Counselling Blog

The Drama Triangle, a social model developed by Dr. Stephen Karpman in 1968, illustrates a destructive and co-dependent relationship dynamic that people often fall into during conflict. In these scenarios, we are not acting as our authentic, adult selves. Instead, we unconsciously slip into one of three emotionally charged and mutually reinforcing roles, ensuring the cycle of "drama" continues indefinitely.

10 WAYS TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR COMMUNITY

Kirsty Walker explores how a trauma-informed approach changed the healing journey of a counselling client living with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

The 54321 grounding method can be an effective tool for managing trauma responses by helping individuals reconnect with the present moment. Trauma often pulls a person into a state of hyperarousal, flashbacks, or dissociation, which makes it difficult to stay grounded in the "here and now." By using this method to engage your five senses, you can begin to shift away from overwhelming memories or emotions and return to the present.

Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience that brings about both joy and challenges. While the birth of a child is often celebrated, it can also be a time of heightened emotional stress for new parents. The arrival of a baby can affect a couple's relationship in several ways, and it's important to prepare for these impacts to ensure that both partners can navigate this new stage of their lives successfully.

Hypnobirthing is a natural childbirth technique that involves using relaxation, breathing, and visualisation techniques to prepare for and manage the process of giving birth. The technique is based on the idea that fear and tension can create pain and complications during childbirth, and that by learning to relax and stay calm, women can reduce their discomfort and improve their chances of having a safe and healthy birth.

If you've ever considered turning the tap to blue during your shower, you might be onto something beneficial for your health. While nothing beats the comforting warmth of a hot shower, the practice of rinsing off with cold water boasts numerous hidden advantages.

Bullying is a pervasive problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a form of aggression that can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and psychological abuse. The effects of bullying on our self-esteem can be profound and long-lasting.

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman's reproductive years. It typically occurs in women in their late 40s to early 50s and is defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 consecutive months. Menopause is a significant event in a woman's life and is often accompanied by various physical and emotional changes.

Relationships can be both beautiful and challenging, and it's normal for couples to experience rough patches. However, with mindfulness, couples can deepen their connections, communicate more effectively, and overcome obstacles in their relationship. Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgement. By applying this practice to your relationship, you can enhance your connection with your partner.

Mindfulness counselling is a therapeutic approach that is gaining popularity as an effective method for treating a range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, stress, and even addiction. Mindfulness is a technique that involves paying attention to the present moment, with curiosity and without judgment. It is an approach that encourages individuals to live in the moment and not worry about the past or the future.

As the calendar turns a new page, many of us find ourselves reflecting on the past year and contemplating the changes we want to make in the year ahead. New Year's resolutions often top the list, and for many, achieving better health is a primary goal. However, making a resolution is one thing, but making a healthy and sustainable one is another. In this blog post, we'll explore how to craft New Year's resolutions that prioritise your well-being and set you on a path to lasting positive change.

The climate crisis has been building for years and is rarely far from the headlines or social media, with events like record snowfall in Madrid, flooding in China, the heat dome and wildfires in the Pacific northwest and warnings of extreme weather events becoming more frequent. With this rise in awareness of the severity of the situation, there has also been an increase in eco-anxiety. Eco-anxiety, also known as climate anxiety, refers to people's stresses, fears, and worries about the future of the planet and their feelings of hopelessness at the scale of the issue.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that we experience during particular seasons and times of year or because of certain types of weather or temperature. SAD affects millions of people and is four times more likely to affect women than men.

Sleep hygiene refers to the set of practices and habits that are conducive to getting a good night's sleep. These practices include maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, creating a relaxing sleep environment, and engaging in relaxing activities before bedtime.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition that affects approximately 5% of menstruating women. It is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) that is characterised by emotional, physical, and behavioural symptoms that occur during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. While the exact causes of PMDD are not yet fully understood, scientific research has shed some light on the underlying neurobiological mechanisms that contribute to this condition.

For centuries, women's menstrual cycles have been shrouded in mystery and perceived as a burden. However, by reframing our perspective and delving into the science behind hormonal fluctuations, we can recognise the beauty and wisdom of this natural rhythm. Viewing each stage of the menstrual cycle as a season offers a transformative approach to understanding and embracing the ebb and flow of a woman's body. In this blog post, we will explore the hormonal dynamics throughout the menstrual cycle, and how adopting a seasonal perspective can empower women to prioritise self-care, optimise productivity, and enhance their overall well-being.

The realm of mental health is deeply intertwined with the social fabric of our lives. For individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, navigating mental well-being becomes even more complex due to the presence of homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia. In the context of counselling, it's essential to understand how these forms of discrimination impact mental health and the unique challenges they pose. In this blog, we'll delve into the intersection of discrimination and counselling, exploring how therapists can play a pivotal role in addressing the mental health effects of these biases.

Acupuncture is an ancient practice that originated in China more than 2,500 years ago. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to promote healing and balance. While acupuncture is often associated with pain relief and physical ailments, it can also be an effective tool for improving mental health.

Suicide is a serious public health issue that affects people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the UK, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women. In 2020, there were 4,321 male suicides in the UK, compared to 1,388 female suicides. The suicide rate for men in the UK is currently at its highest level since 2000, with an age-standardized rate of 16.9 deaths per 100,000 males. This is a concerning trend that highlights the urgent need for more attention and resources to address the issue of suicide in men in the UK.

In a world bustling with constant stimuli and pressures, finding a space to reflect and reconnect with oneself is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Therapeutic journal writing, a powerful tool for self-exploration and healing, offers a haven where individuals can express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgement or limitation. In this blog, we'll delve into the benefits of therapeutic journal writing and explore practical ways to make the most of this valuable practice.

Gaslighting is a term that has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to the rise of awareness about emotional abuse. Essentially, it refers to a situation where one person in a relationship (romantic, work-related, or otherwise) manipulates the other in order to gain power and control over them. This is done by creating a false narrative that undermines the other person's emotions and feelings, causing them to question their reality.

Miscarriage is a devastating event for any parent, but often the focus is on the mother's physical and emotional wellbeing. While it's true that the mother experiences the physical loss of a pregnancy, fathers also experience the emotional turmoil that comes with a miscarriage. The effects of a miscarriage on men are often overlooked or minimised, but they can be just as profound and long-lasting as they are for women.

The human body is an intricate system governed by a delicate balance of hormones. Hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including the reproductive system, mood, metabolism, and overall health. While many factors influence hormone levels, the environment, in particular, can significantly impact women's hormonal balance. In this blog post, we will explore the profound impact of the environment on women's hormones, discussing how exposure to certain chemicals, lifestyle choices, and other environmental factors can disrupt hormonal equilibrium and potentially affect women's health.

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that we all experience at times. However, there are instances when anxiety can escalate and become a mental health concern. Various factors can contribute to feelings of anxiety, such as exam pressures, relationship challenges, major life transitions like starting a new job or experiencing job loss, and concerns related to financial stability, such as meeting basic needs like heating our homes or buying food. While anxiety can feel overwhelming, there are strategies that can help individuals manage it effectively.

Hypnobirthing is a natural childbirth technique that has gained popularity in recent years due to its many benefits, including reduced pain, decreased need for medical interventions, and improved emotional well-being. But what is the science behind hypnobirthing, and how does it work?

Trauma is a distressing experience that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope, leaving them feeling helpless and unsafe. Trauma can come in many forms, including physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, accidents, natural disasters, and witnessing or experiencing violence. Trauma can cause a wide range of symptoms, including anxiety, depression, nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviours, which can significantly impact an individual's quality of life.

A healthy relationship is one where both partners feel loved, respected, and valued. However, not all relationships are healthy, and some can be toxic or abusive. In a toxic or abusive relationship, one partner may use tactics such as manipulation, control, or violence to maintain power and dominance over the other partner. In this blog, we will discuss what a toxic or abusive relationship is and how to recognise the signs.

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common condition that affects many new mothers. It is a type of depression that occurs after giving birth and can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, and the physical and emotional demands of caring for a newborn. In this blog, we will explore the effects of postpartum depression on new mothers, as well as how to recognise and treat this condition.

Mental health is an issue that affects everyone, regardless of gender. However, research shows that men are less likely to talk about their mental health than women. This is a worrying trend as it can lead to untreated mental health problems, which can have serious consequences for men’s health and wellbeing.

Mindfulness is a powerful tool for personal growth and emotional well-being. It involves being fully present in the moment, non-judgmentally observing one's thoughts and feelings. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a pioneer in the field of mindfulness, has identified seven key attitudes that can help individuals cultivate mindfulness in their lives.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get overwhelmed and stressed out. Our mental health is just as important as our physical health, and taking care of it should be a top priority. Here are some practical ways to improve your mental health and wellbeing.