Some thoughts for when the days get darker

Some thoughts for when the days get darker

The season of ‘mist and mellow fruitfulness’ is upon us and with it some challenges to our mental health. As the difficulty rating on tasks such as ‘leaving the house’ and ‘seeing the sun’ rockets, it’s easy to see why things can get hard quickly. But there are some...
Anxiety, trauma and birdboxes

Anxiety, trauma and birdboxes

The other day disaster struck in our garden when the nest box some blue tits have made their home in our fell off the wall. We put it back (a little more securely this time!), but without high hopes, however were surprised to see them return soon after, getting on...
Moving house and your mental health

Moving house and your mental health

Moving house is a difficult thing, something I’ve been reminded of many times recently.  There’s a reason moving is near the top of those lists of stressful life events (at number two apparently, topped only by bereavement) and my own recent experiences got me...
Does empathy have a downside?

Does empathy have a downside?

As therapists, we are taught the vital importance of empathy very early on, because feeling that your therapist is empathic is one of the ‘common factors’ which helps to create positive change, whatever type of therapy is being practiced.  Taking a scroll on...