Our Blog
The Role of Spiritual Care in Counselling: A Christian Perspective
In today's rapidly evolving mental health landscape, the integration of spiritual care into counselling practices has emerged as a crucial element in providing holistic support for clients. At the Australian Institute of Family Counselling (aifc), we recognise that...
The Fragrance of Sacrifice
A Reflection on Matthew 26:6-13 While Jesus was in Bethany in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. Matthew 26:6-7 In the intimate setting of a...
The Dual Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health
Introduction Social media is a bit like a two-sided coin for teenagers these days. It's a great platform for teenagers to share who they are, make friends, and learn new things. It can also be tough, with lots of pressure to look perfect, dealing with mean comments,...
Embracing Community: A Christian Perspective on Connection and Support
The call to community remains an important aspect of the Christian faith, despite the emphasis on individualism and self-sufficiency in today's world. Christian believers are urged to embody virtues such as compassion and patience, as outlined in passages like...
Embracing Resilience: Overcoming Weaknesses and Failures with Confidence
In the Book of Hebrews, we find a powerful testament to the resilience of individuals who turned their weaknesses into strengths, emerging victorious even in the face of daunting challenges. The verse states, "Whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became...
Hearing God – The Way of the Burning Heart – Part 1
They said to each other, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” Luke 24:32 Before you go any further in reading this, I would encourage you to sit down and read Chapter 24:13-35 of Luke's Gospel...
Coping Strategies for managing anxiety and panic attacks
Life can sometimes become overwhelming, don't you think? Especially when anxiety and panic attacks come into the picture, but you don't have to stress! There are some valuable strategies. This blog post is all about simple tasks to help you deal with anxiety and those...
Finding Home
In the past year I have been doing a lot of reading and research on what seems to me to be a major theme in our lives and indeed across the entire biblical narrative, that of exile and homecoming. Perhaps you can relate to this. That is, to varying degrees we all...
Exploring the link between Diet and Mental Health
Maintaining a healthy diet is beneficial for both your body and mind. Stress and depression are often the first things that come to mind when we think about mental health, but diet also plays a role. For optimal function, our brain need the correct nutrition. These...
Preventing Burnout: A Call to Dependence on God’s Strength
For those working in ministry, the journey, though rewarding, can be a difficult path filled with challenges that often lead to anger, depression, fear, and alienation. A staggering three out of four pastors report grappling with these emotional struggles. The roots...
Building Resilience: Strategies for Coping with Life’s Challenges
Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, and adversity. We all face challenges, but the key to overcoming them lies in our resilience and capacity to bounce back from tough times. It's not about having some inborn gift; resilience is a skill we can nurture and...
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Journey to Mental Health
Introduction In the realm of mental health, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) stands as a complex and challenging condition. It is an emotional battle that many individuals who have experienced trauma find themselves grappling with. In this article, we will...