Like the circles in a tree trunk, we’re made up of many layers, each one making us stronger and more unique. The passing of time and the weather affects each layer, but our core is hidden and protected. It’s only when we dig deep or cut beneath the surface that this core is exposed andContinue reading “Perimenopause and trauma”
Tag Archives: psychology
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…coping with morning anxiety
Do you wake up feeling anxious or nauseous? Not everyone realises that there is a biological reason for this, namely the cortisol awakening response, and it’s perfectly normal. The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is an increase in the stress hormone cortisol peaking 35-40 minutes after wakening. This occurs on top of the highest increase inContinue reading “Little things series…coping with morning anxiety”
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”
I’ve lost myself where did I go?
Think about it, if you grew up in the UK and many other western societies, when you leave school you’re just expected to know what to do next. Of course you don’t so you maybe choose the subject that you were good at at school and do some further study in that. Or you chooseContinue reading “I’ve lost myself where did I go?”
Old post – Missing hugs
I think we could all say that this has been a tough year for the planet. During these strange times there is nothing “normal” about social distancing and separation from the ones we love. Recently I had my hair done. It needed doing but more than this – I really wanted to catch up withContinue reading “Old post – Missing hugs”
Sea change 