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
Yes folks, it’s that time of year again. Forget your New Year’s Resolution, that’s so nine months ago. And forget National Smoking Day, that’s so 14 March and you were busy then. Today, the Government launched Stoptober 2014. 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
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
I’ve blogged about this before (click here), but stopping smoking is one of the most successful methods for stopping smoking and study after study seems to back this up. And, ahead of National No Smoking Day, new research sheds light on new benefits to quitting. Read more
