Validation is a natural human need and stems from our evolutionary origins as social beings in groups - we needed acceptance from others in order to survive. Even though this is not so much the case today, our need for validation remains. We need to feel worthy and that our feelings, thoughts and needs are … Continue reading Validation: balancing the internal and external
Spring Clean your mind
This time of year is associated with having a big overhaul of our homes, decluttering and leaving everything organised and sparkling for another year. We traditionally have used this time to reset our surroundings, but what about our minds? Here are some ideas for you. Decluttering Our minds can feel full and overloaded and using … Continue reading Spring Clean your mind
Phobias: How are they established, maintained and treated?
What is a phobia? According to the NHS, phobias are “an overwhelming and debilitating fear of an object, place, situation, feeling or animal.” Phobias are exaggerated and irrational fears that are generally ‘learned’. The actual danger from the situation, object, etc is greatly over estimated and leads to fear out of proportion to the real danger … Continue reading Phobias: How are they established, maintained and treated?
Is “Blue Monday” Real?
Experts have often stated that this time of the year is the most depressing due to a combination of factors - darker, colder weather, failed New Years resolutions and the cost of bills in the winter months after an expensive Christmas can be a real strain. “Blue Monday”, thought to be the most depressing day … Continue reading Is “Blue Monday” Real?
Seasonal burn out: getting though the Christmas season
My first Christmas card of the year arrived a few days ago and for a moment I was filled with dread. When am I going to have the time to buy, write out and send my Christmas cards?! Although this time of year is associated with joy, there is a lot of added pressure too … Continue reading Seasonal burn out: getting though the Christmas season
Avoid getting caught up in the Drama Triangle
Have you ever felt like you’re having the same argument over and over again with no resolution? Or do you feel a pressure to act in ways that aren’t authentic and you resent later? Do you find that you take on responsibility for other people’s happiness? First developed in the 1960’s by Stephen Karpman, the … Continue reading Avoid getting caught up in the Drama Triangle
Fending off the “Winter Blues”
As the days are getting shorter and we are starting to see darker evenings creeping in, we can sometimes feel our mood darkening at the same time. In the UK “Blue Monday” is named as the saddest day of the year which falls on the third Monday of the year. It’s thought to be due … Continue reading Fending off the “Winter Blues”
Menopause and mental health
Menopause is a natural biological process which defined as a time where a woman’s ovaries stop producing sex hormones (oestrogen and progesterone) and menstruation stops. Typically, menopause occurs around 50 years of age but it could be much younger or older than this. We hear a lot about the physical symptoms like hot flushes, thinning … Continue reading Menopause and mental health
Anxiety: what is it and when does it become a problem?
What is anxiety? Your body’s natural response to danger or threat is to ensure our survival. When a car drives towards us there is no time to think and ponder the situation, your body will be flooded with stress hormones - cortisol and adrenaline - to give you the energy to move quickly out of … Continue reading Anxiety: what is it and when does it become a problem?
Attachment styles and relationships
What is attachment? Attachment is our emotional bond with other human beings. We can an innate drive to bond with others but we now know that the way we bond with others often follows a blueprint from our very first connection with another - with our primary caregivers. Attachment in babies and young children In … Continue reading Attachment styles and relationships