In this episode of The Counselling Armchair, Liz and Melissa sit down with intern psychologist Joshua Boardman for a thoughtful conversation about coercive control—a form of emotional and psychological abuse that can occur in many types of relationships. Together, we discuss how it can appear, why it may be difficult to recognise, and what safe steps people can take if they have concerns.

Content note: This episode contains discussion of emotional abuse. Please listen with care, and remember that support is available through the services listed below.

• Understanding what coercive control is

• Common behaviours such as love bombing, gaslighting, and guilt-tripping

• Misconceptions and vulnerability factors

• Green flags in healthy relationships

• Where to find support and how to plan safely

• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• RMIT Student Support – 1300 305 737 / Text: 0488 884 162

• The Shark Cage® – Ursula Benstead: Educational metaphor for understanding boundaries and safety

• Victoria Police & Crime Stoppers Victoria Podcast: Coercive control and family violence

• NSW Government – Coercive Control Resources: Easy-read guides, translations, and support info

• eSafety Commissioner – Coercive Control Info Sheet: Focus on technology-based coercion among young people

• Attorney-General’s Department – National Principles on Coercive Control: Fact sheets, videos, and community resources

• Compass – Coercive Control Resource Hub: Central access point for education and services

• AIHW – Coercive Control Insights: Data and information on impacts in families

• Safer Families Centre – Toolkit: Examples and tools for professionals

• ACT Government Resources: Multilingual guides and local supports

• Financial Independence Hub – Good Shepherd | 📞 1300 050 150

• Leaving Violence Program – DSS | 📞 1800 253 283

• Anglicare Victoria – Family Violence Financial Counselling

• Women’s Legal Service Victoria | 📞 1800 133 302

• 1800RESPECT – Financial Abuse Toolkit | 📞 1800 737 732

👉 This episode is for educational purposes only. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out to one of the support services above.

Key TopicsSupport ServicesFurther Resources (Educational)Financial & Legal Supports

In this honest and supportive episode, we explore the often-taboo topics of suicidal thoughts and self-harm. You’ll hear why these thoughts can emerge, how to manage overwhelming feelings, what support looks like, and how to respond with care—whether it’s for yourself or someone you know.

Our guest, Kelsi Bartzis, shares insights from her work with students at RMIT Counselling, and Liz and Melissa offer real-world tips on managing distress, recognising warning signs, and creating space for hope and recovery.

• Understanding why suicidal thoughts and self-harm happen

• What the thoughts mean (and what they don’t)

• How to tell when it’s time to reach out

• Grounding techniques for intense emotions

• How to be there for someone in crisis

• Recovery, hope, and what healing really looks like

• The link between suicidal ideation and self-injury

• Helpful alternatives to self-harm

• Medication and therapy: how they work together

If you or someone you know needs help, reach out:

• RMIT Urgent Mental Health Support
  📞 1300 305 737 or 💬 Text 0488 884 162

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au

• Kids Helpline (Ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au

If you or someone you care about is thinking about suicide, safety planning can help reduce risk and increase support.
Explore the Beyond Now Safety Planning App by Beyond Blue:
👉 beyondblue.org.au/get-support/beyondnow-suicide-safety-planning

Available on:
📱 iOS App Store
📱 Google Play Store

You don’t need to have all the answers to begin healing. You just need to know:

• You are not alone

• Your life matters

• There is hope

• You can get through this

• Support is always available

🎧 Subscribe to The Counselling Armchair for more episodes that support your mental wellbeing and study journey.

In this episode, Liz and Melissa talk to intern psychologist Charlie Chick about what makes relationships healthy, respectful and emotionally safe — whether you're dating, in a long-term partnership, or navigating modern dating culture. They discuss communication pitfalls, emotional safety, boundaries, consent, and knowing when to walk away.

Here are some useful links for listeners who want to dive deeper into this topic (includes support options):

• 1800RESPECT – Healthy Relationships

• ReachOut – What makes a good relationship?

• The Line – Respectful relationships for young people

• eSafety Commissioner – Online Dating & Safety

• Headspace – Navigating relationships and breakups

• Kids Helpline – Dating & Relationships

• Relationships Australia – Communication & Conflict

• Respect.gov.au – Signs of Respect and Control

• Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria – Planning to Leave Safely

• Lifeline – 13 11 14 | www.lifeline.org.au

• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 | www.1800respect.org.au

• RMIT CAPS (for RMIT students) – rmit.edu.au/caps

In this episode, we're tackling a challenge every student can relate to—staying motivated and focused. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in procrastination mode, or simply unsure where to begin, psychologist Alicia Walker helps unpack motivation, why it fluctuates, what gets in the way of staying focused and shares practical tips to boost your motivation and improve your study focus

Here are some of the apps and resources mentioned in the episode:

• Tomato Timer – A simple online Pomodoro-style timer.

• Focus To-Do: Pomodoro & Tasks (Android) – Combines task management with Pomodoro.

• Tomato Timer (iOS) – Customisable timer on the App Store.

• Forest App – Stay off your phone and grow a virtual tree as you stay focused.

  • iOS Version

  • Android Version

  • Chrome Extension

• Freedom – Block apps and websites across devices.

• Cold Turkey – Block distractions even offline.

• StayFocusd (Chrome) – Limit time on specific websites.

• LeechBlock NG – Customisable browser-based blocker for Firefox and Chrome.

• AppBlock (Android) – Set up profiles to block apps at scheduled times.

• FocusMe – Full-feature productivity app with timers and focus tracking.

✔️ “Motivation is nice but not necessary to start something.”
✔️ Action builds momentum—start with 5 minutes.
✔️ Break down big tasks and schedule your day like you would a job.
✔️ Use tools and strategies to create an environment where you can thrive.
✔️ Rest is not optional—sleep, movement, and downtime fuel your focus.

If you’re feeling stuck, remember you’re not alone. Speak with a friend, connect with a mentor, or reach out to professional services like RMIT Counselling and Psychological services if you are an RMIT student.

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend or classmate. Every little bit helps us reach others who might need this conversation too.

Thanks for joining us on The Counselling Armchair—see you next time!

In this episode, we explore the field of positive psychology and how it can help us cultivate resilience, enhance happiness, and improve overall mental health.

• Understanding positive psychology and how it differs from traditional psychological approaches.

• The science of happiness: what contributes most to well-being?

• The happiness set point and how intentional activities can boost happiness.

• The PERMA model: Positive Emotion, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, and Accomplishment.

• Evidence-based positive psychology practices, including gratitude, savouring, and strengths-based approaches.

• The role of fun and play in fostering mental well-being.

• Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG): finding meaning and resilience after adversity.

To discover your unique strengths and learn how to apply them in daily life, take the VIA Signature Strengths Survey by the VIA Institute on Character: https://www.viacharacter.org/survey/account/register

Positive psychology isn’t about ignoring life’s challenges but rather about using strengths-based and evidence-backed strategies to improve our well-being. Small, intentional shifts in mindset and behaviour can have a profound impact on our happiness and mental health.

If you found this episode valuable, consider sharing it with a friend or colleague who might benefit. And don’t forget to subscribe for more insightful conversations on mental health and personal growth!

Until next time, take care, be kind to yourself, and remember—you are not alone in this journey!

Episode Highlights:Resources Mentioned:Takeaway Message:

Such a festive time of the year as we publish this episode. The weather is warming up, there seems to be a buzz in the local community, people out and about, loud music, parties and get-togethers can be heard and seen. Such a relaxing time! Or is it? Not all of us may feel that excitement for the festivities ahead; whether to do with being far from home, intense time to be spent with others we don’t normally, or whether this time of the year can bring up some painful memories or associations. We sit down with one of our psychologists, Bec, on winding down as the year wraps up, and on ways to care for our wellbeing.

Episode Overview:
In this episode, Liz and Melissa explore a topic that often flies under the radar but impacts many: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD). We dive into what RSD is, how it can affect individuals and their relationships, and practical ways to manage it. Whether you experience RSD or support someone who does, this episode offers valuable insights and strategies to navigate its challenges.

Links and tips for self-care when supporting someone with RSD.

If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to subscribe to The Counselling Armchair, leave a review, and share it with someone who could benefit from these insights.

For additional tools, links, and updates, follow us on your favorite podcast platform or visit our website.

Until next time, take care and be kind to yourself!

Key Topics Covered:Resources Mentioned:Join the Conversation:

In this episode, our hosts chat with one of the senior co-ordinators at the Counselling Service, Lyndon, on a very interesting topic on impostor syndrome. We take a deeper look at what it is, how we experience it and why some of us go through this while others don’t. We also get personal on whether we, as psychologists, experience this too, and ask Lyndon for personal tips to overcome the impact of this.

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Wellbeing and Study, hosts Liz and Melissa are joined by RMIT counsellor Emma Abeyaratne to explore the power of self-compassion. Many of us are familiar with the relentless inner critic that harshly judges our every move. Whether it’s self-criticism or external judgments, these negative voices can significantly impact our self-esteem. But what if we could respond to ourselves with the same kindness we’d extend to a friend?

Emma discusses the concept of self-compassion as a transformative approach to managing low self-esteem, harsh self-criticism, and feelings of shame. We delve into practical strategies to quiet the inner critic, build a more compassionate inner dialogue, and develop both tender and fierce self-compassion.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair, we explore the impact of loneliness and how to cultivate meaningful social connections in a world that can often feel isolating. Loneliness can affect us all at various points in life, but with the right tools and mindset, we can build supportive communities and find our own tribe.

Join us as we discuss practical strategies to overcome loneliness, from joining local groups and clubs to using technology to meet like-minded individuals. Whether you're feeling disconnected due to study, work, or life transitions, this episode offers insight into how you can start building meaningful connections today.

What We’ll Cover:

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

Get in Touch:
If you enjoyed this episode or have ideas for future topics, we’d love to hear from you! Connect with us on social media or drop us an email.

Subscribe & Review:
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Counselling Armchair on your favorite podcast platform. If you found today’s discussion helpful, please leave a review—it helps others discover the podcast and join our community.