

#049 Off the Pitch with Active: Interview with Vickie Simos, Physotherapist, Martial Artist, Motivational Speaker, Boxer, Author, Counsellor-About mental health in youth.
After years of self-doubt and self-deprecation, Vickie Simos (BA (Psych) G.dip.C&Psychotheraphy Master of Counselling) has made many discoveries about who she was and who she wants to be – a confident, strong person who considers herself worthy of all the best life has to offer. Thelo Active Therapy (Teach, Help, Elevate, Lives, Organically) was founded from these experiences and the desire to share her hard learned knowledge and help other people gain confidence in mind and body.
For more than a decade Vickie has been involved in working with children, with various programs including Melbourne Kids Developmental Services, and the Active After School communities program, as well as mentoring and volunteering at various schools and organisations such as Anglicare. She has also volunteered at Pronia as a case manager/counsellor, working with different nationalities. Vickie completed her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English 2013 at the University of Adelaide, Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapy in 2016 at the University of Adelaide and received a Master of Counselling 2016 and current Alum at Monash University.
Vickie has competed in numerous Martial Arts tournaments nationally and internationally in the USA, Philippines and New Zealand, which include two World Championships for Stick Fighting, receiving 2 silvers and 1 bronze medal, as well as a Gold in the Pan Pacific’s held in New Zealand.
In her memoir 'The Boxer Within', Vickie shares her journey to find the passion within. This is not only a story about boxing; it’s about finding something that moves you when all seems lost. It’s about what lies beneath, beyond a person’s heart and soul.
Today we will talk about her background and the work she does in the youth sector to help develop mental health amongst youth using Martial Arts.


If you need help, see below professional services in Australia.
• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890
• QLife on 1800 184 527
Overview:
53:55 min episode
02:40 Introducing Vickie Simos
06:45 Vickie discusses her background with her own mental health challenges. This led her on a journey to work with youth today.
08:30 Vickie has a unique approach to address the mental health of youth today.
19:45 Great advice “Wholistic considerations and empathically connecting with kids”.
23:16 Breathing meditation really works to change your narrative. Here are some tips from Vickie.
30:15 Instilling trust as a coach.
32:08 About her book “The boxer within”, a personal story.
38:40 If you are a coach in team sport, you are likely to coach a young person with mental challenges.
41:45 Vickie’s “Sound of music of youth sport”
47:50 In closing listen and observe. Connect with Vickie.
Contact:
Email: vickiesimos@yahoo.com
Web: https://www.theloactivetherapy.com
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/psychotherapist-martialartist-motivationalspeaker-author-trainer
YouTube: Vickie Simos - YouTube