We are becoming an increasingly outcome-driven society. For many of us, our lives are dominated by KPIs, meeting targets, ticking boxes and writing endless reports. While accountability is important, the pressures around this often mean that we feel relieved rather than proud or excited …Read more
Researcher, Brené Brown, calls shame the ‘master emotion’ because it is present in almost every experience of trauma, disempowerment and exclusion. Whether we have caused someone else harm, someone has caused us harm or we are experiencing mental health issues, shame is the voice …Read more
Nain Philp is a social worker and art therapist working in private practice in Victoria, Australia. She shares with us her experiences using cards and other visual tools in AOV settings and with young people with autism, plus her top 3 tips for using …Read more
Given that both trauma and learning difficulties can have significant impacts on a child’s outcomes in later life, it is important to know how to recognise them in order to provide appropriate support. What we often don’t talk about is that trauma and learning …Read more
Many of us who have worked with children have grappled with how we can effectively include the perspective and voice of children in our planning and program development. We know it is important and valuable but how do we do it well? And how …Read more
We have all experienced anxiety at some time or another. For many of us, it feels unpleasant, uneasy, uncomfortable and sometimes scary. It comes in many different forms and no two people will experience it in the same way. It can even look different at different …Read more
As early literacy can be a predictor of educational attainment, earnings, health and social outcomes later in life, it is really important that we support parents and carers to build their child’s literacy. But what do we mean when we talk about ‘literacy’? Literacy …Read more
We are surrounded by many different cultures—not only cultures from other countries—but also the different mini-cultures found in families, schools, communities and workplaces. Each of these cultures may emphasise different strengths—for example, ‘standing out’ may be admired in one setting, while in another, ‘blending …Read more
This month, we talk to Kit Kline, Nature Based therapist and founder of Nature Based Therapy, counsellor and educator, about some practical ways we can support clients to connect with the natural environment. Kit has almost 20 years’ experience working as a counsellor and …Read more
When people are accessing services, they are often disempowered in at least one area of their life. They may be experiencing poverty, exclusion as a result of mental health issues, addiction or family violence. Or they may be experiencing oppression or exclusion as a …Read more
When we are in the midst of a challenging conversation—a supervision session, a finely-balanced meeting with a family or a conversation with someone struggling with their mental health—having a few simple, practical and visual reminders to help guide the conversation in a positive and …Read more
Social worker, Elise Birthisel, uses reflective letters in her work, and here she shares some insight into why. She also shares some tips and ideas on how to include reflective letters in your work. But first, we thought we’d give you some background on …Read more
Why LGBTQI+ resources are needed Because everyone deserves respect. We share spaces with people whose ideas, beliefs and stories differ from our own. Our interests, languages, bodies and styles are many and varied, and this rich diversity is reflected in our experiences of gender, sexuality …Read more
Acts of everyday kindness are all around us. They can come in the form of a kind word, a helping hand, a nod of appreciation, an encouraging smile, a story, a wave, a letter, a gentle caution, a friendly visit or a meal shared. …Read more
Every family is unique. Some families are big and rowdy, some a small and quiet. Some are extended, some are nuclear and some families have just one person and a cat. Families can be scattered all over the world or can all live in …Read more
One of the things that can really help build a parent’s confidence is when they proactively make changes that lead to a more harmonious and positive relationship with their child. As we all know, when we feel more confident, we feel more empowered and …Read more
When we are supporting families, it can be easy to fall into the trap of focussing on deficits. This can feel difficult to avoid when we are supporting a family around a particular issue. However, creating the space for parents to notice and celebrate …Read more
When we are working with people in therapeutic spaces, we often focus on the practicalities – making sure people are safe and have the resources they need to look after themselves and their families. We are likely to give most of our attention to …Read more
Kim Billington, a counsellor, clinical supervisor, trainer, author and presenter, recently contacted us to share some of the ways she has used Innovative Resources cards and other tools over the years. She very generously agreed to share these experiences. And we also talk about …Read more
The research into the psychology of optimism is based on studies into a condition called ‘learned helplessness’. Psychologists and other researchers have discovered that people or animals show changes in behaviour when they decide they can do nothing to improve or change a situation …Read more
Menu