Lifehaven Counselling Services - Sue Dean

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

Creativity in all its forms - art, craft, writing, gardening, construction, etc - is so important to good mental health. People re-engage with their creativity as they heal.
Also, art can speak to us in ways words never will or can.

This painting is a recent addition to my counselling room. It draws me in and I can get lost in its mysteries and whispers. It's an honour to be it's custodian.

A beautiful piece by Sue Hamlet, who lived in Warwick for many years. Check out Sue's wonderful range of creativity Hamlet Creative

10/08/2026

For a cold Monday evening - I hope this warms your heart ❤️
PS I love polar bears.

31/07/2026

**Discussion about the risk of su***de

Most people worry about how to talk to someone when there are concerns around su***de or suicidal thoughts or actions.

If that someone is neurodiverse or LGBITAQ+ then the risks can be higher and perhaps the conversation more challenging.

There are unhelpful myths too.

Number 1 Myth : if I ask them about suicidal thoughts, I will make it worse, or give them the idea.

Most people find it really reassuring and supportive to be asked if they are having these thoughts.

If you would like to know more about how to support someone who is experiencing suicidal thoughts, and especially if that person is neurodiverse or LGBITQ+ this article with short videos will provide some really helpful information and thoughts.

These resources are designed to help you spot the signs a neurodivergent person might be struggling and feature practical tips on how you can support them.

24/07/2026

So here is something different. An artist friend just suggested I look up 'Neurographic Art' (Thank you Alana Art).

I'm going to try some over the weekend while I am still recovering from this persistent virus.

Let me know if you have ever done this and how it was helpful 👇🙏❤️

In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to create Neurogra...

19/07/2026

27th July 2:00pm

Important notice may affect trauma and anxiety survivors as well.

Introducing AusAlertAusAlert is a new national warning system that...

19/07/2026

No words. Not yet. Lots and lots of feelings. 😥😥😥💜💜💜

🩷 A MESSAGE FROM JANAS FAMILY 🩷

Jana Armstrong's family, we would like to sincerely thank our community for the incredible love, kindness and generosity shown over the past week. Your support has meant more than words can express.
The family would also like to let everyone know that due to the incredible generosity from the community, they have now received all the physical donations they need and respectfully ask that no further items be donated at this time.
Thank you 💚

If you would like to support the family, please remember there is only one official GoFundMe established for Jana's family (Faith and Michael) caring for her baby boy.
Thank you for surrounding Jana's loved ones with such compassion and care.
Protea Place 💜

https://gofund.me/d01193c94

14/07/2026

Outrage is currently being expressed about the Qld Government significantly cutting DFV funding. It is also important to know there are other changes happening. Significant improvements. It's not enough, but the initiatives are addressing important issues.
🤍
We mourn yet another woman murdered. Another child who will grow up without his mother. More parents and siblings who are in torment and grief.
🤍
What can you do? Talk, post, encourage healthy relationship behaviour.

In the years I have worked with those living with DFV I've found that consistently pointing the survivor to what healthy behaviour looks like helps them to start to recognise what they aren't really seeing - yet. Also, gently pointing out their strengths, abilities and worth encourages insight into the unacceptable messages they receive from the abusive partner.

If you are noticing controlling behaviour, aggressive outbursts, being blamed, put down, called names, physically threatened please! That is NOT OKAY.

Reach out - DM me.
Or contact:
DV Respect 1800 737 732
Text 0458 737 732
DV Connect Women's Line 1800 811 811
DV Action Centre (in Qld) Ipswich & Toowoomba

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CnG9MahyE/

Strengthening domestic and family violence frontline services across Queensland 🚨

We're bolstering frontline services, expanding access to specialist mental health support and securing the workforce helping Queenslanders escaping violence.

This includes embedding domestic and family violence practitioners in 49 police stations across Queensland, providing immediate, trauma-informed support to victim-survivors when they report incidents.

We're also investing in new initiatives to embed 26 specialist mental health professionals within 20 Women’s Health and Wellbeing Services across Queensland, ensuring victim-survivors can access timely mental health care in trusted community settings.

It's part of our plan to make Queensland safer by delivering important services to address this scourge and giving frontline workers and victim-survivors the care they deserve.

To learn about other tools and resources search 👉 DFV action QLD

06/07/2026

This! This is what trauma work is all about. Gently guiding the survivor to safety, connection to self, to others and to discovering life. The work is raw, confronting, and ultimately healing.

There is no demand on the survivor. That person's pace and sense of safety is the most important guiding principle.

My work is influenced by experts such as Dr Stephen Porges, Janina Fisher, Richard Schwartz, & Dr Frank Anderson.

"No recovery from trauma is possible without attending to issues of safety, care for the self, reparative connections to others, and a renewed faith in the universe.”

As trauma therapists, our role isn’t just to witness – it’s to teach our clients how to build safety from the inside out. That means helping them listen to their bodies, care for exiled parts, and explore connection in ways that feel manageable and real.

Recovery isn’t something we do to clients. It’s something we co-create, moment by moment, through presence, attunement, and gentle guidance back to what was lost: trust, connection, and self-compassion.

06/07/2026

Professional. Experienced. Warm. Open. Caring.

The qualities you will likely notice when you work with Sue.

To book your appointment contact Sue on 0408 735 857