Finding Sanctuary

HSH Initiative
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hills Sanctuary House (HSH) - https://hshl.org.au/ Finding Sanctuary - your  dose of insight into how we think and feel; and how you can find safe haven in your daily life. We get together with experts to chat about all things mental health, getting insights and understanding on the why's we do what we do. 

  1. DEC 16

    Motherhood Anxiety to Deserving Success with Linda Habak

    Linda Habak is an established interior designer and property developer, as well as the creator, founder, and host of the podcast "Build Beautiful." Her journey spans from studying textile technology and working in marketing to ultimately embracing her passion for design. Linda's career is marked by her intuitive approach to life, her ability to pivot amidst challenges, and her unwavering commitment to personal growth and spiritual connection. Key Takeaways: Embrace life's pivots and turns by trusting intuition and spiritual guidance to align your life with your true passions.Recognise and manage feelings of anxiety and perfectionism in motherhood; it's essential to embrace and accept these feelings while allowing space for personal growth.Overcome feelings of guilt associated with success by reframing and understanding the journey's purpose amid cultural and self-imposed expectations.Parent with faith, not fear; respect and honor the present moment in your children's lives, while holding space for their growth.Accept the presence of imposter syndrome and negative thoughts as universal experiences and continue to trust your inner voice and creative passions to pursue your true calling.Notable Quotes: "I realised I was parenting from a place of fear and not faith. That mindset shift changed everything.""Stay true to who you are. Don't prescribe to what you think it should look like. Just be you and run your own race.""Your cup has to be full in order to give to others'"Even the most successful people still feel imposter syndrome. It's okay to have it—that shouldn't stop us from continuing to grow.""Our brain is designed that way to keep us in a fearful state and to stop us from doing things.""Don't prioritise the house. Prioritise being present with the kids. Give yourself some grace."Resources: Build Beautiful PodcastSocial Media: Linda Habak on LinkedIn, InstagramFor an enriching experience of heartfelt reflections and bold inspiration, tune into this episode of "Finding Sanctuary." Stay adjacent for more captivating conversations that promise to challenge and elevate your journey. For more information on the Hills Sanctuary House visit our website https://hshl.org.au/ You and your mental health is important to us. Please visit https://hshl.org.au/wp/help-resources/ for help and resources Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary. Follow us on Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

    39 min

  2. DEC 1

    NDIS Sibling Story: Lauren's Gift - Subdeacon Stefan Gerges

    About the Guest: Subdeacon Stefan is from Christ The Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish, where he plays a vital role in spiritual guidance and support. He co-founded the business Lauren's Family with his wife Giselle, who has extensive experience as a support worker for the NDIS sector. Stefan is deeply inspired by his late sister, Lauren, who has had a profound impact on his life and vocation, fueling his passion for serving those with disabilities and fostering community support. Key Takeaways: Transformative Inspiration: Stefan's journey through his sister's illness and eventual passing played a vital role in shaping his life values and his faith-driven vocation.Community and Support: The importance of community strength and support, particularly through challenging times, was strongly emphasized, illustrating how connections can provide solace and aid in grief.Non-Verbal Communication: Lauren's ability to connect with others without words underlined the power of non-verbal communication and emotional intelligence, contributing to the podcast's ongoing theme of connection beyond verbal language.Grief and Growth: The episode delves into the many facets of grief, highlighting that it manifests differently for everyone and discussing how Stefan’s family navigated the complex dimensions of mourning and acceptance.Spiritual Lessons: Insights were shared about how persons with disabilities, like Lauren, can serve as conduits of spiritual growth, inspiring others toward sainthood through witness and empathy.Notable Quotes: "Love is beyond words and there is greater mysteries to life.""There is strength in love and power that comes through family.""Lauren was already a saint, and she's been given to us to make us into saints.""We have an experience that allows us to be stronger than you are.""Finding joy even in the little things—that's where Lauren was inspirational."Resources: Lauren's Family: An initiative started by Subdeacon Stefan and his wife Giselle, dedicated to providing support services inspired by Lauren's legacy. For more information on the Hills Sanctuary House visit our website https://hshl.org.au/ You and your mental health is important to us. Please visit https://hshl.org.au/wp/help-resources/ for help and resources Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary. Follow us on Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

    37 min

  3. NOV 17

    Helping Kids Through Grief: Bridget Sakr on Loss & Healing

    Bridget Sakr is a prominent community figure and Director of Heartfelt, an organization dedicated to supporting families experiencing loss and trauma. With a professional background in finance and insurance, Bridget transitioned into grief support work following personal tragedy that deeply impacted her life. Her experience and empathy have made her a beacon of support, not only within her community but also on a global scale, as she continues to guide and accompany those navigating grief. Key Takeaways: Permission to Grieve Openly: Emphasising openness in conversations about grief grants others permission to share and heal.Impact of Faith: Faith can provide a foundational source of comfort and hope during the grieving process.Creating Community: Building a supportive community around grieving individuals helps mitigate isolation and loneliness.Children and Grief: Engaging children with experiences and conversations about their lost loved ones aids their healing journey.Continuous Presence: Lost loved ones remain part of ongoing life, and their memories and impact continue to provide strength and connection.Notable Quotes: "Experiences are what I feel helped Michael; talking about those experiences. And he will always speak about her because it's not foreign." - Bridget Sakr"How do you get over someone that you love? How do you do that? You never get over them. They come with you wherever you go." - Bridget Sakr"We grieve alone, but we heal together. You heal in community." - Bridget Sakr"Sometimes the hardest part for people is their gravesite, people dragging them. No, no, no, no, don't do that. Let them have a bit of time." - Monsignor Shora"Faith doesn't make things easy, but it makes them possible." - Bridget SakrResources: Heartfelt: heartfelt.community For more information on the Hills Sanctuary House visit our website https://hshl.org.au/ You and your mental health is important to us. Please visit https://hshl.org.au/wp/help-resources/ for help and resources Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary. Follow us on Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

    33 min

  4. NOV 3

    Feedback That Works: Difficult Conversations Made Easier - Jacqualine Kay Raad

    About the Guest Jacqualine Kay Raad is a leadership and speechwriting consultant known for her proficiency in guiding individuals through moments of self-discovery. Her expertise spans critical areas such as presentation and negotiation skills, networking, leadership through coaching, and particularly, giving and receiving feedback. Her unique ability to identify and help resolve human interaction challenges stems from her deep-seated experience in human resources and her journey in personal development, especially focusing on emotional intelligence. Key Takeaways: The significance of self-awareness in identifying and addressing personal blind spots is crucial for personal and professional growth.Jacqueline Raad introduces the "assertive feedback formula," which aids in delivering clear, impactful feedback without resorting to advice-giving.Relationship dynamics influence the reception of feedback; understanding these nuances can improve communication efficacy."Whole body listening" is a vital skill that encourages full engagement in conversations, promoting deeper understanding and empathy.The value of emotional bank accounts in relationships underlines the necessity of balancing positive and negative interactions to foster trust and openness.Notable Quotes: "The most dangerous quadrant is the blind spot quadrant, which is, you know this about me, but I don't know this about me.""You make the best speech you'll ever regret when you don't take the time to recover from feedback before re-engaging.""It's about acknowledging that it's okay to feel triggered when you're receiving feedback.""Imagine if we all did whole body listening to each other.""The cheapest and kindest thing—the greatest compliment—you could give to somebody is to listen to them with your whole body."Resources: Dale Carnegie’s principles on appreciation from How to Win Friends and Influence PeopleSeven Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen R. CoveyDrawing on principles of Dale Carnegie, Joseph Greeny, Sheila Heen and Stephen Covey For more information on the Hills Sanctuary House visit our website https://hshl.org.au/ You and your mental health is important to us. Please visit https://hshl.org.au/wp/help-resources/ for help and resources Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary. Follow us on Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

    34 min

  5. OCT 20

    Creating Safe Spaces for Difficult Conversations in a Diverse World - Leonie Nahhas

    About the Guest: Leonie Nahhas is a registered psychologist with an extensive background in community wellbeing, education, and mental health initiatives. She currently operates her private practice, ThriveWise Psychology, and has established the Illume Community Dialogue Forum, which aims to foster community dialogue and collective well-being. Leonie has worked in various educational settings and has spent time abroad gaining valuable cultural experiences, contributing to her deep understanding of human interactions and societal dynamics. Key Takeaways: Encouraging Dialogue: Leonie Nahhas emphasises the importance of dialogue in addressing mental health challenges and promoting community well-being.Community and Empathy: The Illume Community Dialogue Forum facilitates community engagement, allowing individuals to understand differing perspectives and appreciate diversity.Parental Involvement: Teaching children to have healthy and respectful discussions is crucial for their development and long-term well-being.Cultural Considerations: Culturally aware dialogues can help break the cycle of internalising and suppressing emotions within families and communities.Practical Implementation: Leonie suggests starting with small, meaningful conversations with children, encouraging curiosity and understanding through open-ended questions.Notable Quotes: "I am someone who is so passionate and interested and curious about people and untangling the complexity of the human mind.""There's always a function behind behavior, and there's always a function behind the issues that exist in the world.""The greatest joy is sometimes asking big questions to your parents about their life story.""It's not just about my dialogue; it's about understanding the person next to me.""Start with what's happening in front of you and encourage them to go and disagree with them." For more information on the Hills Sanctuary House visit our website https://hshl.org.au/ You and your mental health is important to us. Please visit https://hshl.org.au/wp/help-resources/ for help and resources Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary. Follow us on Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

    35 min

  6. OCT 7

    Formula for Success: Hard Work and Determination - Patrick Coorey

    Patrick Coorey is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of experience in the high-octane world of professional motorsport. Starting from humble beginnings in Coffs Harbour, Australia, his passion for racing and engineering drove him to the pinnacle of motorsport, Formula One. Despite an initial setback when his team ran out of funds, Patrick transitioned into Formula E, where he thrived as a championship-winning team manager. His career has also included roles such as design office manager and overseeing special projects, showcasing his versatility and dedication to innovation within the industry. Key Takeaways: Passion and persistent hard work are crucial to achieving long-term goals, even in the face of adversity.Failures and setbacks can lead to unforeseen opportunities that align better with personal and professional fulfillment.Effective team management in high-stress environments relies on understanding individual needs and leveraging collective strengths.Embracing challenges and stepping out of one's comfort zone are essential for growth and advancement.A strong work ethic and a positive attitude can drive success, regardless of circumstances.Notable Quotes: "If you're passionate about something, if you find what you're truly passionate about, you'll motivate yourself." - Patrick Coorey"All these hurdles that come up against us… they're not hurdles. They're actually the learning experiences that are absolutely essential." - Patrick Coorey"The hard work was a big thing. We learned a lot and it certainly got me a long way." - Patrick Coorey"I love the idea of doing something that feels a little bit scary… that's where growth happens." - Patrick Coorey For more information on the Hills Sanctuary House visit our website https://hshl.org.au/ You and your mental health is important to us. Please visit https://hshl.org.au/wp/help-resources/ for help and resources Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary. Follow us on Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

    38 min

  7. SEP 22

    George Sahyoun - The Remarkable Journey of Karima

    George Sahyoun built the Karima Group from the ground up, naming it after his mum—because sometimes the best business inspiration comes from home. As co-founder and director, George has turned entrepreneurial success into something bigger: genuine community impact through philanthropy and mentoring. What sets George apart isn't just his business acumen—it's his commitment to lifting others up. From mentoring emerging entrepreneurs to leading community initiatives across Australia, George proves that true success means creating opportunities for the next generation. This conversation explores building legacy businesses, the power of family values in entrepreneurship, and why giving back isn't optional. Key Takeaways: Family Unity and Resilience: George Sahyoun emphasizes the importance of family unity, highlighting lessons learned from his mother, Karima.Redefining Success: The pursuit of wealth is seen as a means to an end, with true success being measured by personal growth, community impact, and relationships.Generosity and Giving Back: Genuine fulfillment is derived from selfless acts of giving and supporting others, a core value instilled in George by his mother.The Impact of Legacy: The conversation underscores how individuals are remembered for their character and contributions rather than their financial status.Connection and Community: Despite advancements and achievements, the need for a strong sense of belonging and community remains paramount.Notable Quotes: "Money's easy to make. A donkey can make money. It's what you do with it and how you approach it going forward.""She was like a lioness that protected her cubs, and we were her cubs.""It's more important to give back than it is to get.""The application is more important than the physical desire for money.""Ultimately, where does that leave you if you lose the essence of what it was all about in the first place?" For more information on the Hills Sanctuary House visit our website https://hshl.org.au/ You and your mental health is important to us. Please visit https://hshl.org.au/wp/help-resources/ for help and resources Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary. Follow us on Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

    41 min

  8. SEP 8

    Healing Integenerational Trauma - Claudia Chakar

    Claudia Chakar has spent over 20 years helping Australian families untangle intergenerational trauma and build stronger connections. As a clinical psychotherapist specialising in family and couples therapy, Claudia understands that healing often means examining family patterns passed down through generations.  Her trauma-informed approach has made her a respected voice in mental health circles, particularly within Lebanon's Australian community where cultural sensitivity meets psychological expertise. Key Takeaways: Invisible Wounds: Intergenerational trauma can travel unnoticed through family lines, manifesting in modern-day conflicts and psychological disorders.Importance of Therapy: Professional help is crucial for individuals and families to heal from trauma and learn adaptive coping mechanisms.Community Involvement: Healing from intergenerational trauma requires a collective response from institutions, communities, and individuals.Role of Empathy: Empathy and understanding are essential to facilitate healing and overcome the stigma associated with mental health issues.Breaking the Cycle: Addressing trauma is imperative not only for individual health but also to prevent the continuation of trauma into future generations.Notable Quotes: "You do not have to live by the story of what happened to you because you deserve to live a life of the highest potential." – Claudia Chakar"Trauma needs a lot of empathy. It needs empathy to heal and recover." – Claudia Chakar"Intergenerational trauma really needs a community response, not just a family response or an individual response." – Claudia Chakar"We know a lot more now… we need to act differently." – Claudia Chakar"Suffering in silence doesn't serve anybody any good." – Claudia Chakar For more information on the Hills Sanctuary House visit our website https://hshl.org.au/ You and your mental health is important to us. Please visit https://hshl.org.au/wp/help-resources/ for help and resources Do subscribe to this podcast to get the latest episodes of Finding Sanctuary. Follow us on Facebook - Christ the Redeemer Maronite Catholic Parish of The Hills Instagram - @hills_sanctuary_house Blog - https://hshl.org.au/blog/

    39 min
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About

Hills Sanctuary House (HSH) - https://hshl.org.au/ Finding Sanctuary - your  dose of insight into how we think and feel; and how you can find safe haven in your daily life. We get together with experts to chat about all things mental health, getting insights and understanding on the why's we do what we do. 

Information

  • Creator
    HSH Initiative
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    56
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Hills Sanctuary House
  • Show Website
    Finding Sanctuary