In this article, we explore the power of analogies in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), focusing on the spotlight analogy. This analogy helps us understand how our attention to intrusive thoughts magnifies their impact, and how shifting focus to the present moment using techniques from CBT, ACT, and mindfulness can reduce anxiety. We provide a practical example of how this approach helps us manage fear and worry, empowering us to live a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Discover the transformative benefits of embracing self-love and self-compassion in British society, where traditional modesty may hinder personal growth.
Learn how "healthy narcissism" and adaptive self-esteem can unlock potential and foster meaningful relationships, without veering into harmful narcissism. Read on to explore practical strategies for nurturing self-compassion, such as healthy self-talk, visualisation, and a growth-oriented mindset, and how these can lead to a more fulfilling personal and professional life.
This article explores strategies for handling confrontational behaviour with insight and empathy. Understanding that aggression often stems from the aggressor's internal struggles allows for a compassionate approach to de-escalation. The piece emphasises psychological projection and how ACT can help guide individuals to respond based on their values, rather than reacting impulsively.
Key de-escalation strategies include finding common ground, acknowledging the other person’s perspective, reflective listening, offering choices, while trying to stay calm.
Finding a good therapist or counsellor may feel like an overwhelming task when you first set out. If you search online for therapists, you’ll find a huge range of therapist qualifications, specialisms, therapy styles and costs.
How do you know what is going to be right for you?
Does the right therapist even live near you?
This guide is designed to help you think through your options, work out what is going to be best for you and show how to find a therapist near you.
Effective emotional regulation can lead to improved relationships, greater resilience in the face of adversity, and better overall mental and emotional well-being.
Here we explore the benefit of developing emotional regulation skills during times of stability and calmness to prepare ourselves for handling intense emotions during times of stress or crisis.
When we embrace the idea that we have limitless potential, we open ourselves up to the possibility of achieving our goals and living more in line with our personal values.
In this article we look at how we can unlock our full potential by challenging and reframing self-limiting beliefs. We explore evidence based therapy and skills to break free from self-limiting beliefs and open ultimately start to open up a world of possibilities!
Black-and-white thinking, also known as "all-or-nothing" or "dichotomous" thinking, is a type of cognitive distortion where a person views situations, people, or events as either completely good or completely bad, with no room for shades of grey or complexity.
CBT therapy is a highly effective type of therapy to help shift this type of unhelpful thinking. CBT is an effective therapeutic approach that can help people change their extreme and black-and-white thinking patterns by challenging and replacing their negative or distorted thoughts with more realistic and flexible ones.
Emotional resilience is our ability to bounce back from adversity. One of the most useful tools in our survival toolbox is our capacity to adapt and adjust, gain strength from challenges and move forward. Some of the tools involved are discussed in this blog, but essentially it is about finding what helps to enhance our strength in tough situations and changing how we process negative life events.
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) affects around 40% of the population every winter. For a person suffering with SAD it can be debilitating and make the winter months seem never-ending.
Here you can learn about SAD and how it can be treated. There are things that you can do to help yourself as well as professional support available to manage and indeed overcome it.
