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Vickie Simos is a qualified Counsellor and Psychotherapist. She is a Martial Artist with two black belts. Vickie is the author of The Boxer Within.

She has worked with children/adolescents for over two decades, dealing with a variety of mental health.

02/11/2026

Sometimes you just have to!

Otherwise you'll remain in stalemate.

It's human nature not to want to enter the unknown, but that's what taking a risk means.

You don't know what's going happen, but you do it anyway.

It's scary and exhilariting all at the same time.

This year i took a risk and decided to focus on my business full-time.

It was something i had been thinking and talking about for years.

Even the parents of the kids i worked with were sick of me banging on about it.

Finally, March this year i decided to take the plunge.

Although, it's been difficult financially, and mentally (for different reasons) i've learned alot about myself.

Firstly, you have to be patient. Things don't always work to your time line. This has been the hardest thing for me to accept. It will happen when it happens.

Second, i have done lots of professional development. Knowledge is power! Of course, it's only when you use it. But i have enjoyed learning.

Third, you have to enjoy spending time on your own. Otherwise the isolation will kill you. Set yourself a routine. That's what i had done, and it's really helped.

Lastly, you have to really want it, but it's also okay to find other work. You need to pay your bills!

You will reach your goal...eventually. It just might take a different and longer path.

Have faith, and BELIEVE AND BACK YOURSELF!

To quote one of my favourite movies - Million Dollar Baby - 'Risking everything for a dream that no one sees but you'.

www.theloactivetherapy.com

01/11/2026

SEEKING KEYNOTE ENGAGEMENTS FOR 2026/27

As many of you know, I am the founder of Thelo Active Therapy, which uses martial arts as a combination and / or alternative to mainstream.

I am the author of The Boxer Within, published in 2017.

i have also received accreditation for EMDR Level 1 training.

I am a soccer (goalkeeper) coach who recently obtained my foundation of goalkeeping and football.

This also includes continuous personal and professional development to enhance knowledge in my field.

While these are all impressive achievements.

My most proudest achievement is learning to combat my mental health issues through martial arts mindsets.

We all will or have experienced mental health issues in our lifetime. Some of us have dealt with them, and others are still dealing with them. A work in progress.

It's hard, right!

We face different challenges every day via environment, people, culture, work, school, and life in general.

This is exactly why I want to talk to your school, organisation, or workplace.

I may not have all the answers, but I hope that by sharing my life experiences, I am able to help one person.

If this is something you might be interested in,
please contact me via the website www.theloactivetherapy.com or DM me and request a speaker kit for more information.

30/10/2026

DO YOU LOVE NATURE?

Come rain or shine! I'm introducing something new to my practice - walk and talk therapy.

I remember even as a PT, the benefits this had on my clients. To be able to walk outside and enjoy the scenery while sharing something private.

Even i walk every, especially through that new path i discovered.

Just like boxing, it offers an alternative to mainstream therapy.

There's also no pressure to speak, unlike sitting across from your therapist. Not to say this isn't just as beneficial, but it's not for everyone.

For the group, I'm thinking of 4 - 6 participants. With two separate groups for males and females, and maybe also a mixed group.

There's also a great little walking path that is covered in greenery - see attached.

It's the most beautiful walking trail that I discovered not that long ago.

Today, it looked especially divine, as the rain was falling on the leaves.

It's will be a safe space where you can share as much or as little as you like.

If interested, please contact me via the website, QR CODE, or DM me.

www.theloactivetherapy.com

29/10/2026

For those that don't know, i used to get terrible anxiety before my fights.

I remember i was recovering from a finger injury, specifically a dislocation that cut through my tendents.

It still wasn't healed, but you never said no to a fight.

This particular evening, there was supposed to be another fight before mine, but both our opponents pulled out. Easy swap! Or so i thought!

To my surprise i was feeling quite relaxed, chilling, listening to music, waiting for my fight.

However, in an instance that all changed.

The promoter came in and told me my fight had been brought forward. O, Oh!!!

In the blink of an eye, my anxiety came back with a vegeance. I felt numb all over. My heart was beating loudly, like it was jumoing out of my body.

As i began preparing wverything felt like it was happening in slow motion. I knew what was happening, but i just couldn't stop it.

My name was announced, and i started walking into the stadium with about 5,000 people watching.

The bell rand for the first round and...

If you've every experience anxiety, you know exactly what i am talking about.

It's like your having outta body experience, watching someone else.

It's a terrible experience, and can really mess with your mental health. I know it did for me.

Since then i have learnt different ways to control my anxiety.

And i look forward to my next competition, hopefully next year.

What makes you anxious?

And, if you want to know what happened after round one of my match, you'll have to purchase my book

Good news! I have a few copies arriving tomorrow or Mon.

www.theloactivetherapy

26/10/2026

There's something quietly powerful about small acts of kindness - the kind that don't make headlines but can completely change someone's day.

Today, it might be as simple as sharing a Tim Tam.

Not because it's a big gesture, but because it says, you noticed, you cared enough to pause, to connect - even in the smallest way.

We often underestimate how much these tiny moments matter. A surprise treat. A kind word. A simple smile. They ripple outward in ways we don't always see.

So, here's your reminder, be kind, even in the smallest ways.

Because kindness doesn't have to be grand to be meaningful - sometimes it's chocolate coated without a second thought.

Here, Dr. Bartlett discusses an activity of kindness that uses Tim Tam's.

To learn the full Tim Tam story, watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify.

You can also read about it if you follow Dr Selena Bartlett on LinkedIn.

Thank you for being here from day one.

Please LIKE, SHARE, LIKE, FOLLOW OR SUBSCRIBE.

Also, if you would like to share your story, please contact me via the below.

www.theloactivetherapy.com

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22/10/2026

High school can be so HARD!

I know it is for some of the young people i see, and it was definitely the same for me.

I've tried to explain to them that high school is such a small part of their life.

But, i guess it's easy for me to say because, thank God, i no longer have to experience that part of my life....ever again!

As you can tell, I wasn't a fan, I really struggled.

Although, there were no phones and no social media when i went to school.

There were still bullies, social groups that were organised by status, and racism.

I grew up in a country town, so for someone like me who was ambitious and driven, it was definitely a challenge.

Especially when a lot of the population was Greek.

Don't get me wrong, I'm now proud of my Greek heritage, but it wasn't always the case.

However, when i think about it now, and i wrote about it in my book, it wasn't the Greek aspect that was the problem. It was the people.

Imagine this: As a Greek student, there was a good chance you were part of the Greek dancing groups.

Technically, the most component dancer should lead the line, but not where i went to school.

Instead, if you came from a family who had a money, you would be leading the line. No matter your skill level

On the other hand, if you didn't come from money, yes, you guessed it, you ended up at the end of the line.

Teachers were also treated the same.

I had a couple of teachers who had absolutely no idea, yet they got teaching positions. Blind Freddie could've done a better job.

Even some of the little clicks. They just thought they were the bees' knees, and almost 40 years later...oh how the mighty have fallen.

I know i might sound bitter, but i promise you, it's not the case.

My point is that high school is just a small part of a big picture. So, all you have to do is hang on for a few years, and then you're done.

This is why I love working with young people because I want them to be confident, resilient, and to know their self-worth.

Did you have a challenging time in high school? Share in the comments.

www.theloactivetherapy.com

21/10/2026

Before I started boxing, i just thought it was about throwing punches.

But once I started, i discovered there was so much more to it.

It was more than skills, agility, speed, and accuracy.

Although all important, it was the mental health benefits that really stood out.

For example, it's well suited for anxiety, as it's impossible to ruminate while trying to execute a combination.

It demands real-time decision-making and quicker processing time.

Can reduce mild to moderate depression symptoms.

It releases endorphins and promotes neuron growth.

Can be used in conjunction with EMDR. They both use BLS.

It can create new neural pathways i.e. neuroplasticity.

A brain that is actively forming new connections is better equipped to adapt to different situations.

Research also suggests that those with ADHD report that boxing is one of the few activities where focus comes naturally rather than forced.

Lastly, it improves confidence, self-esteem, resilience, and self-worth, to name a few.

These are many of the reasons why, as a therapist, i decided to combine the two.

To learn more or book a trial session, please contact me via the website www.theloactivetherapy.com

19/10/2026

Earlier this year, I started a podcast called The Boxer Within.

This is from episode two, Nicolle discusses the reasons why she came to see me.

Initially, it was through the referral of friends.

However, after the first session (which BTW Eli loved), Nicolle discovered that it was more than just learning martial arts.

It was about learning and moving, which helped Eli with processing his feelings.

That moving and being physical allowed him to free up his emotions. Making space to talk about what he was feeling and thinking.

If this sounds like the step for your child, please contact me via the website www.theloactivetherapy.com

I'm also looking for guests who'd like to share their story, like Nicolle.

You can watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on Spotify.

Please LIKE, SHARE, FOLLOW OR SUBSCRIBE.

14/10/2026

Hi Melbourne families,

TERM 4 has begun, so what better way to prepare your teenager for the personal and academic challenges of school.

Especially if they are heading into high school next year.

STARTING WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21st and every Wednesday after that.

I'm launching a martial arts program designed specifically for teenagers - combining techniques from multiple disciplines to help your teen build strength and confidence and resilience.

As a counsellor, psychotherapist, and martial artist with over two decades of experience, I've seen firsthand how martial arts training transforms teenagers - especially those navigating anxiety, self-doubt, or neurodivergence

The sessions will run during the school term ONLY.

Outcomes:

* Learn techniques from a variety of martial arts.

* Build strength, fitness, and coordination.

* Grow confidence and resilience.

* Develop focus, discipline, and respect.

* Suitable for beginners and experienced students.

The classes are designed to help your child reach their full potential.

Cost: $40 per student.
Duration: 60min.
Small group: 6-10 max
Location: TBA.

Spots are limited to keep classes small and effective.

For more information, contact me via the website www.theloactivetherapy.com or DM me.

12/10/2026

I talk a lot about martial arts (MA), boxing, and therapy, but I'm also a personal trainer (PT).

A role that helps people with their physical and mental health. You can't have one without the other. Right?

I became a PT because I was inspired by my MA instructor and all the amazing PTs I had worked with.

I saw what these guys did with their clients, and I wanted to do the same.

I wanted people to feel better about themselves, from the inside out.

When you think about it, a BIG part of being a PT is the mental side of things.

The stronger and fitter you feel, the better you feel.

Note: i am a little unorthodox, and do you push you further than you think you can go.

I see your potential and believe in you until you believe in yourself.

That's my favourite part, because then I get to see the real you.

I work from home or can travel to you (but it depends where you live).

If you want to become the best version of yourself, contact me via the website www.theloactivetherapy.com or DM.

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www.theloactivetherapy.com

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Melbourne
Melbourne, VIC
3000

Website

http://www.theloactivetherapy.com/

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