Odds May Be Against Me

Mark Maguire The truth is, and I’m not telling any of you what you already don’t know, the odds aren’t in our children’s favor of making it to the top in whatever sport they’re pursuing.  Yet, as a parent, we continue to support our young athlete’s aspirations as if the odds be ever in their favor. Why? If a family …

Grief and Loss

Kate Vandamme As a therapist, the topic of grief and loss is discussed on countless occasions. Sadly, as COVID-19 continues to rage around the world, grief and loss are being experienced and observed much more than normal.  Grief is not limited to feelings of sadness. It can also comprise anger, guilt, and even regret. This mix of feelings can often …

Life Lessons from Rugby

Kate Vandamme Having spent many years enjoying watching rugby, I was inspired to write a blog dedicated to the skills that rugby players show on the field. Having listed out their skills, I wondered how many of them could be transferred to our everyday lives.  When I started to make a list, I was really surprised at how many of …

Watching and Waiting

Anonymous I’m a spectator watching from the sidelines. Watching and waiting… but what I am watching doesn’t warrant for any cheering or celebration. I am on the sidelines watching someone I love struggle with a mental illness. Mental illness is not obvious, you cannot see it. It sneaks in, hides in the shadows and slowly claws its way in the …

Roll for Growth – Therapeutic Storytelling

Michael Keady Roll For Growth is a type of group therapy which uses creative storytelling games such as Dungeons & Dragons in order to provide inspirational and educational experiences. These games are amazing because they are incredibly flexible, creative and social. Part of the aim is simply getting young people out of the house and socialising with peers in a …

The Benefits of Art Therapy

Simona Weinstein This is a story about how art therapy changed a young boy’s life.  The Setting of Art Therapy  It was an Aussie Summer. It got me thinking how much time we spend in the pool.  The Manifestation of Anxiety   I got a call one day from a mum who was quite distraught. Her primary school aged son was …

Why OTLR?

There are many responses to the question of why OTLR? Why choose this organisation to conduct education sessions in your sporting club, school or workplace? Why is this organisation making changes in hundreds of communities around the country? Why is OTLR partnered with some of the leading organisations in the mental health space, providing prevention, ongoing support and postvention support …

Dad! It doesn’t help!

During the baseball season a few years ago I asked my eleven-year-old son what do all the kids in the dugout think when their parents urge them on with instructions and encouragement as they are playing the game? He said bluntly, “they don’t like it.” I further pressed him. What about when I call out some last second reminders just …

Two-Way Talk

I’ve been a long time believer that if you surround yourself with positivity and recognise the best of a bad situation you will be able to reshape your mind and thinking. As a sufferer of Depression and Anxiety for over 10 years now, one of the most useful tools I use on a daily basis is positive reinforcement. Showing gratitude …