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
Counselling
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
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
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
Good grief: what is grief and when to seek help
We will all lose people close to us and experience loss - it is a natural part of life. But when should you seek help with a bereavement from a counsellor or other mental health professional? What is grief Grief is a natural response to losing something or someone important to you. We often think … Continue reading Good grief: what is grief and when to seek help
Can I use affirmations to improve my mental health?
What are affirmations? Affirmations are mantras or sayings that are repeated regularly to ourselves that can improve negative thought patterns. They are normally a couple of words or short phrase that contains particular meaning for us, something we want to feel and remember. For example, someone who is struggling with self-esteem in relationships might have … Continue reading Can I use affirmations to improve my mental health?
How does counselling work?
Counselling is a type of talking therapy where a trained counsellor will listen to you and help you to overcome any emotional issues you are facing. It could take the form of face-to-face counselling or online counselling (through software like Zoom) or even group counselling. Common issues that cause people to come to counselling include: … Continue reading How does counselling work?
Waypoint Counselling 