The Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy in Bayside
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

The Benefits of Walk and Talk Therapy in Bayside

If you're struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression, you know how easy it is to feel stuck in a rut. The same four walls, the same thoughts swirling around in your head. And sometimes, traditional therapy settings can feel just as confining. What if the path to mental clarity is as simple as taking a walk?

Read More
Four Things Yoga is Teaching Me
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Four Things Yoga is Teaching Me

Let's talk about the overlap between yoga and mental wellbeing! While I'm by no means an expert, I have been loving yoga for my mental state so I am keen to share my top 4 learnings from my yoga practice.

Read More
Understanding Psychosis
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Understanding Psychosis

In this blog, listen to Harry's story and help break down the stigma of living with Psychosis.

Read More
The Voice in Your Head: Is It You or Your Inner Critic?
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

The Voice in Your Head: Is It You or Your Inner Critic?

We've all been there. You sit down, pumped to tackle your goals, brimming with motivation.

But then, a little voice whispers doubts in your ear.

This internal critic, that nagging voice filled with negativity, is a sneaky culprit behind many of our roadblocks. But where does it come from, and why does it have such power over us?

Let’s talk about how to silence the inner critic and live life to it’s fullest potential.

Read More
You Don't Have to Whisper: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health Stigma
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

You Don't Have to Whisper: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health Stigma

We all know someone who struggles with their mental health. Yet, so often, these struggles remain hidden in secrecy, whispered in hushed tones. Why? Because the stigma surrounding mental health is still very real. This silence has serious consequences. It prevents people from seeking the help they need and keeps them trapped in a cycle of negativity and isolation.

The good news is, you have the power to make a difference. Let’s talk about how you can become an advocate for mental health awareness and challenge the stigma, one conversation at a time.

Read More
Beyond Headlines: Understanding Mental Health and Violence
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Beyond Headlines: Understanding Mental Health and Violence

The recent tragedy at Westfield Bondi Junction has sparked a lot of heavy conversations about mental illness and violence. While media coverage often paints a simplistic picture, the reality is far more complex.

What happened is awful. And this shouldn’t be an excuse to sensationalise mental health.

Let’s talk about why it's crucial to move beyond headlines and understand the nuances…

Read More
Self Care in Sutherland Shire
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Self Care in Sutherland Shire

I talk a lot about self care here. But that’s because I really cannot overstate how important it is. So I want to share with you locals near me, where I go for self care in the Sutherland Shire.

Self care doesn’t have to mean weekend yoga retreats and ice baths, but if that’s your thing - great! Self care can be any activity you do that fills your cup. And in my opinion, it’s the small simple things you can weave into your daily life that make the real difference.

Read More
Between-session homework
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Between-session homework

Therapy is about learning new ways to approach situations, deal with challenges, and overcome obstacles - it’s kind of like school for life, and with school comes homework!

The truth is, I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to practise the skills you learn in session. As fantastic as we therapists like to think we are, you will not notice any change in your life from speaking to us for an hour a week. The stuff that happens in-between sessions is the magic - let’s talk about therapy homework!

Read More
Why I became a MHFA instructor
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Why I became a MHFA instructor

Mental Health First Aid is the most comprehensive, easily digestible, and hands on mental health training you can do. Which is why I talk A LOT about it and I am incredibly passionate about this training.

When I completed my first training at 17, it opened my eyes to just how incredible MHFA really is, and made me realise that it really should be a course that everyone completes.

From that moment, I became an immediate champion for MHFA.

Read More
 Christmas dread: Top reasons people struggle with the day and how to respond to common stressors
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

 Christmas dread: Top reasons people struggle with the day and how to respond to common stressors

The Festive Season is fun for some, but for others it might actually not be the most wonderful time of the year. If you’re not feeling particularly great about the fast approaching silly season, please know first and foremost that you’re not alone.

I want to share with you some different tools you may like to use to cope with the holidays, depending on what you’re experiencing.

Read More
What happens in therapy?
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

What happens in therapy?

The truth is there are a number of things a therapist can help you with, ranging from milder to more serious issues. Depending on what type of therapist you see, they may be able to help you with different things.

You might not know this, but there are hundreds of different therapy approaches, all with their own goals and sets of techniques. I’ll walk you through some of the more common ones.

Read More
Let’s Talk About Substance Use: Matthew Perry's Tragic Story Sheds Light on a Silent Struggle
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Let’s Talk About Substance Use: Matthew Perry's Tragic Story Sheds Light on a Silent Struggle

Matthew Perry, known and loved by so many of us as Chandler Bing, passed away this week. Perry has been vocal over the years about his struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, sharing in his memoir that he’d gone to rehab more than 12 times, spending millions trying to get sober.

The sad reality is that 3.3% of Australians over 16 struggle with substance abuse, so let’s talk about it. If we can use Perry’s tragic passing as an opportunity to bring some light to the darkness that ultimately took his life, then maybe we can help prevent this devastating outcome for someone else.

Read More
What I do for my self care, as a therapist
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

What I do for my self care, as a therapist

Some people seem to have this perception that mental health professionals have perfect mental health. This is total rubbish! We’re all only human after all! But, as someone working in the mental health space as a therapist and educator, when my mental wellbeing takes a dive, I know what to do to start feeling like myself again. So let’s talk about what this therapist does for her self care.

Read More
Embracing relaxation and switching off
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Embracing relaxation and switching off

In a world that constantly urges us to be productive, efficient, and always "on," the act of switching off can feel like a rebellious act of self-care. It's not about escaping reality permanently, but about recognising the value of taking mindful breaks.

Read More
In person or online therapy - which is better?
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

In person or online therapy - which is better?

I often get asked by new clients: “Is in-person or online counselling better?”

And whilst that is a difficult question to answer, I definitely can help guide you to make the decision that is right for you - and that’s all that really matters! Let’s explore the options, and hopefully help you figure out which best suits you!

Read More
Infusing Everyday Life with Holiday Vibes
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Infusing Everyday Life with Holiday Vibes

Have you ever returned from a holiday feeling invigorated, wishing you could continue the holiday vibes into your everyday life?

Bringing a bit of the holiday magic into our everyday lives doesn't require a plane ticket or an extravagant budget. Remember, you have the power to turn each day into an adventure – one step and one new experience at a time.

Read More
How to save a life
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

How to save a life

Suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15 and 44 - but it’s also one of the most preventable.

If you ever suspect someone you know may be at risk of suicide, it’s important that you take action. In this blog, I’m going to tell you what you need to do to save a life.

Read More
Navigating the Post-Holiday Blues: Strategies for a Smooth Return
Stella Ladikos Stella Ladikos

Navigating the Post-Holiday Blues: Strategies for a Smooth Return

Recently returned from a dreamy holiday? The exciting moments of exploration and relaxation seem to give way to the post-holiday blues – those feelings of melancholy and the dreaming of the carefree days that have just passed. If you've ever experienced this emotional rollercoaster, know that you're not alone. Let's explore some practical strategies to help you cope with the post-holiday blues and transition back to your daily life.

Read More