I’ve had a bit of a catch up with my teenage self this week. It wasn’t hard as I just had to dig out my diary. I kept a diary from age 14-18 and let me tell you it was interesting reading! Since starting my Facebook account this year I’ve been contacted by a fewContinue reading “When we were teens”
Tag Archives: Compassion
Here it comes again. Mother’s guilt
Here it is, that familiar feeling. “Sorry honey mum’s got to go to work, I have a meeting I can’t rearrange and I’ll be quick as I can”, justifying the decision you’ve made to go, to not let the other party down, to not set yourself back because that’s the only time they could makeContinue reading “Here it comes again. Mother’s guilt”
One year later…
It’s been a year since I officially stopped working in a career spanning my entire adult life. If you’re new here, I came to a point in my life where I felt I needed a break, as I was feeling exhausted, emotional, confused and a bit lost. The last year has given me the chanceContinue reading “One year later…”
Managing the self critic during Perimenopause
You may or may not be aware of your inner self critic but we all have one. It may shout loudly and harshly like a bully or it might simply sound like your own inner voice. It might sound like someone else’s voice… from a long while back, a harsh parent or teacher or bully.Continue reading “Managing the self critic during Perimenopause”
The psychology of the Perimenopause
There are two sides to this; the obvious one being that I am a Clinical Psychologist and so tend to look at things through a certain lens and attempt to develop a better understanding. That lens is a scientific, evidence based lens that looks at biopsychosocial factors that contribute to a situation or issue. It’sContinue reading “The psychology of the Perimenopause”
Coping with brain fog and Perimenopause
My other half calls fog pea soup. He’s a lifeboat man and they know fog. Finding their way slowly, guided only by prior knowledge of and faith in their surroundings, their instrument readings and their team. Searching patiently and keeping moving forward is the only option. Accepting the weather and not fighting against it. PerhapsContinue reading “Coping with brain fog and Perimenopause”
Little things series: STOPP technique
Over the next few posts I’m going to write about little snippets of things that I and others have found useful and can help to improve the moment. I’ll give some rationale and some instructions but this is not supposed to replace psychological therapy. These things are best couched within a clear understanding of yourContinue reading “Little things series: STOPP technique”
Perimenopause and low mood
For me there was a clear difference between my usual monthly tears and the tears that started to come in my 40s. Tearfulness before my period started as a young teen but it wasn’t until I was in my 20s that I realised there was a monthly premenstrual pattern to it. I’d generally feel veryContinue reading “Perimenopause and low mood”
Self compassion – 5 things it is and 5 it isn’t
After training in the Compassionate Mind approach (Gilbert 2006) several years ago, I became somewhat evangelical about it and immediately started applying the principles in the therapy room. Compassion focussed therapy teaches skills of self compassion and this has been linked to greater wellbeing, reduced depression and anxiety and increased feelings of connectednes and calmness.Continue reading “Self compassion – 5 things it is and 5 it isn’t”
Sea change 