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Why Look Back?

When we hear advice like, “Just leave the past behind and focus on the present,” it can sound appealing. After all, why revisit painful or difficult memories when we want to move forward in life? However, from a psychodynamic perspective, the past is never truly gone. It stays with us, shaping our feelings, reactions, and decisions today, often in ways we may not fully realise.In psychodynamic therapy, understanding and acknowledging the past is not only helpful but often essential for emoti...

Mental Health & Menopause

Taking Charge of Mental Health Through Menopause: You’re Not AloneMenopause is often a time of profound change in a woman’s life, bringing with it a complex mix of emotional and physical symptoms. It can feel overwhelming, sometimes lonely, and it’s no surprise that more women are seeking support to navigate these challenging shifts. In fact, anxiety has become the number one reason women in menopause seek therapy, according to a recent survey by the BACP. And it’s from their survey, we ...

ADHD Awareness Month

October is ADHD Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the impact it has on both children and adults. In the UK, ADHD is recognised as a condition that affects a person’s ability to focus, manage impulses, and regulate their energy levels among many other signs and attributes. It can make everyday tasks more challenging, but with the right support, people with ADHD lead fulfilling lives and doesn’t have to impact negatively...

October Newsletter

Paws and tails wagging, it’s Womble the therapy dog here! Let me tell you a little bit about the amazing people at Teenage Mental Health (TMH) and how they can help for our first time readers or our newsletter.🐾 Child, Adolescent, and Young Adult Therapy 🐾At TMH, we’re all about supporting you and your young human through difficult times. We know how much mental health can affect not just kids, but everyone who loves and cares for them. That’s why we’re here to provide specialist t...

The Art of Letting Go

Whether you're filled with excitement as your child grows and spreads their wings, or secretly wishing they could remain your baby forever, the transition into adulthood often comes with a few bumps and learning experiences along the way. One of the greatest challenges parents face during adolescence is knowing when, and how, to let go. At every stage of development, children need to be gradually given the space and freedom to grow within the safety and security of you and the environments you c...

Don’t Let the Cold Stop You!

As the vibrant colours of autumn take over, the colder weather can often leave us feeling like hibernating. It’s easy to swap social outings for cosy nights in, but staying active, eating well, and maintaining social connections is crucial for our mental and physical well-being, perhaps even more so as the days grow shorter and darker.Let’s explore the psychosocial benefits of continuing to get out and see friends, eating the right foods, and keeping up with exercise during the colder months...

Adolescent Rebellion: Growth and Development

Understanding Adolescent Rebellion: A Perspective for ParentsAdolescence is a turbulent time for many families. As children transition into teenagers, they often engage in behaviours that challenge authority and push boundaries. For parents, this period can feel confusing, stressful, and sometimes alarming. Why does your once-cooperative child now seem to oppose everything you say? From a psychodynamic perspective, adolescent rebellion isn’t just a phase of defiance; it’s a vital part of emo...

Why Do Therapy Weekly?

Weekly therapy sessions are often considered the optimal frequency for many patients, especially younger individuals, for several reasons.Maintaining the Therapeutic Relationship: Regular weekly sessions help build and maintain a strong therapeutic alliance, which is crucial for effective therapy. The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP.co.uk)  emphasizes the importance of this relationship in facilitating trust and openness, essential for young patients who may need...

The Importance of Patient Confidentiality

In the realm of talking therapies, confidentiality is a cornerstone, especially when working with younger patients. As a trusted therapy dog, I’ve observed that maintaining a high level of confidentiality isn’t just a procedural necessity—it’s essential for fostering a positive and effective therapeutic environment.In the private sector, where patients and their families often seek specialized care, this principle is even more critical. Let me walk you through the reasons why confidentia...

Something Is Up, But They Wont Talk About It ....

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Exam Results Day 2024 Update

In the UK this year, A-level and AS level results day is Thursday, August 15th, and GCSE results are released on Thursday, August 22nd.Previous generations of students will remember the nerves and excitement of sitting exams in large school halls with all their friends. They will recall the excited buzz of finishing an exam, meeting friends and family afterwards to celebrate and discuss how well they thought they had done. They might remember the encouraging conversations with teachers and the e...

Celebrating Exam Success: Navigating the Journey Beyond Results Day

For those who achieved or exceeded their expected grades, this is a moment of great pride and joy. It’s a time to recognise the dedication, effort, and perseverance that led to this success. Whether these results were what your young person had hoped for, expected, or even surpassed their expectations, this is a significant milestone worth celebrating.However, even in the midst of such achievements, it’s important to acknowledge that what comes next can be just as challenging, if not more s...

How to Respond to "I'm Worried"

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Boundaries Are Like Seat Belts - They Provide Safety...

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Identifying Disordered Eating & Eating Disorders

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Anxiety: When is it typical, and when might be time to consider support?

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Mission Master - Summer Activity

Not based on popular TV series at all! Why not create your own mini missions during the holidays? Task… yourself with a set of challenges, with or without a competitive edge.It is a fun and creative game that challenges children with a series of silly and inventive missions. Because you can tailor missions, challenges… for those playing, it can be made fun for all!Here’s how you can set up a Children’s or Family Mission Masters game at home:SetupSelect a Mission Master:Choose one parent ...

Getting Help For You or Your Child, Without Worry of Judgement

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Kids Are Like Cakes?

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Womble's Thoughts On What We Can Do When A Child Gets Angry

Hey there, pawsome parent! It's me, Womble, your friendly therapy dog. I'm here to help with some top tips to keep your little pup calm and happy. Let's dive into it, arf arf!Stay Calm and Cool 😌When your child gets angry, it's super important for you to stay calm. Dogs like me can sense emotions, and kids can too! Take deep breaths and speak softly. Your calmness can help soothe their storm.Create a Safe Space 🏡Make a cozy spot where your child can go when they're feeling mad. Fill it wit...

Supporting Your Child Through Change: Thinking Of School & Other Important Areas

Change is an inevitable part of life, and school transitions are significant milestones that can profoundly impact your child's relationships with friends, teachers, romantic interests, club leaders, and even family members. As parents and carers, your support is crucial in helping your child navigate these transitions smoothly. It can all be very important to them in the moment.We thought we’d offer considerations, on how you could support your child through these changes and promote healthy ...

Do You Know What Coping & Defence Mechanisms Really Are?

In our daily lives, we often hear the terms "coping mechanisms" and "defence mechanisms" used interchangeably. But are they really the same? Coping mechanisms could be considered as strategies we consciously employ to handle stress, challenges, and difficult emotions. Or we can consider them the ‘acting out’ communication of a defence mechanism underway.Defence mechanisms, in therapeutic senses’ are generally considered to be operating at a more unconscious level, shielding us from emotion...

July Newsletter 2024

That's right, we have renamed our building in Womble's honour to Womble House!Have you met Womble? He loves to greet new people and existing patients. Womble is usually onsite on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays....

When Is It The Right Time To Get Help With Mental Health?

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A Perspective On Healthy Phone Use With Fiona (Clinical Director at TMH)

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