Acorn Counselling and Life Services

02/05/2026

This weekends helpful therapy tip for you all is the 4D method to reduce distress and prevent cortisol (our favourite stress/uncertainty hormone) elevation.

1. DISTRACT. Shift the focus away from the thing causing stress. For example, physically move spaces from one room to another in the immediate moment. Changing spaces can reset your thought processes.

2. DILUTE. Reduce the feeling of stress or distress, by breaking the thing down into smaller tasks, or, alternate to a different task until your levels return to normal

3. DEVELOP. Create new strategies through reflection about what is working when trying to lower the stressor. For example, talking the stress through with a therapist or trusted friend to analyse what works and what doesn't. A neutral and objective perspective can assist in helping you remove yourself from the moment

4. DISCOVER. Use the first three suggestions here to discover your toolbox to take into the next moments that might cause you stress. This step helps foster long term resilience so that the next moment doesn't hit as hard.

This is only a snapshot of the method we use. In our sessions we unpack these and plan practically how they can work for you in your circumstance. I have appointments available should you need them.

As always, if you have questions, or things you would like more information on, please DM us. I have always viewed psychoeducation as an important part of what I do and am more than happy to post about topics that are closer to your needs

30/04/2026

Last weekend I had the honour of being invited to MC a charity lifting competition appropriately named "Bench for B***s". The aim was to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and was run by the awesome team at The Bar Gym. I got to meet competitors who were breast cancer survivors and hear their stories and shared strengths. What a great day out.

As a therapist, I understand the concept of exercise assisting mental health. Fitness is one of the only industries that can celebrate failure as a success and opportunity for growth. As I like to say, fitness allows people to learn the art of progressively failing. It is really rare, to see gyms partner with therapists like myself for events like these. Because even though we know both can work hand in hand and collaboratively, there is still a ton of stigma surrounding therapists.

This is where Alex and Tam at The Bar Gym stand apart. Their desire to build a community that embraces all journey's is inspirational. They back their talk up by not being afraid to call a therapist to MC an event and bring some insights. Fitness, health and Mental Health requires total community ownership and acknowledgement. More businesses could learn lessons here. The amount of stigma that can be broken at events like these is huge.

08/02/2026

Sunday Segment with a twist! For the first time, we are answering a question sent in by a parent. Thanks for asking!

01/02/2026

It's Sunday so you know what that means....

28/01/2026

I shared this beautiful resource from kids helpline last year and it is increasingly relevant. This is a simple guide to identify behaviours of concern from repeated, targeted alienation of someone. Feel free to DM if you'd like further information

25/01/2026

18/01/2026

Sunday Segment week 2

05/01/2026

What you see as you walk into Acorn's office. Comfy couches, relaxed atmosphere and a friendly therapist ready to walk your healing out with you. With years of experience in front line mental health, across all ages and developmental phases, singles, couples and young people, I accept clients from all walks with the same aim, to heal with you as you walk life out.

Now taking bookings for 2026. Face to face in Griffith NSW or online, anywhere in Australia. We are open with hours that work for you. At Acorn, we know life isn't 9-5. So, for 2026, My office hours are:

Thursday's: 9am-6pm
Friday's: 10am-8pm

You can DM the page or search google to find the phone number. Let's spend 2026 healing together!

03/01/2026

Sometimes the best thing you can do is completely switch off and recharge. I am very intentional with my time off. Always. To bring in 2026 I went away to the coast, in an area that had no phone reception or distractions in order to really be present with my family, but also my own thoughts and headspace.

Whilst the days are full (4 kids will do that) and tiredness creeps at the edges, I came away knowing the direction for 2026, an empty brain ready to service clients again, along with a decent amount of sunburn after forgetting to slip slop slap for half a day 😂

So to all my clients and followers, let's do this. Let's make 2026 better than any that have walked before