Rumination

The word ‘rumination’ originates from a latin word meaning ‘to chew the cud’ and interestingly is all about how animals like cows, repeatedly chew their food.  Likewise, rumination means repeatedly turning something over in our mind.  Of course, there is nothing wrong with thinking about things, this is necessary when we have a problem to … Read more

Student Wellbeing

I’ve been a student many times throughout my life and now I find myself on the ‘other side’ as a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chester.  Therefore, I am all too familiar the challenges which studying can present, and the necessity of taking good care of your mental wellbeing whilst pursuing your academic dreams. … Read more

The ART of wellbeing

Person looking at paintings in an art gallery

I love nothing more than visiting an art gallery.  I’m lucky to have places like the Walker Art Gallery and Lady Lever right on my doorstep.  When I visit a gallery I feel calm and grounded, energised and inspired.  This passion for art started early in my mental health career when I developed an arts … Read more

Ending Therapy

CBT Essentials Part 8 Welcome to the eighth instalment of ‘CBT Essentials’ a mini-series within Forrest Rambles where I’m exploring the building blocks of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  This is the final blog within the series and fittingly it’s all about ending therapy. So, how do you know when it’s time to end therapy?  The … Read more

Getting the most from CBT

CBT Essentials Part 7 Welcome to the seventh instalment of ‘CBT Essentials’ a mini-series within Forrest Rambles where I’m exploring the building blocks of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).  CBT requires an investment in terms of your time, energy, and possibly finances.  Therefore, I always want to ensure that the people I’m working with are getting … Read more

Theraputic Relationship

CBT Essentials Part 6 Welcome to the sixth instalment of ‘CBT Essentials’ a mini-series within Forrest Rambles where I’m exploring the building blocks of CBT.  If you’ve read the previous blogs in this mini-series you’ll have noticed that I often mention the importance of working with your therapist and taking an active part to make … Read more

Formulation

Man writing on a white board

CBT Essentials Part 5 Welcome to the fifth instalment of ‘CBT Essentials’ a mini-series within Forrest Rambles where I’m exploring the building blocks of CBT.  You can read the previous editions on agenda setting, mood questionnaires, goals and homework on my website. Once you and your therapist have spent some time gathering information about your … Read more

Homework

CBT Essentials Part 4 Welcome to the fourth instalment of ‘CBT Essentials’ a new mini-series within Forrest Rambles where I’m exploring the building blocks of CBT.  You can read the previous editions on agenda setting, mood questionnaires and goals on my website. This month I’m looking at ‘homework’ a phrase which conjures up a variety … Read more

Goal Setting

CBT Essentials Part 3 Welcome to the third instalment of ‘CBT Essentials’ a new mini-series within Forrest Rambles where I’m exploring the building blocks of CBT.  I’m hoping this will be of interest to those of you who are curious about CBT and those who want to know more about what to expect from their … Read more

Mood Questionnaires

CBT Essentials Part 2 Welcome to the second instalment of ‘CBT Essentials’ a new mini-series within Forrest Rambles.  Over the next few months I’ll be looking at the building blocks which make up a typical CBT appointment.  I’m hoping this will be of interest to those of you who are curious about CBT and those … Read more