Counselling Made To Measure

15/03/2026

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06/08/2025

I discovered this tree on a recent morning walk and am reflective on its resilience. Trees are among nature's most enduring symbols of resilience. Standing tall through decades, even centuries, they weather storms, droughts, fires, and floods—often bending, breaking, and regrowing in remarkable ways. Their roots, sometimes deeper than the tree is tall, anchor them not only in soil but in the life of the ecosystem itself. When a limb is torn or scarred, many trees respond not by withering, but by healing, compartmentalising the damage and growing anew. In this way, they teach us that strength is not about resisting change, but adapting to it.
Trees also endure the slow pressures of time and circumstance. Some grow in harsh conditions—on rocky cliffs, in arid deserts, or amid urban concrete—yet they persist. Their growth may be slow, even invisible day to day, but over time they transform landscapes, offering shade, shelter, and sustenance to countless other beings. In autumn, when leaves fall, trees do not mourn; they rest, conserve, and prepare for renewal. Seasons remind us that letting go is not the end, but part of the cycle.
I consider that there is a quiet wisdom in how trees live. They do not rush. They do not compare. They grow where they are planted, reaching for light with unwavering intention. Their presence is both calming and instructive: a lesson in patience, in grounding, in persistence. In their rings, we read stories of survival—times of abundance and hardship alike—all wrapped into the steady rhythm of a life lived deeply rooted. I consider how this relates to life. I am reminded that within its quiet strength lies a reflection of life itself—resilience shaped by both hardship and healing, rooted deeply and growing steadily toward the light.

11/05/2024

Mother's Day is complicated because womanhood is complicated. To all the women who hurt on Mother's day: I see you. I see how much you are pained in scrolling through your feed and seeing the happy pictures of seemingly perfect mothers being showered with gifts and love and praise. I see your discomfort. I see your pain. I see your loneliness. I see your sorrow.⁣
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As we go into this complicated holiday weekend, may we not forget....⁣
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The women who wish to be mothers but are not.⁣
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The women who have lost their mothers.⁣
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The women who allowed someone else to be a mother.⁣
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The women who have lost a child.⁣
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The women who feel they have failed as a mother.⁣
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The women who are not appreciated as mothers.⁣
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The women who are estranged from their mothers.⁣
The women who are estranged from their children
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The women who are alone, especially this Mother's day.⁣
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And the seemingly countless other reasons that women may feel pain and grief on Mother's day.⁣
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These are the women I always think of on Mother's day. Maybe you are one of them. I do not have any words to make Mother's day better for you. I just want you to know that it is okay and you are not forgotten. It is not the airs of perfection I admire or celebrate on Mother's day; It is the women who have been down and dirty in the trenches and come out filthy, tattered, and scarred.
I celebrate you.
Unknown Author

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06/06/2023

Many individuals share with me their questioning of the integrity of the systems in which they participate. I share their query. Whether that be family, workplace, social group etc, and even the micro arrangements within those structures.
I am called to reflect on the quote often attributed to philosopher and spiritual teacher Jiddu Krishnamurti, although there is no definitive evidence that he made this specific statement-
"It is not a sign of good health to be well adjusted to a sick society,".
The statement challenges the notion that conformity and compliance with societal norms and expectations are always indicators of mental well-being.
The quote suggests that when individuals conform unquestioningly to a society that is perceived as "sick" or morally corrupt, it can be seen as a reflection of their own lack of critical thinking or awareness. It implies that true health and well-being may require an ability to question, challenge, and potentially deviate from societal norms when they conflict with one's own values, ethics, or a higher sense of truth.
Krishnamurti's perspective encourages us to cultivate independent thinking, self-awareness, and solid moral courage. Many share that this has meant standing apart from the mainstream or popular opinions. His quote invites the importance of maintaining one's integrity and aligning with a deeper sense of truth and personal values, rather than blindly conforming to external pressures.
Only days before my birth Krishnamurti gave a public talk in Madras, and I consider this supports his teachings and emphasises the importance of critical thinking, self-inquiry, and questioning.

“You must be alone. It is only the mind that is free from all influence, from all tradition, from the various masks it has imposed upon itself through life, and has put away all those, that is alone. And you must be alone, completely naked, stripped of all ideas, of all ideals, beliefs, gods, and commitments; then you can take the journey into the unknown.”
With the sentence opening his talk I feel compelled to also note that while Krishnamurti emphasised the significance of self-awareness and the value of self-inquiry, he also emphasised the importance of relationships and connection with others. Krishnamurti believed that true understanding of oneself and the world comes through self-inquiry, which requires solitude and introspection. However, he also emphasised the need to engage with others in a compassionate and open manner. He spoke about the importance of healthy relationships, communication, and collaboration, viewing them as opportunities for growth, learning, and understanding.

He encouraged individuals to be aware of their dependence on relationships, to explore the nature of attachment, and to cultivate a sense of inward freedom and autonomy. While he emphasised the importance of being comfortable with solitude and not relying solely on external relationships for the fulfilment, he did not advocate for complete isolation or a life devoid of meaningful connections with others.

How is this all playing out for you?

01/06/2023

As I welcome the first day of winter here in the southern hemisphere I reflect on my internal and external world and all that this season brings for me, and for the collective.

The first day of winter, even in sunny Queensland is one of renewal and rebirth, a time of transformation and inner work, the call for resilience and endurance. Stillness and Reflection through the Spiritual Darkness leads one to Illumination and the importance of surrendering. I reflect on the closure of Autumn as akin to standing in the rough surf navigating each wave only to rise for the next stronger and renewed. There have been numerous losses and celebrations, coexisting in the dichotomy of life over the past season.
Rebirth and Renewal
The colder winter with shorter daylight hours can enable a period of rest, stillness, and introspection. This introspection symbolises a dormant phase before new life emerges in the coming spring. An opportunity to shed old patterns or beliefs to make way for new beginnings.
Inner Work and Transformation
The cold and dark days of winter can serve as a metaphor for personal transformation and inner work. It is a time to delve into the depths of one's being and cultivate self-awareness and personal growth. I consider, confront and release the losses witnessed and sensed.
Resilience and Endurance
Synonymous with winter’s symbolism of resilience and the ability to endure challenging times I journey through loss taking cues from my higher self and knowing, together with the examples of others. Just as nature withstands the harshness of winter, I draw strength from this season's symbolism to navigate through difficult periods in life and pledge to emerge stronger on the other side.
Stillness and Reflection
I welcome the opportunity for deeper reflection, self-discovery, and connecting with my inner wisdom. I seek to slow down, embrace solitude, and gain insights that can continue to guide my personal and spiritual development.
Spiritual Darkness and Illumination
I lament “why?” on many fronts and as I hold space in this spiritual darkness and the unknown aspects of our existence, I explore and seek illumination, finding the light within myself, in nature, in humanity and discover deeper truths.
Surrender
In past times I thought that surrendering was to give up. Winter can symbolise the act of letting go and surrendering to the natural cycles of life. I take the lesson to release what no longer serves me, to embrace the impermanence of things, and to trust in the process of life's unfolding. I surrender to God’s divine plan and my role in this.

14/05/2023

Mother's Day is a celebration of motherhood and the important role that mothers play in our lives. As I honour my mother, my own motherhood and all women, I reflect on another aspect of motherhood- the concept of the divine feminine- a spiritual and cultural concept that represents the nurturing, creative, and compassionate aspects of the universe. It is often associated with the qualities that are traditionally attributed to women, such as intuition, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

As women, we hold great capacity to connect with the Divine Mother and uplift those around us. Being a creator, we share the power of the Divine. The fastest way for a woman to experience her authentic power and beauty is through her relationship with Mother Divine. For a man, honouring his connection with the divine feminine through the women in his life, and having a relationship with Mother Divine, is the quickest way for him to progress spiritually.
Many cultures have recognised and revered the sacred divine feminine energy (Shakti). They knew that the secret to transformation only happened with Shakti, the subtle vibratory energy that animates all life. Shakti is Divine Mother’s energy. When you can access this energy, you connect to the source of the miraculous, in yourself and in the world. Anything is possible with Shakti, the energy of the Divine Mother, and all women naturally carry this energy.

24/10/2022

A message on the power of speaking out.

‘I have never heard an audience so quiet, even before you got into the very sort of personal details of the story.’

05/10/2022

29/05/2021

Are you impacted by the current events occurring within your community and around the planet?
These events can affect any person in the community who is concerned about the infection, with more specific concerns arising for people being tested, people in self-isolation or quarantine and people who have received a diagnosis.
Potential mental health impacts are:
 increased anxiety for self and others
 loneliness and disconnection and/or socially isolated
 psychological distress
 perceived stigmatisation
 experiencing disruption to work, study or care-giving responsibilities
 impact on normal daily routine and functioning.
Do you want to book an appointment? Follow the online booking prompts.
There are a number of practical activities to assist you:
1. Maintain a daily routine as much as possible, including your normal sleep routine.
2. Stay connected with family and friends through technology e.g. Skype, Facetime and other technology. Who are you going to contact today?
3. Look after your physical health through regular healthy meals.
4. Do not over-indulge in alcohol or comfort foods.
5. Beware of negative effects of overexposure to news sources. Keeping informed can be helpful, but repeated bulletins may overwhelm.
6. Be mindful of the sources of your information. Research widely.
7. Be aware that your mood may change and experience periods of sadness, anxiety, frustration and fear. Should these symptoms become severe or persistent then seek help by booking an appointment now. Alternatively services like Lifeline are always available.
8. As much as possible, continue doing activities that you enjoy.
9. Exercise, meditate and communicate.

16/05/2021

Laurie Ladd Invites us to reflect on our internal and external collective shadow.

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