Eden Psychology

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Bendigo, VIC
Eden Psychology

Eden Psychology is a small private practice in Bendigo providing psychology and psychotherapy services to children, adolescents, and adults.

01/06/2026

What do we mean when we say 'inner child'?

In schema therapy, the 'inner child' refers to parts of you that hold early emotional experiences including unmet needs, memories, and feelings from childhood.

These parts are called child modes.

These child modes include:
• a vulnerable child (feeling sad, alone, scared, or unsupported)
• an angry or impulsive child (expressing unmet needs through frustration or intensity
• a happy child (feeling sate, playful, connected, and secure

These parts develop early in life, often in response to whether emotional needs were met such as:
• safety
• consistency
• emotional support
•being seen and understood

They don't disappear in adulthood.

When activated, these parts can show up as strong emotional reactions, sensitivity to certain situations, or responses that feel bigger than the moment.

'inner child work often involves learning how to respond to these parts differently.

This may look like building a 'healthy adult part that can support, validate, and care for these younger parts.

It's about understanding the parts of you shaped early on and responding to them with more care, safety, and consistency now.

28/05/2026

Box breathing, also known as square breathing, is a powerful breathing exercise renowned for its effectiveness in managing stress and anxiety.

Whether at home, the office, or taking the train to work, this technique can help you to feel more relaxed and grounded during stressful situations.

1. Find a quiet space: Choose a spot where you can sit or lie comfortably in a relatively quiet environment.

2. Close your eyes: It’s not essential, but closing your eyes can help you focus on yourself.

3. Inhale for four seconds: Breathe in deeply, feeling your lungs fill up, counting to four slowly. Imagine you're drawing energy into your body.

4. Hold that breath: Hold that breath in for another four seconds. It might feel strange at first, but it’ll feel more natural with practice.

5. Exhale slowly: Exhale for four seconds, releasing the air steadily. Imagine all your stresses and worries leaving your body as you breathe.

6. Hold again: Hold for another four seconds. This pause signals to your body that another 'box' or cycle is about to begin.

22/05/2026

Why talking about your feelings actually work...

1. It helps your brain make sense of emotions

When feelings stay unspoken, they often feel overwhelming and chaotic. Putting emotions into words activates the rational part of the brain, helping you organize what you're experiencing instead of being flooded by it.

2. It reduces emotional intensity

Research shows that naming emotions can lower their intensity. Saying "I feel anxious" or "I feel hurt" helps calm the nervous system and creates a sense of emotional regulation.

3. It builds emotional awareness

Talking about feelings helps you recognize patterns: what triggers you, what you need, and how you respond to stress. This awareness is a key step toward emotional resilience and self-compassion.

4. It creates space for support, not solutions

Opening up isn't about fixing everything.
Often, it allows others to show care, empathy, or simply sit with you, something our nervous system deeply needs.

5. It prevents emotional buildup

Unexpressed emotions don't disappear, they tend to show up as irritability, burnout, or physical tension. Talking helps release what's been held in.

18/05/2026

A gentle reminder for you:

Be gentle with yourself when your mind is unkind. You do not have to believe every thought that shows up. You are allowed to thank your brain for the thought and choose not to believe it.

11/05/2026

Your therapy progress goes well beyond your symptom reduction

Here's some examples...

• You're more self-aware and can recognise your patterns & habits
• You respond to stress & difficult situations in a more balanced way
• Your inner voice is kinder and less critical
• You practice saying no & advocating for yourself
• You're connecting with others and can identify healthy dynamics
• You can sit with difficult emotions without immediately resisting them
• You choose what's important to you over what others expect of you
• You can ask for help when you need it
• You feel more in control and capable of handling challenges.

07/05/2026

Happiness chemicals in our brain:

Dopamine is associated with the brain’s reward system, reinforcing behaviours linked to pleasure, motivation, and achievement. Research shows it plays a key role in learning, goal-directed behaviour, and feelings of reward.

Serotonin helps regulate mood, emotional wellbeing, sleep, and appetite. Higher serotonin activity has been linked to improved mood stability and reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Oxytocin, often called the “love hormone,” is involved in bonding, trust, and social connection. Studies suggest it strengthens attachment and promotes feelings of closeness and safety in relationships.

Endorphins are natural pain-relieving chemicals released during stress, exercise, laughter, and other pleasurable activities. They help reduce discomfort and promote relaxation and positive feelings.

03/05/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Here are some small ways to celebrate:

Start a gratitude or reflection journal
- Take a few minutes each day to write down three things you're grateful for
- Reflect on your thoughts and emotions
- Journaling can help increase self-awareness, reduce stress, and create space to process your feelings.

Check in on someone you care about
- Reaching out reminds people that they are not alone and that someone is thinking of them.

Take a mindful break
- Pause during the day for a few moments of mindfulness
- This can be deep breathing, stretching, meditating, or simply stepping outside for fresh air.
- Small mindful moments can help regulate stress and bring you back to the present.

Practice a digital detox
- Take a break from social media or screens for an hour or even a full day.
- Disconnecting from the digital world can reduce overstimulation
- It can also help you reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.

Normalise conversations about mental health
- Open up conversations by sharing your own experiences, discussing mental health topics, or encouraging others to speak openly.
- The more we talk about mental health, the more we reduce stigma and create understanding.

26/03/2026

Overthinking vs Reflecting

Overthinking keeps you stuck in the same loop.
Reflecting helps you understand, learn, and move forward.

These are similar thoughts, although the intention is different.

Have a go at reflecting on your thoughts today.

22/03/2026

8 Types of Rest

Physical Rest
1. Sleeping, lying down, naps
2. Slow, deep breathing
3. Yoga, Pilates, stretching
4. Taking a warm bath

Mental Rest
1. Taking short breaks at work
2. Limiting time on social media
3. Reading a good book
4. Listening to music

Emotional Rest
1. Taking time for yourself
2. Writing in a journal
3. Talking to a friend or therapist
4. Expressing emotions

Sensory Rest
1. Closing your eyes
2. Turning off devices
3. Quiet environments
4. Spending time in nature

Vocal Rest
1. Hydration, steam inhalation
2. Periods of silence
3. Laryngeal/vocal massage
4. Humming

Social Rest
1. Setting boundaries
2. Spending time alone
3. Being with supportive people
4. Avoiding draining interactions

Spiritual Rest
1. Meditation, prayer, stillness
2. Practicing gratitude
3. Energy clearing and healing
4. Vocal toning, mantra chanting

Creative Rest
1. Being playful or childlike
2. Singing or dancing for fun
3. Visiting a museum or theater
4. Reawaken awe and wonder

15/03/2026

A simple way to regulate stress is temperature.

Cold helps when you're highly activated.

Warmth helps when you're tense.

Address

5 Verbena Terrace, Epsom
Bendigo, VIC
3551

Website

http://www.edenpsychology.com.au/

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