(And should we all be considering it really?) I’m going to have to be really transparent here. I have changed my stance on this and I only came to realise that I had changed my stance on it, about 6 months ago. Historically I have very much been of the…

Reflections of a tired psychologist — It goes without saying COVID has been a bombshell in all of our lives. The degree to which it has impacted us individually depends on many things, not least our financial and occupational positions. The financial and practical changes have far-reaching effects on our wellbeing and mental health because they…

We always hear how social media is bad for us, but I have found it helpful for myself and my clients. — I am a health psychologist and a cognitive behavioural therapist. This means I work primarily with people who have long term health conditions and axis I anxiety or depression disorders. Since COVID-19, my practice has switched to remote practice only. This means I see clients only through the filter of…

Evidence-based techniques to reduce discomfort and anxiety from IBS and other intestinal distress — I am a health psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychological medicine. Specifically, my Ph.D. explored psychological factors in irritable bowel syndrome. I am one of the growing number of psychologists on the specialist gastrointestinal psychology register, developed by the Rome Foundation. …

Therapists suffer from depression, too. What does this mean for their patients? — Before you read another word, I want you to consider that question: would a depressed therapist be more harm than help? Yes or no? In light of the recent (and continuing) world pandemic, this question has been much more poignant to my colleagues and I. As a profession, most of…

Top tip: It’s not all about the research! I had never thought about doing a PhD until about 6 months before I started really thinking about it with intention. I perhaps didn’t have the time to form particular assumptions about what doing a PhD should look like therefore. My PhD…

Why self-help could be making you feel worse Let me start by clarifying that I am not hating on self-help. I wouldn’t be writing on Medium if I was. However, as a psychologist and healthcare practitioner, I do feel that self-help books should come with giant disclaimers. …

A psychologist tells all. — Why did you click to read this article? Are you in therapy? Thinking about starting therapy but have concerns? Maybe you’re just here for the gossip! I am a psychologist and psychotherapist in the UK. In the UK, therapy is not as integrated into the general lifestyle as it is…