Counselling Conversations with Julie

Today, we’re diving into a powerful and often misunderstood emotion: resentment. It’s that heavy, lingering feeling that can creep into our relationships, our work, and even our sense of self. Resentment can feel isolating, but it’s also a signal, an invitation to look deeper and understand what’s really going on beneath the surface.   In this episode, we’ll unpack what resentment is, why it shows...

Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t always make it into the holiday cards or festive Instagram posts: not feeling the Christmas spirit.   For many, the holiday season is painted as a time of joy,connection, and celebration. But what happens when you’re just… not feeling it? Maybe you’re overwhelmed, stressed, or even dreading the holidays altogether. If that sounds familiar, you’re not al...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that can transform the way you think, speak, and feel about yourself:  Why and How to Eliminate the “Shoulds” and “Coulds” from Your Vocabulary.   Have you ever caught yourself saying, 'I should have done this,' or 'I could have done that'? These words may seem harmless, but they often carry a heavy weight of guilt, regret, and self-judgment. They c...

Today’s episode tackles a topic that’s as important as it is delicate:  How and What to Tell Children About Traumatic World Events.  In a world where news travels fast and even young children are exposed to unsettling stories, it’s natural to feel unsure about how to approach these conversations.   How much should you share? What’s the right way to explain difficult events without causing unnecess...

Today’s episode is all about a topic that’s incredibly important:  How to Support Your Child’s Mental Health: A Guide for Parents.  As parents, we all want to see our children happy, confident, and resilient, but when it comes to mental health, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to know where to begin. That’s why, in this episode, we’ll be breaking it down into simple, actionable steps you can tak...

In today’s episode we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many of us: how to keep calm and anxiety-free when life gets busy. I’m Julie Thomas, and as a therapist, I’ve seen first hand how overwhelming life’s demands can feel, and how important it is to find moments of peace amidst the chaos.   We will explore simple, practical strategies to help you manage stress, quiet your mind, and st...

As the holiday season approaches and the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on self-care and wellbeing. In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and anxiety often take centre stage, creativity has emerged as a powerful tool for enhancing mental and emotional health. But what is it about creativity that makes it so transformative? How does engaging in activities like painting, writi...

In today's episode, we’re unwrapping a topic that’s on everyone’s mind this time of year, the holiday season!   Christmas is meant to be a time of love, connection, and celebration, but let’s face it, it can also bring a sleigh-load of stress. From endless to-do lists to family dynamics and the pressure to make everything perfect, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.   But don’t worry,  in this epis...

In this episode, we’re tackling a topic that’s close to the hearts of many parents: how to foster trust with your child who has ADHD. Parenting a child with ADHD comes with unique challenges, and building trust is a cornerstone for creating a supportive and understanding relationship.    We’ll explore why trust is so essential for children with ADHD, the common hurdles that can strain this bond, a...

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many of us, building confidence in social situations. Whether it’s walking into a room full of strangers, speaking up in a meeting, or simply starting a conversation, social interactions can feel overwhelming and even intimidating at times.    But here’s the good news: confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you ca...

Today, we’re tackling a topic that resonates with everyone: How to Deal with Difficult People: Strategies for Maintaining Your Peace. Let’s face it, whether it’s a demanding colleague, a challenging family member, or even a stranger in a stressful situation, dealing with difficult people is an inevitable part of life. These interactions can leave us feeling drained, frustrated, and even questionin...

In today’s episode, we delve into the profound connection between emotions and personal growth. How our feelings serve as valuable signals, guiding us toward greater self-awareness, stronger relationships, and improved well-being. Whether you're navigating stress, managing relationships, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of yourself, this podcast is here to inspire and empower you. So,...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that touches millions of lives across the globe, caregiving in the 21st century. Whether you’re caring for an aging parent, a child with special needs, or a loved one facing a chronic illness, caregiving is one ofthe most selfless and demanding roles anyone can take on.    But let’s face it, caregiving today is not what it used to be. The challenges are evolving, f...

Today, we’re tackling a question that many of us have asked at some point in our lives:  Why do partners lie?  Whether it’s a small white lie or something more significant, dishonesty in relationships can leave us feeling confused, hurt, and even questioning the foundation of trust. But here’s the thing, lying isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. In this episode, we’ll explore the psycholo...

In today’s episode, Choose Peace Over Conflict: Parents Separating Well aims to help parents navigate the challenging journey of separation with compassion, understanding, and a focus on the well-being of their children.   Separation is never easy, but it doesn’t have to be definedby conflict. Here, we explore how parents can choose peace over discord, fostering a cooperative and respectful approa...

In today’s episode, we’re exploring a fascinating and transformative topic: The 5 Love Languages and How They Shape Our Romantic Relationships. Have you ever felt like you and your partner are speaking completely different languages when it comes to love? You’re not alone. Dr Gary Chapman’s concept of the 5 Love Languages has revolutionised the way we understand and express love in our relationshi...

In today’s episode, we’re flipping the script on a topic that’s often misunderstood, ADHD.    For years, ADHD has been labelled as a deficit, a disorder,or even a limitation. But what if I told you it’s not just a challenge, it’s a superpower? That’s right! In this episode, we’ll explore how ADHD can fuel creativity, innovation, and resilience. We’ll uncover the unique strengths that come with it...

Today, we’re tackling a topic that resonates with everyone:  How Do You Process Your Emotions?   Emotions are a natural part of being human, but understanding and managing them can often feel overwhelming. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, grief, or simply trying to make sense of your feelings, this episode will provide you with insights and practical tools to help you process your emotio...

In today’s episode, we explore The Seasons of Life , the ever-changing chapters of our lives, from moments of growth and joy to times of challenge and reflection. Just like the seasons, life is full of transitions, each bringing its own beauty, lessons, and opportunities for renewal.   I’m Julie Thomas, your guide on this journey, and together, we’ll dive into insights and strategies to help you n...

In this episode, we’re diving into a topic that touches nearly every aspect of our modern lives— social media’s impact on interpersonal relationships . Social media has revolutionised the way we connect, communicate, and share our lives, but it’s also brought unique challenges that can strain our relationships, increase feelings of isolation,and even affect our mental health.   So, how do we navig...

Today, we’re tackling a question that resonates with so many of us:  Why do we play small ?  Have you ever felt like you’re holding yourself back , shrinking your dreams , or dimming your light to fit in or avoid failure? You’re not alone. Playing small often stems from fear, self-doubt, or even the stories we’ve been told about what we’re capable of.   In this episode, we’ll explore the reasons b...

Today, we’re asking a powerful and thought-provoking question:  Are you silencing the real you?  In a world that often pressures us to conform, it’s easy to lose touch with our authentic selves. Maybe you’ve found yourself saying ‘yes’ when you mean ‘no,’ hiding your feelings to avoid conflict, or even questioning who you truly are beneath the roles you play.   In this episode, we’ll explore why s...

Today, we’re exploring a topic that affects many of us, but is often misunderstood: emotional dysregulation in adults. Have you ever felt like your emotions are running the show, leaving you overwhelmed, reactive, or even stuck? You’re not alone. Emotional dysregulation can impact relationships, work, and even your sense of self. But here’s the good news:understanding it is the first step toward m...

Parenting is one of the most rewarding journeys, but it’s not without its challenges, especially when it comes to setting boundaries. How do we guide our children with love and understanding while fostering their independence? How do we create a home where boundaries feel like bridges to connection, not walls of conflict?    In today’s episode, we’ll explore how to set positive, age-appropriate bo...

Parenting pre-schoolers is a journey filled with joy, discovery, and, let’s face it, some pretty big emotions! From meltdowns over the wrong colour cup to the overwhelming excitement of a new adventure, pre-schoolers experience the world in a way that’s raw, unfiltered, and sometimes challenging for parents to navigate.    In today’s episode, Pre-schoolers and Big Emotions: Supporting Children and...