Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) comes in many forms but one thing I’ve consistently noticed is that the symptoms go through phases of being better and worse. I often refer to OCD as being like a ‘bully’ and I’ve noticed that when we are at our most vulnerable this bully has a nasty habit of showing … Read more
It’s that time of year when the leaves are changing colour, the nights are drawing in and there’s a nip in the air. Inevitably these seasonal changes also bring the loud unexpected sounds of fireworks. I remember being told from an early age to keep pets at home on bonfire night and to look after … Read more
This month marks International Week of Happiness at Work an initiative which aims to draw attention to Occupational Wellbeing, giving us an opportunity to reflect on how happy we are at work and what we can do to increase this. A recent survey by the Office for National Statistics revealed that 44% of UK Workers … Read more
I’ve called this months blog ‘CBT Detectives’ because in therapy it can often feel like my patient and I have donned our deer stalkers and are trying to find out how the world really works! We often come to CBT feeling like we need a new way of looking at the world, there’s an awareness … Read more
I’m really interested in the links between mental wellbeing and our connection with the natural world. I’ve had a look back through the Forrest Rambles archives and chosen four blogs for you on the subject of Summer and connecting with nature through blue spaces, forest bathing and gardening. I hope these inspire you.
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
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
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
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
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