How to respond when someone tells you they’ve experienced sexual abuse… Thank them for telling you Disclosure is not an easy thing to do. Saying ‘thank you’ actively recognises the huge step someone has taken to ask for help, and acknowledges what they’ve been through. Listen with empathy & without critique We’ve all […]
Coming Out as LGBT+
‘Coming Out’ – What Does It Mean? Recently I was invited to speak about coming out in later life on Anna Richardson’s podcast ‘It Can’t Just Be Me’. Her guest was Dr. Ranj Singh, who was married to a woman for several years before coming out to her as gay. Anna is part of the […]
Hearing from Survivors of Sexual Violence
When writing my book it was important to make space for survivors’ experiences of accessing therapy and reporting to the police (in the UK). Early on I decided to include interviews as part of putting the manuscript together, which a colleague helped me with. Sharing Lived Experience There are quotes throughout from people who […]
Pre-Trial Therapy Training
I struggle with the idea of trauma therapy/therapy for survivors/pre-trial therapy as ‘specialist’. Therapists will meet survivors of many different kinds of trauma (abuse, domestic violence, racial harm, ableism, classism, etc.) wherever we work. It is not an uncommon clinical phenomenon, it is daily life for many. This equally applies to the topic of pre-trial […]
Managing your mental health as a queer person this Christmas
Managing your mental health as a queer person this Christmas… 1) Queering time with family over Christmas For some LGBTQ+ people, spending time with biological family members over Christmas is stressful because of their LGBTQ+ identity not being known, understood, or affirmed. Being ‘closeted’ because you’re forced to (whatever the reason), or choosing to be […]
Women and Depression
Due to hormones and the complex nature of women’s bodies, they face many issues from childhood to old age. Men don’t have to face even 10 percent of women’s problems. Women have been treated as a weak section of society and denied equal rights for ages. Women have complex bodies, and they experience frequent changes […]
The Best Way To Choose A Private Therapist
When you feel burdened by your issues and life, it can feel as if no one in the world understands what you’re going through. That’s why it can be so difficult to seek professional help. However, with the proper support, thousands of people have benefited from therapy. If you’re ready to start exploring the idea […]
Mental Health In Context
Mental health in context… It’s impossible to work with mental health as something that’s purely in our minds, especially in the current socio-political climate. If I’m asked ‘What’s the hardest thing about your job?’ it’s coming up against systemic oppression, disempowerment, and inequality. It is difficult to maintain a state of good mental health (whatever […]
Importance Of Counselling Services For The Ladies
At Therapy Leeds, we very well understand the struggles and hardships that a female goes through in their entire lives. Counselling will help you better comprehend what is going on and also provide you with the skills you may use to help your partner in cases when the troubles in your relationship are caused by the other […]
Counselling Services Can Do Wonders: Know – How?
Have you ever wondered what Leeds counselling service is and why it is important? There is a lot of talk about therapy, therapists, and counselling, but have you ever considered what the benefits of counselling are? Many of the advantages of therapy will increase happiness and optimism in your life. But, before we get into […]
Benefits of Sexual Abuse Counselling and What Should You Look for When Hiring a Therapist?
Generally speaking, abuse is defined as the cruel, violent, and repeated treatment of a person, but there are many types of abuse. As a general rule, sexual abusers use their power (either perceived or real) in order to cause harm of a sexual nature. Sexual abuse cases are often characterized by power dynamics that can […]
What Is Therapy? (3/3)
What is therapy (3/3)… Therapy can bring up some uncertainties. Here are some common questions to help understand what to expect: *Is my therapist a friend? There is a psychological closeness we might experience with a therapist, which often comes from feeling listened to, understood, and supported. This might feel like a friendship, or being […]
What Is Therapy? (2/3)
What is therapy (2/3)… Therapy can be a confusing experience. Here are some common questions to help you understand what to expect: *How much should I/my therapist be talking? There is no ‘right way’ for you to talk in therapy. Everyone processes information differently, has varying levels of comfort/stress when speaking with others, and communicates […]
What Is Therapy? (1/3)
What is therapy (1/3)… Therapy can be a confusing experience. From trying to access support, finding the right service/person to suit you, and to actually doing the work, there are many questions that come up. Here are some common ones: *What is therapy? Psychotherapy and counselling are types of talking therapy which can help you […]
Boundaries in Psychotherapy
Boundaries in psychotherapy… When I’m working with someone I never assume that the way I relate to others, process information, and communicate will be the same for the person on the other side of the room/on my screen. First and foremost, I’m there to support their mental health and this must be done in a […]
Anti-Oppressive Practice
Anti-oppressive practice… By its very nature, psychotherapy risks being disempowering even before you enter the room (or Zoom call). Therapists often only consider what happens in appointments to try and mitigate this risk, but there are many contact points whilst navigating the mental health system where this can happen too. For example: 1. It can […]
What are trauma and PTSD
What are trauma and PTSD… It can be confusing and distressing to not have a name for what you’re experiencing mentally and physically. ‘Post-traumatic stress disorder’ (PTSD) is a medical, diagnostic term for the range of: behaviours, psychological and somatic reactions, and relational difficulties that may be experienced in the aftermath of a traumatic event. […]
Perspectives on Intersectionality
Perspectives on Intersectionality… I’m delighted to be selected by Inspiring Women Changemakers to be the recipient of their Bernadette Mary Speight award in their Igniting Inspiration campaign. I spoke with Inspiring Women Changemakers recently about my thoughts on intersectionality, and my work with survivors of sexual violence and marginalised people. I felt it was important to highlight […]
Gender, Sex, and Relationship Diversity
Gender, sex, and relationship diversity… The mental health system has a legacy of pathologising and attacking those who are not heterosexual and/or cisgender. Over the years I have shaped my work to actively include LGBTQ+ people, knowing that safe access to mental health care should be offered to all. As psychotherapists we are tasked with […]
Meeting A Survivor Where They Are
Meeting a survivor where they are… Psychotherapists are offered an insight into a survivor’s life at the point they meet, as well as making contact with their past. The impact of barriers to accessing specialist support (waiting times, funding or lack thereof, practical accessibility needs, the impact of blame/shame/guilt, etc.) should form part of the […]
