The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing well being and study

RMIT Counselling and Psychological Services
  • 0.0 (0)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

This supportive podcast aims to help you navigate the challenges of study, wellbeing, and personal growth. Our hosts chat to each other and special guests from RMIT Counselling and Psychological Services and offer practical strategies and compassionate insights on a range of study and life challenges.

  1. 12/15/2025

    What helps when money stress affects study?

    Financial stress is something many students experience, and it can affect mental health, physical wellbeing, motivation, and academic performance. In this episode of The Counselling Armchair, Liz, Melissa and Plia are joined by Malcolm and Katie from Student Welfare to discuss why money stress is so common, how it shows up for students, and what practical steps and supports can help. The conversation covers budgeting, fees and debt, placement-related financial pressure, fines, scams, impulsive spending, and the importance of reaching out early for support. Students are reminded that they don’t need to be in crisis to ask for help, and that free, confidential support is available both within and outside the university. RMIT Student Welfare – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/student-support/student-welfare RMIT Connect – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-support/connect RMIT Financial Assistance & Hardship Grants – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/student-support/financial-support RMIT Counselling Service – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/student-support/counselling RMIT Study Support – https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support Work and Development Permit (Victoria) – https://www.justice.vic.gov.au/fines/work-and-development-permits Fines Victoria – https://online.fines.vic.gov.au Centrelink (Youth Allowance, Austudy, Rent Assistance) – https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/students Commonwealth Prac Payment – https://www.education.gov.au/commonwealth-prac-payment National Debt Helpline (Free Financial Counselling) – https://ndh.org.au Salvation Army MoneyCare – https://www.salvationarmy.org.au/moneycare Ask Izzy (Food, housing, money help) – https://askizzy.org.au Study Melbourne Hub (International Students) – https://www.studymelbourne.vic.gov.au Scamwatch – https://www.scamwatch.gov.au

    43 min

  2. 12/01/2025

    Between Two Worlds: Balancing Culture, Family Expectations and Your Wellbeing

    In this episode of The Counselling Armchair, Liz, Melissa and Plia explore what it’s like to live “between two worlds” for international students and first- and second-generation migrants. We talk with guests Sam Zhong and Gunjan Kaur about family pressure, cultural expectations, secrecy as a coping strategy, identity, relationships, and how to find balance without feeling like you’re rejecting your culture. If you’re navigating cultural pressure, generational tension, or trying to carve out your own path, this episode offers compassionate insight and practical support. Helpful links:RMIT Counselling: rmit.edu.au/counsellingRMIT Financial Support: rmit.edu.au/financial-supportQLife (LGBTQIA+ support): qlife.org.auHeadspace: headspace.org.au

    1h 1m

  3. 10/21/2025

    Understanding Intimate Partner Violence

    In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Your Wellbeing and Study, Liz and new co-host team member Plia Caspi are joined by counsellor Ruby Krupka to discuss intimate partner violence (IPV) — what it looks like, how it affects wellbeing and study, and how people can seek help or support others safely. Together, they unpack the patterns of abuse, and the challenges people face in recognising and leaving unsafe relationships. The team also explores recovery, rebuilding confidence, and where to find confidential support both within and beyond RMIT. If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 000.If it’s not safe to speak, you can use the Silent Call option by dialling 000, then pressing 55. 1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence service📞 1800 737 732 | 🌐 1800respect.org.au Safe Steps – Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre📞 1800 015 188 | 🌐 safesteps.org.au The Orange Door – Free family violence and wellbeing support service across Victoria🌐 orangedoor.vic.gov.au Lifeline – 24-hour crisis support📞 13 11 14 | 🌐 lifeline.org.au MensLine Australia – Support for men experiencing relationship or family violence issues📞 1300 789 978 | 🌐 mensline.org.au Kids Helpline – Support for young people under 25📞 1800 55 1800 | 🌐 kidshelpline.com.au inTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence – Support for people from culturally diverse backgrounds🌐 intouch.org.au Centre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) – Specialist trauma counselling and advocacy🌐 casa.org.au Victoria Legal Aid – Free legal information and advice🌐 legalaid.vic.gov.au Safer Community – Support for experiences of violence, sexual harm, or concerning behaviour.📞 (03) 9925 2396 | 🌐 rmit.edu.au/safercommunity Counselling & Psychological Services (CAPS) – Free, confidential short-term counselling for students.📞 (03) 9925 5000 | After-hours: 1300 305 737 Student Legal Service – Free legal advice for students.🌐 rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-legal-service Student Support Advisors – Help with financial, accommodation, and academic issues. Chaplaincy – Confidential spiritual and emotional support for students of all faiths. If you need to store evidence (texts, screenshots, or photos) securely — without keeping them on your phone’s main gallery or messaging apps — these tools can help: Arc App (1800RESPECT) – Free and secure app for safely recording patterns of abuse and storing evidence.🌐 arcapp.org.au Safety Net Australia (WESNET) – Offers digital safety tips and information about secure apps.🌐 techsafety.org.au Be Safe App (Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria) – Personalised safety planning tool.🌐 besafeapp.org.au SmartSafe+ – Secure evidence storage app (by WESNET). Designed for people experiencing tech-based abuse.🌐 smartsafe.org.au 🟣 Important tip: If you’re using safety or evidence apps, consider setting up a PIN lock and disguised app name if possible. Always delete browser history after visiting support sites if your device is being monitored. IPV isn’t always physical — it can include emotional, financial, sexual, and psychological abuse. Leaving can be complex and dangerous — safety planning and professional support are crucial. You are never to blame for someone else’s choice to control or harm you. Support and recovery are possible — you don’t have to face it alone. Power and Control Wheel – Understanding patterns of abuse. Cycle of Violence diagram – DVRCV eSafety Commissioner – Technology and abuse The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Your Wellbeing and Study is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help others find support and hope. ⚠️ If You Need Immediate Support💜 24/7 Support Services🎓 RMIT Support Options📱 Helpful Safety and Record-Keeping Apps🕊️ Key Takeaways💡 Additional Resources🎧 Listen and Subscribe

    1h 4m

  4. 09/30/2025

    Bonus Episode: A Guided ACT Exercise

    This bonus episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Wellbeing and Study offers a short guided practice to help you feel steadier and more connected during uncertain times. Psychologist Michael Swadling leads you through an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) exercise designed to: Help you drop anchor in the present moment Reconnect with your values—the things that matter most to you Create a gentle sense of calm and steadiness even when life feels overwhelming This exercise pairs beautifully with our full episode, “How to Look After Yourself When the World Feels Heavy,” but you can also use it anytime you need a brief moment of grounding and self-care. Safety note: Please listen when you can give it your full attention—not while driving or doing anything that requires focus. Resources mentioned: RMIT Ways of Wellbeing ACT Conversations Guide

    15 min

  5. 09/30/2025

    How to Look After Yourself When the World Feels Heavy

    In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Wellbeing and Study, Liz speaks with psychologist Michael Swadling about how to protect your mental health when the news feels overwhelming and the future uncertain. From climate change to conflict and economic pressures, it’s easy to feel weighed down by global challenges. Michael explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the RMIT Ways of Wellbeing can help us stay grounded, focus on what’s within our control, and take small, meaningful steps that align with our values. We explore: What wellbeing really means—and why it’s not about feeling happy all the time How to stay informed without burning out Practical ACT tools and the importance of routine, connection, and small actions that reflect your values How self-care can be an act of strength, not selfishness Balancing activism, study, and life without falling into burnout Whether you’re feeling anxious about the world or just need strategies to stay steady through uncertainty, this episode offers practical, compassionate guidance to help you care for yourself and keep moving toward what matters most. Resources mentioned: RMIT Ways of Wellbeing ACT Conversations Guide The Unbreakable Student by Nic Hooper

    1h 3m

  6. 09/01/2025

    It’s Not Just Conflict: Naming Coercive Control

    In this episode of The Counselling Armchair, Liz and Melissa sit down with intern psychologist Joshua Boardman for a thoughtful conversation about coercive control—a form of emotional and psychological abuse that can occur in many types of relationships. Together, we discuss how it can appear, why it may be difficult to recognise, and what safe steps people can take if they have concerns. Content note: This episode contains discussion of emotional abuse. Please listen with care, and remember that support is available through the services listed below. Understanding what coercive control is Common behaviours such as love bombing, gaslighting, and guilt-tripping Misconceptions and vulnerability factors Green flags in healthy relationships Where to find support and how to plan safely 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 Lifeline – 13 11 14 RMIT Student Support – 1300 305 737 / Text: 0488 884 162 The Shark Cage® – Ursula Benstead: Educational metaphor for understanding boundaries and safety Victoria Police & Crime Stoppers Victoria Podcast: Coercive control and family violence NSW Government – Coercive Control Resources: Easy-read guides, translations, and support info eSafety Commissioner – Coercive Control Info Sheet: Focus on technology-based coercion among young people Attorney-General’s Department – National Principles on Coercive Control: Fact sheets, videos, and community resources Compass – Coercive Control Resource Hub: Central access point for education and services AIHW – Coercive Control Insights: Data and information on impacts in families Safer Families Centre – Toolkit: Examples and tools for professionals ACT Government Resources: Multilingual guides and local supports Financial Independence Hub – Good Shepherd | 📞 1300 050 150 Leaving Violence Program – DSS | 📞 1800 253 283 Anglicare Victoria – Family Violence Financial Counselling Women’s Legal Service Victoria | 📞 1800 133 302 1800RESPECT – Financial Abuse Toolkit | 📞 1800 737 732 👉 This episode is for educational purposes only. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out to one of the support services above. Key TopicsSupport ServicesFurther Resources (Educational)Financial & Legal Supports

    48 min

  7. 06/26/2025

    You’re Not Alone – Talking About Suicidal Thoughts and Self-Harm

    In this honest and supportive episode, we explore the often-taboo topics of suicidal thoughts and self-harm. You’ll hear why these thoughts can emerge, how to manage overwhelming feelings, what support looks like, and how to respond with care—whether it’s for yourself or someone you know. Our guest, Kelsi Bartzis, shares insights from her work with students at RMIT Counselling, and Liz and Melissa offer real-world tips on managing distress, recognising warning signs, and creating space for hope and recovery. Understanding why suicidal thoughts and self-harm happen What the thoughts mean (and what they don’t) How to tell when it’s time to reach out Grounding techniques for intense emotions How to be there for someone in crisis Recovery, hope, and what healing really looks like The link between suicidal ideation and self-injury Helpful alternatives to self-harm Medication and therapy: how they work together If you or someone you know needs help, reach out: RMIT Urgent Mental Health Support📞 1300 305 737 or 💬 Text 0488 884 162 Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au Kids Helpline (Ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide, safety planning can help reduce risk and increase support.Explore the Beyond Now Safety Planning App by Beyond Blue:👉 beyondblue.org.au/get-support/beyondnow-suicide-safety-planning Available on:📱 iOS App Store📱 Google Play Store You don’t need to have all the answers to begin healing. You just need to know: You are not alone Your life matters There is hope You can get through this Support is always available 🎧 Subscribe to The Counselling Armchair for more episodes that support your mental wellbeing and study journey.

    51 min

  8. 06/11/2025

    Building Healthy Relationships in a Complicated World

    In this episode, Liz and Melissa talk to intern psychologist Charlie Chick about what makes relationships healthy, respectful and emotionally safe — whether you're dating, in a long-term partnership, or navigating modern dating culture. They discuss communication pitfalls, emotional safety, boundaries, consent, and knowing when to walk away. Here are some useful links for listeners who want to dive deeper into this topic (includes support options): 1800RESPECT – Healthy Relationships ReachOut – What makes a good relationship? The Line – Respectful relationships for young people eSafety Commissioner – Online Dating & Safety Headspace – Navigating relationships and breakups Kids Helpline – Dating & Relationships Relationships Australia – Communication & Conflict Respect.gov.au – Signs of Respect and Control Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria – Planning to Leave Safely Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | www.1800respect.org.au RMIT CAPS (for RMIT students) – rmit.edu.au/caps

    47 min
See All (34)

About

This supportive podcast aims to help you navigate the challenges of study, wellbeing, and personal growth. Our hosts chat to each other and special guests from RMIT Counselling and Psychological Services and offer practical strategies and compassionate insights on a range of study and life challenges.

Information