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Healing from past experiences, especially those that have caused emotional pain or trauma, is a journey that requires patience, understanding, and practical steps. Trauma can affect every aspect of life, from relationships to self-esteem, and addressing it is essential for living a fulfilling and balanced life. This guide will walk you through effective steps to begin your trauma recovery process and regain control over your emotional well-being. Understanding Trauma Recovery

Emotional healing is a journey that many embark on to find peace and balance after experiencing pain, loss, or trauma. One of the most powerful tools in this process is acceptance. Acceptance allows us to face our emotions honestly and without resistance, which can lead to profound healing and growth. This article explores the role of acceptance in emotional healing, offering practical insights and guidance to help you embrace this transformative approach. The Importance of A

When life feels heavy, and the nervous system is on edge, finding a safe and steady way to understand what’s happening inside can be a small next step towards relief. Sometimes, watching a carefully chosen video can offer clarity and permission to feel what you feel. It can also gently guide you to build capacity at your pace. I want to share some of the best mental health video resources that I have found helpful, especially for those navigating trauma, anxiety, depression,

When we think about childhood wounds, physical or overt abuse often comes to mind first. Yet, there is a quieter, less visible form of harm that can shape our inner world just as deeply. It’s called emotional neglect. It’s not about what was done to you, but what was not done. The absence of emotional attunement, validation, and support during childhood can leave lasting imprints on your nervous system and relationships. If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or emotionally di

Living well can feel like a distant goal when anxiety, trauma, or depression weigh heavily. I want to start by acknowledging that your feelings are valid. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You are not alone in this. Finding a path to steady, healthy living is possible, and it begins with small, gentle steps taken at your pace. This post is here to offer calm, clear guidance rooted in evidence and compassion, with a nod to the rhythms of Bristol life. Practical Healthy Living Tip

The Importance of Play in Healing I make play a priority. Not as a concept, but in the wild. I’m usually running some small, ridiculous prank that makes my wife roll her eyes and then laugh, which is its own kind of medicine. The laughter is permission. It tells the child in me he can come out without being told to tidy himself away first. One of my greatest hits (I have many!) involved proper cable ties, the click-and-lock kind. My wife was out. I raided her knicker drawer a

Life in Bristol, with its unique rhythms and seasons, can sometimes feel overwhelming. Especially when past experiences, like childhood trauma, continue to echo in your nervous system. You might find yourself caught in patterns of resistance or denial, which only deepen the ache. What if there was a way to find relief by simply allowing things to be as they are? This is where radical acceptance comes in - a practice that offers a safe, steady, and spacious way to meet realit

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a widely recognised and effective form of psychological treatment. It helps individuals manage a variety of mental health issues by changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. This therapy is practical, goal-oriented, and often short-term, making it accessible and appealing to many people seeking support. Whether you are curious about how CBT works or considering it as a treatment option, this guide will provide you with essential

In today’s fast-paced world, forming meaningful connections can feel like a challenge. Yet, these connections are essential for our emotional well-being and personal growth. Whether in friendships, family, or romantic relationships, understanding the key ingredients that foster deep bonds can transform how we relate to others. This article explores practical ways to nurture meaningful connections that last. Understanding Meaningful Connections Meaningful connections go beyond

Impermanence: A Living Truth in Therapy Impermanence is more than an abstract concept—it's a living truth woven into every aspect of my therapeutic practice. Each relationship I build, every story I witness, and every deeply personal moment shared in my therapy space remind me that nothing is fixed or permanent. This humbling reality echoes the words of the Greek philosopher Heraclitus: "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the s

What does it mean to grow up with a distant or absent father? How does that shape our sense of self, expectations of men, and the way we...

As the festive season sneaks up on us—like a poorly planned office Secret Santa—I find myself reflecting on the many layers of emotions this time of year stirs up. For some, it’s a sparkly beacon of joy and connection; for others, it’s more like a tangled string of Christmas lights: triggering, messy, and liable to make you mutter things unfit for polite company. Let’s face it, Christmas has a way of amplifying everything—the good, the bad, and the utterly absurd. Allow me to

The Abyss:  In the hushed stillness of the night, when the world slumbers and the mind wanders, a disquieting question often surfaces, echoing through the corridors of our souls: "Is this all there is?" The question itself is a paradox, a whisper from the depths of our being that yearns for something more, something beyond the mundane routines and fleeting pleasures of everyday life. It's a yearning for authenticity, for purpose, for a life that resonates with the deepest cho

This is the banquet of toxicity that many of us unknowingly attend, day after day, year after year.

The Abyss:  In the hushed stillness of the night, when the world slumbers and the mind wanders, a disquieting question often surfaces, echoing through the corridors of our souls: "Is this all there is?" The question itself is a paradox, a whisper from the depths of our being that yearns for something more, something beyond the mundane routines and fleeting pleasures of everyday life. It's a yearning for authenticity, for purpose, for a life that resonates with the deepest cho

A Journey to Authenticity Generational trauma, an often-unseen spectre, weaves its tendrils through the fabric of our lives, influencing our thoughts, behaviours, and relationships in ways we might not fully understand. These echoes of past pain shape our present reality, creating cycles that can seem impossible to break. In this exploration, we delve deeply into how these echoes influence our parenting, the distortions they create in our perceptions, and most importantly, ho

How it starts You know how sometimes, the past just won't behave itself? Something small, a word, a scent, and suddenly you're swept up in a whirlwind of feelings that have nothing to do with the present moment. Fear, anger, a sadness that cuts deep...  It can be utterly bewildering, leaving you feeling shaken and powerless. If this sounds familiar, well, let's just say you're not alone in this. That relentless way old hurts can resurface like that – it's called an emotional

Ah, remember the days when the world was a canvas, brimming with colours yet to be chosen, tunes yet to be sung, and stories yet to be told? We were the intrepid explorers of our back gardens, the fearless artists of the living room floor, armed with nothing but our imaginations. It was a time when creativity wasn’t just an activity; it was our way of being, a language we spoke fluently, without ever having been taught. But somewhere along the line, the vibrant hues of our i

In the quiet recesses of our minds, where shadows dance and doubts linger, there lies a landscape ripe for exploration, like embarking on a quest for authenticity. This journey commences not with a physical step, but with a thought—a toxic thought that has set roots deeper than the oldest trees. It's a quest we embark upon, aiming to untangle the underbrush of our consciousness, fuelled by the hope of discovering the clear skies of our true selves beyond the dense foliage. Fo

childhood Hey everyone, Today, we're delving into a journey that many of us know all too well: finding "you" after childhood trauma. It's about rediscovering our true selves after being masked by the experiences of our past. Imagine being a child again, but in a world overshadowed by trauma. This trauma starts to erode the very core of who we are, leading us to adopt an identity shaped not by choice, but by circumstance. It's like wearing a mask so long that you forget your o