The LGBTQIA community faces the same problems as everyone else. They also face problems that can be very different to those experienced by mainstream society. For various reasons, many prefer a therapist, if not of the same sexuality as them, then at least with a clear understanding of LGBTQIA issues. Many fear finding a therapist that is homophobic or one whose religious beliefs would conflict with their ability to help. Enter then, the world of gay affirmative therapy.
It’s Easter, a time for renewal, rebirth and resurrection, a celebration of new life and the passing of spring into summer. It’s also the time for a good old spring clean, literally, metaphorically, physically and emotionally. So, as the days get longer, brighter and warmer and as summer beckons, where do you want to start? Read more
Hello and welcome to this, the first full working week of a brand new year. Some of you may have made some New Year’s resolutions, some of you may not; of those of you that have, some of you may already feel your resolve dissolving. The key to any goal however, is staying true to what you want to achieve, no matter how difficult, trying or just plain boring it gets staying on your path. But, like most things in life, that’s easier said than done. Read more
So, here we are, just a few short days into October, a month designated for giving up not one, but two unhealthy habits: namely, drinking and smoking. Yep, MacMillan would like you to go sober for October (click here), while the NHS would like you to use this month to stop smoking for good (click here). But, just how hard are these habits to break? Read more
I’ve written about chronic pain conditions before (click here) and how effective both CBT and hypnotherapy are in helping you deal with them. However, a recent study published by the American Psychological Association showed that, when it came to chronic pain, psychological interventions often provide more relief than prescription drugs or surgery. Read more
In CBT, we advocate unconditional self-acceptance. You are not your stuff. You are not a total success because you have succeeded; nor are you a total failure, just because you’ve failed a few times (we’ve all done that). You are every thought, action, word and deed you have ever had and ever will have and, through it all, you are a worthwhile and fallible human being, just like every other human being on this planet. Learn to love yourself, warts and all and you’ll never have confidence issues again. Comedic actor Charlie Chaplin had a few words to say about this back in 1959. The man should have been a therapist. Read more
Skype therapy is becoming increasingly popular. And several studies appear to confirm its effectiveness. In fact, a recent study (click here) has found that web therapy is just as good, if not better, than therapy delivered in person. So, have you thought about seeing a therapist online instead of in office and, if not, why not? The benefits are legion. Read more
At this time of year, with winter a wet and distant memory and spring definitely springing, a lot of thoughts are turning to foreign holidays. And so, it’s about this time of year I see an increase in people wanting help with their fears of flying (even more so since the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370). This increase in anxiety has even been noted in the press (click here). But fear not, for help is at hand! Read more
Sadly, the term mental health carries a hefty negative connotation. One that is difficult to overcome. Many people don’t like mentioning they’ve seen a psychotherapist because they’re worried that people will think there’s something wrong with them. But, does the term need to be so fraught? Read more
A chronic pain condition is not an easy thing to live with. Typically, the medical response is to chuck pain-killing drugs at the problem. However, psychotherapy, in the form of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and hypnotherapy can do much to not only help alleviate your perception of pain, but to also help with the inevitable emotional problems (such as anxiety and depression) that come with having to live with pain for so long. Read more