Counselling can be transformative. I say this not as a counsellor myself, but as a client. It’s my time on the other side of the couch, that’s had the biggest impact on my mental health. Nevertheless, however talented and caring your counsellor is they’re probably only with you for 50 minutes a week. And the … Read more
The downside of the selfie If Rutledge is right then the selfie sounds playful, charming and self exploratory. What harm can there be in adopting poses and attitudes in search of an image that best captures your true self? Well, the danger comes when people post selfies on social media. And then find their mood … Read more
This week it’s the UK’s Mental Health Awareness week, and the theme is nature. Which is never more vibrant than in the blossoming, blooming month of May. Most people are aware of the mental health benefits that nature bestows. Multiple studies have found that spending time outdoors can elevate your mood, ease the symptoms of … Read more
Self compassion can be key to improving your mental health, learning to enjoy life more and forgiving others.
In the Summer of 2017, seemingly before friendship counselling existed, I wrote an article called Forever Friends? Within it I explored ending a friendship, and suggested an attitude of peaceful acceptance. After all, I wrote “Not all friendships are meant to last forever.” Four years on, and now I’m aware that friendship counselling exists, I disagree … Read more
Many people will instantly know when a relationship doesn’t feel healthy. But when does a less-than-perfect relationship turn toxic? The simplest explanation is from Psych Alive, “A toxic relationship is often characterised by repeated, mutually destructive modes of relating between a couple. These patterns can involve jealousy, possessiveness, dominance, manipulation, desperation, selfishness or rejection.” In … Read more
Last month I decided to return to therapy, but this time as a client. I started my search for a new counsellor feeling excited and optimistic. I’m a trained counsellor, so I knew what I wanted and was confident I’d find it within the hour. How wrong I was. Three hours later, annoyed, disappointed and … Read more