Knowledge to explore.
Support to understand.
Welcome to the resource library at Smiling Hearts And Minds. Explore information about counselling, mental wellbeing, therapy tools, professional reflection and spiritual care.
Whether you are seeking personal understanding or professional learning, you can begin with the topics most relevant to you.
Reflect.
Understand.
Thoughtful information. Meaningful questions. Clearer next steps.
Small tools for
thoughtful reflection.
Practical prompts for preparing, reflecting and communicating your needs. These tools are educational and do not replace individual professional care.
A Personal Check-In
A few gentle questions to help notice what matters to you.
Read the Guide
- What has been on my mind recently?
- What has felt difficult or particularly important?
- What kind of support would I find useful?
You do not need to answer every question.
Preparing for Your First Session
Understand what you might wish to ask before beginning counselling.
Read the Guide
- Ask about fees, session length and cancellation conditions.
- Discuss confidentiality and its limitations.
- Share any language or communication preferences.
There is no need to prepare a complete personal history before an initial enquiry.
Getting Ready for Telehealth
Simple practical steps for participating in a private online session.
Read the Checklist
- Check your internet connection and device.
- Choose a quiet, private space.
- Review joining instructions.
- Discuss any privacy or technology concerns.
Online care may not be appropriate for every service or circumstance.
Understanding mental
health and care.
Explore the purpose of counselling, psychotherapy and EMDR, and learn more about your options for support.
Understanding Counselling & Psychotherapy
Learn about professional conversations addressing emotional distress, relationships, grief and life changes.
Explore ResourceWhat to Know About EMDR Therapy
Understand EMDR as a structured psychotherapy approach involving assessment, preparation and individual suitability.
Explore ResourceMental Health & Wellbeing
Explore SHM’s approaches to psychological and emotional wellbeing, including available support pathways.
Explore Resource
Explore information.
Keep learning.
Resources for understanding SHM’s services, participating in professional learning and finding an appropriate starting point.
Exploring SHM Services
Compare the different areas of support SHM offers for individuals, professionals and teams.
Explore ServicesProfessional Development & Events
Discover SHM’s professional learning themes and information about upcoming activities.
Explore PD & EventsQuestions Before Making an Enquiry
Understand how to ask about suitability, availability, fees, confidentiality and practical arrangements.
Read Common Questions
Supporting reflective
professional practice.
Explore clinical supervision, ethical reflection, practitioner wellbeing and ongoing professional learning.
Understanding Clinical Supervision
Learn about reflective support for clinical work, ethical responsibilities and professional development.
Explore SupervisionSupport for Helping Professionals
Explore reflective practice, supervision arrangements and professional services relevant to your role.
For ProfessionalsLearning, Reflection & Development
Explore professional education topics, workshops and future SHM events.
Explore Learning
Space for meaning,
hope and questions.
Respectful information for exploring meaning, grief, values and spiritual or existential concerns.
Understanding Spiritual Care
Spiritual care may offer space to explore loss, uncertainty, hope, beliefs and meaning. It welcomes people from religious, spiritual and non-religious backgrounds.
Explore Spiritual CareQuestions for reflection
Consider the values, relationships or experiences that feel meaningful in your life.
Reflect on people, practices, beliefs or places that offer comfort or connection.
Some questions about loss, identity or meaning do not have immediate or simple answers.
Good questions
are welcome.
Find answers about SHM’s services, Telehealth, language options and getting started.
Are these resources a substitute for professional therapy?
No. These resources provide general educational information. They do not replace individual assessment, diagnosis or treatment.
Does SHM provide Telehealth counselling?
Yes. SHM offers Telehealth counselling and psychotherapy by appointment, alongside in-person services in St Albans, Melbourne. Suitability and availability are discussed before booking.
Is counselling available in Vietnamese?
Individual counselling and psychotherapy enquiries are welcome in English and Vietnamese. Please indicate your preferred language when contacting SHM.
Do I need a GP referral?
A GP referral is generally not required for privately funded counselling or psychotherapy. Some funding arrangements may have different eligibility requirements.
How do I begin with SHM?
You can make an enquiry describing the service you are interested in. SHM can then discuss suitability, availability and relevant next steps.
Knowing where
to turn matters.
The following independent Australian organisations provide crisis support, mental health information or assistance accessing appropriate services. They are not operated by SHM.
Lifeline
13 11 14Free, confidential crisis support for people experiencing distress or difficulty coping. Telephone support is available 24 hours a day.
Visit LifelineBeyond Blue
1300 22 4636Mental health information and counselling support for people experiencing emotional distress, anxiety or depression.
Visit Beyond BlueMedicare Mental Health
1800 595 212Free assistance connecting with mental health services. Phone service: weekdays, 8:30am–5:00pm, excluding public holidays. This is not a crisis hotline.
Visit Medicare Mental Health1800RESPECT
1800 737 732The national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Telephone support is available 24/7.
Visit 1800RESPECTImportant: SHM is not an emergency or crisis response service. If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. For 24-hour crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. External service details may change; check each organisation’s official website for current information.
Understanding can begin
with a conversation.
Have questions about counselling, psychotherapy, EMDR therapy, spiritual care or professional learning? We welcome an initial enquiry to discuss appropriate next steps.