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 […]
Psychological Wellbeing of British Gay Pakistani Muslim Males
Psychological Wellbeing of British Gay Pakistani Muslim Males… The article below provides some important information on the experiences of British, Gay, Pakistani, Muslim Males (BGPMM) in various social contexts, with regard to how their multi-identities interact. The research author, Muhammed Ali discusses his own position to the research, as well as it’s implications. “I wish I […]
Support Services for Survivors
Support Services for Survivors… It’s important to recognise that the impact of sexual violence can be as varied as each survivor who experiences it. I’d like to #ShoutOutForSurvivors who have specific experiences and/or parts of their identity that need to be included in the support received, when they’re ready to receive it. Revenge Porn Helpline […]
If You Need Therapeutic Support In 2021…
Don’t wait to ask for help. Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of, especially during this pandemic where we have so little resources and normality to keep us going. If you’re nervous about contacting a service, organisation, or individual psychotherapist/counsellor, then make use of the communication method you feel most comfortable with when […]
Understanding & Managing Suicidal Feelings & Thoughts
We can’t talk about mental health without talking about suicidal feelings and thoughts. Considering these as ‘extreme’ reactions or the more ‘extreme’ end of the mental health spectrum is dismissive of one’s intense suffering or struggle. Many people experience suicidal feelings and thoughts, including those who can get daily life done consistently well. There are […]
I’m A Social Impact Star Award Nominee
Around a fortnight ago I received an e-mail from a network called Inspiring Women Changemakers to let me know I had been put forward by two of its members for an award. I spent a fair part of the following hour getting my head around the news, which was such a surprise. The timing marks […]
Finding the Person Amongst Mental Health
One thing I’m open about is how difficult it can be to condense information about mental health into a short blog post, article, or a photo with a bit of text on social media. Mental health support and information should be accessible to everyone so it’s great to use all these platforms. But I worry […]
What Does It Mean To Be An LGBT+ or Queer-Affirmative Psychotherapist?
Although all counsellors and psychotherapists are ethically required to act in a non-discriminatory way, this isn’t enough to fully meet the hugely diverse needs of the LGBT+ community. There is much more that needs to be done to not only welcome and support, but affirm, each LGBT+ person we meet. Here are some ways I […]
Making Changes In Psychotherapy
My working experience has taught me that people want two things from seeing a Psychotherapist. These are a private space to speak freely and be heard, and a sense of moving forward rather than being stuck. These point to the underlying elements of the process which is the working relationship, and the co-created space, between […]
Introducing Myself Online
Whilst we’re all behind screens more than ever during lockdown, I thought it might be helpful to introduce myself. My name is Erene, and I’m an Integrative Psychotherapist. I have worked with adult clients for ten years so far, including setting up two community-based services between 2014 and 2018. I am also a writer, and speaker, […]