On The Couch Blog
Psychological .
On The Couch Blog
Welcome to the My Family Psychologist On The Couch Blog. Our articles are updated on regular basis with relevant information to help our readers with situations they may be dealing with, however, nothing is ever as effective as just speaking to someone who may be able to help.
Check back regularly for helpful updates, case studies, articles, and help for you and your family. If you would like to contribute to the On The Couch Blog please get in touch.
All articles published on My Family Psychologist are for information and entertainment only, you should always contact and speak to an expert if you feel that any of the issues discussed relate to you.
Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Conversations in Different Cultures
Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health Conversations in Different Cultures Mental health is a universal issue that affects individuals from various cultures and backgrounds. However, the …
Counselling Techniques on Building Resilience in Times of Crisis
Counselling Techniques on Building Resilience in Times of Crisis Throughout our lives, we are likely to experience unexpected curveballs that test our strength and resilience. …
The Neuroscience of Addiction: Unravelling The Brain’s Reward System
The Neuroscience of Addiction: Unravelling The Brain’s Reward System Addiction is a complex phenomenon that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterised by compulsive …
Understanding the link between Childhood Trauma and Adult Addictions
Understanding the link between Childhood Trauma and Adult Addictions Childhood trauma can be defined as serious Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) in which children experience a …
Lindisfarne Is The Perfect Place To Refresh Yourself
Lindisfarne Is The Perfect Place To Refresh Yourself A change of scenery can be good for your mental health [1], and we have one of …
Why is sleep important and how can I improve mine?
Why is sleep important and how can I improve mine? Sleep is a vitally important part of everybody’s life and this article will explain why …
In Crisis
In Crisis? If you feel you or someone else is at imminent risk there are a number of services and organisations who can help:Go to your local A&E
Call The Police
Contact your local NHS Crisis Team
Contact your local Single Point of Access; this is a relatively new service available in most Trusts aimed to streamline referrals
If you need to talk to someone, there are a number of charitable organisations who can help:
Text THEMIX to 85258 – talking support for young people
Call The Samaritans on 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org
Visit www.thecalmzone.net – The Campaign Against Living Miserably, specifically aimed at men under 45.
Call Family Lives on 0808 800 2222 – support for families and parenting.
Childline – 0800 1111.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse you can contact Refuge on their 24 hour helpline 0808 2000247.
Anxiety UK recommends the apple technique in triggering situations:
APPLE
Acknowledge the uncertainty as it comes to mind.
Pause – Don’t react as you normally do. Don’t react at all. Just pause and breath.
Pull back – Tell yourself this is just the worry talking, and this apparent need for certainty is not helpful and not necessary. It is only a thought or feeling. Don’t believe everything you think. Thoughts are not statements or facts.
Let go – Let go of the thought or feeling. It will pass. You don’t have to respond to them. You might imagine them floating away in a bubble or cloud.
Explore – Explore the present moment, because right now, in this moment, all is well. Notice your breathing and the sensations of your breathing. Notice the ground beneath you. Look around and notice what you see, what you hear, what you can touch, what you can smell. Right now. Then shift your focus of attention to something else – on what you need to do, on what you were doing before you noticed the worry, or do something else – mindfully with your full attention.