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.
How to survive and thrive on Valentine’s Day?
How to survive and thrive on Valentine’s Day Do you dread February 14th? Rest assured, that’s understandable and totally normal. Research [1] has shown that …
How can talking treatments help me with my phobia?
How can talking treatments help me with my phobia? If your fear of something – whatever that ‘something’ may be – causes you significant problems …
What do my dreams really mean and are they normal?
What do my dreams really mean and are they normal? Here’s the thing – there is no one accepted explanation for why we dream, never …
The psychological impact of stalking behaviour on victims
The psychological impact of stalking behaviour on victims Research around stalking is still relatively in its embryonic stages, with the first anti-stalking laws being passed …
Overcome loneliness: 3 practical ways to change your life
Overcome loneliness: 3 practical ways to change your life Do you suffer from loneliness? Take heart, it is very common. Research suggests that levels of …
The Power of Paws – how pets help mental health
The Power of Paws – how pets help mental health The Brits are a nation of animal lovers, with over 52% of adults owning a …
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.