Blog
The Mind is the Body – Part 2 – Tai Chi and Mental Health
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02/02/2024 14:01 PM This blog series will be where I discuss sections from my book ‘My Eclectic Human Body’ to demonstrate how mental health is more than just the mind. When working in my first psychology job, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to complete Teacher training in Dr. Paul Lam’s Tai Chi for Health program. The program discussed the benefits of Tai Chi, how to be an Effective Teacher, Safety and Risk assessment, their Stepwise Progressive Teaching Method, Tai Chi Principles and many...
Understanding Mental Health: Insights from a Psychologist's Perspective
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24/01/2024 10:40 AM Let me break it down a little more. Mental health is defined as the aspect of overall health that includes emotional well-being, the ability to live a full and creative life, and the flexibility to deal with life’s inevitable challenges. So, why should we all care about mental health? Let me remind you all again, that mental health is separate from a mental health disorder. When I refer to mental health throughout this article, I do not mean disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar....
SILENCING THE “MONKEY CHATTER”
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10/01/2024 17:00 PM SILENCING THE “MONKEY CHATTER” Remember the “monkey chatter” in our mind? The inner critic that often plays a significant role in our life. Getting curious about and recognising which inner critic, the perfectionist, the guilt-tripper, or taskmaster to name a few, lives inside your mind was the first step in silencing the “monkey chatter”. So, what do we do now? Well, I’m glad you asked! WE TAKE NOTICE Taking notice of when you are being self-critical is fundamental....
Charting the Course to Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A Psychologist's Roadmap
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23/11/2023 10:21 AM Introduction Embarking on the journey toward an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis can be likened to navigating a labyrinthine path, loaded with intricate twists and nuances. For us psychologists, wielding a deep-seated grasp of the diagnostic trail becomes our paramount tool to ensure preciseness in our conclusions and aptitude in therapeutic measures. In this exploration, we dissect the integral slices of ASD assessment, spotlighting exemplary protocols and reflective thoughts key to...
Journeying Towards Better Mental Health: The Guiding Hand of a Psychologist
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21/11/2023 14:05 PM Introduction: A Personal Reflection on Mental Health As someone who has navigated the ups and downs of mental health, I understand its complexities. It's not just a medical term; it's about how we cope with life's challenges. In this article, I want to share insights into how a psychologist can be a beacon of hope in this journey. Mental Health: More Than Just a Diagnosis Mental health is a deeply personal aspect of our lives. It's about how we feel, think, and interact with...
The Mind is the Body
Posted By Shayne Pattie,
15/11/2023 11:00 AM Part 1. Body Systems I have a want, almost a need to understand the human body. As a psychologist in Townsville, I regularly share my professional experiences and knowledge to help other people improve the understanding of their own mind and body. This blog series will be where I discuss sections from my book ‘My Eclectic Human Body’ to demonstrate how mental health is more than just the mind. There are approximately 11 different body systems that all interact with each other. This...
DO YOU WANT TO STOP THE MONKEY CHATTER?
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17/10/2023 17:00 PM Too Much Monkey Chatter Business You may have heard our internal monologue described as the “monkey chatter” in your mind, that endless loop of negative judgement we place on every thought, actions and perceived wrong turn we make. In psychological terms we refer to this internal monologue as the “inner critic”. Being able to recognise your inner critic is the first step in stopping the monkey chatter. Getting curious about which of these critics directs your life is key. Do...
It’s OK to take time for you!
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08/09/2023 12:00 PM We can’t take care of others if we can’t take care of ourselves. This sounds simple and straight forward, but it is often something many people overlook. It is important to understand that this concept applies not only to people in the health care sector providing frontline support, but to everyone! The need exists across all industries including families. If you are in connection with people and there is an opportunity to provide support to others, then this applies to you. Self-care...
Neurodivergence Blog
Posted By Shayne Pattie,
12/07/2023 08:20 AM I have been working in psychology in Townsville since 2016 and feel that I have a unique approach to mental health. This can be partially explained by sharing that I have been diagnosed with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) known as (neurodivergence). This brain difference allows me to approach the many ideas and presentations in psychology from a different perspective. Language around Autism and ADHD has changed in recent years, with...
Helping Kids with Emotional Regulation
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25/05/2023 10:00 AM If you’re a parent, chances are that you have experienced a tantrum or several in your day. Most of us expect it in two- and three-year-olds, however if a child that has reached school age continues to have frequent meltdowns and emotional outbursts, they may have difficulty with emotional regulation. The ability to manage our own emotions when presented with the demands of a situation that are unpleasant or highly upsetting stimuli can be referred to as self-regulation. Being able to...