Wishing You All a Happy New Year 2018!

Last updated on January 12th, 2018 at 04:02 pm

The Sydney Harbour Fireworks light our way into 2018 so magnificiently!
The Sydney Harbour Fireworks light our way into 2018 so magnificently!

We are super exicted to welcome you to 2018. This year has a particularly good vibe to it.

We loved the Sydney Harbour fireworks exploding with joy and celebration. Uplifting as always.

Of course there have been the usual ups and downs of life. My heart has gone out to many who have faced loss and grief in 2017.

At the years beginning, I like to do a review. It’s great to reflect on 2017 by taking a look in the rear view mirror. What’s been my progress, whats got in the way? The way I do this is by looking at last years directions for 2017.

2018 Directions and progress by design
2018 Directions and progress by design

I enjoy a small ritual to invite in my wishes and desires for the opening annual. I keep it fresh and title it simply “Wishlist 2018.”

With my trusty pen I scribe my dreams, hopes and wishes in mu new 2018 diary, she’s a pretty pink this year.

Philipa's Pink Planning Diary for 2018, Easy to Highlight
Philipa’s Pink Planning Diary for 2018, Easy to Highlight

We all know there tons of research about the importance of writing ( yes physcially putting pen to paper) in goal setting. I am not going to bore you with it here.  Naturally this applies to dream wishing. Besides it feels good to use your fingers, listen to your thoughts and see them unfold on the fresh clean slate.

This is a creative list where I literally stop my rational brain from interfering. I am responding to my deepest desires and there is often lighter ( read shallower)  hopes.

On my list this year is the Clinical Masters of Psychology and there is a new stereo. The only proviso I have for this list is that anything can go on it. It is an open item and receives updates as necessary.

I would love to hear how you much you enjoyed writing your list and if you would be so kind as to share something of what’s on it, I would be grateful and I will respond. Again Happy 2018!

Peace and light so your glow shines for another year.
Peace and light so your glow shines for another year.

Merry Christmas and Good Cheer to All!

Last updated on January 12th, 2018 at 04:02 pm

I am writing to say a huge thank you!

We wish you all the blessings to all our clients, and all the folk who have watched, read, heard and participated in Marriage Works online community and You tube.

Your wonderful selves make this world a better place. Thank you!

Please make merry in the festive season with the intended good will and cheer.

Tis the Season ...
Tis the Season …
Merry Xmas and Happy Holidays!

With love and gracious appreciation, Philipa and Chris of Marriage Works.

 

Blessings for the holiday season to one and all. Love Philipa and Chris
Blessings for the holiday season to one and all.
Love Philipa and Chris

Welcome our new therapist Rachele Davis to the team!

Last updated on January 12th, 2018 at 04:45 pm

We are super excited – Marriage Works is expanding with the talents of Rachele Davis coming on board. She starts 28th July so hurry to book as she has limited availabity and we certainly don’t want you to miss out. Rachele is seeing Individuals only at this stage.

Rachele is an Associate Member of the APS.
Celebrate with a bugle for Rachele!

Rachele has a wide variety of experience working with clients in her career already.  We feel so lucky to have a provisional psychologist with access to the latest therapy innovations joining us in Randwick.

You are getting a fresh face as Rachele heads towards completing her psychological registration with the College of Professional Psychology.

This means Rachele graduated from the University of Wollongong in 2014 with a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology Honors), with a major in Psychology and minor in Philosophy. Rachele is a dedicated and skilled therapist, she completed her Clinical Resource Therapist qualification in 2016 with the Resource Therapy Institute of Australia.

Her skills include working across the lifespan with children, adults and families. Rachele wants you to know she work from a strengths-based frame work with a client centered approach. Since provisional registration she has gained experience working with physical/intellectual disabilities, a range of mood related and developmental disorders, anxiety related disorders and personality disorders.  Rachele’s therapeutic toolkit includes Resource Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Solution Focused Therapy.

Rachele’s specialty areas of interest

include working with those of you who have phobias – fear of flying, addictions, social phobia, agoraphobia anxiety, depression, trauma and stress-related difficulties.

Lynn our latest therapist to join Marriage Works family!
Don’t let fear of flying keep you grounded!

Rachele is available on Fridays for individual adult appointments in Randwick.

You will also benefit from a special session rate. Please enquire with me Philipa 0434 559011. Book early to get your preferred time, as she has limitd appointment slots.

Welcome Rachele!

Rachele is an Associate Member of the APS.
Rachele is an Associate Member of the APS.

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Communication problems?

We are interested in hearing about the difficulties you face in talking to your partner.

Do you struggle to be assertive?
Perhaps you always try to let it go only to explode with overload?
Are you a peacekeeper, avoiding conflict at any cost, only to pay the price of disconnection?

You are not alone – poor communication skills are the number 1 issue couples face.

Need validation and communication skills?
Not feeling heard or understood? Feeling Stuck? Marital Therapy helps!

Chris and I want know your struggles, helps and hurts.  We are in the process of developing some exciting online resources.

We want you to talk your way to intimacy and healing in your relationship.
Please tell us your needs by sharing a quick comment, thank you!
You will be helping others too.

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Welcome to 2017! Relationship Hell or Relationship Heaven?

Last updated on April 16th, 2018 at 11:41 am

For many  of us 2016 involved highs and lows. I am certainly glad to be in 2017.
What does 2017 have in store for you? Will it be an easy time or continuing pain?
I’m hoping you want change old patterns and restore harmony.
Too often couples who are stuck in vicious communication cycles feel helpless and desperate. Repeating the same arguments without resolution or relationship repair. You have to have the tools!

air yourr elationship bridge
Build a strong bond in your relationship to bridge your issues in 2017

Well today is January 1st the day for resolution. So what will be the change you make ?  Personally I am aiming for more praise of others and sharing this joy. People really thrive with positive encouragement.

Please let us know your wishes for this year in the comments below.

Want expert relationship counseling? You have found couple therapists providing psychology services for your benefit.

We are back on deck from 10 January, hurry appointments fill fast, so call today for your free 15 minute consult 0434 55 90 11

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Happy Thanks Giving! What brings you relationship peace?

It’s nearly Thanks Giving in America, what a lovely celebration. Happy Black Friday to all our U.S. friends!

air yourr elationship bridge
Build a strong bond in your relationship to bridge your issues.

In Australia we can use this opportunity to notice what we are Thankful for.

Too many times Chris and I see couples fixated on the problems they’re having, to the exclusion of all the positives in their partnership. This causes more angst than peace and fuels many a fight.

Be a circuit breaker today in your relationship.

Stop for five minutes, take stock and do a quick relationship gratitude inventory:

  • What do I like about my partner?
  • How do they enhance my life?
  • How does he or she encourage my growth?
  • Think back to a time when you were both really happy and at peace, really step into that moment. Enjoy that sense of togetherness.
  • What in my heart of hearts am I grateful for in my relationship?

Your challenge is to share this lovingly with your spouse or partner. Notice what happens.

Please let me know how you go with this. Share below your experiences.

Couple Love by Samantha Villagran Mexico
Couple Love by S villagram Mexico

 

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Best on Screen Affair Apology with Robert De Niro

Last updated on April 16th, 2018 at 11:42 am

Over the weekend I saw The Intern with Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway starring. ( Spoiler alert I am going to give some things away!)

Anne’s character is a very busy productive woman who has started a very successful internet company, and reluctantly she takes on Robert De Niro as her intern. Well he wins her over of course with his usual charm!

Sadly Robert’s character sees Anne’s screen husband cheating with another school mum. A tad cliche I know. He doesn’t share this until she blurts out her concerns on a business trip. She has known for a while but has hoped it will all go away or ‘he would get it out of his system’.

The ostrich approach rarely works.

The husband’s screen presence is that of a nice guy who has strayed out of his marriage feeling lonely in his chosen role as primary caregiver to their daughter. He comes to his own truth about what is important to him and he decides it is his wife, her having her career and him learning about what led him to step outside of his marriage and breach their marriage vows.

In the best affair apology scene ever ( please feel free to share if you have others you recommend) he confronts the situation head on.

He goes to her work and fesses up. He takes full responsibility for his actions and choices ( Note he does not blame her, her work, or the lack of time, sex or intimacy). He acknowledges the impact of his unfaithfulness on her and their marriage ( owns the consequences) and commits to change for the future of their partnership by doing what it takes to achieve a new strength in their marriage to repair this marital crisis.

I urge anyone interested in recovering from the effects and impacts of infidelity to watch this, I am sorry it may be painful and sad especially if you are newly aware. Healing can happen with help. And please tell me your memorable moments from the silver screen that have helped you. Look forward to your comments.

Call us today to find out how to repair your relationship crisis.

Philipa 0434 55 90 11 or Chris 04111 44 646

Here’s the video trailer 

Welcome Psychologist Chris Paulin to Marriage Works!

Last updated on April 24th, 2016 at 10:01 pm

I am super excited to announce Consultant Psychologist Chris Paulin has joined Marriage Works. Chris is a highly experienced therapist,  conveniently based in Woollahra/ Bondi Junction Sydney Eastern Suburbs NSW.

Chris is pleased to be offering his skilled counseling ability to couples and individuals in distress, who want effective help today.

Chirs Paulin Marriage Works Male Counsellor
Marriage Works Male Psychologist Chris Paulin

Chris is available in Woollahra/ Bondi Junction.

Please contact him directly to secure your appointment today on 0411 144 646.

Medicare Psychology rebates or Private Health Insurance rebates may apply.

 

Australian Psychological Society (APS) Associate Member Logo
Associate Member Australian Psychological Society

 

 

 

Couples, singles & all we wish you a Happy 2016!

Last updated on January 12th, 2018 at 04:46 pm

Welcome us all to this New Year. Let us hope it brings many more happy memories. This is a great time of year to make a fresh start in your relationships, whether it be your partnership, marriage, family or friendships. Say Gidday today and make your loved ones feel special.

Chris Welcome in 2016 in Sydney
Welcome to 2016, love & blessings to all from an excited Philipa & Chris xox

Book your appointment today by calling Philipa now 0434 55 90 11

Jane Caro “Don’t just ask for help, pay for it.”

In her Sunday Life magazine column this week Jane Caro tells us of her struggles as a young woman entering a male dominated field. Read Peggy Olsen from the Mad Men TV series.

From her experience she argues everyone can benefit from seeing a professional counsellor.
I’ve heard Jane speak at an engagement a few years ago and was impressed then.

Jane is a wise woman. She found a counsellor ( not friend,mother or glass of wine) to help with her concerns.

I have to share the counsellors take on her being told she ‘was getting over emotional’ after fighting for her work product. The therapist backed her and said ” How much reaction is enough? How much reaction is too much ? And who decides?” Here she learnt to step away from the judgement of others and set her own boundaries.

As Jane says “just because someone was blaming me for something, it didn’t automatically mean it was my fault or even my problem.”
So true ! We choose our responses and only need to take responsibility for our own stuff.

I loved the counsellors next piece of wisdom when Jane is accused of being selfish. She says ” Do you know what it really means when someone calls you selfish? It means, ‘Don’t you be selfish, let me be selfish.’ It’s just another criticism woman hear usually when they dare to put their own needs first. ”

These life lesson have stayed with Jane enhancing her emotional intelligence and confidence.

Jane recommends counselling to all. With the proviso that it’s with a paid health professional who’s a well trained practitioner who wants to help you.
Thanks Jane for sharing your life lessons.

Couple Love by Samantha Villagran Mexico
Couple Love by Samantha Villagran Mexico

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0434 559 011
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