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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is one of the most commonly prescribed models of therapy, and for good reason. It has one of the largest evidence bases of success in clinical trial settings. If you’ve been searching for CBT counselling, CBT therapy near me, or wondering whether Cognitive Behavioural Therapy could be helpful for anxiety, depression, or ongoing stress, you’re not alone. In this blog, I want to introduce CBT in a grounded and practical way. Not just how it appears

Recently in clinic, I have been working with a number of clients who are facing difficult decisions in their lives relating to work, relationships, and family. These situations often bring with them painful thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Many people find themselves struggling to tolerate these internal experiences and instead trying to push them away or avoid them. All of us develop ways of distancing ourselves from emotional discomfort. This might involve self-cr

By Stephen Pate – Psychotherapist/Counsellor, Mornington Christmas is often presented as a time of connection, celebration, and ease. Yet many people experience something quite different: stress, emotional overload, family tension, grief, loneliness, or the pressure to feel a certain way even when their internal world says otherwise. December is one of the most common times clients reach out for support. The season has a way of stirring up long-standing patterns, amplifying e

Stories are central to everyone’s life. Have you ever noticed that when you ask different people to describe the same event, their versions come out slightly differently from how you’d tell it yourself? In the same way, we all hold stories about ourselves — stories about who we are, what we’ve been through, and what we believe is possible. Sometimes these stories lift us up and help us recognise our strengths. Other times, they become limiting narratives that keep us feeling

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Many people new to counselling or psychotherapy aren’t quite sure what to expect, or worry about what they’ll say in their first session. At Peninsula MindCare, based in the heart of Mornington on the Mornington Peninsula, our goal is to make that first appointment as comfortable and down-to-earth as possible whether it’s in-room, via telehealth, or outdoors through walk-and-talk therapy along the foreshore or Mornington Park. In thi

Anxiety is something many of us experience at various points in our lives. While it can be a normal response to stressful situations—like an upcoming test, an important speech, or a significant life event—for some, it becomes continuous and overwhelming. This persistent anxiety can negatively impact daily routines, relationships, and work. Learning to manage anxiety with simple, practical strategies can make a big difference. For those who continue to struggle, counselling pr

Modern therapy today spans across many mediums, depending on client preference and comfort. Therapy can take various forms, including: Traditional face-to-face counselling in a safe, confidential space. Telehealth sessions across Zoom or over the phone, allowing support from anywhere in Australia. Text-based or messaging dialogue for clients who prefer written reflection. Walk and Talk Therapy (Nature Therapy) — taking the therapeutic process outdoors. What is Walk and Ta

Understanding the Impact of Relationship Breakdowns This week in the clinic, I’ve had several conversations with clients navigating relationship breakdown, divorce, and separation. Sadly, these experiences are common in Australia. Around 30% of marriages end in divorce, and the median length of marriage before separation is 13 years. This often coincides with the years of raising children, when the focus shifts to parenting, and the relationship itself may be less prioritized

Creating Space for Your Teen’s Emotions Working with teenagers can be both challenging and deeply rewarding. Recently in my clinic, I’ve...

By Stephen Pate – Psychotherapist/Chinese Medicine Practitioner After a summer and autumn that stretched well into May, Melbourne has...