Counselling Conversations with Julie

Today we are exploring the world of cortisol, often called the stress hormone. Cortisol plays a vital role in our bodies, helping us respond to challenges and maintain balance. However, when stress becomes chronic, this powerful hormone may turn from a helpful ally into a disruptive force, impacting our mental clarity, emotional health, and even physical wellbeing.   In this episode, we’ll talk ab...

Today’s episode is one that touches all of us at some point in our lives: grief. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, ‘Why am I not over this?’ or feeling stuck in your journey of loss, this conversation is for you. Grief is not a linear process, and it’s not something we simply ‘get over.’ It’s a deeply personal experience that reflects the love, connection, and meaning we attach to what we’ve l...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many of us, overthinking and its connection to anxiety. Have you ever found yourself caught in a loop of endless thoughts, replaying conversations, or imagining every possible outcome of a situation? You’re not alone. Overthinking is something we all experience, but when it becomes a habit, it may fuel anxiety, leaving us feeling stuck, overw...

In today’s episode, we’re asking an important question: Are you really listening to what your child has to say? Listening goes beyond hearing words, it’s about understanding the emotions, needs, and stories behind them. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to listen deeply, how to create safe spaces for children to express themselves, and why this is essential for their emotional regulation, resil...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s more relevant than ever in our fast-paced, always connected world: The Impact of Distraction on Relationships.    Distraction is everywhere, our phones, our to-do lists, and the constant demands of modern life. But what happens when these distractions start to quietly erode the trust, intimacy, and connection in our relationships? In this episode, we’ll unpa...

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into a topic that touches so many of us yet is often misunderstood, self-sabotage in relationships. Relationships are one of the most vulnerable and emotionally charged spaces we navigate as humans, and it’s no surprise that self-sabotage often finds its way into these connections. But what if we reframed self-sabotage? What if, instead of seeing it a...

In today’s episode we explore the unique dynamics of relationships shaped by ADHD. Whether you're someone living with ADHD, a partner navigating its challenges, or simply curious about how neurodiversity impacts connection, you're in the right place.   We’re diving into a topic that touches the heart of so many relationships: how ADHD influences emotional connection, communication, and int...

Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic that touches all of us, mind wandering. You know those moments when your thoughts drift away from the task at hand, and suddenly, you’re replaying a memory, planning your next move, or imagining a completely different scenario? While it might seem like a distraction, mind wandering is actually a powerful and natural function of the brain.   In this epis...

In today’s episode we explore the universal experience of disappointment, a feeling that touches both adults and children alike. Whether it’s a career setback, a relationship challenge, a failed test, or a missed playdate, disappointment is a complex emotion that bridges all ages. It’s that gap between our expectations and reality, often leaving us with a mix of sadness, frustration, and unmet hop...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most important yet often challenging topics, how to talk to young people about intimate relationships. What’s ‘normal’? What’s safe? And how may we help them feel comfortable and confident in navigating this part of their lives? Together, we’ll unpack practical strategies, share insights, and explore how to empower young people with the tools they n...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that touches all of us at some point in our lives: grief and regret. These emotions may feel overwhelming, isolating, and even paralysing, but they are also deeply human experiences that carry profound lessons about love, connection, and resilience.    In this episode, we’ll explore the complex relationship between grief and regret, unpack the science behind these...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that touches so many of us, how to be there for someone you care about during their emotional struggles while also safeguarding your own wellbeing. Supporting someone through pain may be both deeply rewarding and incredibly challenging. It’s a delicate balance of offering compassion, creating a safe space, and ensuring you don’t lose yourself in the pr...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that touches us all: rewriting past negative experiences. This isn’t about erasing the past or pretending it didn’t happen. Instead, it’s about reframing those moments of pain, failure, or disappointment into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.   We’ll explore how the stories we tell ourselves about our past shape our present and future, and h...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that’s both profound and practical: the connection between your beliefs, your actions, and the results you experience. This isn’t just about abstract ideas, it’s about understanding how your internal world shapes your external reality and, more importantly, how you may align these elements to create a life that feels purposeful and fulfilling.    We’ll...

In today’s episode we’re diving into a topic that transcends generations and cultures: the enduring power of fairy tales.   Fairy tales are more than just bedtime stories for children. They are rich with lessons about resilience, morality, and the human experience, lessons that resonate just as deeply with adults as they do with young minds. In this episode, we’ll uncover how these timeless tales...

Welcome to today’s episode of the podcast, where we explore the fascinating and transformative world of nervous system regulation. I’m so glad you’re here, this episode is designed to equip you with practical, evidence-based tools to support you.   The nervous system is the foundation of how we experience and respond to the world around us. It influences our emotions, behaviours, and even our abil...

Today we’re diving into a topic that lies at the heart of how we relate to ourselves and others, Rebuilding Connection: Understanding and Growing Your Social Engagement System.   Have you ever wondered why some social interactions feel effortless while others leave you feeling drained or overwhelmed? Or perhaps you’ve experienced trauma and find it challenging to trust or connect with others. You’...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into a topic that touches all of us, whether we realise it or not, the transference of worries. Have you ever noticed how one person’s anxiety or stress may ripple through a family, classroom, or workplace? Or how a child’s behaviour may mirror the emotional state of the adults around them? This phenomenon, while natural, has profound implications for how we suppor...

If you’ve ever felt weighed down by self-critical or unhelpful thoughts, this episode is for you. We’ll explore how to create space between you and those thoughts, so they may lose their grip and you may respond with greater clarity, self-compassion, and confidence.   Together, we’ll unpack simple, actionable techniques to help you reframe your inner dialogue, reduce emotional overwhelm, and build...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that touches so many of us deeply, navigating the grief of a break-up.   Break-ups are more than just the end of a relationship;they’re a profound emotional experience that may leave us feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of how to move forward. But what if we could reframe this pain as an opportunity for growth, self-discovery, and resilience? In this episode, w...

Today, we’re diving into a simple yet transformative strategy: the power of lowering your voice to de-escalate emotional intensity. While this approach is often discussed in the context of children’s tantrums, it’s equally impactful in adult relationships, where emotional outbursts, heightened conflicts, or moments of dysregulation may challenge even the strongest connections.   In this episode, w...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that touches every aspect of our wellbeing- friendship.   Friendships are more than just social connections; they’re lifelines that support our emotional health, foster resilience, and help us grow into the best versions of ourselves. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of childhood friendships, maintaining connections as a busy adult, or simply looking to b...

In today’s episode, we’re unpacking a fascinating topic:the difference between pleasure and happiness and why understanding this distinction is essential for fostering emotional wellbeing, both in ourselves and in the children we support. We’ll also explore the critical role of serotonin, the ‘feel-good chemical,’ in building long-term happiness and resilience.   In a world that often prioritises...

In today’s episode, we’re diving into the transformative world of creativity and its role in emotional healing. We’ll uncover how collage and art therapy, when approached without interpretation, may create safe, non-judgmental spaces for children and adults alike to express, process,and grow.   Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or someone passionate about fostering resilience and emotional reg...

In today’s episode, we explore the transformative power of stepping outside your comfort zone to unlock growth and thrive. Whether you're a professional, a leader, or someone seeking personal development, this episode is packed with insights to help you embrace challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful impact in your journey.    We’ll dive into practical strategies inspired by eviden...