Photo by Alvan Nee on Unsplash Square breathing to calm the mind Square breathing is one of the simplest breathing techniques I know to calm your nervous system, which will calm your mind and your body. And the beauty of it is that you can do it literally anywhere!...
Photo by Gregory Pappas on Unsplash Deep Sleep Reduces Anxiety Levels When we have anxiety often one of the first things to suffer is our sleep. It may be difficult for us to drop off to sleep: we ruminate, toss and turn. Or maybe you have no problem dropping off,...
Why I get you to move and breathe in your session: the neuroscience Have you ever wondered why I invite you to move or breathe deeply in your session? Have you questioned how it makes you feel better? With my training in both body psychotherapy and dance-movement...
Photo by Vlad Deep on Unsplash The Impact of Music on the Nervous System Sounds can either delight or irritate the nervous system, which in turn has an impact on how we feel, think and behave. Last Thursday a car parked in my street had the alarm going off every 5...
Emotional eating (and how to stop) Do you struggle with food cravings? I do. I'm an emotional eater but learning the neuroscience and psychology of emotional eating has helped me quit. People always assume that a therapist totally has their act together, but we’re...
How to deal with unpleasant thoughts and feelings - How Sean Connery gets me to the gym on a monday morning We humans have evolved to do whatever we can to avoid pain, whether it’s physical, emotional or psychological. Obviously avoiding physical pain is a good...
A problem shared (internet dating horror stories) “A problem shared is a problem halved” goes the old English saying. I heartily agree with that one. This is not just because I’m a psychotherapist and I know that just talking to someone about your problems can be...
Exercise as therapy for your mind We know that exercise make us healthier. It has the benefit of lowering blood pressure and reducing your risk of diabetes. But it’s so easy to NOT do it, right? Especially as it’s getting so cold and the sofa is so comfy. But...
Whatever you desire you unconsciously fear “Whatever you desire, you unconsciously fear. Whatever you experience, you unconsciously want.”1 Wait.. what? The thing I desire the most is the thing I fear the most? And what I'm experiencing now is what...
An Emotional Survival Guide for Christmas This Emotional Survival Guide to Christmas has been written to help you navigate difficult emotions over the ‘silly season’. Whether you are feeling anxious, stressed, lonely, sad, or suicidal even, here are my tips for...
What's on your "lemon day" list? When life gives you lemons do you make lemonade or do you reach for the ice cream? I have been known to do the latter when things go really downhill. Sometimes you just need a bit of sweetness in your life, but then I regret it the...
The waterfall - a pose to help with anxiety If you ever suffer from anxiety, whether it's just low level worrying and rumination or a full-blown panic attack, you know that it's not a pleasant sensation. As a therapist I give people strategies to help with anxiety....