Calm Connections Counselling

08/08/2026

Getting stuck in relational patterns and loops is common and happens in every relationship and family system. Family therapists aim to help you observe your patterns, track them and find ways to respond in a new way which supports heathier relationships and family dynamics.

It was great to deepen my learning in the workshop on Bowen Theory and Family systems as part of the Phoenix Family Therapy Academy program. You can learn more about it here and the work we do we families.

06/08/2026

Adelaide…..Michelle Mitchell - Parenting Educator, Author, Speaker is coming to Kings Community Centre at Wynn Vale (one of my fav place of work) to talk about all things friendship! A great opportunity to help your child and teen build great skills!

24/07/2026

If you are interested in systemic family therapy work, this is an excellent course! Applications are now open!!!

Applications are now open for the next intake for the Advanced Certificate Program, with the start date of July 2027.

This is an AAFT-accredited program with a hybrid model allowing participants from across Australia to be a part of the program.

Find out more here:
https://www.phoenixftacademy.com/advanced-certificate

20/07/2026

It was great to spend a few days in Brisbane this week taking a deeper dive into the schools of strategic and structual family therapy. In my private practice, I work with families in a collaborative way to help them make sense of the challenges they face.

Ideas from the learning suggest that families are always changing and adjusting to change. We look at ideas from strategic and structural interventions including hieracy, roles, rules, boundaries with a focus on interactions and relationships. As shared in her teaching, that ''problems do not mean something is pathogically wrong with the family, it means that the family has not been able to make the adjustment it needs to make to this change. That a family is transformed over time and that you can realign a system to promote growth of all individuals harnessing their strenghts and resources'' What cool work is this!!

Thanks to the teaching team and@drleoniewhite, director of Phoenix Family Therapy Academy for a rich learning exeperience.

I also enjoyed taking some time out with my family enjoying the sights and weather of South East QLD and Brisbane making it a special trip.

21/06/2026

I was delighted to launch my new workshop, ''Anchoring Parents in an Anxiety Storm'', at the Kings Community Centre this week.

I am so grateful to the wonderful group of parents who braved the cold to attend and learn more about anxiety, the vital role they play as emotional anchors, and how adopting a systemic family lens can support shifts in family patterns and create an environment that fosters resilience, growth, and connection.

This workshop integrates principles of systemic family therapy, including narrative and solution-focused approaches, alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It also explores the neurobiology of anxiety and how anxiety can become contagious within the family environment.

Parents left with the ANCHOR Toolkit—a practical framework designed to help them remain a steady and supportive presence during times of anxiety.
Using the acrostic ANCHOR, the key messages were:
A – Adjust yourself and regulate
N – Notice and be curious
C – Connect with your child or teen
H – Hold your “I” position – calm, clear, and firm (anxiety does not erase responsibility)
O – Offer breathing space to practise coping skills, build competence, and develop resilience
R – Remember to focus on your response, self-care, and self-compassion
Parents were encouraged to make one small step in the week ahead with these ideas and build from there.

Thank you again to everyone who attended and contributed to such meaningful conversations.

If you would like to bring this workshop to your school, organisation, or community group, please get in touch via my website.

https://lnkd.in/gmQ2DJAq

13/06/2026

I highly recommend this couples retreat created by Soulhearth Retreats for an opportunity to connect, recharge and nourish your relationship. 💕

09/06/2026

I am looking forward to facilitating this workshop next week at the Kings Community Centre where I will share ideas to support Parents to be an anchor when anxiety hijacks their family. Integrating family therapy concepts, we will explore:
-How to break the Anxiety Loop when the whole family gets swept up in the storm
-Practical tools to help Parent drop their own anchor and stay steady when anxiety takes over
-Support Parents's to respond from a Calm place to foster connection, safety and self-regulation with their children.

With only a few spots left, you can register here:
www.calmconnectionscounselling.com.au/anchoring-parents-workshop

24/05/2026

Community is at the heart of all connections. This, along with resilience and a positive mindset was the message that Madhavi Nawana Parker from shared with young women players and women of all ages at the Ladies Day event organised by the .comets. Love your work, Madhavi!

Clubs and community sport provide a welcoming space for families to connect with like-minded people, develop new skills and build lasting relationships that extend beyond the playing field. They offer a sense of identity and purpose, helping young people to develop a positive sense of self and feel part of community. Clubs and community activities provide a place for families to gather, connect and celebrate the richness that commuity life offers. As part of National Volunteers Week this week, we want to extend a special thanks to all of the volunteers who selflessly give their time and energy to mep make clubs and community events possible. Thank you!! Raschella

https://raisingchildren.net.au/schoolage/connectingcommunicating/connecting/helping-your-child-connect-with-others

15/05/2026

May 15th is International Day of Families and is anchored within National Families Week in Australia which is held between the 11-17th of May. The theme this year is ''Every family, Everywhere''. The week brings communities together through events, activities and celebrations that recognise the vital role families play in Australian life.
for more information on activities and events across the weekend please visit:
https://familiesaustralia.org.au/initiatives/families-week-2026/

Families Week is held every May to coincide with the United Nation's International Day of Families on 15 May.

10/05/2026

Happy Mother's day to all of Mums, stepmums, grandmums, foster mothers and other mother figures.

Wishing you moments just for you to recharge your spirit, find your calm and embrace self-love in ways that mean something to you.

Calm connections Counselling is dedicating special time out for mums at the Sacred Self-Care for mums workshop held at the King's Community Centre, Wynn Vale on May 29th.

For more details scan the QR code below.
Come along, connect, re-charge and learn simple ways to nurture you mind, body and spirit. You deserve this time just for you.