.

For a long time, I carried the quiet fear that I was behind everyone else… that stepping into psychology, counselling, and later research at that age meant I would always be trying to catch up.

But what I discovered is this:
Growth has no deadline. Purpose has no age limit.

Every step I took into trauma focused psychotherapy, postgraduate study, and research was driven by resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to meaningful healing work. Over time, what once felt like a disadvantage became a unique and powerful foundation.

Today, I’m proud of the path I’ve taken.
Proud that I closed the gap.
Proud that my late start became the reason I connect deeply with the people I serve.

To anyone who feels they started too late or took a different route:
Your journey is still valid.
Your timing is still perfect.
Never give up!

17/11/2025

16/11/2025

Childhood Trauma Leaves a Mark the Body Never Forgets

New research shows that early-life trauma doesn’t just shape our memories; it leaves a chemical imprint on the brain itself. Scientists have identified elevated levels of the stress-related kinase SGK1, a neurochemical signature linked to depression and suicidal behaviour later in life.

This means childhood stress is not simply “in the past.” It becomes biologically embedded, influencing how the nervous system regulates mood, safety, and resilience across adulthood.

Understanding this imprint changes everything:
• It validates why trauma survivors often struggle in ways others can’t see.
• It highlights the lifelong interaction between toxic stress, the brain, and mental health.
• And importantly, it gives researchers a measurable target for future treatments, opening the door to new interventions that may reverse or soften trauma’s biological legacy.

Childhood trauma may leave a mark, but neuroplasticity and body-based therapies remind us: the brain can heal.