Mental Health

3 steps to easily achieve your goals

I say that wherever you are in the year, is the perfect point to reflect on how you feel.  And, if you’re among the majority of us who made glittering new year’s resolutions back in January, only to find they’ve fallen by the wayside, then don’t worry. There is still plenty of time to get … Read more

Book review: Stronger by Poorna Bell

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 your time to read my book review of Stronger by Poorna Bell. Within the 300 pages of Stronger, Poorna makes more salient, incisive points around … Read more

3 ways to manage your moral injury

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

Book Review: Lifeshocks

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

What to do when you can’t forgive

Forgiveness, we’re told, is a wonderful thing. It sets us free and supports good health. All spiritual texts agree, forgiveness is the way forward. Yet quite frankly, forgiveness can sometimes feel impossible. And the effort expended in attempting to forgive can be mentally exhausting. And often futile. So, what to do when you can’t forgive? … Read more

Book review: Sharon Stone’s autobiogrpahy

Hollywood star, Sharon Stone, writes a good biography. Which shouldn’t come as a surprise to me, as I once read that she has an IQ of 150. And yet it does. Within Sharon Stone’s autobiography The Beauty of Living Twice, she writes conversationally, authentically and with surprising sensitivity about sexual abuse, a brutal childhood and … Read more

Woman holding feathers,.

The danger of toxic positivity

Yesterday, while browsing Facebook, I happened upon a post which stated that if you’re feeling fear or anxiety, you’ll be attracting more of the same. And it’s the perfect illustration of the danger of toxic positivity. On the surface, the post may seemingly be offering a comforting, reassuring, and practical way to feel better. After … Read more

Book review: becoming your own counsellor

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

Selfie: self love or self deception?

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

The mental health benefits of nature

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