Notice That Psychology

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Brisbane, QLD
Notice That Psychology

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Psychologist & EMDR Consultant
🌱 Helping you feel, heal & grow
🧠 Trauma-informed

📍Northern NSW

https://www.noticethatpsychology.com.au

04/08/2026

Have you ever known that you’re safe, yet noticed your body responding as though you’re not?

This is one of the ways trauma can show up.

A sound, sensation, conflict, facial expression or feeling of being trapped can activate an old survival response. Your heart might race, your body may tense, or you may feel the urge to fight, flee, freeze or shut down—before you’ve had time to understand why.

Logically, you may know the danger has passed. But the nervous system can continue responding as though part of the experience is still happening now.

EMDR doesn’t erase the memory, change the facts or ask you to forget what happened. It helps the brain reprocess memories that may not have been fully integrated at the time.

As processing occurs, the memory can begin to feel more like something that happened in the past—not something you’re being pulled back into in the present.
You still remember, but the memory may no longer bring the same:
• emotional intensity
• physical activation
• sense of present-day danger
• painful beliefs about yourself
• urge to avoid reminders of what happened
The goal isn’t to forget. It’s to be able to remember while remaining connected to the safety, choices and resources you have now. 🧩

16/04/2026

Not everything you think needs a reaction 💭

Sometimes the most powerful shift is learning to notice your thoughts… without immediately believing them, fixing them, or fighting them.
“I’m not good enough.”
“What if this goes wrong?”
“I should be doing more.”
Instead of getting pulled in, try gently saying:
✨ “I’m noticing I’m having the thought that…”
It creates just enough space to breathe, to soften, and to choose your next step with intention.
You don’t have to silence your mind to find peace—
you just need a different relationship with it.

06/03/2026

✨ A new name… with the same heart behind it ✨

After a lot of reflection, I am excited to share that my practice is transitioning from Amber Dodds Psychology to Notice That Psychology.

The phrase “notice that” will be familiar to those who know EMDR therapy — it’s the gentle invitation used throughout processing to observe whatever arises, without judgement. That simple act of noticing often becomes the starting point for insight, processing, and healing.

While the name is changing, the heart of the work remains the same. I’ll continue offering trauma-informed therapy with a strong focus on EMDR, supporting people to process difficult experiences and move forward with greater clarity and calm.

I am so grateful for everyone who has supported my work so far — clients, colleagues, and community. Thank you for being part of this journey.

Welcome to Notice That Psychology 🤍

04/01/2026

🧠 Thinking about therapy… but not sure if it’s for you?

Many people consider therapy quietly, often for a long time, before ever reaching out.

They might wonder:
• Is what I’m feeling “bad enough”?
• What if I don’t know what to say?
• Will it actually help?

Therapy isn’t only for moments of crisis. It can help when you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally drained, or simply wanting to understand yourself better.

Therapy offers a space to:
✨ slow down and reflect
✨ make sense of thoughts and emotions
✨ recognise patterns that may no longer serve you
✨ learn practical, evidence-based coping strategies
✨ feel heard without judgement

You don’t need to have the right words.

You don’t need to know where to begin.

And you don’t need to do it alone.

If you’ve been thinking about therapy but haven’t taken the step yet, even being curious is a meaningful start 💛

28/10/2025

🌱 Shifting out of people-pleasing

You don’t need to “stop being nice” — you need to feel safe being honest!

Try these steps:
- Notice your body’s cues.
Do you feel tension, racing thoughts, or pressure to fix something for someone?

-Pause before agreeing.
Ask: “Do I genuinely want this?” or “Am I saying yes to avoid discomfort?”

-Practice small truths.
Start with gentle honesty: “I’d love to help, but I don’t have capacity today.”

- Reassure your nervous system.
Remind yourself: “It’s safe to let others feel disappointed. I’m allowed to take up space.”

- Celebrate discomfort.
Feeling guilty means you’re breaking an old pattern, not doing something wrong.

Healing people-pleasing is about reconnecting to your truth, not abandoning your empathy.

Kindness rooted in honesty is more powerful — and more sustainable — than kindness rooted in fear. 🌿

12/09/2025

A Guide to Decoding Your Emotions 😊😲😭😤

Emotions are not random or meaningless — they act as signals, drawing attention to underlying needs, values, or experiences. When we learn to understand what emotions are communicating, we can respond with greater clarity, compassion, and intention.

Here are what some of your emotions might be telling you:

😟 Anxiety – A call for safety and reassurance
Often arises when your system senses a threat (real or imagined). It signals the need for grounding, reassurance, or a plan that restores a sense of security.

😰Fear – A call for courage and support
Alerts you to possible danger, but also points to the need for bravery, reassurance, and strategies that strengthen your sense of safety.

😩 Overwhelm – Too much, too fast, or too unclear.
Signals that demands exceed your current capacity. It calls for slowing down, creating order, and pacing yourself.

😡 Anger – A signal that a boundary has been crossed
Highlights unfairness, disrespect, or violation of values. It points to the need for protection, fairness, or assertive communication.

🫣 Guilt – Misalignment between actions and values
Arises when behaviour doesn’t align with values. It signals the need for repair, change, or letting go through forgiveness.

😳 Shame – Fear of rejection or unworthiness
A painful signal that you feel unworthy of acceptance. It calls for compassion, understanding, and safe connections that remind you of your worth.

😢 Sadness – Grieving a loss or absence
Signals that something important is missing, whether connection, meaning, or a loved one. It calls for comfort, support, and permission to grieve.

😞 Loneliness – Lack of genuine connection
Highlights the need for meaningful human contact. It points to reaching out, building relationships, and seeking belonging.

🤑 Envy/Jealousy – A signpost for growth
Shows you what you value but feel you don’t yet have. It can guide self-reflection and point toward goals or unmet desires.

😁 Joy – Needs fulfilled and meaning found
Signals that your values are being honoured and your needs are met. It invites you to savour the moment and share it with others.

15/08/2025

Your Brain Isn’t a Camera, It’s A Storyteller 📖

Your brain doesn’t take in the world exactly as it is—it interprets it. Every sight, sound, and feeling you notice is filtered through a lifetime of memories, patterns, and learned associations.

That “gut feeling” you get?
The snap judgments that pop into your mind?

They’re not direct truths—they’re your brain’s best predictions based on what’s happened before.

Some everyday examples may include:

*You see a colleague frown and instantly think they’re upset with you—when in reality, they’re just concentrating on an email.

*You hear footsteps behind you in the dark and feel danger, because your brain connects it with past times you’ve felt unsafe.

*You assume a friend is ignoring your message because they haven’t replied quickly—when really, they’re in a meeting.

Sometimes, what we expect overshadows what’s actually unfolding in front of us. Noticing when your mind is predicting instead of perceiving can open the door to more choice, flexibility, and clearer thinking.

12/08/2025

🔍 Understanding Burnout: What It Is and How It Manifests in Everyday Life
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion resulting from prolonged and excessive stress. It affects individuals across all walks of life—not only high achievers or those in high paced careers, but also parents, students, and caregivers who continually strive to meet overwhelming demands without adequate rest.

🔍 Common Signs of Burnout in Daily Life:
* Increased irritability or frustration over minor inconveniences
* Avoidance of communication or social interactions due to feelings of depletion
* Persistent fatigue despite sufficient sleep
* Difficulty completing routine tasks or self-care activities
* Emotional numbness or detachment, leading to a sense of “going through the motions”

Recognizing these symptoms is the first step toward addressing burnout. It is important to remember that experiencing burnout is not a sign of weakness or lack of motivation. Rather, it reflects the need to prioritize self-care and seek appropriate support.
If you or someone you know is exhibiting signs of burnout, professional & psychological guidance can provide effective strategies for recovery and resilience.

31/07/2025

🧠 Mindfulness Isn’t Just Meditation — It’s Mental Clarity in Real Time.

I’ve been speaking a lot lately with clients about automatic behaviours — the small, repeated actions we barely notice but that shape how we feel day to day.

Most of what we do — eat, scroll, sip, react — happens on autopilot.

Research shows up to 50% of daily actions are habits, not conscious choices.

But here’s the good news: ✨ Mindfulness can help you see your habits more clearly — and shift them.

How to Practice Mindfulness in Daily Habits:

1. Pause Before the Habit 🛑 Before you eat, drink, scroll, or react — pause for 5–10 seconds. Ask: “Am I doing this out of hunger? Boredom? Stress? Habit?”

2. Check In With Your Body 👀 How does your body feel? Are you tense? Tired? Thirsty? Many habits (like snacking or sipping) are responses to discomfort, not need.

3 Use the “Noticing, Not Judging” Rule 🔄 When you catch yourself on autopilot, don’t criticize. Just label it: “I’m stress-eating,” or “I’m drinking out of routine.” Awareness is progress — not perfection.

4. Create 1-Minute Mindful Moments 🕐 While making coffee, washing your hands, or waiting in line — just breathe. Feel your feet. Notice your surroundings. This trains your brain to pause — even during busy days.

5. Reflect Once a Day 📝 Ask yourself: “What habit did I notice today?” Awareness builds pattern recognition — and patterns are where change begins.

✨ When you become conscious of your habits, they stop running you — and start serving you.

Mindfulness doesn’t require more time. Just more attention. That’s the beginning of real perspective shift 🕥

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Brisbane, QLD

Website

http://noticethatpsychology.com.au/

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