Blog Post | 17 November, 2022
Do you ‘shut down’ or feel emotionally numb when you get overwhelmed?
You could be emotionally detaching.
Emotional detachment describes a state of being unable or unwilling to engage or connect with other people’s feelings – or even your own.
It’s often used as a coping mechanism during difficult situations, but it can also be a sign of underlying mental health issues.
We explore some causes and signs of emotional detachment and offer advice here.
What causes emotional detachment?
Emotional detachment is often triggered by negative feelings.
These are just some reasons someone might... Read more
Blog Post | 16 November, 2023
Emotional intelligence (also known as emotional quotient or EQ) is an important skill for navigating personal and professional relationships.
It refers to the ability to read the emotions of others and understand and manage your own emotions in a healthy way.
Just like general intelligence, EQ varies from person to person.
Developing emotional intelligence can help you build stronger relationships with others. It can also increase your resilience and ability to handle stress and other difficult feelings.
We explore the signs of high and low emotional intelligence and offer some tips to build... Read more
Blog Post | 05 December, 2023
Have you found yourself in a family conflict with no idea what to do?
This conflict might be with anyone in your family, including your adult children or grandchildren. You may feel your wishes aren’t being heard or respected by your family.
There’s no shame in seeking professional help. In fact, a mediator can help explore options for you and your family to safely move forward.
The Senior Relationship Mediation Service (SRMS) provides family mediation for older adults and their families. The SRMS advocates for the rights and wellbeing of older people, supporting respectful... Read more
Blog Post | 06 August, 2020
When you think of domestic and family abuse, chances are verbal abuse and physical violence come to mind. But financial abuse can be just as damaging, taking away people’s independence and leaving them feeling vulnerable, isolated, and depressed.
Research shows nearly 16% of women and over 7% of men in Australia have experienced financial abuse in their lifetime. It’s the most commonly reported form of abuse of older adults.
But financial abuse can happen to anyone. The... Read more
Blog Post | 18 January, 2021
The term ‘gaslighting’ has become popular in recent years, but this behaviour has been common among abusers for centuries.
Gaslighting is a form of abuse used to manipulate and control the victim. It can be so subtle the victim might not even realise it’s happening. But as sneaky as it can be, gaslighting can be just as damaging as physical abuse.
Learn more about this toxic tactic and how to spot it in your relationships.
What does ‘gaslighting’ mean?
The term ‘gaslighting’ comes from the 1938 play Gas Light, and the 1944 film adaptation of the play, Gaslight. In this story, a husband... Read more
Blog Post | 18 May, 2021
Domestic and family violence can happen to anyone – men, women, and children – and it is never OK.
Regardless of gender, no one deserves to experience any type of abuse from a partner, and everyone has the right to feel safe in their home.
But violence against women perpetrated by men is a particularly serious and widespread problem in Australia.
Many girls and women in Australia live in fear of physical, sexual and emotional violence in the streets, at school, at work, on social media, and in their homes. Statistics show that because of their gender, females have a higher risk of domestic... Read more
Blog Post | 11 July, 2023
There are endless approaches – and opinions – when it comes to parenting.
‘Gentle parenting’ has become a popular topic online in recent years, and we’re still learning more about this parenting style.
This method is built on the foundation of four elements:
Empathy – Empathising with your child
Respect – Showing respect to your child
Boundaries – Enforcing consistent boundaries
Understanding – Understanding your child and their needs.
British childcare expert Sarah Ockwell-Smith coined the name of this parenting style in 2016 with her book “The... Read more
Blog Post | 01 May, 2014
This is a guest blog post from Brian O'Neill, Clinical Director of Lives Lived Well. Brian is conducting two professional Gestalt Therapy Masterclasses for Relationships Australia Queensland next week in Brisbane.
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Gestalt therapy works from the existential space where to Know something is Knowledge, to Understand it is Intelligence and toLive it is Wisdom.
My own sense is that a great strength of gestalt... Read more
Blog Post | 15 August, 2024
Grandparent alienation is when grandparents are unreasonably denied the opportunity to see and communicate with their grandchildren.
The relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild is irreplaceable – understandably, it hurts when you’re prevented from seeing or talking to them. A rocky relationship with your adult child or whoever is causing the alienation can add to the distress.
In this article, we share advice on what you can do if you’re experiencing grandparent alienation and briefly discuss grandparent rights in Queensland.
Behaviours of grandparent alienation
Sustained... Read more
Blog Post | 22 June, 2021
Enjoying a few drinks with friends can be fun – but the hangover anxiety that can follow is anything but.
‘Hangxiety’ has become a popular term to describe the feeling of anxiety after drinking. You may be familiar with the physical symptoms of a hangover, like a headache and nausea. But the morning after a big night can also bring psychological symptoms, like fear and shame around something you may have said or done.
This article will dive into the science and psychology behind hangxiety and how to cope with an alcohol-induced anxiety spike.
Why do we get anxiety after drinking?
There... Read more