The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing well being and study

Burnout isn’t just being tired — it’s what happens when stress builds up faster than you can recover. In this episode, Liz, Plia and Melissa unpack what burnout really is, how to spot the early signs, and why it’s become such a common experience for students, carers, and anyone juggling too much.We explore:Emotional, physical and cognitive symptoms of burnoutWhy burnout builds gradually (hello, stress‑accumulation curve)Different types of burnout — including neurodivergent burnoutWhy pushing harder doesn’t workWhat real recovery looks like: rest, boundaries, support and joyTips for managing end‑of‑degree burnoutBurnout isn’t a personal failure. It’s your body asking for relief — and there are ways back to balance.🔗 Related EpisodesPerfectly Imperfect - Embracing Flaws and Finding Balance https://open.spotify.com/episode/0PpLCLtQt7u0eshvjU38Kw?si=d3c283d5a4b440a2 Unwind and Stress Less: Stress Management 101 https://open.spotify.com/episode/4V60tLWnTxuY1YnB2QNuTb?si=c9d83a17f3544adb

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Your Wellbeing and Study, Liz and new co-host team member Plia Caspi are joined by counsellor Ruby Krupka to discuss intimate partner violence (IPV) — what it looks like, how it affects wellbeing and study, and how people can seek help or support others safely.Together, they unpack the patterns of abuse, and the challenges people face in recognising and leaving unsafe relationships. The team also explores recovery, rebuilding confidence, and where to find confidential support both within and beyond RMIT.If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 000.If it’s not safe to speak, you can use the Silent Call option by dialling 000, then pressing 55.1800RESPECT – National sexual assault, domestic and family violence service📞 1800 737 732 | 🌐 1800respect.org.auSafe Steps – Victoria’s 24/7 family violence response centre📞 1800 015 188 | 🌐 safesteps.org.auThe Orange Door – Free family violence and wellbeing support service across Victoria🌐 orangedoor.vic.gov.auLifeline – 24-hour crisis support📞 13 11 14 | 🌐 lifeline.org.auMensLine Australia – Support for men experiencing relationship or family violence issues📞 1300 789 978 | 🌐 mensline.org.auKids Helpline – Support for young people under 25📞 1800 55 1800 | 🌐 kidshelpline.com.auinTouch Multicultural Centre Against Family Violence – Support for people from culturally diverse backgrounds🌐 intouch.org.auCentre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) – Specialist trauma counselling and advocacy🌐 casa.org.auVictoria Legal Aid – Free legal information and advice🌐 legalaid.vic.gov.auSafer Community – Support for experiences of violence, sexual harm, or concerning behaviour.📞 (03) 9925 2396 | 🌐 rmit.edu.au/safercommunityCounselling & Psychological Services (CAPS) – Free, confidential short-term counselling for students.📞 (03) 9925 5000 | After-hours: 1300 305 737Student Legal Service – Free legal advice for students.🌐 rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/student-legal-serviceStudent Support Advisors – Help with financial, accommodation, and academic issues.Chaplaincy – Confidential spiritual and emotional support for students of all faiths.If you need to store evidence (texts, screenshots, or photos) securely — without keeping them on your phone’s main gallery or messaging apps — these tools can help:Arc App (1800RESPECT) – Free and secure app for safely recording patterns of abuse and storing evidence.🌐 arcapp.org.auSafety Net Australia (WESNET) – Offers digital safety tips and information about secure apps.🌐 techsafety.org.auBe Safe App (Domestic Violence Resource Centre Victoria) – Personalised safety planning tool.🌐 besafeapp.org.auSmartSafe+ – Secure evidence storage app (by WESNET). Designed for people experiencing tech-based abuse.🌐 smartsafe.org.au🟣 Important tip: If you’re using safety or evidence apps, consider setting up a PIN lock and disguised app name if possible. Always delete browser history after visiting support sites if your device is being monitored.IPV isn’t always physical — it can include emotional, financial, sexual, and psychological abuse.Leaving can be complex and dangerous — safety planning and professional support are crucial.You are never to blame for someone else’s choice to control or harm you.Support and recovery are possible — you don’t have to face it alone.Power and Control Wheel – Understanding patterns of abuse.Cycle of Violence diagram – DVRCVeSafety Commissioner – Technology and abuseThe Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Your Wellbeing and Study is available on all major podcast platforms. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to help others find support and hope.⚠️ If You Need Immediate Support💜 24/7 Support Services🎓 RMIT Support Options📱 Helpful Safety and Record-Keeping Apps🕊️ Key Takeaways💡 Additional Resources🎧 Listen and Subscribe

In this episode of The Counselling Armchair: Nurturing Wellbeing and Study, Liz speaks with psychologist Michael Swadling about how to protect your mental health when the news feels overwhelming and the future uncertain.From climate change to conflict and economic pressures, it’s easy to feel weighed down by global challenges. Michael explains how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and the RMIT Ways of Wellbeing can help us stay grounded, focus on what’s within our control, and take small, meaningful steps that align with our values.We explore:What wellbeing really means—and why it’s not about feeling happy all the timeHow to stay informed without burning outPractical ACT tools and the importance of routine, connection, and small actions that reflect your valuesHow self-care can be an act of strength, not selfishnessBalancing activism, study, and life without falling into burnoutWhether you’re feeling anxious about the world or just need strategies to stay steady through uncertainty, this episode offers practical, compassionate guidance to help you care for yourself and keep moving toward what matters most.Resources mentioned:RMIT Ways of WellbeingACT Conversations GuideThe Unbreakable Student by Nic Hooper

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 happenWhat the thoughts mean (and what they don’t)How to tell when it’s time to reach outGrounding techniques for intense emotionsHow to be there for someone in crisisRecovery, hope, and what healing really looks likeThe link between suicidal ideation and self-injuryHelpful alternatives to self-harmMedication and therapy: how they work togetherIf you or someone you know needs help, reach out:RMIT Urgent Mental Health Support📞 1300 305 737 or 💬 Text 0488 884 162Lifeline – 13 11 14 | lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue – 1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.auKids Helpline (Ages 5–25) – 1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.auIf 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-planningAvailable on:📱 iOS App Store📱 Google Play StoreYou don’t need to have all the answers to begin healing. You just need to know:You are not aloneYour life mattersThere is hopeYou can get through thisSupport is always available🎧 Subscribe to The Counselling Armchair for more episodes that support your mental wellbeing and study journey.

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 focusHere 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 VersionAndroid VersionChrome ExtensionFreedom – 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!

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.

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, 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: The importance of belonging and social connections for mental health How to find or build your own community Tools and platforms to connect with others Tips on building deeper, more meaningful relationships Resources Mentioned in this Episode: Meetup.com – Find local groups based on your interests Meetup allows you to discover social events and groups that match your interests, from fitness clubs to creative writing groups and everything in between. Friendship and Social Connection Apps Bumble BFF – Meet new friends nearby Hey! VINA – Empowering women to connect Patook – Connect platonically with people nearby RMIT Kirrip Program – Create connections with fellow students Kirrip is an RMIT initiative designed to foster community and belonging among students through various social and cultural activities. RMIT Student Union Clubs and Events – Explore student-run clubs and upcoming events With clubs ranging from cultural groups to special interests, the RMIT Student Union has something for everyone. Get involved to meet people who share your passions. 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.

In this episode, we talk with clinical psychologist Jennifer Kemp about understanding and managing your unique neurodivergence, whether you have ADHD, Autism or AuDHD. Jennifer shares with us her tips for handling challenges that neurodivergent people may encounter, address chronic burnout, and manage overwhelming emotions. We also discuss self-acceptance, self compassion and developing safe and supportive relationships with your “Neurokin”. With the recent release of her book (co-authored with Monique Mitchelson) titled “The Neurodivergence Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD: Cultivate Self-Compassion, Live Authentically, and Be Your Own Advocate”, Jennifer has both lived experience and up to date knowledge about navigating the world with neurodivergence to help you thrive. For more information or to buy her book, visit here: https://jenniferkemp.com.au/publications/

In today's episode, "Anxiety Antidotes: Tackling Avoidance with Confidence," we're diving deep into the world of anxiety and avoidance. University students often face a unique set of challenges, and anxiety can sometimes feel like an unwelcome companion. We'll explore practical strategies to combat avoidance behaviors and share insights on managing anxiety. Whether you're struggling with procrastination, social anxiety, or just the everyday stress of student life, this episode is packed with tips and advice to help you face your fears with confidence. Links to helpful resources: https://www.bevaisbettartofanxiety.com/ https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/health-safety-wellbeing/mental-health-counselling/counselling

In this episode, we're diving deep into the world of building better boundaries and the art of assertive communication. Whether you struggle to speak up for yourself or find it challenging to maintain healthy relationships, this discussion is for you. Get ready to learn practical tips and strategies to enhance your communication skills and cultivate stronger boundaries. Assertive communication and healthy boundaries are essential ingredients for building fulfilling relationships and living authentically. By honing these skills, you'll empower yourself to advocate for your needs, maintain self-respect, and nurture deeper connections with others.

In this episode of "The Counselling Armchair," we set sail on the turbulent seas of groupwork in university, armed with strategies to navigate the challenges, avoid the common pitfalls, and steer our ship toward harmony and success. Join us as we explore the art of teamwork, share personal anecdotes, and offer expert advice to help you not only survive but thrive in group projects. Whether you're a seasoned sailor or a first-time crew member, this episode will equip you with the tools to make your groupwork journey a smoother and more rewarding one. So, grab your life jacket and tune in to chart a course towards academic excellence and collaborative triumph!