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Compassion and empathy

Photo of two women in front of a wall mural showing men reading newspapers, with a construction worker nearby.

Communication and language

guide

How to have more meaningful conversations

Be brave enough to share, kind enough to listen, and you can escape the shallows of small talk to dive deep with another

by Lucy Foulkes

Painting of two people sitting at a table with blurred green foliage in the background, one person resting their head.

Friendship

guide

How to support a struggling friend

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say or do. Use these five strategies for providing effective emotional support

by Elise Kalokerinos

Expressionist painting of two figures; one in a striped robe with a pipe, the other seated in a dress, both vibrant colours.

Conflict and conflict resolution

guide

How to have a difficult conversation

Avoidance will only foster more conflict. Aim for a shared understanding with these techniques from an expert mediator

by Adar Cohen

Painting of a contemplative woman in a brown dress holding flowers, with a mountainous landscape and church in the background.

Shame and guilt

guide

How to forgive yourself

Finding it hard to move past a hurtful mistake? With these steps toward repair and renewal, you can do and feel better

by Nathaniel Wade & Marilyn Cornish

Photo of a person wearing colourful striped socks and a sleeping tabby cat on a bed by a window with blue curtains.

Change and self-development

guide

How to be kinder to yourself

Self-compassion techniques aren’t self-indulgent – they’ll tame your inner critic while helping you change for the better

by Brooke Schwartz

Black and white photo of a woman leaning out of a window in a building with closed shutters.

Focus and attention

guide

How to wait well

Instead of fuming in subjugated irritation, turn wait times into chances to connect, muse and think big about the future

by Jason Farman

Photo of people viewing tall abstract sculptures in a dimly lit gallery with silhouetted artwork on the walls.

Compassion and empathy

guide

How to see the humanity in anyone

Practising a form of ‘deep curiosity’ can help you connect with yourself and others, even if they’re on the ‘other side’

by Scott Shigeoka

A steep road with a 1:4 gradient warning sign, flanked by greenery and hills under a clear blue sky.

Emotion regulation

guide

How to take the high road

When someone provokes you, it’s easy to react without thinking. Learn to slow down and respond in ways you’ll be proud of

by Alissa Hebbeln & Russell Kolts

Cherry blossom branches with white flowers and small green leaves against a plain white background.

Pain

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How to live well with persistent pain

Tools from acceptance and commitment therapy can help you sidestep the struggle against pain – and thrive, in spite of it

by Whitney Scott

Abstract painting of a figure in orange sitting by a window with light coming through.

Self-harm and suicide

guide

How to support someone who is self-harming

A person harming themselves is not attention-seeking but attention-needing. Reach in and show them you’re listening

by Rory O’Connor & Ellen Townsend

Photo of two children sitting on steps in front of a brick house with a bright yellow door, one wearing a hat.

Childhood and adolescence

guide

How to support kids to be brave

The desire to protect kids from uncomfortable situations is natural. But they need your help to grow into the unknown

by Sarah Rose Cavanagh

Painting of a man in a hat leaning on a table with a wine bottle and fruit, set against a brown background.

Addiction

guide

How to talk about someone’s substance use

Worried about someone’s drinking or drug use, but not sure what to say? There’s a counselling approach that can help

by K Michelle Peavy