Supporting the whole person, not just the symptom

Mental health is just as important as physical health, says the medical director of The Mother Hub, Dr Sarah Bombell.

“Our mental health services are provided by Dr Liz Layard, a clinical psychologist and Naomi, a dual-trained midwife and counsellor,” she says. 

“Together they support clients across a wide range of needs, including perinatal anxiety and depression, adjustment challenges, grief and loss, birth trauma, and general emotional wellbeing.” 

With services tailored to women and families, Dr Bombell says they recognise the challenges of pregnancy, early parenthood and beyond. 

“We believe healing begins the moment a client feels truly seen and heard,” she says. 

“A patient may come to us for help with postnatal issues, but often their emotional wellbeing is just as pressing.

“By offering mental health alongside physical care under one roof, we ensure clients don’t fall through the cracks.”

Designed to reduce stigma and make care more accessible, Dr Bombell says this model allows them to support the whole person, not just the symptom. 

Ultimately, she says prioritising mental health is not a luxury, it’s essential. 

“We want to continue breaking down barriers so that reaching for support is as normal as seeing a GP for a check up,” she says.

“We also want people to know that recovery and resilience are possible.”

The Mother Hub, 175 Strickland Crescent, Deakin, call 6196 6722 or visit themotherhub.com.au 

Natasha helps women fix their money relationship

Women With Cents was started in 2016 by money coach Natasha Janssens, initially, she says, as a financial education platform.

“After years of running workshops and online courses for women, I published my first book ‘Wonder Woman’s Guide to Money’ in 2019,” she says.

“I quickly realised that women needed more than just financial education. They needed support with navigating financial anxiety, indecision, and the pressures of societal expectations.”

Natasha says research has found that personal finances are the leading cause of stress in Australia, and that women in particular have a lack of confidence when making financial decisions.

“There are so many factors that affect a woman’s relationship with money. Childhood trauma, social conditioning, gender pay gap, these all play a part.

“I grew up in war-torn Yugoslavia, and came to Australia by myself at 18. I know all too well the impact that childhood trauma can have on our financial decisions as adults.

“Couples often respond to financial stress in very different ways, making it harder to communicate effectively.

“People don’t talk about their financial challenges because they fear judgement and we often carry a lot of shame – regardless of our income.

“So, now I work with women and couples to support them to transform their relationship with money and get on the same page.”

Women With Cents, visit womenwithcents.com.au

Shilpa loves to help her clients become their fabulous self

Many people struggle with feelings of negative self worth and imposter syndrome, says applied behavioural scientist, global leadership coach and therapist, Shilpa Limsay.

She says she too had struggled with low self-esteem issues, but has worked through it. 

Now she’s bringing her life experience to the forefront of her work by presenting an “I Am Fabulous” workshop. 

“It’s my job to help people live life the way they’d like to live for themselves,” she says. 

Working within the industry for more than 30 years, Shilpa says her passion for her work has snowballed as she continues to dive deeper and deeper in ways to help people. 

“I originally started working in marketing as a business consultant and had worked with lots of high-profile figures,” she says. 

“I noticed that people would open up to me and I made the connection that people really just want to be listened to and heard.

“I wasn’t enjoying my work, so I made the jump by following my heart and going back to study therapy.”

Shilpa has worked globally, from the US, Asia, Europe, India to Canberra, and says she hopes to continue her work in psychosomatic issues, by helping people heal emotionally.

“Many people are unconsciously aware of how immune disorders may be inflamed by stress, anxiety or chronic issues,” she says. 

“This happens after emotions have been repressed for decades, causing physical symptoms.”

Shilpa hopes to offer more workshops tackling similar issues in the future. 

Balance Partners, email [email protected] or visit balancepartners.com.au 

A ‘sanctuary’ to reconnect, recharge and restore

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget to slow down. 

At City Cave Canberra invites clients to pause, breathe and reset with a range of restorative experiences that nurture both body and mind.

“Start your wellness journey with our float tank,” a City Cave therapist says.

Designed to calm the nervous system and ease tired muscles, the magnesium-rich float causes the body to float, which they say helps quiet the mind and restore natural balance. 

He then recommends clients step into their sauna, where gentle infrared heat works deep within to cleanse, recharge and promote recovery. 

“The warmth helps detoxify the body, boost circulation and leaves you feeling refreshed from the inside out,” they say.

Finally, they recommend clients finish their day by unwinding with their massage services. 

“City Cave’s experienced therapists tailor each session to meet your needs, leaving you feeling lighter and more at ease,” they say. 

Now offering infrared to their sauna services for $10, they say the red-light enhancement penetrates the skin to improve circulation, aid muscle recovery, reduce wrinkles and promote a natural, healthy glow.  

“Whether you’re seeking relief from stress, support for physical recovery or simply a moment of calm, City Cave Canberra offers the perfect sanctuary to recharge and restore your wellbeing,” they say. 

City Cave Canberra, 11 Moore Street, Canberra, call 0493 594242 or visit citycave.com.au 

Where stress can be managed and healing is possible

Kinesiology and mind body medicine professional, Jodie Evans says between work, family, constant technology usage and the demands of modern life, bodies and minds can often get stuck in a cycle of tension and overwhelm. 

“Prolonged stress doesn’t just affect mood,” she says. 

“It can impact sleep, digestion, energy, immunity and even accelerate ageing.

“The good news is that stress can be managed and healing is possible.”

At Woden Wellness Centre, Jodie says they take an integrated approach by offering therapies that nurture both body and mind. 

“Craniosacral therapy and myofascial release work gently yet effectively to calm the nervous system, ease restrictions in the body and release long-held tension, creating more space for relaxation and physical balance,” she says. 

“Counselling provides a safe space to explore the emotional roots of stress, offering tools and strategies for resilience.” 

Jodie’s own speciality, kinesiology, works with the body’s innate intelligence through muscle monitoring, which helps to uncover and release underlying stressors (whether physical, emotional or energetic) while supporting nervous system regulation. 

“These therapies recognise the powerful connection between mind and body,” she says. 

“By addressing stress on multiple levels, they create lasting change, helping you move from survival mode into a state of calm, clarity and vitality.”

Jodie says it is important to know that support is available if stress has become a daily part of life. 

“With the right care, you can release tension, restore balance and rediscover your natural capacity for wellbeing,” she says. 

Woden Wellness Centre, Unit 2, Gadal Chambers, 48 Corinna Street, Woden, call 6281 5494 or visit wodenwellness.com.au