Stress in December (part 1/2)… When we’re stressed, we can get ‘locked in’ to what’s causing that stress. This can be heightened by what we’re thinking, feeling, and physically experiencing in response to stress. For example: headaches, stomach pain, anxiety, anger, and finding it hard to think about much else. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic can […]
Therapy as a Safe Space
Therapy as a ‘safe space’… As therapists we aim to provide a safe space for people to speak freely, without fear of judgement or shame. I think the physical spaces we offer can help or hinder this, because as humans we’re built to unconsciously scan our environment for threats too. I never refer to what […]
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 […]
How I Got Started as a Psychotherapist
How did I get started as a psychotherapist? My start as a psychotherapist came from being interested in people and wanting to understand them. I was a bit of a book nerd and reading Freud on holiday when I was 15 (!) so I never considered anything but working in mental health as a career. […]
When We Meet
When we meet… When I start working with someone new, I’m aware that I may be the latest therapist in a line of therapists they have seen. Or I might be the first. In any case, we have met at a specific point in a client’s life, series of life experiences, and mental health history. […]
Is My Therapist The Right Fit For Me?
How do I know my therapist is the right fit for me? Looking for the right therapist for you can be stressful and daunting, even if you know what you need in someone to adequately support you. My professional experience has taught me that accessing therapy is rarely a linear process. Many people’s experiences include […]
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 […]
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 […]