Blog

The value of art and art therapy should not be underestimated (although, these are never substitutes for speaking therapies) and the arts of all kinds can be very therapeutic when dealing with anxiety. From identifying with a character in a book or writing a journal, through to painting and photography, there are many ways to communicate your thoughts. You do not need to be a talented artist to benefit from art therapy and everyone can create their individual inner world using art. With this in mind the project[...]

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health problems experienced around the world; yet it is rarely spoken about and often misunderstood. An anxiety disorder is not something you can simply ‘get over’ nor is it something that goes away by itself. Taking anxiety seriously is one of the most important steps to recovery. At Bayside Psychotherapy we want to help raise awareness of anxiety disorders.  Each case of anxiety is unique and there is no one-size fi[...]

Post natal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a harrowing experience. While pregnancy and childbirth are natural aspects in the human and animal kingdom, the universality can present a picture of deceptive simplicity. Pregnancies can involve various complications and stresses, including difficulties falling pregnant, surprise pregnancies, exacerbation of mental and physical ailments, the stress gestation places on the body, severe morning sickness and uncertainty regarding foetal illnesses or genetic abnormali[...]

Does "it" really work? How often do we hear this? "It" carried vast assumptions usually owing to something magical and fast which supposedly bypasses conscious awareness. "Work" also carries assumptions which often involve the notion of a quick fix without any responsibility or effort on the part of the so called hypnotic subject ('can hypnotherapy cure me of my anxiety, addictions, oh and occasional sexual dysfunctions too, please?'). It's sad as a culture with our demand for instant gratification mixed with outrageous claims from unt[...]

Mental health problems are widespread in Australian society. While publicity and awareness about their prevalence and understanding of possible causes continues to grow, stigmas around mental illness remain which can make it difficult for those who suspect they are unwell to speak up about their concerns without feeling embarrassed, ashamed or fearful of being ignored or invalidated. If you do suspect you have a mental health problem, speaking to your doctor is an important first step in finding the help you po[...]

Meditation is a centuries old experience that can help to generate feelings of inner peace and clarity and promote physical relaxation and optimal health. In recent times meditation has been pushed into the spotlight under the umbrella term of mindfulness which has become popular in psychology and counselling circles. Meditation involves bringing your attention firmly to your body or your mental processes. It invites individuals to focus on what they are experiencing on a physical or psychologi[...]

We all experience stress and anxiety from time to time, it’s an unavoidable component of living in a global society infused with sophisticated technology and focused on material acquisition that runs at breakneck speed 24 hours a day. How are stress and panic different? However panic attacks and panic disorder are very different from transient periods of intense stress. They are by nature [...]