If you're not sure what this beauty is called, it's an Australian native wildflower called the Flannel Flower. It grows along the East Coast of Australia, thriving in coastal regions. The Flannel Flower grows in rocky, sandy soil, where many other flowers struggle to survive. Despite it being quite a hardy bloom, it is also delicate, with soft petals that feel like flannel fabric (hence the name). As a result, the Flannel Flower has become a symbol of resilience and strength, and the ability to flourish despite adversity. It is also the national symbol for mental health awareness, which is something close to my heart.

I also like to think my clients are somewhat like wildflowers, particularly Flannel Flowers. They are able to thrive when they are in the right environment (i.e. have the right supports in place). Therapy is not only about nurturing clients, but nourishing the environment around them, so every wildflower can bloom.

“When a flower doesn’t bloom, you fix the environment in which it grows, not the flower.”― Alexander Den Heijer

As much as I adore all wildflowers, the Flannel Flower is extra special to me because, I have fond memories spotting these blooms with my parents when I was young child. Growing up on the Central Coast of NSW, we were lucky to have Flannel Flower filled coastal national parks and walking tracks on our door step (yep, that's little me in the photo below!).