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NOTE: All these skills will require practice 1. Cognitive (thinking) techniques Changing how we see stressful situations We may not be able to change our circumstances, but we can see them differently (Forsyth & Eifert, 2016). For example, stress can be viewed as an experience that will support our learning, growth, and personal development. Technique:… Continue reading Stress Management

The word ‘trauma’ originates from the Greek word ‘wound”, which at the time, was primarily used to refer to physical injuries. Today, trauma is also frequently used to refer to “emotional wounds” that can cause psychological symptoms any time after the traumatic event has occurred, including years later. Emotional and psychological trauma can be lifelong.… Continue reading Trauma: Emotional and Psychological Wounds

Across Australian Demographics in Today’s Climate: A Review of Current Statistics and Research | webbtherapy.org | 2025–2026 Introduction Australia is navigating one of the most psychologically challenging periods in its modern history. Converging social, economic, and political forces — including a cost-of-living crisis, housing unaffordability, the lingering aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, and growing climate… Continue reading Psychological & Emotional Challenges

Not long ago, words like “triggered,” “gaslighting,” “narcissist,” and “neurodivergent” belonged almost exclusively to therapists’ offices and psychology textbooks. Now they’re everywhere; in workplace training sessions, community organisations, TikTok comment sections, and casual conversation between friends over coffee. That shift has brought some genuinely important changes. But it’s also introduced some problems worth taking seriously.… Continue reading When “Trauma” Became a Buzzword: What We Gain and What We Lose when Clinical Language goes Mainstream

Love isn’t a single chemical but it does involve powerful chemicals in your body. When people say “love is just chemicals,” that’s oversimplified. Love is a complex emotional and psychological experience, but it’s strongly influenced by brain chemistry. Here are the main chemicals involved: 1. Dopamine — the reward chemical This is linked to pleasure,… Continue reading What is love and how do I know if I’m in love?

Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder involving changes in brain reward, motivation, learning, stress and executive control systems. While different substances (and behaviours) act through distinct primary mechanisms, they converge on common neurobiological pathways — particularly the mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Below is an overview in Australian English of the core mechanisms and then substance-specific and… Continue reading Neurobiological Mechanisms of Addiction

1. High selectivity is normal, especially as we get older When you enter the post-20’s dating world, your life experience has shaped your preferences. You’ve likely developed clear ideas of what you want in a partner, both in terms of personality and compatibility. 2. Same-sex dating dynamics can be tricky 3. Emotional vs. physical attraction… Continue reading Same-sex dating challenges when you’re over 30

Abstract Addiction is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon that has been described variously as a disease, disorder, syndrome, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, learned behaviour, or spiritual malady. Modern scientific understanding emphasises addiction as a chronic brain disorder shaped by neurobiological changes, learning, and social context. This article examines each conceptualisation and presents an integrated definition that aligns with… Continue reading Understanding Addiction: A Modern, Integrative Perspective

Addiction fundamentally alters the brain’s reward and decision-making systems through well-documented neurobiological mechanisms. When substances like drugs (including alcohol and nicotine) are consumed, they trigger massive releases of dopamine in the brain’s reward circuit, particularly in areas like the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area. With repeated exposure, the brain adapts by reducing natural dopamine… Continue reading Addiction – What You Need To Know

The phrase “Say what you mean, but don’t say it mean” is all about the balance between honesty and kindness in communication. Here’s what it means: Why it matters: This phrase promotes healthy communication. It’s a reminder that:

Overall Global Leading Cause of Death Breakdown by Category By Age Age Group Leading Cause(s) of Death Infants (<1) Neonatal conditions, birth complications, infections Children (1–14) Accidents (injuries), infections (low-income countries), cancers (e.g., leukemia) Youth (15–24) Road injuries, suicide, homicide (varies by country) Adults (25–44) Injuries (road, drug overdose), suicide, HIV/AIDS (in some countries), heart… Continue reading Mortality Determinants

If you’ve ever found yourself thinking “Part of me wants to change… but part of me’s not sure”, you’re not alone. That back-and-forth, weighing things up—“Should I? Shouldn’t I?”—is a normal part of how people process big (and small) decisions. In counselling, this is called ambivalence, and rather than seeing it as a barrier, Motivational… Continue reading Thinking About Change? How Motivational Interviewing Can Help

Supporting someone who’s having thoughts of suicide is one of the most important, and at times most challenging, parts of a support persons role. People who experience suicidality can vary from passing ideas to serious planning and often come from a place of deep emotional pain. We all have a duty to respond with care,… Continue reading Suicidality: Talking About Suicide and Support

Social psychological models of behaviour attempt to explain why individuals act the way they do in various social contexts. These models integrate individual, interpersonal, and societal factors to provide insights into behaviour. Here’s an overview of some key models: 1. Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) proposes that behaviour is influenced by: – Attitudes toward the… Continue reading Predicting behaviour: Social Psychological Models of Behaviour