There’s a certain irony in life: we often get so busy trying to ‘achieve’ that we forget the real secret to productivity lies in... doing nothing. If you’re like me, you’ve spent countless hours working yourself to the bone—whether it’s juggling endless to-do lists in your corporate job, studying until your brain feels like it might explode, or navigating the complexity of life’s personal challenges. You’d think that all that doing would result in some form of winning, right?

You’ve been staring at the same email for ten minutes, rereading the same sentence without taking it in. The laundry basket is overflowing, but somehow, so is your sense of apathy. Your to-do list is a novel at this point, and yet, instead of tackling it, you find yourself scrolling social media, watching videos of cats knocking things over. A little voice whispers, “You’re just being lazy.” But is that true? Or is something else going on?

Words have power. They shape our relationships, our self-perception, and our ability to navigate the world. But what happens when words are used not to uplift, but to control? When fear becomes the driving force behind communication, it can have a deep and lasting impact not just on an individual level, but on entire communities and even nations.

Men’s mental health is one close to my heart and a topic that’s often brushed under the carpet, yet it’s an issue that affects millions across the UK every day. The statistics are hard to ignore with three quarters of suicides in the UK being by men, and it remains the leading cause of death for men under 50. Over 4,000 men take their own lives each year in the UK, a number that highlights the pressing need for serious change. Despite this huge number, men are significantly less likely to access mental health support than women, with only 36% of NHS talking therapy referrals being male and for many, the idea of opening up about their struggles feels like an insurmountable challenge…..

The term ‘trauma-informed care’ is increasingly common in the mental health field, and for a good reason. Trauma is more prevalent than many people realise, and it significantly affects how people think, feel, and behave and we see it in the therapy room all the time. Whether it stems from childhood experiences, systemic oppression, or recent global events, trauma unfortunately shapes lives. That’s why integrating a trauma-informed approach into therapy isn’t just beneficial, it feels essential…..

As therapists, we often encounter clients grappling with social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder. This condition affects an estimated 8% of the UK population annually, which equates to approximately 1 in 12 people (NHS). Social phobia manifests as an intense fear of social situations where one might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised by others. Understanding social phobia is crucial not only for those who suffer from it, but also for their support systems…..

Working for a coach training company, I have always thought is would be beneficial to provide integrated coaching and counselling sessions, and in fact wondered how a therapist could offer them mutually exclusively, without straying into one domain or the other.

In my mind, combining the two could offer a comprehensive approach to encouraging personal growth and emotional well-being at various levels and could leverage the benefits of both disciplines, to address past issues, whilst setting future goals….

In an era defined by digital innovation and connectivity, the landscape of mental health care is undergoing a profound transformation. With the rise of digital mental health tools, such as therapy apps and online support groups, we now have unprecedented access to resources and support at our fingertips. Whilst these digital tools hold great promise in revolutionising the way we approach mental health care, I think it's essential to navigate this new terrain mindfully, recognising both the benefits and potential pitfalls that go along with them….

As you navigate your way on your walk, notice the quality of the air, the temperature, the smells and the shapes of nature. Take a moment to look at the beauty of bare branches, their intricate patterns silhouetted against the sky. The world seems to be paused for a while, inviting you to…..

Good news! the days are getting longer! but as the weather turns colder (well at least it does tend to in the UK) many of us find ourselves longing for more sunshine and warmth and for some of us, the change in seasons can bring about a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This article explores what SAD is and how we can help ourselves…..

Looking at the relationship between alcohol and mental health, highlighting how reducing or giving up alcohol, can have a profoundly positive impact on anxiety, sleep, and overall mental well-being.

I love the saying, ‘What people think of me is none of my business’, but how easy is it to keep in our sites, when our ego is triggered or we worry about how we are seen?

As a therapist, my journey through the realm of mental health has been an ever-evolving expedition into the intricacies of the human mind. One area that has always intrigued me is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

In our noisy, bustling world, where self-expression often takes center stage, the profound act of truly listening can be transformative. Listening goes beyond hearing words; it's about providing a psychological space for others to share their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Therapy is a bit like maintaining a regular workout routine; consistency is key. So, let's have a chat about why, when it comes to counselling, regular weekly sessions might be more beneficial than monthly ones.