Health & care

So what are boundaries? And why are they important? Personal boundaries are guidelines, limits, rules that an individual creates to identify permissible ways for other people to behave towards them. Setting limits for acceptable behaviour from those around you. Because personal boundaries are unique to each person (and can often be invisible) they can be easily and often crossed (sometimes unbeknownst to the person crossing them). It can mean making what is implicit, explicit so that others’ know what is acceptable for you. Personal boundaries are informed by our values and beliefs and are directly linked to our self esteem. Weak Personal Boundaries can leave you feeling vulnerable, taken for granted and frustrated. It can often be the case that we shift our own boundaries to fit different relationships. Healthy boundaries keep people together in a healthy way by keeping out the destructive elements (such as abuse, cruelty or manipulation). Boundaries can be: Material – Lending things,...

Online therapy comes under different names like teletherapy or telemental health and although it seems quite recent to many it has been in situ for many years. I have always wondered if I could achieve that same level of ‘containment’, ‘holding’ and’ treatment’ for my clients through the medium of Zoom/Skype.  I am glad to say I have been pleasantly surprised at how well this new medium is working, not just as a support for but also as a space for some really deep work. While I had already built up a relationship with most of my clients previous to our online work, I have taken on new clients whose only experience of therapy is through technology. Whether online or in person, the first port of call is to assess where this individual is in their process and to determine if I am the best fit for them. As I move forward in my practice, I have had to find ways to transfer all of the fundamentals I use in in-person work to the online platform. I feel breaking down the different parts o...

Anybody can benefit from Psychotherapy, which does not necessarily mean they have some problem. Perhaps, it is like having a personal trainer for their mental health. It is vital to get the right therapist for you . The internet is your backyard, do your research. You can virtually kiss many frogs.  Turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones by bringing any fears you have about starting therapy and other issues into the sessions. They are invaluable for the work. It is becoming normal for people, including our friends and family, to be in Psychotherapy . TV shows such as ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘In Treatment’ have lessened the mystique of the shrink. However, there can still be a perception of a stigma attached to it, fuelling secrecy, shame, and guilt.  Recently, clients have been finding solace in beginning therapy and exploring heightened anxiety and boredom, both products of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Words such as prison and tunnel are used to convey feelings of stuckness and...

In a general sense, eating disorders are experienced as disturbances in eating habits and are accompanied by physical and emotional distress. They lead to a deterioration of physical and psychological well-being, and ultimately can cause death. To understand what an eating disorder means for the person experiencing these difficulties, it is more helpful to think of the eating disorder as something that a person has developed in order to feel that they can cope with their lives. However, the more the person relies on the eating disorder to cope, the more they need the eating disorder to cope. Very quickly, they spiral into a situation where they feel they will only be able to cope and live if they hold onto the eating disorder. The person’s sense of who they are comes to depend on them holding onto the eating disorder, and this is why it is so complex and terrifying for a person to think about letting go of the eating disorder. Therefore, while it is clear to everyone else that the pers...

A highly effective treatment that can transform the appearance of your skin, helping to reverse the signs of ageing by significantly improving overall skin tone, texture and elasticity. It increases moisture content and reduces superficial pigmentation and pore size. FDA-approved. Here at Andresa we offer a highly effective iPixel fractional laser treatment for skin resurfacing. Using the new generation of Fraxel Erbium Yag Laser from Alma Lasers we can deliver outstanding results on the skin whilst avoiding long periods of downtime for the client. Unlike traditional ablative laser resurfacing, this new generation of iPixel laser is much less aggressive on the skin surface, thus minimising redness and downtime. The depth at which the ablative element of the iPixel penetrates the skin, creates heat deep within the skin to trigger the body’s natural healing response. In turn this stimulates the growth of new healthy skin tissue, including the production of new collagen, to deliver a sm...

Psychotherapists who work in a Humanistic and integrative approach create a space for individual’s to develop an awareness around what is preventing them from living their life to its fullest. This approach runs counter to the scientific tenets of behaviourism and analytic approach of Freudian Psychoanalysis. The Humanistic and Integrative approach includes, in its process, those aspects that make up what it is to be human for example, love, values, self awareness, choice and human potential. Within the Humanistic and Integrative approach human beings are seen as a whole person living through a level of integration through their mind, psyche, body and feelings. This approach also believes that the responsibility for the individual’s life lies with the individual themselves. Individual’s make their own choices and are responsible for both their action and inaction. The practitioner sees the person as dynamic and as an entity unfolding in different stages. It is recognised that along th...

Walk and Talk Psychotherapy is a Professional Psychotherapy practice that takes place outdoors. There are a few different ways of working therapeutically using  Walk and Talk Psychotherapy. Most common is that the session takes place exactly like a session would indoors, clear boundaries are established and we talk just as we would normally, except we’re walking side by side. This can feel less intimidating than regular face to face office style Psychotherapy. Other ways are using the principles of Ecotherapy and Ecopsychology where we use nature to help the process. It may be slowing down to natures pace, using materials or drawing metaphors from the natural surroundings. I am a believer in client centred Psychotherapy and therefore will wait and see what way to work emerges.  No matter which way we work it is always Professional, Ethical and based on the most up to date research while drawing on my experience and natural wisdom that occurs when outdoors.  Ecotherapy i...

Getting a good night’s sleep will set you up for the day. It is essential to invest your time in sleep to develop a balanced sleep pattern that works for you- We know this will help decrease your emotional vulnerability. Stick to a schedule: It is essential to maintain a schedule even during the weekends. If you sleep late Saturday and Sunday, you will disrupt your sleep patterning. Try and go to bed and get up about the same time every day. Establish a bedtime routine: This might include shutting off screens (phones, TVs, laptops), changing into your pj’s, drinking herbal tea before bed, turning off bright lights or lowering the bright lights, and reducing noise and reading. Don’t eat or drink a lot before bed: Watch out for spicy foods which may cause heartburn and disrupt your sleep. Here’s a tip Eat a light dinner around 2 hours beforehand. And watch your liquid intake. You don’t want to be visiting the bathroom all night. Avoid Caffeine and Nicotine: As these are both stimulants, ...

An attachment disorder manifests in either mood or behavioural difficulties associated with the ability to either build and/or maintain relationships with others. Attachment disorders develop in childhood, but their effects may continue into adulthood whereby an adult may have difficulty trusting others and/or feeling safe and secure in relationships. Attachment theory looks at how people form emotional bonds with others. How a person forms and maintains relationships is dictated by the interaction they had with their primary caregiver or parent in the early years of their lives. Attachment disorders manifest in childhood as a result of a child being unable to access a consistent and secure emotional relationship with their parent or primary caregiver. While there are no official attachment disorders in adulthood, many adults present with attachment-related difficulties due to attachment disorders not being diagnosed in childhood. The primary treatment for attachment difficulty is psyc...

Starting Therapy  Whatever reasons you have for going to speak to someone it can be less daunting if you have some idea what to expect. The first thing to note is that going to therapy is a brave step. In the past it may have been viewed as ‘Self Indulgent’ or ‘Selfish’ but more and more it is seen as resourceful. The following few lines will aim to shed some light on the first session, what you might expect and hopefully reduce some of the anxiety that has become a barrier to you seeking support. When thinking about that first session try to set aside the idea of having to ‘get it right’, there is not right or wrong way. In the first session you will be given the space to tell your story, at your own pace. You are in control and can say as little or as much as you like. In your first session, the therapist typically will ask certain questions about you and your life. This information helps the therapist make an initial assessment of your situation. Questions might include: • Why y...

7 Myths about Counselling and Psychotherapy 1. There is no difference between counselling and psychotherapy Counselling is normally considered short term and looking at a specific issue, whereas, Psychotherapy is considered long term and the therapist may look at the early childhood experiences and how this has influenced the current issues. 2. Therapy is for people with mental illness only Therapy is not only for people with mental illness, people come to therapy to get help with more specific issues such as stress at work, relationship breakdown, loss. 3. Any Counsellor/Therapist will do The relationship is vital in the successful outcomes of therapy. This is important because some people have gone to different therapist till the found the right fit. So, it is important to find the right therapist to support you on this journey. At City Therapy we pay particular attention in trying to get the best fit so the therapist will work where the client is at.  4. Its just a chat sure I...

Thinking of attending Psychotherapy or Counselling and wondering what would the benefits be to you. We have written down 12 benefits that might be helpful to known. Helps you put yourself first All too often people put others first and as a result can leave themselves tired and sometimes resentful. Therapy gives you a space to focus solely on your and your wellbeing.. By putting yourself first you can identify what you need and move towards meeting those needs Sees self care as a priority to well being As the old saying goes ‘You cannot drink from an empty cup’ and in therapy the aim is to nurture yourself so that your cup ‘of energy and wellbeing’ remains full. If we don’t look after ourselves then we can’t look after others. Therapy helps you learn that caring for yourself is an essential part of life Setting goals and clarity/planning Sometimes we feel stuck and find it hard to move forward. Therapy can help you identify what your goals are and the barriers keeping you from moving...

What are the main ideas behind   Integrative  Psychotherapy ? The Integrative approach works with you in your uniqueness. The Integrative approach allows for flexibility and can offer something tailored specifically to meet your needs and issues. The Aim of Integrative Therapy? The Integrative process aims to identify and explore the issues to that causing you problems in your life and from this to create a personalized program to help you move through your life in a more productive and open way. The Integrative aspect also extends to you as a whole person and it is about integrating those various parts of your personality. The aim is to help you function in a balanced way at all levels including the mental, physical, spiritual and emotional aspects of you. How does at therapist know which technique to use? The approaches used by an integrative therapist will depend on you and the challenges you are facing. If you come to see an integrative therapist because you are distressed...

DermaQuest advanced skin resurfacers are often referred to as mild peels. This is due to the superficial exfoliating nature of the treatment. Peels and resurfacers are used to exfoliate and intensely rejuvenate the skin of the face, décolletage, and hands, producing long-lasting improvements in skin texture and restoring radiance. Tailored formulations can be used for various skin concerns, but in essence, resurfacers and peels use acids of varying types and concentrations to increase cell turnover, exfoliate dead and damaged skin, and unclog pores, regulate oil production, and reduce inflammation. The overall effect of this is an improvement in the appearance of damaged skin such as lines, wrinkles and acne scarring, and hyperpigmentation from sun damage. Fresher skin is exposed, improving dullness and reducing enlarged pores and uneven skin tone. Nourishing ingredients are also incorporated into the treatment to lift, tighten and plump the skin, providing a more youthful complexion ...

Life presents us with many challenges and with them we experience normal ups and downs. This means that everyone gets sad or gets the so-called "blues" from time to time. When your feelings turn to emptiness and hopelessness and you don't want to leave, it may be time to seek help. Depression can affect the things you enjoy and can affect how you function in your daily life. Just getting through each day can be hard and feel overwhelming. Understanding depression can be the first step in overcoming this problem. Depression: what is it? Depression is a mental illness that affects thinking, energy, feelings, and behavior. It can range from mild to severe and in some cases can be mentally and physically debilitating, affecting a person's family and professional life. It is possible to minimize the effects of depression by accessing information and support and finding ways to manage the condition. What should I do if I think I have depression? Depression has eight main sy...

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)/Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). Talk therapy is here to help you find a better way to live your life What is BPD ? Personality disorders refer to ways of thinking and feeling about oneself and others that significantly and adversely affect the way individuals function in many aspects of life. BPD is the most common personality disorder and is characterized by mood difficulties and difficulty interacting with other people. Characteristics of BPD There are many symptoms of BPD that can be broken down into categories. A person with BPD will have significant emotional instability or dysregulation - meaning they will experience their emotions intensely (angry, sad) and emotional performance can often change rapidly. A person with BPD may also be impulsive, leading to self-harm, overeating, self-destructive behavior, excessive drug or alcohol use, and more. Interpersonal difficulties are also a symptom of BPD, and the person may have in...