This week, it’s London Fashion week (16th – 21st September). A huge event in the sartorial calendar. And although I’m not a massive follower of fashion myself, I do appreciate it as a form of self expression. Just look at Rhianna’s street style. The bold colours, daring hemline and creative styling all suggesting a woman … Read more
Ambition may no longer be a dirty word but as a desirable, female quality it certainly doesn’t feel squeaky clean. I asked my friends what the term ‘ambitious woman’ conjured up for them, and they reported the following: Sigourney Weaver in Working Girl, stiletto heels, Dior Poison perfume and being a bitch to get ahead. … Read more
It’s not easy to write a review of Matt Haig’s The Comfort Book. Not because it’s badly written, or dull or unoriginal. But just because it’s all so pleasant and reassuring, that there’s not a lot to say. The book is ideal for the coffee table, the bedside table, or as a gift for friends. … Read more
It may be good to talk, but for some people it can feel really bad. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve experienced trauma, take a while to trust or just come from a family that don’t ‘do’ feelings. Speaking out loud about your inner world can be frightening. I have to admit that when I first … Read more
As a therapist I believe in the healing power of talking. But for some people, speaking about how they feel is an almost impossible task. They withdraw into a world of their own, and silence becomes their sanctuary. Harriet Shawcross’s book, Unspeakable The Things we Cannot Say, takes a look at the limits of language … Read more
Hopefully you’ve now had time to heal your heartbreak over England not winning the Euros (although, I’d guess you’re probably still devastated about the racism and domestic violence). But whatever your thoughts on football, daring to embrace your dream only to have it snatched away is painful. A proper stomach sinking, tightness in the chest, … Read more
My very first counselling placement was within bereavement. Where I listened as clients explored their grief. Often they spoke of shock, sometimes abandonment and occasionally a sense of overwhelm. Reflecting on this work, I’m struck by how inept words are to express the raw, desperate, profound feelings that death can deliver to those left behind. … Read more
I’m so used to studying heavy going mental health books that reading entrepreneur Anya Hindmarch’s, If in Doubt Wash Your Hair, was like a mini break for the mind. There’s no trauma, grief or suicide here, just Anya’s common sense advice on how to live a more fulfilling life. From the chic front cover (sunny … Read more
If I were to say women weightlifters, what would your first reaction be? Because, if like many people, you instantly think ‘unattractive and unfeminine’ then you may want to take a look at Stronger by Poorna Bell. Within the 300 pages of Stronger, Poorna makes more salient, incisive points around female fitness than I’ve found … Read more
You’re a good person, right? I bet you’re mostly kind to others, hold doors open for strangers and help your friends when they’re having a tough time. But have you ever done something so against your moral values that you struggled to forgive yourself? If so, you may have experienced moral injury. And even though … Read more
First, the background What is a life shock? It’s the, “Unexpected moments that accompany the onset of illness, divorce, redundancy, bereavement or any major challenge.” writes Sophie Sabbage, Lifeshocks author. Sabbage is an advocate of the ‘everything happens for a reason’ school of thought. She believes life shocks are really just encouraging us to reveal … Read more
This Sunday in the UK it’s Father’s Day. A time where we reflect on everything our dads have done for us. But what happens if your father wasn’t so fantastic? And how hard is it to overcome the impact of his less than perfect parenting on your love life? It was Freud who first suggested … Read more