Blended families are not a new concept and has been around since Biblical times. Families are all different and there's not one size fits all, and even though you may be ready to move on from your previous life, it's worth taking the time to blend our families well for the sake of children. Although slowing down may seem hard, it will have lasting results for your children over time. In this episode Sandy has 10 tips for blending two families well, and how we can help the children transition into a new stage of life. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

As parents, we often compare ourselves as parents and our parenting style to those around us.  Parenting is a tough gig that brings exhaustion, confusion, sacrifice, frustration and heartache.  It can also be the best thing that we've ever done - so how do we know that we are doing it right?  How do we know that we are good enough for our kids? In this episode Sandy looks at some different parenting styles and unpacks what parenting is and isn't.  You might just be surprised at what a great job you are doing! This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

Have you noticed that there seems to be less and less respect shown to others these days? People seem to feel as though they have a right to express what they want, however they want to whoever they want, rather than showing love, self-control, kindness and respect. In Proverbs it says that "kind words are like honey".  The words that come out of our mouths should be uplifting, so how can we live this out and show more respect to those around us? In this episode, Sandy has ten tips for how to be more respectful to others. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

Welcome back to a new season of So Many Answers With Sandy Oswald! In this episode we're tackling the topic of addiction and how we can manage any addictions we may have, as well as our addictive behaviour. Addiction can manifest in many forms - from comfort eating, self harm, pornography use, gaming, to gambling, shopping and excessive screen usage. Often these behaviours is a mask to numb or deny a certain feeling, and the use of these vices can lead to an addiction. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

There's a ton of different fad diets out in the market place - all offering miracle results and quick fixes. In this episode Sandy breaks down our health into simple messages that make it easy to get and stay healthy, no matter what our age. For more health conversations check out our bonus episode with dietician David Young - How Can I Make Decisions for Better Health? Or you can check out David's podcast Kingdom Health, available wherever you get your podcasts or on the 96five podcast page. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

We live in an age where we are all connected through technology, but statistics show that we have more people experiencing loneliness than ever before, as well as a generation who can struggle with communicating face to face. As humans, we're born to be social beings, but what happens when a friendship crumbles, and can create caution around moving forward in new friendships. In this episode Sandy is looking at some guidelines around friendships and things that can be happening in our relationships. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

When our kids grow up it's inevitable that things change, and our role as parents changes. Do we still need to "parent" our adult children? Is that even possible? In this episode we will be exploring this really big topic, and looking at ways we can form closer bonds with our children.  This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

Going through a time of grief or loss is a stage of life that we will all go through at some point. But sometimes it can be hard to know how to help those around us when they are going through that season.  In this episode Sandy will share a number of ways to help, and some things that we need to be aware of as we walk beside someone who is grieving. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

Do you feel like you're always staring at your phone?  A recent study in the US shows that American adults, on average, spend around four and a half hours on their phones every day! How can we break the cycle of phone addiction and get back to doing those things we love? Sandy has a number of tips for us in this episode. Topics discussed in this episode: Devise a plan for how and when you use your phone. The cycle of addiction. Monitoring our phone usage. Modelling good behaviour around phone usage to our kids. Training ourselves to slow down. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

It's so easy to be hard on ourselves, and be hyper-critical of things we do, or the  outcomes of our decisions. In this episode, Sandy is looking at ways that we can be a little easier on ourselves, which will lead to improved mental health. Topics discussed in this episode: Being hard on yourself is not healthy. Stop focusing on perceived weaknesses or failures. Creating a list of strengths and talents. Not focusing on the "what if". Taking time to heal properly. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

Just about all of us have some kind of insecurity about a particular area of our life.   Often we only fear things because of a lack of experience or knowledge.  So how can we overcome life's insecurities? Sandy will look at this topic today about how we can grow in this area. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

You don't have to be an economist to know that prices are going up on everything, and our incomes aren't going up at the same rate. What are some of the ways that we can cope when finances are limited and money is tight? That's the question that Sandy is answering today, and drawing on her own experiences from when times have been tough. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

So much of our lives are the in-between moments.  We're waiting for seasons to change or for new opportunities to come along. How we can we be patient and not get frustrated in these times?  That's the question Sandy is addressing on this episode of So Many Answers. Topics discussed in this episode: Not putting our lives on hold. Ways to not take the situation personally. Focusing on things we can do in the now. Controllable's and uncontrollable's.  Being calm and present. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

If anything in this episode triggers you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or get in touch with Sandy in the contact details below. Anger is generally a secondary emotion; that is, there's something else bubbling away under the surface that can lead us to respond to a situation in anger. If you, or someone you know is struggling with anger issues, Sandy has some great tips on how to let go of that anger in this episode. Topics discussed in this episode: We all can get angry, but why it's our response to that anger that matters. Analysing what makes us angry. Why some hurt people hurt others. Self reflection and slowing down emotions. How anger affects our lives. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

We all know that during our lifetime it won't always be easy, and we know that from time to time we will go through difficult times. In this episode, Sandy is looking at how we can navigate through life's storms, and come out the other side even stronger. Topics discussed in this episode: Not getting stuck in the 'why'. Changing our core self beliefs. Knowing where our place of safety is. Being grateful for what we have. Download the 3 Good Things app for iPhone or Android. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

We're back with Season 3 of the So Many Answers podcast! A big thanks to the podcast aggregator Feedspot, who named So Many Answers as the best Australian counselling podcast to listen to in 2024! Every day we're confronted with decisions to make; some big and some small.  But how can we improve our decision making process, and what are some tips to help in making those really difficult life decisions? Topics discussed in this episode: Aligning our decisions with the will of God. Slowing our decision making down. Putting the correct weight on our decisions. Making decisions in marriage. Taking risks. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

It's one of the most common questions that Christians ask - how do I know if I'm doing the will of God? Are we actually living out the life that God intended for us? Topics discussed: Keeping close to God. Enjoying the journey. Finding the right vocation for us. Letting go of regret and focusing on the future. What happens to us versus what happens in us. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs we can do - it's tiring, often we can feel unappreciated as parents, and sometimes we can get easily frustrated. In this podcast, Sandy is looking at some ways that we can be more patient with our children. Topics discussed: The needs of children. How children learn. Not treating our children as projects or trophies. Boundaries and discipline.  Teaching our children the ways of God. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

With a greater awareness of mental health comes better understanding, greater knowledge and more resources to help those in need. Is today's fast paced society causing some of the mental health problems seen in children, or is it just that greater awareness? In this episode Sandy is looking at ways to support our kids and look after their mental health. Topics discussed: Let them be children - play and interaction with other kids is important. Keeping communication channels open. Being present with our kids. Talking about feelings. What to do when we notice our kids are struggling or feeling anxious. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

Christmas is a season that we are expected to do more than we often have the energy, time or finances for.  In this episode Sand is looking at ways to stay sane and keep our cool during the Christmas season. Topics discussed: Why do we do Christmas? Managing expectations. Planning for a season of busyness. Taking the pressure off. Remembering the reason for the season. Managing family conflicts. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

Following on from last episode's thoughts around being happy in marriage, this episode is for those who are single. Whether you're single by choice or by chance, Sandy has some great tips for being happy and content as a single person. Topics discussed in this podcast: Living in the present Living a generous life Find your tribe or community where you belong Knowing your worth Dealing with disappointments Finding your purpose and passions This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

For those who are married, having a happy marriage is probably at the top of most people's lists.  But what happens when the stresses of life or family take over, or as the years roll on we don't feel like that initial spark is still there. This episode is all about staying happy within marriage, seeing the best in your spouse and finding ways to keep growing together. Topics discussed in this podcast: Defining roles in marriage Being team players Communication is key Our love banks; making withdrawals and deposits Growing better, not bitter Not letting the spark go out This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

Today's podcast is all about healthy emotions, and how we can stay consistent with our emotions. Topics discussed in this podcast: Healthy and unhealthy emotions Living in the green zone and staying out of the red zone Renewing our minds Showing and sharing emotions Healthy reactions and outcomes This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

In this podcast Sandy is unpacking the idea of confidence, and how we can be more confident in ourselves. Topics discussed in this podcast: The link between childhood and confidence Things that can make us vulnerable Working to our strengths Knowing who and whose we are learning to see ourselves how God sees us You can listen to the So Many Answers podcast about Forgiveness here. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

If anything in this podcast raises issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. None of us are perfect, and we've all done things that we're not proud of.  But how do we put those things in the past and live free?  Sandy has some ideas to help in this edition of So Many Answers. Topics discussed in this podcast: Feelings of inadequacy  Admitting what we've done Committing to change Forgiving ourselves This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

In this episode we're going to try and give some bite sized answers to a massive question.  If anything in this podcast raises issues for you, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. Topics discussed in this podcast: Understanding that while life can be special, it can also be ordinary and that's OK. Doing boring well. Asking ourselves how can we bring meaning to life? Finding our passion and purpose. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com.

We all need time for ourselves, but how can we be intentional about rest, relaxation and time for ourselves? In this episode, Sandy is answering a question about making the most of our weekends and downtime. Topics discussed in this episode" The value of the weekend Assigning chores to a weekday if possible Intentional planning of downtime Not over committing  Holidays; a time for rest and recalibration Getting closer to God This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

If anything in this podcast affects you please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. In this episode Sandy is answering the question "why is life so hard?" Topics discussed in this episode" Breaking free from impossible situations God as a way maker Changing our thinking Recognising what God does for us Trying something new Doing things we are good at This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

In this episode we're looking at healthy living with nutritionist David Young. David is a nationally recognised nutritionist who runs Young Health, helping busy professionals unlock energy and hit their health goals.  Topics discussed in this episode: Ways to take control of our health Being aware of the consequences of our food choices Getting out of denial Being open to change and accountable Habits and environment Looking at food differently  You can find out more about David and schedule a free call at the Young Health website. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

We're back with a second season of So Many Answers, and it's been fantastic to receive all your support, feedback and questions. In this episode we'll be addressing a question that keeps coming in to the So Many Answers inbox - and that is around how to stop being a people pleaser. Some of the topics covered are: What does people pleasing stem from? Assess if this is a habit or pattern that cycles around, or is it just one person? Giving to others from your overflow. Learning new language skills. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

It's pretty easy for life to get us down, or feel like things just aren't going our way. But what are some of the ways that we can avoid getting stuck in disappointment? Some of Sandy's thoughts about this include: Managing expectations Understanding that perfectionism is unrealistic and unachievable. Focusing on the future and what is eternal. Purchase Good Boundaries and Goodbyes by Lisa Terkeurst at Koorong. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

We all have times where we feel down about ourselves, but when can you do if you're genuinely struggling with having a negative view of yourself? Some of the ideas discussed in this episode are: Speaking positive affirmations over yourself and your life. Becoming aware of what is happening in your thoughts and emotions. Journalling and putting on paper things that you can be grateful for. Being kind to yourself. Setting achievable goals for your life stage. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

We all feel stuck in life sometimes; like we're not moving forward or achieving what we'd hoped to. In this episode, Sandy looks at ways we can move on from that feeling of being stuck.  Some of her tips are: Stop comparing Be victorious, not the victim Being grateful  Working in and/or finding your passion Being real about the season of your life You can listen to Sandy's time management episodes here: Part 1Part 2 Purchase 'What on Earth Am I Here For?' by Rick Warren. Purchase 'Fasting' by Jentezen Franklin. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

We've all had people in our lives who have hurt us. But what happens when we just can't forgive someone who has wronged us? In this episode Sandy looks at ways that we can forgive, and move past bitterness and resentment. Lysa Terkeurst's book 'Forgiving What You Can't Forget' is available from Koorong. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

What do we do, and how do we respond when someone offends us? Why do some of us get offended easily, while others don't? In this episode Sandy looks at ways we can deal with being offended, with some of her ideas being: Keep short accounts of wrong doing Forgive easily Being grateful This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

There will always be times when we get together with family and not see eye to eye with everyone.  Maybe it's family dynamics causing the issues, or it could be just a straight out personality clash. Some of the ideas discussed in this episode: Keeping good boundaries Changing our language Pick our arguments Make plans to cope Stopping the comparison game This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

There will always be times when we get together with family and not see eye to eye with everyone.  Maybe it's family dynamics causing the issues, or it could be just a straight out personality clash. Whatever the reason - sometimes we are going to not get along with family members, and that's OK; but how do respond in that situation. In this episode, Sandy explores what happens when we grow up and leave our family of origin, and why sometimes the changes that happen to us can cause conflict. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

In this episode Sandy continues exploring the idea of boundaries in our lives, and especially how to respond to those boundary crossers who pop up.  Sandy also touches on the differences between sacrifice and abuse, as well as emotional regulation. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

Creating boundaries in our lives is the topic of today's podcast, with Sandy giving out some tips on how to better manage boundaries with workmates, family members, or others in our circle of connections. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

WARNING – Strong and mature themes being discussed. In this special bonus episode of So Many Answers we look at the topic of sexual addiction and porn use, specifically within a relationship context. Sandy's guest on this episode is Dr Fai Seyed the director of the House of Hope Counselling Centre in Brisbane. Dr Seyed has a PhD in sexual addiction as well as holding Masters degrees in counselling and psychotherapy.  She has written extensively on the topic of sexual addiction, which was the subject focused on in the book Reclaim Your Life. Sexual addictions are one of the most prevalent issues in society, and Fai believes that anyone with this addiction can be helped, supported and empowered with compassion and empathy. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

In this episode Sandy continues answering the question from last time: I keep having these thoughts that I’ll be happy when this or that happens.  But then when I get there, I want or need something else.  Is this normal? Sandy discusses renewing our minds, changing perspective and staying present. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

The question that Sandy is addressing on this podcast is about happiness. I keep having these thoughts that I’ll be happy when this or that happens.  But then when I get there, I want or need something else.  Is this normal? As Sandy explains, the origin of this is often found in our childhoods, when the future always seems more positive and exciting. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

In this episode Sandy continues exploring thoughts around the wheel of life as outlined in the previous episode. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

In this podcast Sandy looks at how we can stop the constant streams of thought that hinder our rest and time for self care. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com. Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

In this podcast Sandy looks at stress and anxiety, answering the question: "Am I just stressed, or is it anxiety; how do I know that I'm normal?" Sandy offers up five R's for stress-proofing our lives as follows: Regulate Relax Reflecting Refrain Relationship This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.

For over thirty years Sandy Oswald has been in the business of helping people move forward in life, and is a professional counsellor with a private practice in Brisbane, Australia. She has worked with thousands of children and families in regional Australia before moving to Brisbane to continue her community work with adults and children. Sandy specialises in helping people deal with past experiences, childhood trauma or just when the season of life seems "too hard". She has a passion to see adults, couples and children find understanding, clarity, purpose and peace from anxiety, depression, relationship challenges and grief. On the So Many Answers podcast, Sandy will be unpacking some of the questions that come her way as a counsellor, and sharing ways that you can grow through the challenges life can throw at us. The So Many Answers podcast will cover topics like relationships, mental health and personal growth all with an encouraging approach. This podcast is a production of Brisbane's 96five and So Many Answers Counselling Service. If you have a question that you would like Sandy to address, please email hello@somanyanswers.com Find more 96five podcasts by searching for 96five in your podcast app, by downloading the 96five app, or at 96five.com.