Salt & Earth Psychology Elwood Psychology Blog
Understanding Desire: Why You’re Not "Broken" If You Don’t Feel Like Sex
If you’ve ever wondered, Why don’t I want sex anymore?—you’re not alone. Desire is complex. Stress, disconnection, hormones, trauma, parenting, and life stuff all play a part. The truth is: you’re not broken. You’re human. Sex therapy can help you understand your unique wiring, strengthen intimacy, and reconnect with pleasure—without pressure.
Sleep Deprivation: Why It Happens, What It Costs, and How to Reclaim Rest
Sleep deprivation has quietly become one of the biggest threats to our wellbeing. Many Australians are navigating life on less sleep than their minds and bodies truly need. Whether it’s due to stress, screens, parenting, shift work, or simply too much on your plate, sleep loss can take a serious toll on your mood, memory, health, and relationships. This guide unpacks what sleep deprivation is, how to recognise it, and—most importantly—how to reclaim better rest, even when life is demanding.
When Work Is Your Life: Why It Feels That Way, What It Costs, and How to Reclaim Yourself
In my work as a psychologist, I see people (often high-performing, thoughtful professionals) grappling with burnout, anxiety, and a sense of identity loss that goes far beyond stress. But when work becomes your identity, what happens when things fall apart?
What Is Sex Therapy? A Guide to Reconnecting With Sexual Wellbeing
Sex therapy isn’t about performance, pressure, or fixing you.
It’s a warm, respectful space to explore what sex and intimacy (alone or with others) mean for you.
Whether you’re struggling with desire, pain, confidence, or past trauma—support is available.
Sexual wellbeing is mental health too.
Why Psychological Support Matters During Menopause
Menopause can impact your mood, energy, and identity—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Learn how therapy can support your emotional wellbeing during midlife. Find out why psychological symptoms are so common during perimenopause, how your life context and mindset can influence how you experience menopause, the surprising ways this season can also bring growth and confidence, and how therapy can help you feel more grounded and in control.
How to Support a Neurodivergent Loved One: Practical, Compassionate Steps for Everyday Connection
Supporting a neurodivergent friend or family member means embracing their strengths, respecting their needs, and fostering a sense of belonging. This guide shares practical, research-informed strategies for building genuine, inclusive connections.
Healing Attachment Wounds: Understanding Trauma’s Impact on Adult Relationships
Early experiences of neglect, abuse, or trauma can leave deep marks on how we connect with others. This guide explores how childhood attachment disruptions shape adult relationships, and how therapy can help foster healthier, more secure bonds.
Setting Healthy Boundaries for Mental Health: A How-To Guide
Healthy boundaries are an essential part of self-care, yet many people struggle to set them without feeling guilty. This guide explains different types of personal boundaries, why they matter, and how to establish them calmly and confidently for better mental wellbeing.
How to Support LGBTQI+ Youth: Creating Safe, Affirming Spaces for Young Minds
Young people in the LGBTQI+ community face unique challenges, including higher rates of discrimination and mental health risks. This guide offers practical, evidence-based ways parents, educators, and peers can create inclusive, affirming spaces where young people feel safe, seen, and supported.
Beating Burnout: Gentle Strategies for Recognising and Recovering from Workplace Stress
Burnout is more than feeling tired after a busy week—it’s a serious occupational phenomenon that can harm your wellbeing and work performance. This guide helps you spot early signs, understand the difference between everyday stress and true burnout, and explore practical, evidence-based recovery strategies.
Therapeutic Journaling: How Writing Can Enhance Mental Health and Support Trauma Recovery
Journaling is more than a diary—it’s a powerful tool for processing emotions, reducing stress, and supporting recovery from anxiety or trauma. Here’s how to make it work for you.
High-Functioning Anxiety: Recognising the Signs Beneath the Surface Calm
Outward success doesn’t always reflect inner peace. High-functioning anxiety describes a state where individuals appear capable yet privately wrestle with persistent worry and self-doubt. This guide helps you recognise the signs and find ways to cope.
Online Therapy vs In-Person: What’s Best for Your Mental Health Journey?
Choosing between online therapy and in-person counselling can feel overwhelming. This guide compares the practical realities and evidence for both, so you can make an informed, confident choice that fits your life and mental health needs.
Cultural Healing: Indigenous Trauma Support & Trauma-Informed Therapy for First Nations Communities
Healing from trauma within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities must be grounded in cultural identity, connection to Country, and respect for lived experience. This article explores the impacts of intergenerational trauma and the evidence-based, culturally safe practices that foster resilience, wellbeing, and meaningful recovery.
PTSD Awareness: Debunking 5 Powerful Myths About Trauma
PTSD is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions, and myths about it can prevent people from seeking the help they deserve. By addressing common misconceptions and replacing them with facts, we can reduce stigma, foster compassion, and remind people that recovery is possible.
5 Common Signs You Might Benefit from Therapy: A Calm, Evidence-Based FAQ
Therapy isn’t just for crises—it’s a proactive step towards better mental health. This calm, evidence-based FAQ highlights five common signs that it might be the right time to reach out to a psychologist. By normalising the therapy journey and breaking down stigma, it offers practical insight for anyone considering professional support.
Trauma and the Brain: Understanding the Effects of PTSD on Brain Function
PTSD doesn’t just affect emotions—it changes how the brain processes fear, stress, and memory. By understanding the neurobiology of trauma, we can replace self-blame with science-based compassion and focus on recovery.
Research Review: Effective Trauma Support for Refugee Communities in Australia
Refugees and humanitarian entrants in Australia face unique challenges when it comes to mental health. Rates of PTSD and anxiety are significantly higher than in the general population, yet many struggle to access appropriate care. This review explores the evidence on trauma prevalence in refugee communities, the barriers to support, and the culturally sensitive, trauma-informed approaches that have been shown to help.
Complex PTSD vs PTSD: Understanding the Key Differences
Explore how Complex PTSD differs from PTSD, from symptoms to recommended care. This guide helps you recognise the unique impacts of sustained trauma and empowers informed help-seeking.
Quieting the Mind at Night: Evidence-Based Strategies for Anxiety Sleep Problems
Explore proven strategies to ease night-time anxiety and insomnia. From mindful wind-down routines to relaxation techniques, this guide offers practical tools for calmer, more restorative sleep.