Total Wellness Therapies

We are very excited to have Kelly join us at Ashgrove and bringing her years of relationship and couples therapy experience to in person in Brisbane. Here is a few words from Kelly “ I am a somatic psychotherapist and relationship therapist bring over 20 years of experience in integrative health and psychotherapy. I support couples wanting better communication, renewed intimacy or support after infidelity. I support women navigating repeating negative relationship patterns, relational trauma or a desire for deeper self connection. My work is both talk based and embodied combining psychotherapy with somatic practices.” If you would like to book in with please click on this link and follow her page. She has availability from early Feb.

Welcome to Total Wellness Therapies — a psychology practice in Brisbane devoted to healing mind and body in a beautifully curated space to help you feel nurtured on your journey.
Here we support you through life’s challenges and help you build emotional resilience and deeper connection to self.
If you’re ready for real healing and balanced wellbeing, our therapist are waiting to support you with evidence based therapies. send us a message or book a consult today.

We have such a beautiful group at the TWT collective. All our practitioners own their own therapy business with their own speciality areas coming together under one roof (well technically two). It has been amazing to be part of such a beautiful community that supports each other to provide an important service to their clients.

Staying Focused survival guide for the silly season. Trying to stay focused during the season of sugar, sparkle and social chaos? Same. Try these:
🥇 1. Set 3 daily goals
Because “Do everything” is not a goal. It’s a breakdown waiting to happen.
☀️ 2. Morning boundaries
Don’t check your phone first thing unless you want to start your day with chaos and drama.
📆 3. Time-block like a boss
Work time. Party time. “Staring at the wall because you’re overstimulated” time. Schedule it all.
🚰 4. Hydrate
Your body is 70% water and 30% festive stress. Help it out.
🙅 5. The power of a polite no
“No, I can’t go to your 4th Christmas event this week” — said with a smile and zero guilt.
🧘 6. Mini resets
Deep breaths, short walks, or hiding in the bathroom for 2 minutes. Whatever works.
✨ Focus where you can. Laugh where you can’t.

🪞 The Mirror - understanding difference between evidence based approaches. We only use evidence based approaches at TWT. But how are they different?
In psychotherapy, the mirror symbolizes reflection, awareness, and compassionate observation — key processes across many evidence-based approaches.
Rather than judging what we see, therapy invites us to notice and understand our inner experiences, creating space for meaningful change.
✨ In Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT):
The mirror represents the process of examining our automatic thoughts and beliefs. By reflecting on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, you learn to recognize and reframe patterns that no longer serve you.
🌿 In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
The mirror allows us to observe our internal experiences without resistance. Through mindfulness and acceptance, you learn to look at their thoughts rather than through them, choosing actions guided by values rather than avoidance.
💫 In Internal Family Systems (IFS):
The mirror becomes a compassionate lens through which you can see and understand your inner “parts.” Reflection helps differentiate the Self — calm, curious, and connected — from the protective or wounded parts that carry burdens.
🧩 In Schema Therapy:
The mirror helps illuminate long-standing schemas and modes developed from early experiences. By recognizing these patterns, you can begin to respond to the present rather than react from the past, building a more integrated sense of self.
🌊 In Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
The mirror reflects how memories and emotions are held in the nervous system. As you process distressing experiences, the image in the mirror shifts — no longer defined by trauma, but integrated into a coherent, adaptive narrative.
Across all modalities, the mirror is not about perfection — it is about clarity, compassion, and transformation through reflection.

Healing Your “People-Pleaser” Part
You don’t have to stop being kind — but you can stop losing yourself trying to keep everyone comfortable.
Your people-pleaser part isn’t bad. It formed to protect you — maybe to avoid conflict, earn love, or stay safe in unpredictable spaces. That strategy once helped you survive, but now it might be costing you rest, peace, and authenticity.
Here’s how to begin healing, gently and compassionately:
1️⃣ Notice it.
When do you automatically say “yes”?
What do you fear might happen if you don’t?
Awareness creates space for choice.
2️⃣ Understand it.
Your pleaser was protecting you.
Try saying: “Thank you for keeping me safe — but I can take care of myself now.”
Compassion softens resistance.
3️⃣ Set gentle boundaries.
Start small: delay a response, say “I need to think about it.”
Breathe through the guilt.
Discomfort isn’t danger — it’s growth.
4️⃣ Rebuild your worth.
You are worthy even when someone is disappointed.
Your value isn’t in being needed — it’s in being you.
5️⃣ Practise self-compassion.
When guilt or fear arises, remind yourself:
“I can be kind without abandoning myself.”
“It’s safe to take up space.”
Many of our therapists are trained in parts work and can help guide through this healing process.

Taking the first step into therapy can feel like a big deal — and it is. Whether you’re feeling nervous, hopeful, unsure, or all of the above… that’s completely normal. 💛
Here’s what you can expect in your first session:
🛋️ A safe space — You don’t need to have everything figured out. Your therapist’s job is to meet you where you are.
💬 A conversation, not a test — It’s okay if you don’t know what to say or where to start. Together, you’ll explore what brought you in and what you hope to gain.
🕊️ Some discomfort is normal — Talking about personal things can bring up emotions. That’s part of the healing process.
🤝 You’re in control — You can always ask questions, set boundaries, or pause when you need to.
Tips for your first session:
🌿 Take a few deep breaths before you start.
📝 Jot down a few thoughts or goals you’d like to share.
💧 Bring something comforting with you, like a soft toy, essential oils or fidgets.
❤️ Remember: showing up is already progress.
Therapy isn’t about being “broken.” It’s about learning, growing, and giving yourself the support you deserve.
You’re brave for beginning this journey. 🌻

Behind the scene of fun photo shoot day!

Hanging out at the Ashgrove site this morning. Felt a bit sluggish but nothing beautiful sunshine and a cup of tea can’t switch up. Ready for this full week of clients. What is your Monday morning rituals that help you come into the here and now?

Thank you to everyone who came last night and christened the halls of the gingerbread house. It was such a treat seeing the house heaving with people. I wake with gratitude (and a bit of dustiness tbh) to have such a wonderful bunch of amazing therapists and supportive friends of TWT in our worlds..

And finally our Sunset Room. This space is waiting for an allied health practitioner who is looking for their own exclusive room to call home. The is our most lux room at Ashgrove. Get in touch quick as this space won’t last long.