Counselling Conversations with Julie

Julie Thomas
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Counselling Conversations with Julie is a podcast for people looking for ways to personally improve relationships, life and looking for ways to live a more fulfilling life. Julie has over 20 years experience working with families and children and wants to bring this knowledge and experience to others.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 280- Why Am I Not Over My Grief?

    Today’s episode is one that touches all of us at some point in our lives: grief. If you’ve ever found yourself asking, ‘Why am I not over this?’ or feeling stuck in your journey of loss, this conversation is for you. Grief is not a linear process, and it’s not something we simply ‘get over.’ It’s a deeply personal experience that reflects the love, connection, and meaning we attach to what we’ve lost.   In this episode, we’ll unpack why grief may feel so overwhelming, explore the emotional and physical toll it takes, and discuss practical, evidence-based strategies to help you navigate this journey with compassion and understanding. Whether you’re grieving a loved one, a life change, or even a part of yourself, this episode will offer insights to help you honour your feelings and find a path forward.   So, grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and let’s explore this together. You’re not alone in this, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve.   And as always, until next time, be kind and gentle with yourself.     Thank you for joining me today. For more information, please click the link to check out more at Beyond The Surface Counselling https://linktr.ee/beyondthesurfacecounselling

  2. Oct 20

    Episode 279- The Link Between Overthinking and Anxiety

    Today, we’re diving into a topic that resonates with so many of us, overthinking and its connection to anxiety. Have you ever found yourself caught in a loop of endless thoughts, replaying conversations, or imagining every possible outcome of a situation? You’re not alone. Overthinking is something we all experience, but when it becomes a habit, it may fuel anxiety, leaving us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained.   In this episode, we’ll unpack the link between overthinking and anxiety, exploring why our minds tend to spiral and how this impacts our emotional and physical wellbeing. More importantly, we’ll discuss practical, evidence-based strategies to break free from the cycle of overthinking, so you may find clarity, calm, and confidence in your daily life.   Whether you’re an educator supporting children’s emotional regulation, a caregiver navigating the challenges of parenting, or someone striving to balance it all, this conversation is for you. So, grab a cup of tea, take a deep breath, and let’s explore how we may quiet the noise of overthinking and create space for growth and resilience.   And as always, until next time, be kind and gentle with yourself.     Thank you for joining me today. For more information, please click the link to check out more at Beyond The Surface Counselling https://linktr.ee/beyondthesurfacecounselling

  3. Oct 18

    Episode 278- Are You Really Listening to What Your Child Has to Say?

    In today’s episode, we’re asking an important question: Are you really listening to what your child has to say? Listening goes beyond hearing words, it’s about understanding the emotions, needs, and stories behind them. Together, we’ll unpack what it means to listen deeply, how to create safe spaces for children to express themselves, and why this is essential for their emotional regulation, resilience, and overall wellbeing.   Whether you’re a parent, educator, or someone passionate about supporting children, this episode will provide practical, evidence-based insights to help you connect with the children in your life on a deeper level. So, let’s dive in and explore how listening may transform relationships and foster trust.     And as always, until next time, be kind and gentle with yourself.     Thank you for joining me today. For more information, please click the link to check out more at Beyond The Surface Counselling https://linktr.ee/beyondthesurfacecounselling

  4. Oct 13

    Episode 277- The Impact of Distraction on Relationships

    Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s more relevant than ever in our fast-paced, always connected world: The Impact of Distraction on Relationships.    Distraction is everywhere, our phones, our to-do lists, and the constant demands of modern life. But what happens when these distractions start to quietly erode the trust, intimacy, and connection in our relationships? In this episode, we’ll unpack how distraction affects communication, emotional connection, and intimacy, and we’ll share practical, actionable tips to help you stay present and intentional with the people who matter most.    If you are someone looking to strengthen your relationships, this conversation will offer valuable insights and tools to help you prioritise connection over distraction. So, let’s take a moment to pause, breathe, and focus on what truly matters.      And as always, until next time, be kind and gentle with yourself.     Thank you for joining me today. For more information, please click the link to check out more at Beyond The Surface Counselling https://linktr.ee/beyondthesurfacecounselling

  5. Oct 10

    Episode 276- Breaking the Cycle: Understanding and Overcoming Self-Sabotage in Relationships

    Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into a topic that touches so many of us yet is often misunderstood, self-sabotage in relationships. Relationships are one of the most vulnerable and emotionally charged spaces we navigate as humans, and it’s no surprise that self-sabotage often finds its way into these connections. But what if we reframed self-sabotage? What if, instead of seeing it as a flaw or failure, we understood it as a protective mechanism, our mind’s way of shielding us from perceived emotional risks?   In this episode, we’ll explore what self-sabotage looks like in relationships, why it happens, and how it’s often rooted in fear, fear of rejection, abandonment, or even losing one’s sense of self. We’ll also discuss the role of attachment styles in shaping these behaviours and how understanding them may provide valuable insights into our actions and those of our partners. Most importantly, we’ll reframe self-sabotage as an opportunity for growth and healing, rather than a barrier to connection.   Whether you’ve noticed self-sabotaging patterns in your own relationships or you’re supporting a partner who struggles with them, this episode is packed with practical strategies and compassionate insights. Together, we’ll uncover how to break the cycle of self-sabotage, build trust, and create a safe, supportive environment for deeper connection. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s explore how to transform self-sabotage into a pathway for understanding and growth.     And as always, until next time, be kind and gentle with yourself.     Thank you for joining me today. For more information, please click the link to check out more at Beyond The Surface Counselling https://linktr.ee/beyondthesurfacecounselling

  6. Oct 3

    Episode 275- Navigating Love and ADHD: Building Stronger Relationships Through Understanding

    In today’s episode we explore the unique dynamics of relationships shaped by ADHD. Whether you're someone living with ADHD, a partner navigating its challenges, or simply curious about how neurodiversity impacts connection, you're in the right place.   We’re diving into a topic that touches the heart of so many relationships: how ADHD influences emotional connection, communication, and intimacy. Relationships are complex at the best of times, but when you add ADHD into the mix, it may feel like you're speaking two different languages. The good news? With the right tools, understanding, and strategies, your relationship may thrive in ways that are deeply fulfilling and uniquely beautiful.   So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s explore how tonavigate love and ADHD together.    And as always, until next time, be kind and gentle with yourself.     Thank you for joining me today. For more information, please click the link to check out more at Beyond The Surface Counselling https://linktr.ee/beyondthesurfacecounselling

  7. Sep 29

    Episode 274- The Positive Effects of Mind Wandering

    Today, we’re diving into a fascinating topic that touches all of us, mind wandering. You know those moments when your thoughts drift away from the task at hand, and suddenly, you’re replaying a memory, planning your next move, or imagining a completely different scenario? While it might seem like a distraction, mind wandering is actually a powerful and natural function of the brain.   In this episode, we’ll explore the science behind mind wandering, why it happens, how it may both help and hinder us, and what it reveals about creativity, problem-solving, and emotional regulation. We’ll also discuss practical ways to harness mind wandering as a tool for reflection, innovation, and even self-care.   So, whether you’re an educator looking to better understand your students’ focus, a caregiver seeking to manage your own mental load, or simply curious about how your brain works, this episode is for you. Let’s uncover the hidden potential of those wandering thoughts and learn how to turn them into a source of strength and insight.     And as always, until next time, be kind and gentle with yourself.     Thank you for joining me today. For more information, please click the link to check out more at Beyond The Surface Counselling https://linktr.ee/beyondthesurfacecounselling

  8. Sep 26

    Episode 273- Dealing with Disappointment

    In today’s episode we explore the universal experience of disappointment, a feeling that touches both adults and children alike. Whether it’s a career setback, a relationship challenge, a failed test, or a missed playdate, disappointment is a complex emotion that bridges all ages. It’s that gap between our expectations and reality, often leaving us with a mix of sadness, frustration, and unmet hopes.    But did you know that disappointment isn’t just in your head? Research shows it activates the same areas of the brain as physical pain, making it a visceral experience that affects both mind and body. Understanding this connection is the first step in learning how to navigate it.    Today we’ll dive into evidence-based strategies to help both adults and children manage disappointment in healthy, constructive ways. From acknowledging and validating emotions to reframing setbacks, practicing emotional regulation, and fostering gratitude, we’ll explore practical tools that build resilience and emotional wellbeing.     Whether you’re an adult facing life’s challenges or a caregiver supporting a child through their own disappointments, this episode is packed with insights to help you turn emotional pain into an opportunity for growth.    So, grab a cup of tea, take a breath, and join us as we unpack the art of dealing with disappointment. Let’s transform this shared human experience into a stepping stone for resilience and emotional strength.    And as always, until next time, be kind and gentle withyourself.     Thank you for joining me today. For more information, please click the link to check out more at Beyond The Surface Counselling https://linktr.ee/beyondthesurfacecounselling

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Counselling Conversations with Julie is a podcast for people looking for ways to personally improve relationships, life and looking for ways to live a more fulfilling life. Julie has over 20 years experience working with families and children and wants to bring this knowledge and experience to others.

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