2020 was tough…that much is obvious. We experienced the biggest global pandemic of a century, people lost their homes, their jobs and even their loved ones. They also lost their ability in many ways to manage and improve their mental health. For me as a psychologist, I found the past …
Writing a Formulation – Sasha Rose
Learning to write clinical and research reports is a feature of most Psychology and Counselling training. Formulations are increasingly used in clinical, mental health and forensic settings to make sense of a client’s issues and to provide recommendations for treatment. This guide will outline the key elements of a …
Distraction and Self-Care – What’s the Difference?
Imagine a scenario in which a person goes to see a therapist for help in dealing with depression/anxiety. The therapist tells them to use self-care by doing whatever makes them feel better: get immersed in a good book; watch a series on Netflix; go for long walks, etc.- with the …
How to Reflect…Without Ruminative Brooding by Chelsea Robin
It may be common ground to propose that we all initially experience ourselves as neutral, objective and separate. This assumption is incorrect and once recognized reflection can occur. Reflection involves recognising we all have bias’ and we are influenced by our genetics, environment and culture. Within a conversation, why did …
What is it Like to Have Depression & What Can We Do About It?
Depression is a mental state that is becoming increasingly common, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) identifying depression as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, this doesn’t even take into account the experience of depressive symptoms or unreported cases, which are often overlooked! With this in mind, …
Empathy Overload: Thoughts About Life During Coronavirus Lockdown – by Lynn Findlay
“You will never understand, how it feels to live your life, with no meaning or control, and with nowhere left to go” (Pulp, Common People, 1995) I am finding during lockdown, as I forge new routines and try to create a new structure to my days and weeks, I have …
I’m not anxious, I’m afraid: Response to COVID-19 by Kayleigh Erasmus
I’m seeing a lot of advice out there from mental health professionals and helpful community members about how to reduce your anxiety. While I know this is valuable, I believe their advice and strategies miss a crucial part of the picture: our fear, right now, makes sense. When you are …
How Diet Culture Can Be Triggering For Those With Eating Disorders – by Georgia Jerwood
At the start of the New Year, resolutions are for self-improvement are everywhere. Many are positive, from reducing alcohol intake to spending more time with family. Yet, the most popular of all surrounds around; weight loss, exercise, and dieting goals. After a holiday period in which every corporation tries to …
The Third Wave Of Therapy. What Is Next & How Did We Get Here? by Aadil Budhwani
The term ‘third-wave’ has been amassing attention from professionals and the media alike, legitimacy throughout the psychological society, and patients searching for an alternative to traditional models of psychotherapy. Early Psychology Early psychology, such as the work of Wilhelm Wundt and William James, focused primarily on the phenomenon of conscious …
The Link Between Mental Health and Addiction – by Graham Peasey from Step 1 Recovery
Unfortunately, the rise of both mental health issues and behavioural habits, such as addiction are increasing. For some individuals, that may mean living with post-traumatic stress disorder. For others, a life of substance abuse may be led. And in some cases, a mixture of both may be a reality. However, …
Supporting Children With Trauma Experiences – by Virginia Veruma
Children develop through a process of making sense of adversities. These adversities have usually a positive role in children’s lives as they spur their development. Nevertheless, when there are too many adversities, or they last for too long, they can have a huge impact on the brain’s healthy growth and …
It’s Not Always Sunshine & Rainbows – by Matt Jones from MESOA for men
My name is Matt. I’m 37 years of age and writing this is hard. Why? Because I’m opening myself up as a man, a proud man. However, I am about to be brave and tell you my story, because opening up has helped me, and I want other men to …
