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Emma Woodcock | Counsellor

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Emma Woodcock | Counsellor

Ask Emma

Boundaries, Communication, and the Quest for Intimacy

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When Words Fail: Rebuilding Communication in a Long-Term Relationship

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Are You Suppressing Your Emotions? How to Climb the Mountain of Self-Acceptance

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Empathetic Parenting: How to Help Teens Navigate Thoughts of Suicide

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Loud inner voice? Take time to listen.

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Feeling anxious? You are not alone.

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emmawoodcockcounsellor
4 common conversation traps to avoid this Christma 4 common conversation traps to avoid this Christmas and always: 🚫 Criticism: Instead of pointing fingers, express your needs using "I" statements. Share your feelings without blaming to foster understanding and avoid putting your partner on the defensive. 😡 Contempt: Replace contempt with kindness and appreciation. Cultivate a culture of respect and gratitude, acknowledging the uniqueness and value each partner brings to the relationship. 🛡️ Defensiveness: Drop the armor and listen openly. Rather than reacting defensively, strive to understand your partner's perspective. Seek common ground to build bridges, not walls. 🚷 Stonewalling: Break down the walls of silence. If things get overwhelming, take a break, but commit to returning to the conversation later. Avoiding the issue only postpones resolution. Want more tips like this to help you navigate this holiday season with sanity and serenity? DM me SANTAS FALLING for your free Holiday Wellbeing Guide covering conversation pitfalls, boundaries, stress relief strategies, and more. It is possible to have healthier conversations and less stress this Christmas! #christmaswellbeing #survivingchristmas #counsellingtips #therapytalk #counsellingpsychology #counselorsofinstagram
Confession Time: I used to believe setting boundar Confession Time: I used to believe setting boundaries was a waste of time, and it wasn't until I tried using them that I saw a remarkable shift in my life. Boundaries aren't about building walls; they're about creating spaces where your well-being thrives. Like a neglected garden coming to life, my self-care also flourished as I prioritized my needs, and confidence grew as I communicated my limits. In my FREE Holiday Wellbeing Guide, discover how setting boundaries can be a game-changer during the festive season. Ready to transform your holidays? DM me JINGLEBOUNDARIES and get tips like this and more to navigate the Holiday with peace. #BoundariesMatter #LifeTransformation #counsellinghelp #therapytalk #christmaswellbeing #holidayplanning
You're throwing away precious moments if you're st You're throwing away precious moments if you're still letting self-doubt hold you back. Every second spent questioning your worth is a moment that could be filled with self-love and empowerment. Building self-esteem is not a race; it's a transformative journey, a commitment to rewriting the narrative of your own value. So, how do we break free from the chains of self-doubt and truly embrace our worth? Let's turn those moments of hesitation into moments of affirmation, celebrating the incredible person you are becoming. Embracing your worth cultivates self-love by recognising your inherent value. Here are my top actionable ways to embrace your worth: 1️⃣ Practice Self-Compassion: • Be kind to yourself, especially during challenging times. • Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend. 2️⃣ Set Boundaries: • Learn to say no when necessary. • Establish and communicate your boundaries to ensure a healthy balance in your relationships. 3️⃣ Celebrate Achievements: • Acknowledge and celebrate both big and small achievements. • Keep a success journal to document your accomplishments and milestones. 4️⃣ Surround Yourself with Support: • Build a supportive network of friends and family. • Distance yourself from negativity and toxic relationships that undermine your self-worth. 5️⃣ Set Realistic Goals: • Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps. • Celebrate progress along the way, reinforcing your capabilities. 6️⃣ Challenge Negative Thoughts: • Identify and challenge negative thoughts that undermine your self-worth. • Replace them with positive and affirming statements. 7️⃣ Gratitude Practice: • Cultivate a habit of gratitude by regularly reflecting on the positive aspects of your life. • Keep a gratitude journal to note down things you are thankful for. For more practical and helpful tips to surviving the holidays, DM me for a free Holiday Wellbeing guide I've put together just for you. #christmaswellbeing #survivingtheholidays #therapytips #counsellinghelp #yourmentalhealthmatters
Someone grab the yoghurt as it's getting spicy tod Someone grab the yoghurt as it's getting spicy today! I want to share an unpopular opinion: I don't do positive affirmations. I know, I know they're popular and helpful in certain ways but all too often they bypass and can be a bit like a band aid solution. The real magic happens when we combine uplifting words and meaningful actions. What do you think? Agree and disagree? Let's respectfully chat about this hot topic in the comments. #counsellinghelp #PositiveSelfTalk #positiveaffirmations #unpopularopinion #therapytalk
Are your thoughts running wild, causing you to los Are your thoughts running wild, causing you to lose sleep and draining your mental energy? Do you lose hours of time to over-analysing and replaying things in your mind? It's time to break free from the overthinking cycle. Here are my top 10 tips to help you find clarity and peace of mind. 1️⃣ Awareness is the First Step: Recognize when you're overthinking. When those spiralling thoughts kick in, take a moment to acknowledge them. Awareness is the key to change. 2️⃣ Practice Mindfulness: Ground yourself in the present moment. Engage your senses—what do you see, hear, feel, and smell right now? This simple act can help shift your focus away from over-analysing the past or worrying about the future. 3️⃣ Set a Time Limit: If you're stuck on a decision or problem, give yourself a set amount of time to think it over. When the timer goes off, make a choice and stick with it. Don't let overthinking paralyse you. 4️⃣ Journal Your Thoughts: Writing down your thoughts can be a therapeutic way to get them out of your head and onto paper. This can help you gain clarity and perspective. 5️⃣ Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Are your overthinking patterns driven by self-doubt or negative beliefs? Challenge those thoughts with self-compassion. Ask yourself, "Is this thought helping me, or is it causing more harm?" 6️⃣ Get moving: Engaging in physical activity, pursuing hobbies, or volunteering can divert your focus from overthinking. 7️⃣ Seek Support: Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist about your overthinking tendencies. Sometimes, sharing your thoughts and feelings can provide immense relief. 8️⃣ Limit Information Consumption: In the age of information overload, be mindful of what you consume. Constant exposure to news and social media can fuel overthinking. Set boundaries and take breaks. 9️⃣ Relax: Deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help calm your mind and reduce stress, making it easier to stop overthinking. 1️⃣0️⃣ Trust Your Decisions: Once you've made a choice, trust it. Understand that perfection doesn't exist, and mistakes are a part of life. Learn and grow from your experiences. Tag a friend who could use these tips!
Amidst the allure of grand moments, let's shine a Amidst the allure of grand moments, let's shine a light on the profound impact of repetition. Rather than the final crescendo, repetition is the music that builds the piece, gives the story and takes us on the journey. True transformation often unfolds through the daily rhythm of repetition—the consistent, deliberate choices we make over time. Repetition isn't about monotony; it's the steady beats that shape habits, cultivate mastery, and pave the way for lasting change. Rather than waiting for those rare a-ha moments, those occasional monumental breakthroughs, let's celebrate the beauty of repeated efforts. Whether it's practicing a new skill, affirming new ways of thinking, or nurturing relationships, each repetition contributes to the harmony of transformation. We learn most through our repeated habits. That is how lasting change is made. Every time we engage in a behaviour, whether consciously or subconsciously, we are reinforcing neural pathways in our brains. These pathways become the well-worn trails of our thought patterns and actions. The more frequently we tread these paths, the more deeply ingrained they become, evolving from mere habits into the very fabric of our identity. Consider this: If your life were a novel, and each day a page, what habits and repetitions would be the recurring themes that shape the narrative? Are these patterns building towards a transformative plot, or are they unintentionally steering the story in a direction you might want to reconsider? Take time to reflect on the power of your daily repetitions – are they crafting the epic tale of lasting change, or is there a need for a plot twist? #learnbyrepeition #repeatedhabits #GrowthMindset #counsellinghelp #mytherapistsays #therapyadvice
Hi, reintroducing myself here for #fridayintroduct Hi, reintroducing myself here for #fridayintroductions 👋 I'd love to hear from you too so please introduce yourself in the comments 💬💬💬 #counsellinghelp #anxietysupport #growwithme #MentalHealthMatters #therapistsofinstagram
🔍 Unveiling the Perfection Trap: Slide into the 🔍 Unveiling the Perfection Trap: Slide into the reality of our 'It has to be perfect' mindset. Swipe to explore the consequences and discover strategies to break free. 🌱 Embrace progress over perfection and join the journey to a more balanced and fulfilling life. 💬 Ready to chat? DM me! #BreakFreeFromPerfection #EmbraceProgress #MindsetShift #therapyhelp #counsellingtips #anxietysupport #perfectionism
Let's talk about something real today. redefining Let's talk about something real today. redefining our worth. I think it starts with redefining failure. The journey to becoming a therapist wasn't all smooth sailing for me. The first time I tried reframing, I failed miserably. I stumbled over my thoughts, couldn't find the right perspective, and felt stuck and overwhelmed. It was a humbling experience, to say the least. But guess what? I didn't give up. Failure isn't the end of the road; it's a pit stop on the path to success. Failure, as I've come to understand, isn't a reflection of our worth or competence; it's a natural part of the learning process. It's an opportunity to adjust, adapt, and grow stronger. Here's how I learned to redefine failure: • Failure is a teacher, not a judgment. It offers valuable lessons that help us improve. • Failure is an opportunity for growth. Each setback is a chance to discover new approaches and strategies. • Failure is a stepping stone to success. Every successful person has a history of failures they learned from. Today, reframing is now a tool I use regularly in my practice and on myself. It's become a powerful instrument that helps me guide my clients and me toward positive change. The benefits of reframing are truly remarkable: • It empowers you to see situations from multiple angles, promoting empathy and understanding. • It reduces stress and anxiety by shifting your focus from problems to solutions. • It fosters resilience, enabling you to bounce back from adversity. • It enhances your emotional intelligence, improving relationships and communication. • It's a gateway to personal growth, unlocking your potential and creativity. Remember, every expert was once a beginner! So, if you're facing setbacks or struggling with worry thoughts or anxiety, this is something I cover in my FREE Anxiety Toolkit. These are the tools and strategies that I have personally found beneficial in managing my anxiety. To get yours, DM me REFRAME today and get started on becoming a stronger, wiser version of yourself. #therapyadvice #anxietyrelief #anxietysupport #youreworthit #counsellinghelp #cbt #reframeyourthoughts
Let's debunk the myth: Seeking therapy isn't a sig Let's debunk the myth: Seeking therapy isn't a sign of weakness; it's a sign of your strength! In a world that often tells us to 'tough it out' or 'handle it on our own, it's one of the bravest and most empowering steps you can take for your mental and emotional well-being. Therapy is about self-awareness, growth, and resilience. It's a place to confront your challenges, explore your thoughts and feelings, and develop the tools to navigate life's ups and downs. It's a journey towards a healthier, happier you. 💪Strength in Vulnerability: We all face challenges and moments of vulnerability. Seeking therapy is an acknowledgment that you're ready to confront these challenges and work on becoming the best version of yourself. 🌱Personal Growth: Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It's an opportunity to gain insight, develop coping skills, and build resilience. 💕Self-Care: Just like we exercise to keep our bodies healthy, therapy is a form of self-care for your mind and emotions. It's a gift to yourself, a chance to prioritize your mental health. 🗣️A Supportive Space: Therapists like me, provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences without fear of criticism. It's a place to be heard and understood. Remember, just as we visit doctors for physical health, therapists provide vital support for our mental health. It's a sign of self-care, self-love, and self-respect. If you're considering therapy, DM me READY to chat about how I can help you in your journey. Remember that you're taking a bold step toward a happier, healthier you. Let's celebrate the strength it takes to seek help and prioritize your well-being. 🌟 #therapy #mythbuster #counsellinghelp #counsellingpsychology #therapyadvice
Let me share a short story of transformation with Let me share a short story of transformation with you. 1️⃣Chapter 1: The Inner Doubt Once upon a time, I had clients who carried the heavy burden of anxiety. They questioned their worth, their abilities, and their place in the world. Every day was a battle against their inner critic, a voice that seemed relentless. 2️⃣Chapter 2: The Turning Point One day, something remarkable happened. Instead of fighting against themselves, they decided to be their own biggest supporters. It was as if a light had dawned, and they began to treat their inner dialogue as if it were a cherished friend. 3️⃣Chapter 3: Nurturing Self-Compassion These brave souls started nurturing self-compassion and kindness. They realized that the more they watered the seeds of self-belief, the more they could grow. It was like discovering a secret garden within themselves. 4️⃣Chapter 4: Taking Small Steps With their newfound self-belief, they ventured forward, step by step. No matter how small the step, it was monumental in reinforcing their belief that they were capable of achieving living life with less anxiety. 5️⃣Chapter 5: Cultivating Resilience The journey wasn't without its challenges, but they learned to view setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities for growth. This shift in perspective made them unstoppable, like warriors in the face of adversity. 6️⃣Chapter 6: The Transformation The most beautiful part of this story is that it's not fiction; it's reality. It goes to show that sometimes, all it takes is a change in the way you perceive yourself, a decision to silence the inner critic, and an embrace of self-empowerment to change the course of your life. 7️⃣Chapter 7: Your Turn Are you ready to write your own chapter of transformation? Ready to reclaim your life from the clutches of anxiety? The journey begins with a single step. Get started today with my FREE Anxiety Toolkit and embark on your own tale of self-belief and resilience. DM me with the code ""BELIEVE"" to grab your copy today. You have the power to make your own shift, just like my incredible clients. Your story is waiting to be written, filled with courage, growth, and triumph over anxiety. #anxietyrelief #cbt
"I'll just think/do it tomorrow" may not be helpin "I'll just think/do it tomorrow" may not be helping you as much as you think it is. Actually it may be part of your anxiety talking. To get more tips on managing your anxiety, DM me TODAY to get my Free toolkit full of techniques and strategies to manage your anxiety successfully! #anxietysupport #anxietytips #anxietyrelief #counsellingtips #counsellingpsychology #therapytips #therapistsofinstagram
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I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. I pay respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. 2023 © Emma Woodcock Counselling Trading as Odin Counselling Service Pty Ltd

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