Q&A: Alyssia Simos

Q&A: Kelly Tow

Q&A: Steven Passfield

Q&A: Chelsea ho

Q&A: Georgia Ashworth

EMDR Therapy

How The Australian Institute for Human Wellness Can Help

Are you searching for effective trauma therapy in Sydney? At the Australian Institute for Human Wellness (AIHW) in Kogarah, our team of clinical psychologists and psychologists offers evidence-based EMDR therapy—an approach recently spotlighted by global superstar Miley Cyrus for its life-changing results. If you’re looking to heal from trauma, anxiety, or emotional distress, discover how EMDR can help you reclaim your wellbeing.

What Is EMDR Therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a structured psychotherapy treatment designed to help people process and heal from traumatic memories and distressing life experiences. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as guided eye movements or tapping) to help your brain reprocess stuck memories, making them less distressing and easier to manage.

Key Benefits of EMDR:

• Fast, effective results—often in fewer sessions than traditional therapy

• No need to talk in detail about your trauma

• Suitable for PTSD, anxiety, grief, performance anxiety, and more

• Endorsed by leading health organisations including the World Health Organization and the Australian Psychological Society

Miley Cyrus and EMDR: Breaking the Stigma

When celebrities speak openly about mental health, it helps reduce stigma and encourages others to seek support. In a recent interview, Grammy-winning artist Miley Cyrus credited EMDR therapy with “saving her life,” helping her overcome stage fright, anxiety, and deep-rooted emotional pain. She described EMDR as a transformative experience, allowing her to process childhood and generational trauma and finally feel at peace with herself and her past.

“Love it. Saved my life.”
— Miley Cyrus on EMDR Therapy

Her story highlights how EMDR can help anyone—not just celebrities—move beyond anxiety, trauma, and self-limiting beliefs.

Why Choose AIHW for EMDR Therapy in Sydney?

• Experienced Team: Our Kogarah-based clinical psychologists are trained in EMDR and trauma-informed care1.

• Personalised Approach: We tailor every session to your unique needs—whether you’re struggling with PTSD, anxiety, grief, or performance issues.

• Flexible Options: Access therapy face-to-face in Kogarah or Australia-wide via telehealth.

• Medicare Rebates: Eligible clients can access rebates with a GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan.

We have helped hundreds of individuals and organisations across Australia, and we are committed to proactive, preventative, and innovative mental health support.

Is EMDR Right for You?

EMDR is suitable for adults and young people dealing with:

• Trauma or PTSD

• Anxiety and panic attacks

• Grief and loss

• Performance anxiety (including artists and professionals)

• Childhood adversity or relationship wounds

If you relate to Miley Cyrus’s story or are simply looking for a new path to healing, EMDR could be the answer.

How to Get Started

Ready to take the next step? Contact the Australian Institute for Human Wellness in Kogarah to book an EMDR session or learn more about how we can help you on your journey to wellness1. Our compassionate team is here to support you—just as EMDR has supported Miley Cyrus and countless others.

Book your appointment today and experience the transformative power of EMDR therapy.

You bet your kids are watching

How parents and carers can break the cycle of intergenerational gambling harm

By Dr Anastasia Hronis (clinical psychologist)

Our kids are always watching us, even if we don't realise it. Our behaviours and attitudes are constantly shaping the way they think and act – especially when it comes to gambling. Whether it's using betting apps during sports games or visiting casinos, children are often exposed to these behaviours without us fully understanding the impact that it can have on them.

The good news is, simply being aware of how your gambling behaviour influences your children is the best way you can help prevent them from developing unhealthy habits in the future.

Gambling sends a powerful message

Children learn from watching the adults around them, and parental gambling sends a powerful message. Studies reveal that two-thirds of parents who gamble, do so with their children present.

Having children see the adults around them gamble, can shape their perceptions of gambling, making it seem normal and risk-free. However, research shows that early exposure to gambling, can significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing gambling problems later in life.

Gambling and the adolescent brain

The adolescent brain is very sensitive to gambling during its development. During this stage, the brain is more focused on seeking out excitement and taking risks, without thinking about the long-term effects. This can make the idea of winning quickly through gambling very appealing to young people.

Strategies for parents to break the cycle

Parents and family members can play a crucial role in preventing gambling issues from developing in their children and shaping their child’s attitudes towards gambling.

1. Avoid gambling around children

Be mindful about when and how you gamble in front of your kids and limit their exposure to your gambling. This includes both in-person gambling and online gambling. Also avoid involving them in gambling activities, such as picking lottery numbers, scratching scratchies, placing bets on your behalf, or checking the sports results for your bets. While these may seem like low-risk activities, they can normalise gambling behaviours to children.

Be aware of indirect exposure too. This might include leaving betting apps open on your phone or computer or leaving betting slips or lottery tickets lying around. It’s also important to be mindful of how you celebrate milestones like an 18th birthday. While it might seem like a fun way to mark adulthood by take your child to play pokies or visit a casino, this can reinforce the idea that gambling is a normal, risk free, or desirable activity.

2. Be mindful of the way you talk about gambling around kids

The way you talk about gambling around your kids can be just as influential as your actions. This might include conversations about wins or losses, predictions about sports games and discussing odds. Conversations about wins can be especially problematic. They might focus on the excitement and financial gains, without mentioning the more common losses. This can give children an unrealistic and overly positive view of gambling.

On the flip side, talking about losses might make children anxious about family finances or lead them to see gambling as a solution to financial problems. Discussing odds or making predictions about sports games can make gambling seem like a skill-based activity, potentially encouraging children to believe they can ‘beat the system’. Children might pick up on the emotions associated with gambling discussions, such as excitement, stress, or disappointment, which can shape their overall perceptions of gambling.

3. Talk to your kids about the risks of gambling

Research tells us that parents tend to be less concerned about underage gambling and therefore less likely to have conversations with their children about it compared to other issues like drugs and alcohol. It’s important to help kids understand that gambling comes with risks, and that they are more likely to lose money than win. Remember that even if you don’t gamble in front of your kids, our kids are exposed to gambling advertising that normalises betting. Casual situations are a good opportunity to talk to kids about gambling and the risks associated with it, like car journeys or watching a footy match.

You bet your kids are watching – new Love the Game campaign

In 2025, the Love the Game, Not the Odds sporting club program is asking parents and carers to think before they gamble around their kids.

The ‘You bet your kids are watching’ campaign aims to raise awareness among parents about how kids are influenced by their gambling and how they can take positive steps to keep kids safe.

Love the Game is Australia’s largest and longest running initiative to combat the normalisation of sports gambling. With 700+ partners, the program aims to reduce the exposure of young people to sports betting promotions and equip them with the skills to think critically about the risks associated with gambling.

To learn more, visit the Love the Game website: You bet your kids are watching.

Seeking help

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, support is available. Gambler’s Help offers free, confidential assistance 24/7 through its helpline at 1800 858 858 or online at www.gamblershelp.com.au

The Dopamine Brain: Your Science Backed Guide to Balancing Pleasure and Purpose.

Are you struggling with addictive behaviours or feeling out of control? The Dopamine Brain might just be the book for you. 

Understanding Dopamine's Role in Addiction

Dopamine, a crucial neurotransmitter in our brain's reward system, plays a significant role in addictive behaviours. From social media scrolling to substance abuse, many activities can trigger a dopamine release, potentially leading to habits that don't align with our core values.

Key Insights from "The Dopamine Brain"

The Science Behind Our Behaviours

"The Dopamine Brain" delves into the neuroscience of addiction, explaining how dopamine influences our decision-making processes and habits. By understanding these mechanisms, we can gain better control over our actions.

Practical Strategies for Change

The book offers evidence-based techniques to manage dopamine-induced urges and make choices that align with our values. These strategies are designed to help readers find balance between pleasure and purpose in their lives.

Real-Life Applications

Through case studies and reflective questions, "The Dopamine Brain" provides relatable examples of how dopamine affects various aspects of our lives, from gambling and shopping to social media use.

How "The Dopamine Brain" Can Help You

Whether you're dealing with addiction or simply want to understand your behaviors better, this book offers:

1. Insights into the neuroscience of habit formation

2. Techniques to identify dopamine-driven activities in your life

3. Strategies to align your actions with your core values

4. Methods to build a more meaningful and satisfying life

Take Control Today

If you're ready to understand the science behind your behaviors and take steps towards a more balanced life, "The Dopamine Brain" is your essential guide. Published by Penguin Books Australia, iwe have signed copies available for sale at the Australian Institute for Human Wellness clinic. 

At our Kogarah clinic, we incorporate these evidence-based approaches to help our clients overcome addictions and regain control of their lives. Book an appointment today to start your journey towards balance and fulfillment.

Remember, understanding your brain is the first step to changing your life. Let "The Dopamine Brain" be your roadmap to a more intentional and purposeful existence.

The rising cost of living and why gambling isn’t the answer

By: Dr Anastasia Hronis (clinical psychologist)

It’s no secret that Australians are grappling with a cost-of-living crisis. With soaring inflation, increasing housing costs, and rising grocery costs, many Aussies are feeling the financial stress.

Stress can be a significant risk factor that can lead people to gamble, and financial stress is no different. The economic pressure families are facing, can lead some people to turn to gambling as either a perceived solution or temporary escape. Unfortunately, gambling often exacerbates people’s financial difficulties and can lead to worse outcomes and even more stress.

Misconceptions about gambling

Many people have misconceptions about gambling and their chances of winning, which can lead them to gamble in hopes of making money. Some people might turn to gambling to pay off debts or boost their income. However, many people who gamble, significantly overestimate their odds of winning. These false beliefs can result in gambling that leads to even worse financial problems.

Not accurately understanding the odds of winning can cause people to take greater risks when gambling or continuing to gamble, despite losing consistently.  Some people may experience ‘selective recall,’ where they remember their wins more than their losses. This bias can further encourage them to gamble as a way to try and win money.

The odds are stacked against you

Gambling should never be viewed as a way to make money, as the odds are stacked against the player. Overtime, gambling can lead to long-term financial losses. Rather than providing a solution to financial problems, gambling can exacerbate financial stress and create a cycle of debt. It’s essential to recognise gambling as a form of entertainment, not a viable source of income.

Gambling to escape financial stress

While cost-of-living stress might lead some people to gamble to try and make money, other people might gamble as a way to ‘escape’ daily stressors. For some people, gambling can serve as a reprieve from daily pressures and financial worries. However, this escape is often illusive and short-lived.

Turning to gambling to manage and escape from stress can become problematic very quickly. People who gamble to escape stress, are also very vulnerable to experiencing significant gambling harms. Often, people might not even realise that their gambling is becoming an issue until it’s already creating a significant negative impact in their life. It is important to remember that there are other options for managing stress, and services that can assist.

How financial counselling can help

Gambler’s Help financial counselling services can offer crucial support for people experiencing gambling-related financial difficulties. Financial counsellors understand how tough managing finances can be and offer judgement-free support to help you get back on track.

Call 1800 858 858 – 24/7 to book a free and confidential session.

Why not let us call you. It’s free and confidential. Request a call back now.

Financial counsellors can help you by providing strategies for managing debts and creating budgets. They can talk to credit providers on your behalf, while also providing information on financial assistance which may be available to you, and help you develop a sustainable financial plan.

Additionally, they can offer guidance on protecting your assets and reducing financial risks, such as setting up separate bank accounts or automatic bill payments. Financial counsellors can also connect you with other support services, including mental health services, to address the broader impacts of gambling-related harm.

Seeking help

If you’d like to talk to someone about your gambling, Gambler’s Help is a free, confidential service available 24/7 on 1800 858 858. You don’t need to be having problems with gambling to call the service.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy

What is Dialectical Behaviour Therapy?

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based, type of cognitive behaviour therapy. DBT is often used in clinical practice, and is most effective for those who have difficulties in managing their emotions. 

It has been proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health concerns such as: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Eating Disorders, Substance Use disorders and more.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) was developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s by Marsha M. Linehan, a psychology researcher at the University of Washington. Linehan's personal struggles with mental illness motivated her to pursue a career in psychology, focusing on suicide prevention.

There are 4 skills taught in DBT: Mindfulness, Distress Tolerance, Emotion Regulation, Interpersonal Effectiveness.

DBT can be provided in both individual consultations with a psychologist, as well as in group therapy programs.

1. Mindfulness

Involves learning to stay anchored in the present, reducing worry about the past or the future.

2. Distress Tolerance

This module teaches acceptance of things you do not have control over. It involves learning to understand, and manage your emotions in difficult or stressful situations, without using harmful behaviours. 

3. Emotion Regulation

Involves being more aware of your emotions, and how they impact your thoughts and behaviours. When you understand your emotions, you can better manage them. 

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Learning to maintain healthy relationships while taking care of yourself. This involves learning how to ask for what you need and want, setting appropriate boundaries and effectively dealing with conflict.

Research has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of DBT:

• Reduced rates of suicidal gestures

• Fewer psychiatric hospitalizations

• Lower treatment dropout rates

Group therapy and individual therapy for DBT is available at the Australian Institute for Human Wellness. Contact us to find out more.

What to do when your friends are gambling

By: Dr Anastasia Hronis (clinical psychologist) & Natalie Winiarski (research assistant)

Changing your relationship with gambling can be hard when your friends also gamble.

For many people gambling is, or at least starts out as a social activity. However, seeing your friends gamble can trigger associations with past gambling behaviour and increase the urge to gamble again. It's crucial to strike a balance between maintaining your relationships and safeguarding your well-being. This article provides some tips as to how to handle social situations and friendships, without compromising on your own values and boundaries regarding gambling.

1. Reflect on Your Boundaries

Take some time to reflect on your own boundaries. Understand what you want your relationship with gambling to be like, as it can be easy to sometimes be persuaded by other people. Think about what makes you uncomfortable and what you're willing to tolerate. Whether its setting limits on the time you spend on or around gambling, talking about gambling, or money spent on gambling, having a clear understanding of your own boundaries will help you communicate these effectively with others and ensure you're taking care of your own mental and emotional health.

2. Communicate with Your Friends

Consider initiating discussions with your friends, where you can share your boundaries around gambling. Think about having these conversations in a way that is open and non-judgmental about their gambling. Express your concerns genuinely and focus on your feelings using “I” statements rather than pointing fingers. For example, say, "I've noticed that we've been spending a lot of time at the casino lately, and it's making me feel uneasy. Can we talk about it?" Consider also reaching out to external supports such as other friends, family or joining support groups to openly share your struggles, get advice, and connect with others in a similar situation to you.

3. Suggest Non-Gambling Activities

Propose alternative activities that don't involve gambling or gambling-related venues to socialise. Plan a movie night, go hiking, or organize a game night at home. By offering engaging alternatives, you're not only diverting your friends' attention from gambling but also reinforcing the idea that your relationship doesn't have to revolve around gambling.

4. Reduce your Risks When Your Friends Are Gambling

Plan ahead by reducing financial risk factors when you are around your friends gambling, such as limiting the amount of money you take out with you, leaving credit cards at home or block gambling transactions on your card. Consider thinking of a few easy exit strategies to draw upon when you find yourself in a situation where friends are gambling. It could be as simple as saying “it’s been great catching up, but I’ve got an early morning tomorrow. I’ll catch you all later” or excusing yourself to engage in a different activity. This non-confrontational approach can help uphold your boundaries around gambling while maintaining a positive atmosphere with your friends.

5. Removing Yourself When Friends Gamble

If your friends continue to engage in problematic gambling despite your efforts to communicate your boundaries, consider whether you can be around your friends when they are gambling. You might have to make the decision to not attend certain gambling venues/social outings temporarily or permanently if being around your friends gambling serves as a trigger for you to gamble. Consider setting firm boundaries and, if necessary, distancing yourself from those activities which cross your boundaries. You may also try to spend more time with people who are supportive of your boundaries around gambling or shares your commitment around gambling.

Overall, navigating friendships when your friends are gambling requires a balance of communication, setting clear boundaries and understanding. Remember that your feelings are valid, and it's okay to prioritize your mental health in the process of navigating these complex dynamics.

All of this can be difficult, but you do not have to do so alone. For more support on this topic or any gambling issue you might want to talk about, call Gambler’s Help 1800 858 858 or visit their Find Support page for more options.