Embarking on the journey of therapy is a significant step towards prioritising your mental health and wellbeing. However, deciding if you’re ready to start therapy can be a daunting and often confusing process. Here’s some key signs that indicate you may be ready to begin therapy and how to take that crucial first step. 1. You’re Experiencing Emotional Distress Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or constantly stressed are common signs that you may benefit from therapy. If your emotions are interfering with your daily functioning or quality of life, seeking professional support can provid ..read more

In the realm of psychological therapy, one approach that stands out for its effectiveness in addressing emotional and relational issues is Schema Therapy. At Haven Psychology, Schema Therapy is one of many transformative therapeutic approaches that is used to help individuals heal, grow, and lead more fulfilling lives. What is Schema Therapy? Schema Therapy, developed by Dr. Jeffrey E. Young, is an integrative and comprehensive therapeutic approach that draws from various well-established psychological theories. It is designed to help individuals identify and change long-standing, self-defeati ..read more

Sexual desire, an important component of intimate relationships, is as unique as the individuals involved. Yet, what happens when the flame of desire burns differently for partners? According to the Australian Study of Health and Relationships, 76% of women and 82% of men aged 16-59 reported having sexual activity in the past year. While this statistic doesn’t directly address desire discrepancies, it highlights the significance of sexual health. Understanding Desire Discrepancies Desire discrepancies in a relationship occur when one partner has a higher or lower libido than the other(s). Whil ..read more

The holiday season is often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many individuals, it can be a stark reminder of grief and loss. Whether you’re mourning the passing of a loved one, coping with a broken relationship, or dealing with other forms of loss, the Holidays can intensify these emotions. In this blog post, we’ll explore the challenges of grief during the holidays, provide strategies, and introduce you to the support available at Haven Psychology. Understanding Grief During the Holidays Grief is a natural response to loss, but its intensity can be ampli ..read more

Ageism, the prejudice and discrimination against individuals based on their age, is an issue that’s found within various aspects of society, including the workplace.  A 2018 survey by the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Council on Ageing found that: – 33% of respondents aged 50 and older had experienced age-based discrimination in the workplace. – Of those who reported experiencing discrimination, 84% believed that they were overlooked for promotions or training opportunities because of their age. – Furthermore, 45% of respondents aged 50 and older believed that they ..read more

Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby in the mid-20th century, has provided significant insights into the dynamics of human relationships. It theorises that early relationships with caregivers profoundly influence our attachment styles, which in turn, play a pivotal role in our adult relationships. In this article, we’ll delve into the four primary attachment styles and explore their roles in shaping adult relationships. Secure Attachment People with secure attachment styles tend to have a positive view of themselves and others. They find it relatively easy to get close to others and are ..read more

Self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of mental health and overall wellbeing. It influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, shaping our relationships, career choices, and overall life satisfaction. In Australia, concerns about self-esteem among adults are significant. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of self-esteem, its importance, the factors influencing self-esteem concerns in adults. Understanding Self-Esteem Self-esteem refers to the way we perceive and value ourselves. It’s the internal judgment of our self-worth, encompassing our beliefs about our abilities, appearanc ..read more

In an age dominated by digital interactions and virtual connections, it may seem paradoxical that loneliness has become a pervasive issue. The rise of social media platforms, messaging apps, and online communities has given us unprecedented access to staying connected with others. Yet, despite the illusion of constant contact, many individuals find themselves grappling with profound feelings of loneliness. This phenomenon underscores the complex nature of human connection and the limitations of online social interactions. The Illusion of Connection The allure of online social connection lies i ..read more

Chronic pain affects millions of Australians, with around 20% of the population living with chronic pain according to Pain Australia.  Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, even after the initial injury or illness has healed. This type of pain can be debilitating, affecting an individual’s daily activities, mood, and overall quality of life.  When we experience pain, it is a signal from the body that something is wrong. In most cases, the pain resolves once the injury has healed. However, chronic pain continues even after the injury has healed, and ..read more

It’s not often you would consider how what happens inside our body affects what happens in our brain, but it’s true… they are linked constantly.  Gut health refers to the health of your gastrointestinal tract, including the bacteria and microorganisms that reside within it.  The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, but its impact extends beyond just the physical aspect of health. There is a growing body of evidence suggesting a link between gut health and mental health. The gut-brain axis is the complex communication system between ..read more