The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing well being and study

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair , Liz and Plia take the mystery out of therapy with a practical, down-to-earth conversation about what it’s really like. They explore what happens in a first session, why you don’t need to have everything figured out (or a diagnosis) before reaching out, and how therapy is often more like a guided, supportive conversation than people expect. They also ch...

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Your Wellbeing and Study , Liz and Plia explore people pleasing as a deeply learned pattern rooted in our need for safety, connection, and belonging—rather than a personality flaw. We unpack common signs like difficulty saying no, fear of conflict, and tying self-worth to others’ approval, while also exploring how early experiences, cultural e...

Burnout isn’t just being tired — it’s what happens when stress builds up faster than you can recover. In this episode, Liz, Plia and Melissa unpack what burnout really is, how to spot the early signs, and why it’s become such a common experience for students, carers, and anyone juggling too much. We explore: Emotional, physical and cognitive symptoms of burnout Why burnout builds gradually (hello,...

Financial stress is something many students experience, and it can affect mental health, physical wellbeing, motivation, and academic performance. In this episode of The Counselling Armchair , Liz, Melissa and Plia are joined by Malcolm and Katie from Student Welfare to discuss why money stress is so common, how it shows up for students, and what practical steps and supports can help. The conversa...

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair , Liz, Melissa and Plia explore what it’s like to live “between two worlds” for international students and first- and second-generation migrants. We talk with guests Sam Zhong and Gunjan Kaur about family pressure, cultural expectations, secrecy as a coping strategy, identity, relationships, and how to find balance without feeling like you’re rejecting y...

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Your Wellbeing and Study , Liz and new co-host team member Plia Caspi are joined by counsellor Ruby Krupka to discuss intimate partner violence (IPV) — what it looks like, how it affects wellbeing and study, and how people can seek help or support others safely. Together, they unpack the patterns of abuse, and the challenges people face in rec...

This bonus episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Wellbeing and Study offers a short guided practice to help you feel steadier and more connected during uncertain times. Psychologist Michael Swadling leads you through an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) exercise designed to: Help you drop anchor in the present moment Reconnect with your values —the things that matter most to you Cre...

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Wellbeing and Study , Liz speaks with psychologist Michael Swadling about how to protect your mental health when the news feels overwhelming and the future uncertain. From climate change to conflict and economic pressures, it’s easy to feel weighed down by global challenges. Michael explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the...

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair , Liz and Melissa sit down with intern psychologist Joshua Boardman for a thoughtful conversation about coercive control —a form of emotional and psychological abuse that can occur in many types of relationships. Together, we discuss how it can appear, why it may be difficult to recognise, and what safe steps people can take if they have concerns. Conten...

In this honest and supportive episode, we explore the often-taboo topics of suicidal thoughts and self-harm. You’ll hear why these thoughts can emerge, how to manage overwhelming feelings, what support looks like, and how to respond with care—whether it’s for yourself or someone you know. Our guest, Kelsi Bartzis, shares insights from her work with students at RMIT Counselling, and Liz and Melissa...

In this episode, Liz and Melissa talk to intern psychologist Charlie Chick about what makes relationships healthy, respectful and emotionally safe — whether you're dating, in a long-term partnership, or navigating modern dating culture. They discuss communication pitfalls, emotional safety, boundaries, consent, and knowing when to walk away. Here are some useful links for listeners who want to...

In this episode, we're tackling a challenge every student can relate to— staying motivated and focused . Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in procrastination mode, or simply unsure where to begin, psychologist Alicia Walker helps unpack motivation, why it fluctuates, what gets in the way of staying focused and shares practical tips to boost your motivation and improve your study focus...

In this episode, we explore the field of positive psychology and how it can help us cultivate resilience, enhance happiness, and improve overall mental health. Understanding positive psychology and how it differs from traditional psychological approaches. The science of happiness: what contributes most to well-being? The happiness set point and how intentional activities can boost happiness. The P...

Such a festive time of the year as we publish this episode. The weather is warming up, there seems to be a buzz in the local community, people out and about, loud music, parties and get-togethers can be heard and seen. Such a relaxing time! Or is it? Not all of us may feel that excitement for the festivities ahead; whether to do with being far from home, intense time to be spent with others we don...

Episode Overview: In this episode, Liz and Melissa explore a topic that often flies under the radar but impacts many: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). We dive into what RSD is, how it can affect individuals and their relationships, and practical ways to manage it. Whether you experience RSD or support someone who does, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to navigate its challe...

In this episode, our hosts chat with one of the senior co-ordinators at the Counselling Service, Lyndon, on a very interesting topic on impostor syndrome. We take a deeper look at what it is, how we experience it and why some of us go through this while others don’t. We also get personal on whether we, as psychologists, experience this too, and ask Lyndon for personal tips to overcome the impact o...

In this episode of  The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Wellbeing and Study , hosts Liz and Melissa are joined by RMIT counsellor Emma Abeyaratne to explore the power of self-compassion. Many of us are familiar with the relentless inner critic that harshly judges our every move. Whether it’s self-criticism or external judgments, these negative voices can significantly impact our self-esteem. But w...

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair , we explore the impact of loneliness and how to cultivate meaningful social connections in a world that can often feel isolating. Loneliness can affect us all at various points in life, but with the right tools and mindset, we can build supportive communities and find our own tribe. Join us as we discuss practical strategies to overcome loneliness, from...

In today's episode, we dive deep into the influences on masculine identity, examining how traditional masculine norms can create unrealistic and restrictive expectations. These norms often impact mental health, relationships, and overall well-being, not just for men but for those around them. We discuss the importance of understanding and challenging these norms to foster healthier, more inclu...

In this episode, we talk with clinical psychologist Jennifer Kemp about understanding and managing your unique neurodivergence, whether you have ADHD, Autism or AuDHD. Jennifer shares with us her tips for handling challenges that neurodivergent people may encounter, address chronic burnout, and manage overwhelming emotions. We also discuss self-acceptance, self compassion and developing safe and s...

In today's episode, we sit down with Clinical Psychologist and author Jennifer Kemp to delve into the complex world of perfectionism. Jennifer shares her expert insights on the roots of perfectionism, its impact on mental health, and practical strategies to overcome it. We discuss her latest book, which offers a compassionate guide to breaking free from the perfectionism trap and embracing a m...

In today's episode, "Anxiety Antidotes: Tackling Avoidance with Confidence," we're diving deep into the world of anxiety and avoidance. University students often face a unique set of challenges, and anxiety can sometimes feel like an unwelcome companion. We'll explore practical strategies to combat avoidance behaviors and share insights on managing anxiety. Whether you're...

In today's episode, Ruth joins Liz for chat about stress management. We all experience stress at some point in our lives and so the skill of managing our stress to minimise its impact on us is something we all need to develop. From calming our nervous system, to learning to say no and fostering self compassion, we'll provide you with ideas to navigate stress and reclaim your inner calm.

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of building better boundaries and the art of assertive communication. Whether you struggle to speak up for yourself or find it challenging to maintain healthy relationships, this discussion is for you. Get ready to learn practical tips and strategies to enhance your communication skills and cultivate stronger boundaries. Assertive communication...

In this episode, we talk all things ADHD with our expert counsellors Bec and Ruth. There is now an increased awareness and discussion around ADHD and so Melissa and Liz chat to guests Bec and Ruth to explore various aspects of ADHD and offer insights into how individuals can not only cope but thrive. We cover everything from recognizing the core characteristics of ADHD and dispelling common miscon...