Positive Moves Wellbeing | Private Psychologist Bayside Melbourne

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Psychology Incorporating Meditation, Self-Care and Mindfulness

Read About Our Integrative Therapy Services

Move

Therapy Walks – One-to-One and Small Groups

Find Out About Our Eco Therapy Walks

Nourish

Feeding Bodies and Minds

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Connect

Building Communities of Support

Let’s Get in Touch Today

Breathe

Psychology Incorporating Meditation, Self-Care and Mindfulness

Read About Our Integrative Therapy Services

Move

Therapy Walks – One-to-One and Small Groups

Find Out About Our Eco Therapy Walks

Nourish

Feeding Bodies and Minds

Enquire About Our Special Events

Connect

Building Communities of Support

Let’s Get in Touch Today

@positivemoveswellbeing

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To all potential Wellbeing Walk participants…the best thing about incorporating time in nature into my work is that it challenges me to bring flexibility and adaptability to my plans and leaves me in no doubt about who is in control. Thankfully these same characteristics are core ingredients in building resilience so, as always, Mother Nature is providing just what she thinks I need! Tomorrow’s forecast looks like rain will be a companion on our stroll so I’ve decided to relocate to the shelter in Elsternwick Park, near corner of Head Street and New Street (as featured in today’s image). Elsternwick Park has some beautiful trees to walk amongst, just look at those meandering branches, and also offers a little more shelter from the elements given the forecast this week. I’ll be there at 9.30am in wet weather gear so let me know whether to expect you or not.

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For those living with a chronic health condition an integrative approach to managing their health is the only option that makes sense. Their conditions impact not only their physical body but pervade mental health, and social, financial and interpersonal domains of life. Multiple interventions, treatments and surgeries can sometimes leave individuals feeling disconnected and uncertain, broken down into their separate parts. This can impact their sense of self, and their sense of being whole and capable.
I had the pleasure of working with members of the Hydrocephalus Support Association this weekend. Together we explored how to retain a sense of self and a degree of agency in their wellbeing. Remaining resilient in the face of frustration and uncertainty when circumstances conspire against you is no mean feat. This group generously shared their lived experiences. Most striking was the real life evidence of neuroplasticity and resilience. Their stories repeatedly illustrated the amazing capacity of the brain to grow, strengthen, heal, relearn, and adapt. It was a privilege to work together.
#neuroscience #strongmind #chronichealth #neuropsychology #integrativetherapy #mindbody #breathwork #therapywalks #mindfulmovement

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When I decided to take my work out of a thermostatically controlled clinic setting and into my community and the natural world, it was because I felt moments in nature could reconnect our heart, body and mind with the true rhythm of life. The rhythm and speed our biology is designed to move. More slowly. On our first Wednesday Wellbeing Walk, Mother Nature certainly revealed her full repertoire, urging us to stretch our comfort zone.
At times it was hard to hear over the wind and the waves. Exposing ourselves to the elements and stepping beyond the comfort of the walls that can restrict us serves to remind us we are alive. Every sense was enlivened and the conditions served as a perfect metaphor for life. There may be elements beyond our control, times when we need to repeatedly turn into the wind, anchor ourselves, and remind ourselves that, just like those dark clouds, ‘this too shall pass’. Sometimes once we have committed to a particular path, we are forced to accept aspects beyond our control and our choice lies in how we respond. We can invest a great deal of time and energy arguing with reality. Wouldn’t you rather invest that energy in moving forward?

Personally, I think perhaps Mother Nature wanted to test my resolve after I glibly shared this quote about ‘learning to dance in the rain’ earlier!! See you next time.

#breathemovenourishconnect #ecotherapy #therapywalks #connectinnature #natureistherapy #mindfulmovement #integrativetherapy #mindbody #breathwork

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How we feel emotionally directly affects our breathing. If we feel depressed our breath becomes shallow, the body contracts, our shoulders hunch and our head is lowered. If we are feeling relaxed, our breath automatically becomes freer. When we experience a restriction, a challenging life experience, injury, or emotional shock to the nervous system, the body alters its response and prioritises survival mode. The sooner the trauma, shock and restriction are released from the body, the easier and faster our healing process becomes.
Our breath is a bridge linking our mind and body. The practice of deep breathing helps to stimulate our parasympathetic nervous system, which allows our body to rest and digest, slowing our heart rate, lowering blood pressure and respiratory rate, and inducing a calm state. This counteracts or overrides the sympathetic nervous system, interrupting the cycle of adrenaline and cortisol production, which contributes to chronic stress levels and predisposes us to anxiety. Voluntarily changing the rate, depth and pattern of breathing allows us to change the messages sent from the body’s respiratory system to the brain. We can send specific messages to the brain using the language of our body, a language the brain understands and responds to. Awakening to the potential of our breath and body whilst engaging with the natural environment offers an empowering therapeutic experience.
Join me on Wednesdays 9, 16, 23, and 30 October. Take a deep breath, engage in mindful movement and connect in nature. These four walks are offered free of charge and each will run for approximately 1 hour. Our focus is not on the destination or the distance and pace we travel. Instead we will focus on immersing ourselves in the experience. Please let me know if you intend to join us as numbers will be limited to 10 per session so we can truly connect.
I look forward to seeing you there. We will meet at Elwood Pier (bottom of Head Street) at 9.30am.

#integrativetherapy #mindbody #breathwork #ecotherapy #therapywalks #connectinnature #natureistherapy #mindfulmovement

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The bay was looking beautiful this morning and provided the perfect setting to offer some repair for the body and mind to counteract the wear and tear that comes with regular micro-doses of stress.
Take an hour out of your morning next week and join me. Take a deep breath, engage in mindful movement and connect in nature.
On Wednesdays 9, 16, 23, and 30 October I invite you to breathe, move, nourish and connect together. Each walk will provide an opportunity to practice these four foundational elements of wellbeing.
These four walks are offered free of charge and each will run for approximately 1 hour. Our focus is not on the destination or the distance and pace we travel. Instead we will focus on immersing ourselves in the experience. Please let me know if you intend to join us as numbers will be limited to 10 per session so we can truly connect.
I look forward to seeing you there. We will meet at Elwood Pier (bottom of Head Street - as featured in todays image) at 9.30am.

#ecotherapy #integrativetherapy #therapywalks #connectinnature
#natureistherapy #mindfulness
#breathwork #meditationspace
#mindbody #mindfulmovement #socialprescribing

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I carved out a couple of hours of self care over the weekend and soaked in the restorative meditative spaces of Fern Gully at the Botanical Gardens on Sunday. The supremely talented Michael Johnson, @michaeljohnsonharpist composer in residence and skilful music therapist, provided the perfect facilitation and accompanying soundtrack to the experience with the soothing chords of his compositions on the harp. Don’t underestimate the power of time in nature.
#ecotherapy #integrativetherapy #therapywalks #connectinnature
#natureistherapy #mindfulness
#breathwork #meditationspace
#mindbody #mindfulmovement #musictherapy

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