We are living in a complex environment at the moment. Anxiety has increased due to the uncertainty and changes following on from the global pandemic and lockdowns. Global unrest and the current environment are currently feeding into people's anxiety at the moment leading to us becoming a 'nation of worriers' Learn about what worry actually is, GAD, and our top tips to help navigate these feelings. #anxiety #GAD #worry #counselling #mentalhealth High functioning anxiety treatment - Hope Therapy (hopefulminds.co.uk ..read more

Here Ian, Director of Hope Therapy discusses his own experience with employee mental health from his days of managing upwards of 200 people in enterprise companies. Listen to himself and Wendy take a deep dive into employee mental health and how critical mental health is to individuals happiness and performance at work, and how this in turn can affect the organisation as a whole. Employee Support - Hope Therapy and Counselling Services (hopefulminds.co.uk) #employees #employeemotivation #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness ..read more

How can we approach Christmas? Be true to your values, nobody can do anything and please everyone...what is really important and focussing on that rather than trying to do everything. Life and Christmas is really about an element of compromise. Pressure can come from so many places at Christmas, such as pressure from children, pressure of hosting or pressure of what social media can create - glamourised image of what a fairy-tale Christmas should be. The pressure that we place on ourselves to make it this perfect idea often places huge amounts of stress on us. It simply has to be our way, ra ..read more

This episode discusses Compassion Focussed Therapy, or CFT for short. This therapy was created by a psychologist called Paul Gilbert, OBE. There are many parts to CFT, and this episode will concentrate on some key points. CFT is about learning to take care of ourselves especially when we are in distress. #counselling #mentalhealth #therapy #CFT #cbt New tab (hopefulminds.co.uk ..read more

In this insightful podcast episode, we delve into the transformative power of Behavioural Activation as a tool for conquering depression. Join us as we explore the science behind this evidence-based therapy and its practical applications in reshaping daily routines, fostering positive habits, and reclaiming a sense of purpose. #depression #activation #mentalhealth #cbt #counselling #therapy #depressionsupport #positivity ..read more

In this podcast episode, the host delves into the complexities of adult children who have navigated dysfunctional family environments, exploring the lasting impact on their mental health and emotional well-being. The discussion centers on the concept of "adult child syndrome" and the challenges these individuals face in making mature decisions and forming healthy relationships. #adultchild #counselling #cbt #anxiety #mentalhealth #depression #dysfunctional ..read more

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the timely topic of managing mental health and relationship changes during the winter holiday season, often synonymous with Christmas. Acknowledging the unique challenges that arise during this festive period, the hosts aim to shed light on the stress many individuals experience and explore strategies to navigate these complexities. The episode begins by emphasizing that individuals grappling with mental health issues or relationship changes during the holidays are not alone in their experiences. The hosts recognize that the festive season can impa ..read more

In this podcast episode, the focus is on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that tends to emerge during the darker months of autumn and winter, particularly in regions with reduced natural sunlight, such as the UK. While the exact cause of SAD remains elusive, the discussion delves into prominent theories, with a spotlight on the impact of diminished sunlight exposure. The episode explores how the lack of sunlight may disrupt the proper functioning of the hypothalamus, a crucial part of the brain, potentially influencing the production of melatonin—a hormone that regulates ..read more

This podcast episode explores the power of visualization and its role in reducing anxiety and stress. The episode highlights the following key points: Neural Pathways: The brain forms connections through neural pathways, which can be influenced by our imagination. However, our tendency to focus on worst-case scenarios can strengthen neural pathways associated with distress. Positive Effects of Visualization: Visualization is a powerful tool that can have several positive effects, including promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and redirecting the mind away from anxious thoughts. Calming E ..read more

In this podcast episode, Wendy and Ian discuss the impact of mental health challenges on relationships. They stress the importance of recognizing signs, communicating with sensitivity, practicing self-care, seeking professional help like couples therapy, and overcoming the stigma surrounding seeking support. Ian also mentions that Hope Therapy & Counselling Services offers experienced counsellors to help individuals and couples facing mental health challenges. https://calendly.com/hopetherapy/15-minute-consultation ..read more