Specialist Psychological Therapy
Blog
Welcome
Welcome to my blog page. Here I share insights and guidance on trauma, perinatal issues, domestic abuse, and sexual assault recovery. As a counsellor specialising in these areas, my posts offer a compassionate space to explore the complexities of healing and emotional well-being. You can expect to find practical advice, supportive reflections, and resources designed to help you navigate difficult experiences and regain your sense of peace. Whether you're looking for information, comfort, or encouragement, my blog is here to support your journey.
Latest Posts
The Power of Words: How Vocabulary Shapes Your Wellbeing
Have you ever stopped to consider the power of words? How the words you use – whether out loud or in your own head – shape the way you feel? The connection between our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours is well-documented, but what often gets overlooked is how much our vocabulary influences this cycle.
Why Can’t I Say No?
For many of us, the thought of turning someone down feels unbearable. We worry about disappointing others, being seen as unkind, or even damaging our relationships. Questions like, Am I a bad friend, parent, sibling, or colleague if I don’t say yes? can plague our minds. But the reality is: constantly saying yes isn’t always the act of kindness we think it is – to others or ourselves.
Anxiety at Christmas?
Dear December: Why Are You So Stressful?
Not everyone looks forward to Christmas with open arms. For some, it’s a tough, lonely, or downright stressful time of year. If that’s you, you’re probably already feeling the pressure to “be merry,” “have fun,” and “make it magical.” Sound exhausting? You’re not alone.
For others, Christmas is a season of joy: twinkling lights, advent calendars, markets, the smell of pine trees and cinnamon, and cosy evenings with mulled wine and hot chocolate. But even for the Christmas enthusiasts, let’s be honest – December is usually way too busy.
So how can we all survive – and maybe even enjoy – this chaotic season? Here are some simple tips to make Christmas less stressful and a little more meaningful.
SAD: Finding Light in the Dark Months
At this time of year, many of us find ourselves searching for ways to manage Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD as it’s commonly known. When the clocks change and the dark mornings and evenings set in, it can feel like a real struggle to stay positive, energised, and connected to joy. For those affected by SAD, the six months of autumn and winter can feel like an endless waiting game – hoping for the light, both literal and metaphorical, to return.
6 Signs of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
GAD is a mental health condition characterised by persistent and excessive worry about everyday situations. Unlike occasional anxiety, which might be linked to a specific event, GAD often involves worrying about many aspects of life – work, relationships, health, or even minor day-to-day tasks. These worries can feel uncontrollable and interfere with daily life.
What Are The Symptoms of Burnout?
In today’s fast-paced work environments, burnout has become a widely recognised issue, however, it’s much more than feeling tired after a busy week. Burnout is a serious condition that arises from chronic, unmanaged workplace stress, leaving you physically, emotionally, and mentally drained.
Is it Normal to Struggle as a New Mum?
Pregnancy, labour and birth are times when expectant and new parents can be at their most vulnerable. Becoming a new mum is often portrayed as
What is EMDR Therapy and How Can it Help?
If you’ve experienced a challenging or traumatic event, you might find yourself grappling with uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with your daily life. Traumatic events can
What Happens to Your Body After Miscarriage
Experiencing a miscarriage is a heart-breaking and deeply personal event. The emotional toll is profound, but many people are also surprised by the physical changes
When Silence is All Around: A Reflection on Baby Loss
After a loss, the world becomes quiet in ways that feel unbearable. Silence takes over where there once were dreams of tiny cries, giggles, and the soft sounds of a baby breathing while sleeping peacefully. For parents who lose a child, this silence can be suffocating. They often return to homes filled with baby items never to be used, or to the echo of a nursery that never got the chance to hear its occupant.
Men After Miscarriage: Unspoken Grief and Silent Struggles
The loss of a pregnancy is one of the most devastating experiences a couple can face. While much of the focus often falls on the
Does “Mum Guilt” Ever Go Away?
Motherhood is a journey filled with highs, lows, and a wide spectrum of emotions. One term that has gained popularity in recent years is “mum
Male Suicidal Ideation and the Healing Power of Counselling
In the dimly lit corners of society’s understanding, a silent struggle rages on — the prevalence of male suicidal ideation. For too long, this profound
Did You Know? Understanding the Prevalence of Perinatal Mental Health and How Counselling Can Help
Did you know that perinatal mental health issues affect a significant number of individuals during pregnancy and after childbirth? According to research, around 15-20% of
Your Therapy Journey: Common Mistakes to Avoid!
As a counsellor, I want to share some insights to help you make the most out of your therapy experience. Therapy can be a transformative
Understanding Anxiety Disorders: 5 Facts You Need to Know!
As a counsellor, I believe it’s crucial to shed light on anxiety disorders. These conditions affect millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact quality of life if left untreated
Refresh, Recharge, Renew: Your Guide to Taking an Emotional Break
In today’s fast-paced world, our emotional well-being often takes a backseat to the demands of daily life. Whether it’s work deadlines, family responsibilities, or societal
Inside the Therapist’s Notebook: Answering Your Burning Questions
Hey there, curious minds! Have you ever wondered what’s scribbled inside your therapist’s notebook during or after your sessions? Or perhaps you’ve had lingering questions
