Useful resources

I thought it may be helpful to share some of the sites, blogs and articles that I have found to be particularly helpful and useful on my journey as a counsellor and indeed personally. The Be Mindful online Mindfulness training is something I really recommend. Incredible value at only £60, this course progresses over ten, thirty minute sessions, taking around 4 weeks to complete. Anxiety, depression and stress can all be reduced when we become more aware of our thoughts and feelings, so that instead of being overwhelmed, we’re better able to manage them. This course can be done to fit around your lifestyle and I found it very easy to understand and implement the ideas.

I particularly like the MIND website, its recently been revamped and now has a really friendly, approachable style. Before, the site felt a little too clinical and cold, not helping reduce the stigma attached to mental health. Elefriends, the supportive online community is a great additional extra; a safe forum to share, listen and be heard and know you are 'not alone'.

The Mental Health Foundation has produced an excellent article on Sleep. Packed with research, lots of information on various sleep disorders and practical advice, its incredibly well-written and useful.

Finally I came across a blog written by Josie called Why So Anxious? A well written insight about the debilitating and devastating effects of living with anxiety, dyslexia and dyscalculia. Josie writes in a such a warm, honest, insightful way. She provides lots of useful information, offers what has helped for her and overall, wants to let people know they are not alone in their suffering, well worth a read!

Fun

It is so easy to get wrapped up in to-do lists, people you should visit, jobs that needs to be done around the home,....I could go on and on, but sometimes it is so important just to STOP.  I have been very busy recently and have noticed that my quality time has reduced with my nearest and dearest making me feel quite tetchy and I have probably not been a lot of fun to be around! It was a real 'Aha' moment that I realised I had been lost in the detail, when what is so much more important is the here and now. To give full focus and truly listen and to 'be', to let-go of the small stuff, to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. At this time of the year, the nights are longer, green is coming back into the cities, the sun is shining, peoples energies are improving and life just feels that little bit easier.
Whatever it is you do stop, relax and have fun, I would love to hear!

The Way

I recently watched the film 'The Way' with Martin Sheen acting as a father who goes to collect the body of his son who has been killed in an accident whilst walking the pilgrimage known as "The Camino de Santiago". 

I can't recommend this film enough. With its inspiring story line, breathtaking scenery and moving soundtrack, this is not a sad film as you would expect, but an incredibly uplifting film. 'The Way' offers a wonderful metaphor for the 'journey' rather than 'getting to a destination' and realising the difference between ’the life we live and the life we choose'. This is a sensitive, enjoyable and well-acted film for all the family.

Are there any films you can recommend? What do you turn to inspire you, cheer you up, make you laugh, or even help make you cry? Please do let me know.

  

Update

It's been quite a while since my last blog and a lot has happened over the past few years. I now am in private practice counselling from home in Surrey and after 3 years of training, I have qualified as an NFSH Spiritual Healer. I have found people who come for spiritual healing, are really looking for space to be, to relax and be listened to and I am very excited about being able to offer this additional service.

A passion of mine is working with young people and I feel the changes in British society over the course of the last generation have made it tougher for young people to cope. I am very glad the government is taking action for young people's mental health and that they are extending psychological therapies so that more children can have access to the support they so desperately need. See: Department of Health - campaign about psychological therapies. Treating a child's mental health as equal to their physical health, is an important acknowledgment and reducing the waiting times to receive support is a positive development, but much more I feel much more needs to be done. Investing more budget into mental health services, embedding mental and emotional well-being into the school curriculum and improving support for children reaching adulthood, to name just a few. 

Black dog

Recently I came across 'I had a black dog' by Matthew Johnstone, a beautifully illustrated book which helps explain the oppressive 'heavy black cloud' of depression. The World Health Organisation has also produced this very helpful YouTube clip. I really liked the succinctness of the pictures reflecting what life is really like for people suffering from this debilitating illness and helpful advice of not suffering alone.
I think using antidepressants can help some people function and cope with their day to day life, and I also advocate the importance of talking therapies.
Another book I recommend is 'Sunbathing in the Rain' by Gwyneth Lewis. With its practical tips,  striking observations and wise musings, it's an insightful read into one woman's journey from the dark through to the light on the other side.

SAD?

Well the nights are drawing in again and I know that a lot of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I for one suffer slightly and I have already noticed a change in my mood, craving more stodgy foods and feeling more lethargic than normal. I thought I would put down a few hits and tips that may be of help:

• The research on the use of Lightboxes has been very positive as it stimulates the production of chemicals in the brain and appears to have an anti-depressant effect. (Although I have not used one before I have noticed Boots had a Lightbox which was relatively cheap in comparison to others , although, please note I do not know if there are still available?)
• Complementary therapies that help you to relax and release stress
  
• Exercising can be a mood lifter as it releases endorphins.
  
• Eating right and developing a sleep routine can help you feel better in the long term
  
• Creative visualisation - Closing your eyes and imaging walking along a beach on a hot summers day, really focusing on the sun rays warming up your body, healing, nurturing and filling you with energy.
• Wearing bright and cheery colours sometimes can help change moods
• Counselling and CBT can help with feelings of isolation/depression
  
• For more extreme forms of SAD I would recommend a visit to the doctor

Hello and welcome!

Hi and welcome to my new blog which I hope you will find enjoyable and informative. I wish for it to be an interactive site where we can all help and support each other and please feel free to add your comments.

Butterflies' have always made me think of change and transformation. Growth happens when we begin to look inside ourselves and begin on the path of self-development. Butterflies' encapsulate qualities of joy, beauty, creativity and sensitivity. All things I feel are so important in my work as a counsellor and healer.

Are there any symbols you could use to evoke certain qualities in your life? For example, when I wanted to bring more love in my life, so I placed lots of pictures,postcards and magazines of love on my noticeboard which really helped to focus my intention. Carrying around a small seashell allowed me to get in touch with a sense of serenity I always feel at the beach. I always get a sense of vitality when I gaze at lit candles. Symbols help to develop our qualities and please let me know what works for you.....