The negative impact of smartphones on mental health: Insights from research
Smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, offering convenience, connectivity, and access to information. We hold in our hands a super-computer that has influenced population behaviour (online shopping, video calling), an evolution of language that incorporates actions associated with smartphone devices (‘selfies’, ‘doom scrolling’) and the idea of attention mining. The function of a smartphone is to mine for your attention and then ensure it continues to keep your attention - hello algorithyms! But what impact is it having on our mental health?
EMDR - What happens?
EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing) seems to provoke a reaction in people - one of curiosity. As the therapeutic approach gains a wider audience and becomes more accessible, a demystification process is underway with discussions on Instagram and TikTok, videos on Youtube and hundreds of Reddit threads. More and more people are sharing their experience of EMDR and what to anticipate. This blog aims to add to those discussions from the perspective of myself as therapist (and client).
All about the drama…
Want to increase your self-awareness by knowing the most common psychological game? Here’s an overview of how the drama triangle can help you improve your relationships by increasing your awareness of what role you play (and how you play it)
Analysis Paralysis
Decision making can be difficult, and can result in a sense of ‘analysis paralysis’. So how do we ensure we can make good decisions that avoid us shutting down or disengaging from the decision making process? Here I explore what happens when decisions are irreversible, the role of your brain and… your gut.
How to ensure your relationship will last the lockdown…
Toxic Positivity - Why we need to state when life feels shit
Positivity and inspirational memes can have their place to ensure we stop and reflect - but when the overarching narrative includes an expectation that you ‘should’ be grateful and happy regardless of your situation, that’s when it becomes problematic. Here’s a blog where I swear a fair amount…
#notforthefainthearted
Mindset - What is it, why is it important (and how can it change)?
In the workplace and academic settings, mindset comes up as this mysterious beast that we need to have the ‘right kind of’ in order to succeed. But what is mindset, why do I need a growth mindset and what impact does that have on me? Here’s a brief exploration of growth mindset.
Habit change - How small changes can (successfully) form lifelong habits
Trying to change habits, whether it’s to forge new ones or banish unwanted ones, can be tricky. We either seem to run out of motivation, or the ever illusive willpower, and so can resign ourselves to feeling bad or inadequate. In this post, I’ll briefly explore some principles of habit change - including a formula created by a Stanford Professor and several recommended books on habit change.
Procrastination - The search for ‘The Eternal Mother’ or a coping mechanism for feelings?
What is procrastination? And how do i stop procrastinating? In this post, I explore what procrastination is and how it shows up, what it might mean for us and our emotional awareness to ensure that we can acknowledge and understand procrastination for the purpose it serves.
Racism in the therapy room
Racism, power & oppression are found within the walls of the institutions that train us and in the therapeutic communities that support me as a practitioner. Here is a brief exploration of how racism shows up in the therapy room. And why I'll continue to have uncomfortable and clunky conversations to ensure I unlearn, re-learn and do better.
Therapy and COVID-19 - The Global Grief process
As COVID-19 creates global losses and disruptions, many are navigating similar thoughts and feelings at the exact same time. This is an unprecedented time in our history. And a grief process on a global scale.
Where to find a therapist, psychotherapist or counsellor
Ways to support yourself during therapy
Sometimes in therapy, a client might feel unsettled or disorientated - Stepping out of the sanctuary of the therapy room and into the ‘real world’. I often invite clients to give themselves 10 or so minutes soon after the session to check-in with their thoughts & feelings to ensure any residual therapy affects can be processed. Here I list 6 ways in which you can look after yourself whilst in therapy to ensure you have the best possible experience.
Top 3 Personal / Self development books of 2019
In 2019 I read several self-help/personal development books but these 3 stood out as informing myself in the world and myself as a practitioner. Having my philosophy, behaviours and approach to life challenged as the books have moments of feeling quite confronting - yet thoroughly enjoyable!
“Art as therapy” - How art can improve your life
What purpose does art serve? And why has it’s presence been so important to the development of humankind? Art can weave philosophy, literature, myth, legend and politics onto one canvas. Therapy can be an exploration of those topics and how they impact an individual, their family systems or the greater society system they sit within. This is why De Botton & Armstrong’s book (2016), “Art as Therapy” argues, quite convincingly, that art could change your life.
Escaping the chaos - The gift of self-care during the festive period
How will you ensure you take care of you during the Christmas festivities? As the festivities begin, it can be a lonely or chaotic time for some. Spending time with family or work colleagues when your relationship is strained or if you have differing political opinions can leave you feeling exhausted or bored. Yet we may feel a sense of obligation or duty to politely accept invitations to spend time with others. Here are a few ideas as to how you can ensure you look after your own needs, whilst balancing others expectations.
“Do I need therapy? Can counselling help me?”
How do you know if you need therapy, and whether or not it will help? Considering what it is that’s prompted you to reach out can help with your decision making process. Is it something you feel you could speak with family, friends or colleagues with? In the case where what has happened, or happening, to you feels like something you can’t or don’t want to share with friends, family or partners, or that they wouldn’t understand, then I would suggest considering seeing a therapist for help. Emotional distress and mental wellbeing is vastly improved when discussed with a qualified professional
How to choose a safe, professional & qualified therapist or counsellor
So what do you need to know when looking for a good or recommended therapist? I decided to put together some questions a person might wish to consider when employing the services of a therapist. Some answers to these will likely be on a counsellor’s webpage or Psychology Today profile but if not, then I’d encourage you to reach out and ask ahead of booking an appointment.
What your therapist wants you to know - A letter to potential clients
There’s so many things a client might like to know, as I recollect having lots of questions about therapy. Psychotherapy is a commitment, yet it may only be a commitment of a single-session. (Something you don’t often hear within therapeutic culture) and I know that clients often feel apprehensive about seeking support. Moshe Talmon suggests ensuring clients are under no illusion of ‘hocus pocus’ or any other kind of magical fix by clearly defining the role of the therapist and the therapeutic encounter.