(image: Alexander Walton) In 2015, Alexander Walton had an idea. It was an emotional short story that he wrote, then placed in brightly coloured envelopes and randomly distributed across the city he lived in. Each one also contained a small gift: a symbol of hope. He called this project Find My Story and through the support and kindness of others, it expanded across the globe. Over the next five years there were three stories in total. Hundreds of volunteers. Thousands of envelopes. And an avalanche of profound and moving responses from people who had found one of these envelopes, and had the ..read more

(image: E Mandelstam) (image: Me aged 16/17 in Spain with friends) She sits nervously clutching her GHD straightened hair. Its meant to look poker straight but her curly waves never seem to look like Avril Lavigne’s hair. Except for that time when her friend tried to tame it for her with straighteners and an iron! She lives in a bedroom in the family home- half child, half adult, the wallpaper pink with pictures of little bo peep covered with music posters- Destiny’s Child (Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle in their Survivor jungle outfits peer down) and Joss Stone with her nose piercing. She look ..read more

(image: Unsplash: Conscious Design) Massage, the manipulation of muscles and soft tissue, has been used as a therapeutic practice for centuries. From traditional therapies in ancient civilisations to modern practices, massage has continued to prove its efficacy in promoting physical and emotional relaxation, pain relief, and stress reduction. Let us explore the many health benefits that come with getting a massage. Reducing Stress and Anxiety Research has shown that massage has a positive impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. One of the primary benefits of massage is its ability to re ..read more

(image: Chelsea Gates: Unsplash) Discover Proven Therapy Methods to Transform Your Life Sometimes something as small as getting stuck in traffic, running late, or having technical issues during a video call can send your day spiralling. Recovering and taking the reins on your stress and anxiety takes effort! While therapists, psychologists, and counsellors are known for their expertise in helping others navigate these struggles, they also employ various life hacks to relieve their own stress and anxiety. Prepare to be amazed as we delve into the hidden world of mental health gurus and uncover ..read more

(image: Pixabay) Anxiety has become increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced and demanding world, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Fortunately, counselling has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach to help individuals manage and overcome their anxiety. By providing guidance, support, and evidence-based strategies, anxiety therapy can empower individuals to strengthen their mental health and lead fulfilling lives.  Understanding Anxiety  Before delving into the role of anxiety counselling, it is crucial to grasp the nature of anxiety itself. Anxiety is a ..read more

(image: free image) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterised by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that can significantly impact a person’s daily life. While the exact cause of OCD is still unknown, it’s important to understand the factors that can worsen the symptoms. By exploring these triggers, we can gain insight into how to effectively manage and improve the lives of individuals with OCD. 1. Environmental Triggers Stress and Anxiety Stress and anxiety play a significant role in exacerbating OCD symptoms. The heightened levels of stress can ..read more

(image: Unsplash: Kateryna Hlzinitsova) Have you heard about Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy but are not sure what it is or how it works? EMDR therapy is a type of psychotherapy that is mainly used to treat Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other similar conditions. This form of therapy has been known to produce incredible results in clients with symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and overwhelming fear. If you are someone who wants to know more about EMDR therapy, you are in the right place. This guide explains everything you need to know about EMDR the ..read more

(image: Joice Kelly at Unsplash) Anxiety is a natural response to stress, but sometimes it can become overwhelming and interfere with your daily life. If you’re struggling with anxiety, you don’t have to go it alone. There are many effective strategies for managing anxiety that psychiatrists and mental health professionals use every day. Here are 10 proven strategies for reducing anxiety and taking control of your thoughts and feelings. Identify Your Triggers The first step in managing your anxiety is to identify what triggers it in the first place. Is there a specific situation, person, or e ..read more

(Image: Brooke Cagle: Unsplash) Considering the wellbeing of employees has never been more important, or more timely. With world events like the coronavirus pandemic having a serious impact on global mental health, more and more employers have begun to more seriously consider the overall wellbeing of their employees, not simply their productivity in the workplace.  In fact, many employers are beginning to understand how the two are intimately connected.Indeed, it is reported that healthy employees are 74% more likely to be satisfied with their current job than unhealthy employees. It is ..read more

On the 1st March 2016, I started this blog as a way to provide therapy for myself- as I was going through panic attacks, (caused by trauma). Can you believe that was 7 years ago?! I can’t! Since then I have had several years of therapy and my life changed so much too for the better- I met my husband, we got married and moved to our first home. The blog has turned into a book Bring me to Light (with Trigger), writing for Metro.co.uk, Glamour, the Telegraph, Happiful, Rethink Mental Illness, Mind and other incredible organisations, I have partnered with large and small brands, charities, busine ..read more