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Why That Comment From Your Partner Bothered You So Much: Understanding the SCARF Model

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with someone you love feeling unaccountably rattled — and then spent the rest of the day trying to work out why? You weren't imagining it, and you weren't being “too sensitive.” Your brain was doing exactly what it evolved to do.Neuroscientist David Rock developed a simple but powerful framework called SCARF to explain why certain moments in our closest relationships can trigger a surprisingly strong stress response — while others leave us fe...

New post: My Sleep-Support Tips

Supplements: Take 1/2 hour before bed1. Radiance (brand) Tart Cherry Sleep - natural form of melatonin (take double the recommended dose) - clock reset.2. Magnesium (glycinate) (1 x tablet)3. Clinicians Sleep support and/or4. Clinicians REM sleep (x 2 tablets).5. Nordic Naturals (Omega 3) double the recommended dose6. Nutralife (brand) Gut heath pre and probiotic.7. Clinicians Vitamin C (powder).Blue screens (Phone/computer etc)1. Avoid 2 hours before you want to go to sleep.2. Do not have TV/el...

New post: Tips for recovery post-TBI

These are some of the things I have done to recover after concussions:. I hope you find them helpful!Exercise:1. Swimming 3 x per week (build up to half an hour of continuous movement – swimming or walking in the water).2. Walking 30 minutes minimum per day, 7 days per week.3. Yoga – Yin Yoga once or twice per week.4. Pilates – reformer class once per week plus re-training my brain through primal movement training, and NKT (neurokinetic therapy).Brain gym:Download the full version of the b...

Paula Moneypenny as featured in Mindfood January 2026: Understanding Narrative Therapy

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Supporting Kids Through Tough Times - Support tips for Kiwi Parents for back-to-school anxiety (for children, teens, and neurodiverse kids)

With schools across Aotearoa heading back next week, many parents are noticing a familiar mix of emotions in their children — and in themselves. Excitement can sit alongside tears at bedtime, worries about friends, resistance to school routines, or big emotions that seem to come out of nowhere....

New post: Narrative Therapy

I began my career as a high school teacher—a role I loved, but one that left me feeling trapped by long hours, emotional demands, and constant pressure. After eight years, I experienced burnout, largely because I was expected to be the “expert” with all the answers. I realised I needed a change, not just in my job, but in my approach to work and life.Seeking a new direction, I undertook a Master of Counselling at the University of Waikato. There, I learned how narrative therapy helps peopl...