By Carla Jones.  The 4th September is World Sexual Health Day, and this year’s theme is Every Body. It recognises that it is a sexual right for us to know our bodies, explore and enjoy to whatever extent we please. But in a world where bodily autonomy is not a given, and where bodies are […]

This blog was prepared for you by administrator and psychology undergraduate student, Mia Barbi. Every June, communities around the world come together to celebrate Pride Month. For many folks, Pride is a colourful and joyful celebration of diversity, self-expression, and community. However, Pride Month also marks an opportunity to reflect on the importance of belonging, […]

by Carla Jones.   I find working with complex trauma to be some of the most meaningful work I do as a psychologist. But this work can also be some of the most demanding.   Whilst it could be easy to blame vicarious trauma for this work being demanding (and I certainly don’t want to diminish the role that it […]

This blog has been prepared for you by administrator and psychology graduate, Bridget Joyner. Have you ever encountered a challenging project at work where you had to rely on ongoing feedback and supervision of a manager? Have you ever used your planning skills to create a running schedule to help you achieve your goal to run your first marathon?  Perhaps you are using your […]

This blog was prepared for you by registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, Carla Jones. A quick definition before I begin – when I say “relationship therapy”, I mean therapy between couples, throuples, polycules… basically any kind of romantic or sexual relationship. A lot of this is also relevant to platonic or familial relationships too! When […]

This blog was prepared for you by our registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, and fan of comprehensive sex ed, Carla Jones. I love asking people where and how they learnt about sexuality. Some folks tell me tales of engaging conversations with parents, teachers or older siblings that are open and encouraging of curiosity. Or of […]

This blog has been prepared for you by registered psychologist and political meme nerd, Clinton Trueman. I wouldn’t say I’ve ever felt particularly motivated to understand the mechanics of international trade. And yet, political content has become so pervasive that I now find myself in the unfortunate position of not only knowing about tariffs – but worrying about them.   […]

This blog has been prepared for you by EMDR Master Class-trained registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, and Carla Jones.  We genuinely love EMDR! Let me tell you why…  First, what is EMDR? Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a trauma-focused, evidence-based modality that helps the brain process and integrate distressing memories, emotions, and […]

This blog has been prepared for you by Community Psychologists and Board Approved Supervisor, and huge feline fan, Julie.  Yes, I am cat obsessed and I am not ashamed to admit it. It is getting increasingly worse as time goes on, and I am yet to seek any help for this affliction. And don’t get […]

This blog was prepared for you by our registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, and lover of a deep supervision session, Carla Jones. Supervision is a professional requirement. As psychologists, we are required to seek at least 10 hours per year of peer supervision for registered psychologists, with provisional psychologists and those undertaking an endorsement program […]

This blog was prepared for you by registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, Carla Jones. Finding a psychologist can feel daunting, especially if you’re looking for someone who truly understands and affirms your identity. At Haven Psychology Centre, we believe that therapy should be a place where your sexuality, gender, and whole self are welcomed, celebrated, […]

This blog has been prepared for you by Dr Julie Kruss, Board Approved supervisor and lover of all things cats and pop culture!  What… did I read that title right? Isn’t therapy all about talking through feelings, lying on a couch, and having zero fun? Well, fear not, I’m here to break that stereotype. One […]

We have had December 1st 2025 marked in our calendar like we are Rosie waiting for the new Taylor Swift album to drop. This hotly anticipated implementation of the new Code of Conduct and Professional Competencies for psychologists is a real opportunity for growth and reflexive practice (hello, Competency 3!).  We are seeing this moment […]

At Haven we know that sexual health is never just about sex – it’s about justice, dignity, and rights. This year’s World Sexual Health Day theme, “Sexual Justice: What Can We Do?”, reminds us that access to safe, inclusive, and affirming care is a cornerstone of sexual wellbeing.  What is Sexual Justice?  Sexual justice means […]

This blog has been prepared for you by registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, Carla Jones (who coincidentally looks awful in purple, but, ya know, whatever!).  Every year, Wear It Purple Day brings a splash of colour and a powerful message to schools, workplaces, and communities across Australia. What began as a youth-led initiative to support […]

This blog has been prepared for you by provisional psychologist and placement student extraordinare, Sophie Bongers. No doubt, pelvic health is an important part of our health – the pelvic floor (that is, the group of muscles and connective tissue that support the bladder, bowels and reproductive organs) help with so many daily functions like […]

This blog has been prepared for you with input from the Meanjin/Brisbane team at Haven Psychology. Pride is often thought of as a celebration of identity, love, visibility and resistance. But for many LGBTIQAPSB+ people, it’s also a reminder of the work still needed to feel safe, seen, and supported in the world. Chatting across […]

This blog has been brought to you by registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, Carla Jones.  28th May is National Masturbation Day! And May is International Masturbation Month! This is an annual event to protect and celebrate the right to masturbate. But why, as your local friendly psychosexual therapist, do I want you to engage with […]

This blog has been prepared for you by registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, Rosie Scott.  If you’ve spent any time on the internet, or even any time speaking with your loud J*e-R***n loving relative, you’ve likely encountered some misinformation.  Misinformation is any information that is false – it can include that which is mistakenly shared […]

This blog has been prepared for you by registered psychologist and board approved supervisor, Julie Kruss. Julie is an intermediate level trained Somatic Experiencing practitioner.   What is Somatic Experiencing®?   Somatic = relating to the body.   “Somatic” may sound like one of those technical terms from a science textbook, but it simply means “relating to […]

This blog has been prepared for you by registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, Carla Jones.  We’re back from our break and looking forward to seeing all of our amazing clients, those who are returning and those who are coming to therapy for the first time! Regardless of whether this is your first rodeo or not, […]

 This blog has been prepared for you by registered psychologist and psychosexual therapist, Carla Jones.  2024 has been another big year! As psychologists, it’s at this time of year that we not only see a lot of exhaustion and stress, but also a genuine desire to connect – with friends, family, loved ones and/or the […]

This blog has been prepared for you by Registered Psychologist, Dae Bailey. If you have gone through something painful, you may still be affected by it long after it’s over. When something reminds you of the trauma, your brain and body may react as if it’s happening again right now. Nightmares, flashbacks, dissociation, or unexplained […]

We were finalists for the Queensland Mental Health Achievement Awards! So yesterday, some of the Haven team went along to the awards ceremony!  Being a finalist amongst an amazing crowd of other mental health professionals was such an honour. I want to say a big thank you to our Meanjin and Naarm teams who look […]

 This blog has been prepared for you by clinical psychologist and psychosexual therapist, Mel Wyllie.  “He hits me around during sex. It hurts sometimes and I don’t really enjoy the pain, but I’m a Sub so it’s part of the kink and I do what I’m told” “They will humiliate me in front of others. […]

This blog has been created for you by our Provisional Psychologist, Rosie Scott.  Although one might expect to feel happy after enjoyable, satisfying sex, this isn’t always the case. Around 10% of the population consistently report sadness, irritability and tearfulness after sex. Within academic literature, the phenomenon of negative feelings after enjoyable sex is known […]

This blog has been prepared for you by Dr Nick Mumford. The increased visibility and understanding of neurotype variations, such as Autism and ADHD, among others, we’ve seen in recent times has led to a greater interest in services to help people assess if these might be relevant for them. But what comes after that? […]

In a world that often emphasises the importance of being considerate and avoiding conflict, the tendency to please others can become ingrained in our behaviour. This people-pleasing inclination, while driven by good intentions, can sometimes take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. One aspect of this behaviour is the fawning response, which involves […]

In relationships, intimacy goes beyond physical closeness and sexual connection; it encompasses a deep emotional bond and a sense of connection that transcends physicality. Non-sexual emotional and physical intimacy plays a crucial role in fostering trust, understanding, and closeness between partners. What is Non-Sexual Emotional and Physical Intimacy Non-sexual emotional and physical intimacy refers to […]

The end of a relationship evokes a whirlwind of emotions, from disbelief and sadness to anger and acceptance. Just as we grieve the loss of a loved one, we also grieve the end of a relationship. We’ll explore the stages of grieving the end of a relationship and offer insights into navigating this emotional journey […]

Embarking on the journey of therapy is a significant step towards prioritising your mental health and wellbeing. However, deciding if you’re ready to start therapy can be a daunting and often confusing process. Here’s some key signs that indicate you may be ready to begin therapy and how to take that crucial first step. 1. […]

In the realm of psychological therapy, one approach that stands out for its effectiveness in addressing emotional and relational issues is Schema Therapy. At Haven Psychology, Schema Therapy is one of many transformative therapeutic approaches that is used to help individuals heal, grow, and lead more fulfilling lives. What is Schema Therapy? Schema Therapy, developed […]

Sexual desire, an important component of intimate relationships, is as unique as the individuals involved. Yet, what happens when the flame of desire burns differently for partners? According to the Australian Study of Health and Relationships, 76% of women and 82% of men aged 16-59 reported having sexual activity in the past year. While this […]

The holiday season is often described as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many individuals, it can be a stark reminder of grief and loss. Whether you’re mourning the passing of a loved one, coping with a broken relationship, or dealing with other forms of loss, the Holidays can intensify these emotions. […]

Ageism, the prejudice and discrimination against individuals based on their age, is an issue that’s found within various aspects of society, including the workplace.  A 2018 survey by the Australian Human Rights Commission and the Australian Council on Ageing found that: – 33% of respondents aged 50 and older had experienced age-based discrimination in the […]

Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby in the mid-20th century, has provided significant insights into the dynamics of human relationships. It theorises that early relationships with caregivers profoundly influence our attachment styles, which in turn, play a pivotal role in our adult relationships. In this article, we’ll delve into the four primary attachment styles and […]

Self-esteem is a fundamental aspect of mental health and overall wellbeing. It influences our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, shaping our relationships, career choices, and overall life satisfaction. In Australia, concerns about self-esteem among adults are significant. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of self-esteem, its importance, the factors influencing self-esteem concerns in […]

In an age dominated by digital interactions and virtual connections, it may seem paradoxical that loneliness has become a pervasive issue. The rise of social media platforms, messaging apps, and online communities has given us unprecedented access to staying connected with others. Yet, despite the illusion of constant contact, many individuals find themselves grappling with […]

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our overall well-being, essential for physical health, cognitive function, and emotional balance. However, sleep problems have become increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced society, affecting millions of people worldwide. According to a survey conducted by the Sleep Health Foundation, an estimated 33-45% of Australians experience some form of sleep deprivation […]

Chronic pain affects millions of Australians, with around 20% of the population living with chronic pain according to Pain Australia.  Chronic pain is defined as pain that persists for more than three months, even after the initial injury or illness has healed. This type of pain can be debilitating, affecting an individual’s daily activities, mood, […]

It’s not often you would consider how what happens inside our body affects what happens in our brain, but it’s true… they are linked constantly.  Gut health refers to the health of your gastrointestinal tract, including the bacteria and microorganisms that reside within it.  The gastrointestinal tract plays a crucial role in the digestion and […]

What is neurodivergent affirming care?Neurodivergent affirming care is a mental health care paradigm that acknowledges and validates the experiences of neurodivergent individuals. It is accepting that all people have varying neurotypes, and some will need to have accommodations to assist being able to work, play and socialise as they wish. Neurodivergent affirming care recognises that […]

What is menopause? Menopause is a natural part of the aging process for women, and it is marked by the end of menstruation. During menopause, women experience a decline in estrogen and other hormones, which can affect their sexuality in various ways. Most women become menopausal between 45 and 60 years of age — this […]

What is libido? Libido is a person’s overall sexual drive or desire for sexual activity. It is an important part of overall well-being and can have an impact on relationships, self-esteem, and quality of life.  Every person has a different relationship with sexual desire and there is no objectively correct level! Depending on their physical […]

Sexual pleasure is a feeling of satisfaction and enjoyment experienced during sexual activity or arousal. It is a normal and natural part of human sexuality and can be experienced by people of all genders and orientations. It can also be an important aspect of a healthy and fulfilling sexual relationship. Sexual pleasure can be physical, […]

Reflections by our CEO Denise What a year! Like all mental health organisations Australia, we are exhausted, and the Haven Team is on a well-deserved and much needed break. We will be back on Monday 9 January 2023, but looking back, what did 2022 bring?• Supported approximately 425 clients through their journey to better mental […]

The festive season is well and truly upon us and for most people, this can bring up a wide range of mixed emotions! What some might consider a fun, enjoyable period, others might think of as a nightmare. Despite our hopes and best efforts, sometimes it is beyond challenging to have a stress-free holiday season […]

You have probably all heard of FOMO, but it’s time to embrace the opposite – JOMO! JOMO stands for the ‘joy of missing out’. The official definition is “pleasure derived from living quietly or independently without feeling anxious that one is missing out on exciting or interesting events that may be happening elsewhere”. It essentially […]

Relationships are complicated and maintaining a connection can take a lot of work.  Sharing your lives and space can be difficult at times, let alone when major life changes are thrown into the mix! Even smaller, less significant problems that arise can lead to bigger issues coming to light over time.  Sometimes it can be […]

Each day, life can throw curveballs our way. We’ve lived through pandemics, floods, and fires…just to name a few. All of us have had to cope with challenges that we may never face again, our anxiety levels are currently at an all-time high. With this in mind, in this blog we want to discuss the […]

The new world thrust upon is miles away from the norm. No longer can we enjoy family barbecues, after work drinks and school play dates. Our social world has been locked behind closed doors and told to keep 1.5 metres apart. For some, this can be just as dangerous as the virus we all want […]

Feeling overwhelmed is something that everyone goes through from time to time but being overwhelmed can also be a symptom of generalised anxiety disorder.  People who have an anxiety disorder will feel overwhelmed more often than those who do not have an anxiety disorder in most cases. This makes it important for those with anxiety to […]

Our lives are complex. Our lives are cluttered. Our lives are noisy. Noisy often with the voices, opinions and thoughts of others. In this blog we wanted to look deeper at how that noise can often create a chain reaction in our own beliefs and self worth. We often discuss the need of boundaries when […]

At Haven Psychology we are committed to being at one with our LGBTIQAP+ community. Our community is an essential part of the beautiful tapestry of colour that just adds to our lives. For those of you who are unsure, LGBTIQAP+  stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, asexual, pansexual, and other diverse identities identifying people. […]

We’re brought up to believe you should put other’s needs before your own, but how can you give to others, if you’re running on empty? It’s easy to think that we are fine, when everything is chugging along and you’re hitting every curveball life’s throwing you. It’s normal for our bodies to have an adrenaline […]

As we’ve already seen, 2021 really isn’t going to be any more certain than 2020 and for most people, uncertainty can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety. Why do we feel this way? Our brains are constantly making decisions about what’s safe and what isn’t, so when faced with a situation that is uncertain, it […]

There’s an old proverb that says, “Show me your friends and I’ll tell you who you are.” Because quite often we become like the people we’re around. The people we spend our most time with impact on how we think about things, how we act on things and on the decisions we make on a […]

Modern life can be tough. Between work, family, friends, social media and more, it seems like there’s never enough time to get it all done. We can feel pressure from all angles, and we are constantly bombarded with images and ideals of who we “should” be. Successful, brilliant, and balanced all at the same time! […]

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)? The concept behind ACT (pronounced ‘act’) is encompassed by its name – the therapy process is all about accepting what you cannot control and committing to your values as you move forward in life. As a society, we are led to believe that humans are naturally happy beings […]

They’re just confused. They’re gay or lesbian, and this is a transitional phase until they fully come out. They’re just experimenting. They just need to pick a side. They’re actually straight, but they just want attention or to seem more interesting. They’re just greedy, or desperate, or selfish, or a slut. It’s not even a […]