Author Archives: Nathan Darvill

Abraham Maslow proposed that human motivation is driven by a hierarchy of needs. While it’s often taught as a simple pyramid, its real power shows up in relationships—especially when couples or families feel stuck, disconnected, or stuck in recurring conflict. At its core, Maslow’s theory reminds us of this truth: We cannot build healthy, secureContinue reading “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: Why Relationships Struggle When Core Needs Aren’t Met”

“Codependency” is one of those relationship words that’s everywhere—used to describe everything from “I care too much” to “I’m trapped in a toxic dynamic.” The problem is that popularity has outpaced precision. In clinical and academic circles, codependency is best understood as a relationship pattern (not a formal diagnosis) involving chronic self-sacrifice, external focus, attemptsContinue reading “Codependency in Relationships: What the Research Actually Says (and What It Doesn’t)”

When the Bay and Basin Bombers formed a senior men’s team to play in the South Coast AFL competition three years ago, father and son duo Tim and Jack Allen were among the first to sign up. And in Bomaderry on Saturday they were celebrating along with 21 teammates after the Bombers won the reserveContinue reading “Father and son take the lead as Bay and Basin score their first premiership”

Nathan Darvill thought his days playing AFL were over when he suffered a serious knee injury that required surgery in 2022. After 20 years in the military and playing sport he needed a complete replacement of his right knee, and doctors said he could no longer play contact sport. He wanted to stay involved inContinue reading “Bombs away as Bay and Basin prepare to tackle their first senior grand final”

Introduction The conversation around diversity has expanded in recent years beyond gender, culture, and ethnicity to include neurodiversity—a recognition that brains function in many different, equally valuable ways. The term, coined in the late 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer, refers to the natural variation in human neurology. Conditions such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attentionContinue reading “Knowledge is Power: Understanding and Supporting Neurodiversity in Schools, Workplaces, and Universities”

In recent times, I’ve felt deeply disheartened, frustrated, and saddened by the tone and content of many social media discussions surrounding PACFA and ACA — Australia’s two leading professional associations for counsellors. What concerns me most is not healthy debate, nor robust advocacy for professional standards, but the divisive language being used by some membersContinue reading “It’s Time to Stand Together: Moving Beyond Division in the Counselling Profession”

As a proud Allied health NDIS provider, we are beyond angry and upset with the new NDIS pricing for 2025/26. It is so important that as professionals we advocate strongly and swiftly before participants are significant disadvantaged in an already struggling economy. Recently founder and director of Expressive Mind Therapy, Kellie Darvill, wrote a passionateContinue reading “NDIS Pricing Crisis 2025/26”

With current waitlists for NDIS-funded speech pathology services stretching beyond 12 months, it’s understandable that parents and carers often feel overwhelmed and frustrated. To help bridge this gap, Allied Health Assistants (AHAs) offer a smart, efficient, and cost-effective solution—providing immediate support while working in partnership with qualified allied health professionals. AHAs are trained professionals whoContinue reading “Enhancing Access to Therapy: The Vital Role of Allied Health Assistants in the NDIS”

By Nathan Darvill As ANZAC Day approaches, I find myself reflecting—not just on my own journey in the Royal Australian Navy, but on the enduring legacy of all who have served, are serving, and those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For me, ANZAC Day isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’sContinue reading “A Legacy of Service: My Military Journey and What ANZAC Day Means to Me”