Dr Daniel Shaw
@drdanielshaw.bsky.social
Counselling and Clinical Psychologist
2025 is ending with a heavy sigh for Australia. 🇦🇺 If you’re feeling the "fracture," here’s how to build a defiant architecture of hope. 👇 links.shawpsychology.com/ar...
The Defiant Architecture of Hope: Reclaiming Agency in an Age of Systemic Fracture
As 2025 draws to a close, Australia faces a unique fracture of safety and trust. Dr Daniel Shaw offers a clinical roadmap for building a defiant architecture of hope.
links.shawpsychology.com
December 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM
2025 is ending with a heavy sigh for Australia. 🇦🇺 If you’re feeling the "fracture," here’s how to build a defiant architecture of hope. 👇 links.shawpsychology.com/ar...
New on the blog: Bridging the gap between neurobiology and empathy. 🧠 We explore the "Stuck Signal" in the OCD brain and how ERP helps "re-wire" the alarm system. A guide for Melburnians seeking a path forward.
🔗 links.shawpsychology.com/sm...
🔗 links.shawpsychology.com/sm...
“Why Can’t I Just Stop?” Understanding the Stuck Signal in the OCD Brain
Many people with OCD feel that their inability to “just stop” is a failure of willpower. But clinical research shows that OCD is actually a neurobiological “stuck signal” in the brain’s worry circuit. Discover the science behind the intrusive thought
links.shawpsychology.com
December 21, 2025 at 10:35 PM
New on the blog: Bridging the gap between neurobiology and empathy. 🧠 We explore the "Stuck Signal" in the OCD brain and how ERP helps "re-wire" the alarm system. A guide for Melburnians seeking a path forward.
🔗 links.shawpsychology.com/sm...
🔗 links.shawpsychology.com/sm...
Published a new, client-facing guide on OCD themes. 🧠 It's a stigma-busting piece to help clients with "un-speakable" intrusive thoughts (e.g., Harm, POCD, Scrupulosity) understand that their experience is a known part of the disorder.
What Are the 'Themes' of OCD? (And Why the Content Doesn't Matter)
The theme of your OCD is a disguise. Learn about Harm, Contamination, and Pure O, and why the content is irrelevant.
links.shawpsychology.com
November 27, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Published a new, client-facing guide on OCD themes. 🧠 It's a stigma-busting piece to help clients with "un-speakable" intrusive thoughts (e.g., Harm, POCD, Scrupulosity) understand that their experience is a known part of the disorder.
It's common for clients to mislabel compulsive behaviours as 'habits' or 'quirks.' The key diagnostic difference is the function of the behaviour: is it for efficiency, or is it to neutralise an obsessive, ego-dystonic thought?
📄https://links.shawpsychology.com/quirk-ocd-bsky #OCD #MentalHealth
📄https://links.shawpsychology.com/quirk-ocd-bsky #OCD #MentalHealth
Is It a Quirk or OCD? Understanding the Difference Between a Habit and a Compulsion
We all have habits and quirks. But when do they cross the line into OCD? The difference isn't the action, but the reason you're doing it. A habit is for efficiency; a compulsion is driven by intense…
links.shawpsychology.com
November 27, 2025 at 3:41 AM
It's common for clients to mislabel compulsive behaviours as 'habits' or 'quirks.' The key diagnostic difference is the function of the behaviour: is it for efficiency, or is it to neutralise an obsessive, ego-dystonic thought?
📄https://links.shawpsychology.com/quirk-ocd-bsky #OCD #MentalHealth
📄https://links.shawpsychology.com/quirk-ocd-bsky #OCD #MentalHealth
Our new guide is a compassionate resource that explains:
✅ What OCD really is (and isn't).
🧠 The difference between obsessions (the thoughts) and compulsions (the rituals).
You are not your OCD. Read our guide to understand the path to recovery: bit.ly/4h8B9Gk #OCDAwareness #MelbourneHealth
✅ What OCD really is (and isn't).
🧠 The difference between obsessions (the thoughts) and compulsions (the rituals).
You are not your OCD. Read our guide to understand the path to recovery: bit.ly/4h8B9Gk #OCDAwareness #MelbourneHealth
November 13, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Our new guide is a compassionate resource that explains:
✅ What OCD really is (and isn't).
🧠 The difference between obsessions (the thoughts) and compulsions (the rituals).
You are not your OCD. Read our guide to understand the path to recovery: bit.ly/4h8B9Gk #OCDAwareness #MelbourneHealth
✅ What OCD really is (and isn't).
🧠 The difference between obsessions (the thoughts) and compulsions (the rituals).
You are not your OCD. Read our guide to understand the path to recovery: bit.ly/4h8B9Gk #OCDAwareness #MelbourneHealth
Published the final article in our behavioural addictions series. This one looks at the more socially acceptable compulsions: shopping, social media, and exercise, applying the 6-component model of addiction to each: bit.ly/4mrBAfT
#CompulsiveBehavior #AddictionRecovery #MelbourneHealth
#CompulsiveBehavior #AddictionRecovery #MelbourneHealth
November 7, 2025 at 3:36 AM
Published the final article in our behavioural addictions series. This one looks at the more socially acceptable compulsions: shopping, social media, and exercise, applying the 6-component model of addiction to each: bit.ly/4mrBAfT
#CompulsiveBehavior #AddictionRecovery #MelbourneHealth
#CompulsiveBehavior #AddictionRecovery #MelbourneHealth
Published a convenient, skills-based article for clients in addiction recovery. It details evidence-based techniques like Urge Surfing (mindfulness) and challenging cognitive distortions (CBT) in a client-friendly format: bit.ly/47RfkZA
#AddictionRecoverySkills #MentalHealthTools #MelbourneHealth
#AddictionRecoverySkills #MentalHealthTools #MelbourneHealth
October 31, 2025 at 3:22 AM
Published a convenient, skills-based article for clients in addiction recovery. It details evidence-based techniques like Urge Surfing (mindfulness) and challenging cognitive distortions (CBT) in a client-friendly format: bit.ly/47RfkZA
#AddictionRecoverySkills #MentalHealthTools #MelbourneHealth
#AddictionRecoverySkills #MentalHealthTools #MelbourneHealth
Falling for an AI chatbot? The Conversation says "don't judge," and The Guardian says the experience is "unnerving." We argue both are right. It's a symptom of loneliness, but the product is a real risk to our social skills: bit.ly/42UdpzZ #AI #Psychology #Loneliness #MentalHealth
October 30, 2025 at 6:15 AM
Falling for an AI chatbot? The Conversation says "don't judge," and The Guardian says the experience is "unnerving." We argue both are right. It's a symptom of loneliness, but the product is a real risk to our social skills: bit.ly/42UdpzZ #AI #Psychology #Loneliness #MentalHealth
Ever wondered why it's so hard to find a registered psychologist's opinion online, but your feed is full of "healers" making wild promises? There's a reason for that. AHPRA's new social media policies are making it difficult for ethical, trained professionals, and we're concerned. bit.ly/49esEHO
October 28, 2025 at 10:15 PM
Ever wondered why it's so hard to find a registered psychologist's opinion online, but your feed is full of "healers" making wild promises? There's a reason for that. AHPRA's new social media policies are making it difficult for ethical, trained professionals, and we're concerned. bit.ly/49esEHO
How do you help an adult child with a problem they won't admit, in an area of their life you can't control? Worrying about an adult child's porn use is a uniquely powerless and painful experience for parents. You don't have to carry this burden alone: buff.ly/jAAf9Cc
#MentalHealthSupport
#MentalHealthSupport
October 23, 2025 at 10:23 PM
How do you help an adult child with a problem they won't admit, in an area of their life you can't control? Worrying about an adult child's porn use is a uniquely powerless and painful experience for parents. You don't have to carry this burden alone: buff.ly/jAAf9Cc
#MentalHealthSupport
#MentalHealthSupport
The new "National Standard on Bullying" has been announced, backed by $10 million. It sounds good, but the report is a necessary first draft, not a final solution. Read our full analysis: bit.ly/4hmYW5q
#AntiBullying #ChildMentalHealth #SchoolBullying #EducationPolicy #MelbourneHealth
#AntiBullying #ChildMentalHealth #SchoolBullying #EducationPolicy #MelbourneHealth
The $10 Million Blueprint: Why Australia's Anti-Bullying 'Reset' is a Necessary, but Critically Under-Powered, First Step
The new National Anti-Bullying Report is a critical first step, but it's not a solution. We offer an in-depth critical analysis of its three biggest weaknesses: the symbolic $10M budget, its…
www.shawpsychology.com
October 23, 2025 at 10:16 PM
The new "National Standard on Bullying" has been announced, backed by $10 million. It sounds good, but the report is a necessary first draft, not a final solution. Read our full analysis: bit.ly/4hmYW5q
#AntiBullying #ChildMentalHealth #SchoolBullying #EducationPolicy #MelbourneHealth
#AntiBullying #ChildMentalHealth #SchoolBullying #EducationPolicy #MelbourneHealth
Coercive control is more than just a 'toxic relationship'. It's a pattern of abuse, and it's now a crime in NSW. Read our guide to understand the path to safety and recovery. bit.ly/47yKjsv
#CoerciveControl #EmotionalAbuse #Gaslighting #MentalHealthSupport #YouAreNotAlone #MelbourneHealth
#CoerciveControl #EmotionalAbuse #Gaslighting #MentalHealthSupport #YouAreNotAlone #MelbourneHealth
Beyond the Bruises: Why Criminalising Coercive Control is a Watershed Moment for Australian Psychology
The criminalisation of coercive control is a landmark legal shift. But what does it mean psychologically? We explore how coercive control works to dismantle a person's identity, the role of trauma…
www.shawpsychology.com
October 21, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Coercive control is more than just a 'toxic relationship'. It's a pattern of abuse, and it's now a crime in NSW. Read our guide to understand the path to safety and recovery. bit.ly/47yKjsv
#CoerciveControl #EmotionalAbuse #Gaslighting #MentalHealthSupport #YouAreNotAlone #MelbourneHealth
#CoerciveControl #EmotionalAbuse #Gaslighting #MentalHealthSupport #YouAreNotAlone #MelbourneHealth
It's one of the most dreaded moments for any parent of a teen in the digital age. How do you talk about pornography? Yelling and shaming will only shut them down. This isn't about judgment; it's about connection and guidance: buff.ly/BW3R6rL
#MelbourneParents #MentalHealthSupport
#MelbourneParents #MentalHealthSupport
October 16, 2025 at 10:23 PM
It's one of the most dreaded moments for any parent of a teen in the digital age. How do you talk about pornography? Yelling and shaming will only shut them down. This isn't about judgment; it's about connection and guidance: buff.ly/BW3R6rL
#MelbourneParents #MentalHealthSupport
#MelbourneParents #MentalHealthSupport
Published a foundational pillar article on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It's a client-facing guide that demystifies obsessions vs. compulsions and explains the mechanism of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. bit.ly/4h8B9Gk #OCD #Psychology #Melbourne #ERP
October 16, 2025 at 10:16 PM
Published a foundational pillar article on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It's a client-facing guide that demystifies obsessions vs. compulsions and explains the mechanism of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. bit.ly/4h8B9Gk #OCD #Psychology #Melbourne #ERP
The hidden side of porn addiction is the immense pain it causes partners. It's more than just a lie; it's a betrayal that can shatter your sense of reality and self-worth. You don't have to go through this alone: buff.ly/UOV13D9
#PartnerOfAnPornAddict #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
#PartnerOfAnPornAddict #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
October 9, 2025 at 10:23 PM
The hidden side of porn addiction is the immense pain it causes partners. It's more than just a lie; it's a betrayal that can shatter your sense of reality and self-worth. You don't have to go through this alone: buff.ly/UOV13D9
#PartnerOfAnPornAddict #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
#PartnerOfAnPornAddict #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
It's a secret that can destroy relationships, self-esteem, and your connection to the real world. Pornography addiction is a real and growing problem, and the shame surrounding it often keeps people from seeking help. If you're ready to break the cycle:
buff.ly/cj231Pp
#PornAddictionRecovery
buff.ly/cj231Pp
#PornAddictionRecovery
October 2, 2025 at 11:23 PM
It's a secret that can destroy relationships, self-esteem, and your connection to the real world. Pornography addiction is a real and growing problem, and the shame surrounding it often keeps people from seeking help. If you're ready to break the cycle:
buff.ly/cj231Pp
#PornAddictionRecovery
buff.ly/cj231Pp
#PornAddictionRecovery
It's a unique kind of pain to watch your adult child's life be consumed by a video game. You can't ground them or take the console away. So, what can you do? You can't control their choices, but you can change your response. Read our guide.
buff.ly/nSquRIS
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthSupport
buff.ly/nSquRIS
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthSupport
September 25, 2025 at 11:23 PM
It's a unique kind of pain to watch your adult child's life be consumed by a video game. You can't ground them or take the console away. So, what can you do? You can't control their choices, but you can change your response. Read our guide.
buff.ly/nSquRIS
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthSupport
buff.ly/nSquRIS
#AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthSupport
As a parent, it's terrifying when your child starts to disappear into a video game, leaving their schoolwork, friends, and family behind. The constant fights can leave you feeling exhausted and hopeless. You don't have to deal with this alone. Read the guide.
buff.ly/BX2rLqd
#GamingAddictionSupport
buff.ly/BX2rLqd
#GamingAddictionSupport
September 18, 2025 at 11:16 PM
As a parent, it's terrifying when your child starts to disappear into a video game, leaving their schoolwork, friends, and family behind. The constant fights can leave you feeling exhausted and hopeless. You don't have to deal with this alone. Read the guide.
buff.ly/BX2rLqd
#GamingAddictionSupport
buff.ly/BX2rLqd
#GamingAddictionSupport
Published a guide for clinicians and parents on a tough topic: how to talk to teenagers about pornography. The approach is strategic, non-shaming, and focused on maintaining an open line of communication.
buff.ly/BW3R6rL
#ParentingAdvice #DigitalParenting #Teens #Melbourne #MentalHealthSupport
buff.ly/BW3R6rL
#ParentingAdvice #DigitalParenting #Teens #Melbourne #MentalHealthSupport
September 2, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Published a guide for clinicians and parents on a tough topic: how to talk to teenagers about pornography. The approach is strategic, non-shaming, and focused on maintaining an open line of communication.
buff.ly/BW3R6rL
#ParentingAdvice #DigitalParenting #Teens #Melbourne #MentalHealthSupport
buff.ly/BW3R6rL
#ParentingAdvice #DigitalParenting #Teens #Melbourne #MentalHealthSupport
Published a resource on a topic that requires immense sensitivity: supporting the partners of porn addicts. It's framed around the concept of betrayal trauma and focuses on the partner's own, independent path to healing. buff.ly/UOV13D9
#PornAddiction #BetrayalTrauma #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
#PornAddiction #BetrayalTrauma #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
August 31, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Published a resource on a topic that requires immense sensitivity: supporting the partners of porn addicts. It's framed around the concept of betrayal trauma and focuses on the partner's own, independent path to healing. buff.ly/UOV13D9
#PornAddiction #BetrayalTrauma #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
#PornAddiction #BetrayalTrauma #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
Published a clinical, non-judgmental guide to pornography addiction. It focuses on the signs, the underlying psychological mechanisms, and the evidence-based therapeutic pathways to recovery.
buff.ly/cj231Pp
#PornAddictionRecovery #BreakTheCycle #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
buff.ly/cj231Pp
#PornAddictionRecovery #BreakTheCycle #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
August 28, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Published a clinical, non-judgmental guide to pornography addiction. It focuses on the signs, the underlying psychological mechanisms, and the evidence-based therapeutic pathways to recovery.
buff.ly/cj231Pp
#PornAddictionRecovery #BreakTheCycle #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
buff.ly/cj231Pp
#PornAddictionRecovery #BreakTheCycle #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
Published a guide addressing the very specific, painful challenge of having an adult child with a gaming disorder. The focus is on the parents' role, moving from control to influence by tackling enabling behaviours. buff.ly/nSquRIS
#ParentingAdults #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
#ParentingAdults #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
August 26, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Published a guide addressing the very specific, painful challenge of having an adult child with a gaming disorder. The focus is on the parents' role, moving from control to influence by tackling enabling behaviours. buff.ly/nSquRIS
#ParentingAdults #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
#ParentingAdults #AddictionRecovery #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
Published a practical guide for parents dealing with adolescent gaming disorder. It moves beyond "just take it away" and focuses on family-based, collaborative strategies, drawing on principles of family therapy.
buff.ly/BX2rLqd
#ParentingTeens #GamingAddictionSupport #Melbourne
buff.ly/BX2rLqd
#ParentingTeens #GamingAddictionSupport #Melbourne
August 24, 2025 at 11:23 PM
Published a practical guide for parents dealing with adolescent gaming disorder. It moves beyond "just take it away" and focuses on family-based, collaborative strategies, drawing on principles of family therapy.
buff.ly/BX2rLqd
#ParentingTeens #GamingAddictionSupport #Melbourne
buff.ly/BX2rLqd
#ParentingTeens #GamingAddictionSupport #Melbourne
Published a resource for the often-overlooked person in a gaming addiction scenario: the partner. It focuses on the partner's experience, setting boundaries, and the importance of their mental health support. buff.ly/1ZDGjCK
#PartnerOfAnAddict #RelationshipAdvice #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
#PartnerOfAnAddict #RelationshipAdvice #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
August 21, 2025 at 11:16 PM
Published a resource for the often-overlooked person in a gaming addiction scenario: the partner. It focuses on the partner's experience, setting boundaries, and the importance of their mental health support. buff.ly/1ZDGjCK
#PartnerOfAnAddict #RelationshipAdvice #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
#PartnerOfAnAddict #RelationshipAdvice #MentalHealthSupport #Melbourne
Published an in-depth guide to Internet Gaming Disorder, based on WHO criteria and clinical resources. It explores the signs, the "why," and the therapeutic path to getting gaming back into a healthy balance.
buff.ly/yipIO3q
#GamingAddiction #MentalHealthSupport #Gamers #BreakTheCycle #Melbourne
buff.ly/yipIO3q
#GamingAddiction #MentalHealthSupport #Gamers #BreakTheCycle #Melbourne
August 19, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Published an in-depth guide to Internet Gaming Disorder, based on WHO criteria and clinical resources. It explores the signs, the "why," and the therapeutic path to getting gaming back into a healthy balance.
buff.ly/yipIO3q
#GamingAddiction #MentalHealthSupport #Gamers #BreakTheCycle #Melbourne
buff.ly/yipIO3q
#GamingAddiction #MentalHealthSupport #Gamers #BreakTheCycle #Melbourne