freely given, from Chrissie's desk

Resources & Support

A few things that might help — whether you're ready to book or just starting to explore.

Australian Support Services

These are trusted organisations offering free support — please don't hesitate to reach out to them.

Mental Health Beyond Blue

Free 24/7 support for anxiety, depression, and mental wellbeing — phone, chat, and email.

1300 22 4636 Visit website
Crisis Support Lifeline

24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention — phone, text, and online chat available anytime.

13 11 14 Visit website
Online Therapy Head to Health

Free or low-cost digital mental health services from the Australian Government — apps, forums, and programs.

1800 595 212 Visit website
Research & Resources Black Dog Institute

Evidence-based resources on depression, bipolar disorder, and emotional wellbeing — from one of Australia's leading research institutes.

Visit website
Online Programs MindSpot

Free, clinician-guided online courses for anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD. Assessed and supported by Australian psychologists.

1800 61 44 34 Visit website

Breathing Exercises

When anxiety spikes, your breath is the quickest thing you can change. Try one of these — even a single cycle can help calm your nervous system.

4 · 4 · 4 · 4

Box Breathing

Used by everyone from athletes to surgeons. Slows the nervous system and brings instant calm.

Ready  

4 · 7 · 8

4-7-8 Breathing

A longer exhale activates your parasympathetic system. Brilliant before sleep or during a stressful moment.

Ready  

4 · 6

Simple Deep Breath

The simplest tool there is. Inhale for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat until your shoulders drop.

Ready  

Free · 3 minutes · No sign-up

Not sure where you're at?
Take the self-assessment.

Eight simple questions covering anxiety, mood, sleep, and daily wellbeing. It won't diagnose anything — but it might help you put words to what you're feeling.

Take the Quiz

Free & anonymous

Things You Can Try at Home

These are techniques I use in sessions — nothing complicated, just practical ways to shift how you're feeling.

🧠

Thought Challenging

When you notice a thought that's making you anxious or low, pause and ask yourself these questions honestly — not to dismiss the feeling, but to get a clearer picture of what's actually true.

  • What's the thought I'm having right now?
  • What evidence supports it? What contradicts it?
  • Am I catastrophising, or mind-reading?
  • What would I say to a friend thinking this?
  • What's a more balanced way to see this situation?
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Mood–Behaviour Connection

Our mood shapes what we do — and what we do shapes our mood. When we're low, we pull back from the things that help us feel better. This gentle technique breaks that cycle.

  • Notice one small thing that usually lifts your mood
  • Schedule it — even 15 minutes counts
  • Do it even if you don't feel like it
  • Notice how you feel afterwards, without judgement
  • Repeat. Small actions build real momentum.
🌿

5-4-3-2-1 Grounding

When anxiety pulls you out of the present moment, grounding brings you back. Use your senses to anchor yourself — it works fast, anywhere, any time.

  • 5 things you can see around you
  • 4 things you can physically feel
  • 3 things you can hear right now
  • 2 things you can smell
  • 1 thing you can taste

Free guide

5 Things to Know Before
You Start Counselling

Thinking about counselling but not quite sure what to expect? I wrote this short guide to answer the questions I hear most often — what sessions are actually like, how to know if it's working, and how to get the most from the process.

Download Free Guide

No sign-up required. Just a gift from Chrissie.

Ready to take the next step?

A free 15-minute call costs nothing and commits you to nothing. Let's have a gentle conversation about where you are and how I might help.

Book a Free 15-Min Call