The study titled "The EMDR Recent Birth Trauma Protocol" researches the application of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for women experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. EMDR, a technique traditionally used to treat PTSD, is explored here within the context of post-partum experiences, aiming to provide new insights into therapeutic options for mothers who have experienced birth trauma. This blog posts offers a summary and critical analysis of this research.

In the bustling intersection of neuroscience and psychology, there's a growing body of research that illuminates the profound impact of gratitude on our brains. As we explore the neuroscience of gratitude, we delve into a fascinating realm where emotion and cognition intertwine, revealing how the simple act of feeling thankful can sculpt our neural pathways, influence our mood, and even alter our perception of the world.

For therapists, the winter months can be a challenging time, as the effects of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) not only impact clients but also the therapists themselves. This blog post delves into the importance of self-care for therapists and those in the helping profession during this period, highlighting strategies to maintain personal well-being while continuing to provide effective support to clients.

As the seasons change, many of us may experience a shift in our mood and energy levels. This phenomenon, known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), affects numerous adults worldwide. This blog post aims to shed light on what SAD is, provide neuroscientific insights into its mechanisms, and offer practical strategies for coping with this seasonal challenge.

As therapists, one of the most profound skills we can cultivate in our clients is the ability to 'sit with their emotions.' This blog delves into the nuances of this practice within a therapeutic setting, offering insights into how therapists can guide their clients in embracing and understanding their emotional experiences as a pathway to healing and growth.

In our quest for emotional well-being, the phrase 'sitting with emotions' often emerges as a powerful yet misunderstood concept. This blog explores what it means to 'sit with emotions', particularly in the therapeutic context, and how applying this approach in daily life can be a catalyst for mental health recovery and growth.

As therapists, one of our primary roles is guiding clients through the complex maze of their thoughts, particularly when they're distorted. Cognitive distortions can significantly impact a client's mental health and perception of reality. This blog aims to equip therapists with strategies to help clients identify, reflect on, and challenge their cognitive distortions, fostering healthier thought patterns and improved mental well-being.

Have you ever found yourself caught in a spiral of negative thoughts, feeling like you’re battling your own mind? You're not alone. Many of us grapple with cognitive distortions – those tricky, often misleading thoughts that can colour our perception of reality. Let's embark on a journey to understand and overcome these mental hurdles together.

As therapists, we often encounter clients grappling with the silent and complex grief associated with IVF and infertility. In this professional-focused blog post, we expand upon the concepts introduced in our self-help blog, delving deeper into the therapeutic approaches and reflections required to effectively support clients through this journey. We aim to offer insights into the unique challenges and strategies involved in navigating the often-overlooked grief associated with infertility and failed IVF attempts.

In the intricate dance of romantic relationships, there's a character often glorified in media and social narratives: the 'Cool Girl'. She’s the partner who seems to glide through the relationship without a hint of discord, perfectly aligning with her significant other's preferences and passions. However, beneath this seemingly effortless persona often lies a complex pattern of people-pleasing behavior, a performance that may win applause but risks losing the essence of genuine connection and personal identity.

In our journey as mental health professionals, we often encounter clients entangled in trauma bonds, not just in romantic or familial relationships, but in friendships too. Understanding trauma bonding, as discussed in our previous blog post, is crucial for fostering healthier relationships. However, as therapists, our role extends further into assessing, reflecting, and intervening in these complex dynamics. This blog aims to provide a professional perspective on navigating trauma bonds with clients, offering insights into assessment techniques, reflective practices, and thoughtful strategies for addressing these challenging but important aspects of our work.

In this blog post, we delve into the intriguing world of trauma therapy through the lens of psychodynamic art therapy, exploring the innovative intersections of neuroscience, tactile perception, and artistic expression. We will examine the article "Being touched through touch. Trauma treatment through haptic perception at the Clay Field: A sensorimotor art therapy" by Cornelia Elbrecht and Liz R. Antcliff, a pivotal piece that sheds light on the profound impact of haptic (touch-based) experiences in healing trauma.

In recent years, cold water immersion, popularly known as ice baths, has surged in popularity, not just among athletes but also among those seeking to improve their mental well-being. While the invigorating splash of cold has long been a staple of certain cultural practices, modern neuroscience is beginning to uncover just how these icy encounters can affect the brain.

The art of therapy is as much about listening as it is about speaking. However, the questions a therapist poses are pivotal in uncovering the layers of a client's experience. Nuanced questioning can illuminate pathways in the therapeutic journey that may otherwise remain in the shadows. This blog post explores how therapists can craft questions that foster deeper insight, encourage self-reflection, and facilitate breakthroughs in therapy.

Have you ever taken a deep breath to calm your nerves before an important moment? Maybe you've felt a sense of peace wash over you after belting out your favorite song, or perhaps a cold splash of water on your face suddenly made you feel more alert. Believe it or not, there's a fascinating reason behind these everyday experiences, and it all comes down to one remarkable nerve in your body: the vagus nerve.

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) is a behavioural disorder that primarily affects children and adolescents. It is characterised by a consistent pattern of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behaviour toward authority figures. This article explores the symptoms of ODD, its potential causes, and evidence-based treatment options.

In the quiet spaces of our lives, the loss of a beloved pet echoes a grief that's too often unacknowledged. This is the heartache of disenfranchised grief, where the depth of our bonds with our pets goes unseen by the world. As we explore this silent sorrow, remember that your pain is valid, your memories precious, and your right to mourn, indisputable. Through sharing and support, we can navigate the choppy waters of grief, finding solace in the knowledge that our love for our pets was, and always will be, profoundly real.

In our heartfelt exploration of disenfranchised grief, we embark on a journey to acknowledge the often invisible pain of IVF and infertility. This series offers a sanctuary for the silent sorrows of unrealised parenthood, challenging the stigma of silence and providing solace in shared experiences. Together, we'll navigate the tender nuances of loss without societal recognition, finding strength in the understanding that even the most hidden grief deserves a voice and a place to be heard.

Friendship is a beautiful and vital aspect of human connection, providing companionship, support, and shared experiences. However, not all friendships are built on a foundation of positivity and mutual growth. Some friendships can become entangled in the complex web of trauma bonding. Recognizing the signs of trauma bonding in friendships is crucial for fostering healthier and more authentic relationships.

Love is a powerful and complex emotion that can bind people together in beautiful and meaningful ways. However, sometimes, the bonds we form in relationships are not solely based on love; they can also be rooted in trauma. Trauma bonding is a term used to describe the connection formed between individuals through shared experiences of pain, suffering, or abuse. Recognizing the signs of trauma bonding is crucial to breaking free from its grasp and seeking healthier, more fulfilling relationships.