Set yourself up for success with your New Year’s resolutions!

They are in everyone’s ear and subject of many conversations at the end of each December: New Year’s resolutions. While these individual commitments for change beginning on the first of January are a popular endeavour, only few people follow through with them. Frequently cited research by Norcross and Vangarelli (1988) found that around one in five people give up on their new year’s resolution by the second week of January, and only one in five maintain their changes for two years or longer. Don’t throw the towel just yet though.

Strong Minds introduces therapy approaches 

#1: CBT

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based and widely practiced form of psychotherapy that focuses on the interconnection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. By addressing unhelpful thought patterns and modifying behaviours, CBT aims to foster healthier emotional responses and coping mechanisms. It can be a helpful approach for individuals who experience issues like anxiety, depression and stress.

I don’t need counselling – do I…? 

Have you ever wondered if you need counselling? Perhaps you're facing hurdles or navigating a crisis, or maybe you're convinced that everything is fine. Either way, this is a good time to reframe our view of counselling.

Strong Minds FAQ

What kind of counselling do you offer?

Do I need a GP referral to use your services?

Can I get reimbursed by Medicare when I use your services?

Do you have a practice for counselling sessions?

Mental Health Professionals - Who's the right fit? 

When seeking help for personal growth, mental health, or emotional support, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various professionals available. Let's break down the differences between life coaches, counsellors, social workers, registered psychologists, clinical psychologists, and psychiatrists. 

What is counselling?

Perhaps you have been wondering what counselling is or how it could help you… Counselling is a safe, supportive, non-judgemental and confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings and experiences with a trained professional.

Strong Minds introduces therapy approaches 

#2: ACT

ACT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts, feelings and experiences rather than trying to fight or avoid them. It is about being present with your experience and committing to actions that align with your values and current circumstances – no matter how difficult your situation might feel.

Strong Minds introduces therapy approaches 

#3: Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic Therapy is an established approach that can help you gain deep insights into your emotional landscape and the drivers of your actions. It is a type of talk therapy that explores how significant or everyday past experiences and unconscious processes may influence your current emotions, thoughts and behaviours. 

Mindsight

Habit Stacking

How do you increase your chances of actually changing your behaviour rather than just wanting, wishing or intending to?

One practical strategy you can use is called habit stacking. Many of the things we struggle to do consistently are small, everyday tasks. Let’s say you forget to take your medication in the morning, go to bed too late at night, don’t drink enough water throughout the day, put off tidying up the kitchen or you often lose your keys.

Strong Minds introduces therapy approaches 

#4: DBT

For many of us, overwhelming emotions can make it difficult to maintain composure and respond to difficult situations in a collected and deliberate manner. We feel like emotions take over, and instead of responding calmly, we react impulsively. Over time, we thus experience heightened conflict in relationships and develop unhealthy coping strategies which may provide temporary relief but create longer-term challenges.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps people build practical skills to respond more consciously and calmly.