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About Me

Navigating Your Journey with Allan

Hey there, I’m Allan, the face behind Unwind your Mind Therapies, and I’m thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you. Let’s dive into my background, my passion for helping others, and the unique path that brought me to found Unwind your Mind

My Journey – From Trades to Transforming Lives:

Life has a way of surprising us with unexpected turns. I began my career in trade and labor roles, but an undeniable calling led me down a different path. A passion for making a meaningful impact on people’s lives tugged at my heartstrings. This calling urged me to explore the world of social work and therapy, where I discovered my true purpose – supporting individuals, couples, families, and groups as they navigate life’s challenges.

A Decade of Devotion:

Over the last ten years, I’ve dedicated myself to a multitude of roles within social work, therapy, support, and leadership. This diverse experience has granted me a versatile skill set to tackle a wide spectrum of challenges that individuals and communities encounter. It’s been a journey of personal growth, continuous learning, and an ever-deepening commitment to holistic well-being.

Embracing the First Nations Space:

One of the aspects closest to my heart is engaging with the First Nations space. As a Torres Strait Islander with heritage from Moa Island, my deep respect for cultural diversity and an innate understanding of the unique struggles faced by indigenous communities drive my passion to bring about positive change. This isn’t just a role; it’s a heartfelt commitment to contribute positively to a community that deserves unwavering support.

Crafting Your Journey with My Expertise:

Imagine a toolkit filled with a diverse array of therapeutic approaches – from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative, Systems, Solution-Focused, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and more. My approach is about hand-picking the most suitable tools to create a strategy that resonates with your individual circumstances.

Walking the Talk – My Personal Journey:

Beyond my professional expertise, my personal journey adds depth to my understanding. As a father of three and a lifelong member of the community, I’ve gained insights into life’s challenges firsthand. This unique blend of personal experience and professional knowledge creates a safe haven where you can unravel your story, share your concerns, and work towards a better version of yourself without fear of judgment.

Empowering Transformation:

Unwind your Mind Therapies isn’t just a practice; it’s a commitment to your growth. My mission is to empower you to heal from past traumas, cultivate resilience, and enhance your quality of life. Your journey is distinctive, and I’m here to offer unwavering support, guidance, and strategies to navigate each step.

Partners in Your Journey:

Think of me and Unwind your Mind Therapies as partners on your journey to well-being. Together, we’ll navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and create a brighter future. Your journey is my priority, and I’m genuinely excited to be by your side.

A Blend of Skills:

Oh, and did I mention? I’ve also studied counselling. This additional layer of expertise enriches my ability to guide you through your journey with sensitivity, insight, and empathy.

Allan Holman

CEO & Founder

Allan Holman

CEO & Founder

Our Team

Meet Chantel Davison

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Our VALUES

Value Statement

Empathy

We understand that listening and being attuned with ourselves and others helps to hear and understand the journey as it is experienced and told.

Empowerment

We will walk alongside you on your journey and celebrate finding your strengths, abilities, values, and governance in life.

Respect

We ensure each step is taken respectfully; it is a privilege to be walking alongside you on your path.
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Diversity

We embrace diversity and understand that we each have different experiences in life that form us, influence our ways, and shape our world.

Purpose

We look for purpose in all we do as we understand we are working with people’s lives.
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Discover yourself

Discover the warmth and unwavering support of Unwind your Mind Therapies. Reach out today to learn more about how my personal insights, professional knowledge, therapeutic expertise and counselling, can make a profound impact on your path to a happier and healthier you. Let’s embark on this transformative journey together and unlock your full potential.

Unwind Your Mind acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land on which we stand and pay our respect to the Elders, past, present and emerging.

Company
Contact Info
  • 10/126 Brisbane Street, Ipswich, QLD 4305
  • uym.admin@unwindym.com
  • 0433 776 650
  • ABN: 75914236286
We will soon be providing PBS rebates for Mental Health Care Plan Referrals.
Copyright © 2024 Unwind Your Mind, All rights reserved.
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Anxiety and Depression

  1. Normalcy of High and Low Intensity Emotions: It’s important to recognize that experiencing both high and low intensity emotions is a normal part of being human. Life is filled with ups and downs, and emotions are a natural response to various situations and circumstances.
  2. Variety of Emotions: These emotional states can manifest in different forms, such as anxiety and depression. Anxiety might arise from feelings of uncertainty, fear, or worry about future events. Depression, on the other hand, might stem from feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and low energy.
  3. Understanding and Awareness: Developing self-awareness and understanding of your emotional states is key. Being able to recognize and label your emotions can help you navigate them more effectively.
  4. Coping Strategies: Building a toolbox of coping strategies is crucial. These strategies can include mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, journaling, engaging in hobbies, seeking social support, and more. Different strategies work for different people, so it’s important to explore what resonates with you.
  5. Functionality and Well-being: The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate these emotions, but rather to manage them in a way that allows you to maintain a sufficient level of functioning and well-being. It’s about finding a balance that lets you navigate life’s challenges without being overwhelmed.
  6. Increasing Insight and Understanding: Gaining insight into the root causes of your emotions can be valuable. Sometimes, these emotions are responses to past experiences, learned behaviors, or thought patterns. Therapy or counseling can provide a space to explore these underlying factors.
  7. Personal Growth: Through self-discovery and personal growth, you can expand your toolkit of coping mechanisms. Over time, you’ll become better equipped to handle high and low intensity situations and build resilience.
  8. Effective Functioning: The ultimate aim is to manage these emotional states effectively so that they don’t hinder your daily life. This includes maintaining relationships, pursuing your goals, and enjoying a sense of fulfilment.

Remember that seeking professional help when dealing with intense emotional states is also a crucial step. Mental health professionals can provide guidance, support, and evidence-based interventions to help you navigate these experiences. The journey to managing and coping with high and low intensity emotions is unique for each individual, and it’s okay to ask for help along the way.

Trauma

  1. Trauma’s Varied Manifestations: Trauma can manifest in various forms, including physical, emotional, or psychological experiences that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. These experiences can range from significant life events to ongoing stressors and can lead to a range of emotional and physiological responses.

  2. Impact on Brain Architecture: Trauma can indeed influence the development of brain architecture and neural pathways. The brain’s response to traumatic experiences can lead to changes in the way neural connections are formed, impacting how we process emotions, memories, and stress.

  3. Functioning in Lower Brain Stem: Trauma can lead to a heightened state of vigilance and sensitivity in the central nervous system (CNS). This can result in a heightened “fight or flight” response, causing us to function more from the lower brain stem, which is associated with survival instincts and immediate reactions.

  4. Inhibition of Frontal Cortex: The ongoing effects of trauma may hinder our ability to fully engage the frontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-order thinking, decision-making, reasoning, and emotional regulation. This can lead to difficulties in managing emotions, making thoughtful choices, and planning for the future.

  5. Self-Acceptance and Understanding: Understanding how trauma affects brain functioning can provide a platform for self-acceptance and self-compassion. Recognizing that these responses are a natural result of the brain’s attempts to cope with trauma can help reduce self-blame and judgment.

  6. Functioning and Coping: Acknowledging the impact of trauma on brain function can also offer insights into why certain behaviors, thoughts, and emotional reactions occur. This understanding can empower individuals to seek appropriate coping mechanisms and therapies that target the specific effects of trauma on their neural pathways.

  7. Holistic Approach: Healing from trauma often involves a holistic approach that combines therapy, self-care, and support. Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are designed to address the neurological and emotional impacts of trauma.

  8. Recovery and Growth: While trauma can have lasting effects, the brain’s plasticity allows for the potential to reshape neural pathways and develop healthier coping mechanisms. With time, therapeutic interventions, and self-awareness, individuals can work towards restoring balance and function to their brain’s architecture.

Problem Solving

  1. Importance of Problem-Solving: Problem-solving is a critical skill that helps us navigate various situations and challenges in our lives. It involves identifying issues, generating potential solutions, evaluating their effectiveness, and implementing the best course of action.

  2. Being Present and Focused: Successful problem-solving requires being present in the moment and maintaining focus on the task at hand. This means setting aside distractions, managing stress, and dedicating your attention to analyzing and addressing the issue.

  3. Adaptability to Curve Balls: Life is unpredictable, and unexpected challenges (curve balls) can arise at any time. Being adaptable and open to change is essential for effectively dealing with these curve balls. It’s about acknowledging the new situation and adjusting your problem-solving approach accordingly.

  4. Seeing the Light at the End of the Tunnel: Maintaining a positive outlook and envisioning a positive outcome, even during difficult times, can provide motivation and hope. Visualizing a “light at the end of the tunnel” encourages you to persevere and work towards a better future.

  5. Clear Steps for Positive Outcomes: Developing a step-by-step plan to address challenges helps break down overwhelming situations into manageable tasks. Each step taken toward a positive outcome contributes to a sense of progress and achievement.

  6. Resilience and Coping: The ability to see the light at the end of the tunnel is a form of resilience. Resilience involves bouncing back from adversity, learning from setbacks, and using challenges as opportunities for growth. It’s about finding strength and motivation even when faced with difficult circumstances.

  7. Strategies for Problem-Solving: Effective problem-solving involves various strategies, such as brainstorming, considering different perspectives, seeking advice from others, breaking down complex problems, and testing solutions through trial and error.

  8. Mindset and Optimism: Cultivating a positive mindset and maintaining optimism can significantly impact how you approach challenges. A positive attitude can enhance creativity, foster resilience, and improve your overall problem-solving abilities.

  9. Seeking Support: While individual problem-solving is important, seeking support from friends, family, mentors, or professionals can provide additional perspectives and insights. Collaborative problem-solving can lead to more well-rounded solutions.

  10. Learning and Growth: Embracing challenges and effectively solving problems can lead to personal and professional growth. Each problem you overcome adds to your experience and skillset, making you better equipped to handle future obstacles.

Social Skills

Being part of a group comes naturally to us as humans. We’re wired to want connections and relationships, especially with people we’re close to. And guess what? Having good social skills is like having a secret weapon for making this happen and growing in a positive way.

Imagine social situations as a kind of puzzle, with lots of different pieces. If we understand how these pieces fit together, we can build relationships that really mean something. Social skills are like the tools in our toolbox that help us build these awesome connections.

It’s like this: when we get what’s going on in social situations and know how to react, it’s easier to get along with others. And when we’re good at understanding and respecting others, it helps everyone feel included and appreciated.

But here’s the thing: while we’re busy getting along with others, we shouldn’t forget who we are. Keeping a strong sense of ourselves and knowing where we fit in is just as important. It’s like having a sturdy anchor while sailing on the social seas.

So, remember, having great social skills is like having a superpower for making friends and building relationships that feel just right. It’s about being yourself, understanding others, and creating a place where everyone belongs.

Confidence

Confidence is a powerful force that can be shaped by our inner thoughts and feelings. Our inner world can either uplift us or hold us back. By cultivating strong motivations and seeking knowledge about our internal landscape, we gain a deeper understanding of what can chip away at our confidence. Armed with this understanding, we can tackle situations with a newfound assurance and navigate the obstacles that come our way.

Think of it like this: when we recognize the things that boost our confidence and the factors that diminish it, we can take charge of our own journey. Learning about ourselves and our triggers equips us to step into various situations with a stronger sense of self and purpose. It’s like having a map that guides us through the challenges and uncertainties.

So, by investing in self-awareness and learning from our experiences, we build a reservoir of inner strength. This inner strength empowers us to confidently face life’s twists and turns, knowing that we have the tools to overcome the hurdles and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.