ABOUT ME
Welcome to Thinking Physio, where I empower individuals and business owners who
prioritise a biopsychosocial approach. I provide the resources you need to effectively
engage with and support clients who struggle with treatment adherence. At Thinking
Physio, my mission is to revolutionise how clinicians manage clients trapped in limiting
beliefs, unproductive habits, and hopelessness by applying the latest research in
communication.
This blog is dedicated to unraveling the secrets of influencing the thinking patterns of
clients who face challenges with treatment adherence. I firmly believe that all behaviour
stems from our thoughts. By creating a safe space for clients to reflect on their thinking,
health providers can empower them to make better choices for their well-being. Please
note that while I am not a psychologist and do not provide advice on managing mental
illness, my expertise lies in treatment plan adherence, languages impact on behaviour, the
art of active listening and questioning, and working with clients managing chronic
conditions. Occasionally, I explore fascinating topics that shed light on the profound
connection between the mind and the brain.
My goal is to create insightful and relevant content that challenges your current approach
to managing resistance in your clients. While you may not always agree with my
perspectives, I hope my writings will arouse curiosity and inspire you to explore new ways
of engaging with these clients. If you or your staff seek improved client engagement and
better recovery outcomes while reducing frustration, then this blog is your go-to resource.
Expect fresh posts from me 1-2 times per week. To ensure you never miss a new article,
subscribe via email.
MY BIOGRAPHY
With over three decades of experience in private practice, specialising in sports
physiotherapy, I’ve witnessed firsthand how thinking influences recovery outcomes. My
journey began as a junior physiotherapist at one of Australia’s pioneering Sports Medicine Clinics. Over the course of my career, I became a partner in the clinic and later established three additional clinics. Simultaneously, I had the privilege of providing physiotherapy to esteemed sports teams at both state and international levels.
During my career, I had the honour of working with the Australian Women’s Cricket Team
from 1986 to 1989 and the Australian Women’s Basketball Team from 2001 to 2004.
I contributed to two World Championships in different sports and represented the Australian
Olympic Team in the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.
In 2004, I transitioned away from sports teams and founded a physiotherapy practice in
the picturesque Adelaide Hills. Combining fitness training with clinical expertise, I
developed a unique approach that allowed me to connect with patients on an emotional
level. This approach helped them overcome fears and self-defeating habits that often
hindered their recovery.
Throughout my career, I realised that physiotherapists receive limited training on how the
mind influences the brain, despite our extensive knowledge of the body’s response to
injury and disease. Driven by a thirst for understanding, I dedicated the past thirteen years
to studying Neuro Linguistic Programming, Neuroplasticity, and the intricate mind/brain
connection. My passion lies in uncovering how our communication, both verbal and non-
verbal, profoundly impacts our patients’ response to our guidance and advice.
As physiotherapists, we spend invaluable time with our patients, surpassing the duration of
any other healthcare professional. It is my responsibility to be acutely aware of the
profound effect my communication has on their well-being and recovery.
On a personal level, I reside with my partner in Flaxton on the Sunshine Coast
Hinterland—a serene environment where I indulge in reading, thinking, and planning the
training and coaching services I provide. In my leisure time, I enjoy staying fit, exploring
the world of iPhone photography and editing, and immersing myself in captivating
literature.
Feel free to contact via email or follow me on LinkedIn of Facebook.
MY TOP POSTS
If you are new to my site, you might want to start with my most popular posts:
- Challenging conversations: Curiosity versus Arguing
- The art of challenging beliefs
- Helpful questions to engage patient motivation
- Labels vs questions when engaged in challenging conversations
You can also check out my blog archive for other posts I’ver written.
Annette Tonkin
Let’s start the transformation now
_
INSERVICE TRAINING
Discover how I can help groups of physiotherapists and other Allied Health Professionals with communication and motivational skills to engage more patients and also increase practice profitability.
SPEAKING, PRESENTING, FACILITATING
Practical applications provided during each session
E LEARNING
Get that edge, learn insider industry secrets and keep up your professional development with our online courses. Enjoy the freedom to upskill anytime, anywhere with our updated regularly courses.
