Life is rarely a smooth, predictable journey. Whether you are facing personal upheaval, global uncertainty, or prolonged stress, learning to protect and sustain your emotional wellbeing during hard times is not just survival - it is one of the most important skills you will ever develop. Acknowledge What You Are Feeling The first and most powerful step in emotional survival is radical honesty with yourself about how you are actually feeling. Fear, grief, anger, helplessness,

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is commonly associated with difficulties involving attention, concentration, and impulsivity. However, many people living with ADHD also experience challenges with emotional regulation. These emotional difficulties can have a significant impact on relationships, work, and overall wellbeing, yet they are often less widely recognised than the more familiar symptoms of ADHD. What Is Emotional Dysregulation? Emotional dysregulatio

When people hear the term "evidence-based intervention," it can sound overly clinical. In practice, it simply means the strategies used throughout therapy are backed by scientific research and have been shown to work. Evidence-based therapy is not about a one-size-fits-all approach or following a script. It brings together three things: 1. Research Therapy approaches are guided by studies that show what works for people facing difficulties such as anxiety, depression, post-tr

Encountering aggressive behaviour, whether from a colleague, family member, stranger, or partner, can be disorienting, frightening, and emotionally exhausting. Knowing how to respond effectively is a skill that can protect your safety, preserve your dignity, and help to de-escalate the situation. Understand What Aggression Is Usually About Aggressive behaviour is almost never about you. It is typically a signal of something happening internally for the other person, potential

For many autistic children, forming and maintaining social connections can look a little different from what we typically expect. Traditional social skills programs often focus on fitting in by teaching children to mask their natural ways of communicating. While this can sometimes help in specific situations, it can also be exhausting and invalidating for autistic children. A neuro-affirming approach flips this perspective. Instead of pushing autistic children to act like neu

Healthy ageing is about far more than maintaining physical health. From a neuropsychological perspective, social connection plays a crucial role in supporting cognitive wellbeing. As we grow older, the quality and frequency of our social interactions can significantly influence brain health, shaping outcomes related to memory, emotional resilience, and even the risk of dementia. Understanding this connection is key to promoting healthier, more fulfilling ageing. The Link Be

As artificial intelligence (AI) tools are becoming more mainstream and easily accessible. People are turning to artificial intelligence for support and guidance. With a simple click of a button, AI can hold conversations, provide you with coping mechanisms, respond with what appears to be empathy all in a non-judgemental manner. Ultimately, this raises an important question, if AI can sound and act like a therapist, can it actually replace one? The Appeal of an AI Therapist I

Grief is one of the most universal human experiences - and yet, when it arrives, it can feel profoundly isolating. Whether it is losing someone you love, the end of a relationship, receiving a life-changing diagnosis, or saying goodbye to a version of your life you had imagined, grief has a way of making you feel utterly alone in something that every human will face. What Is Grief - Really? Most people associate grief with death. And while the loss of someone you love is one

Every parent knows what it feels like when a child is overwhelmed. Meltdowns and outbursts can happen at home, at school, or even in the middle of the supermarket. For many children, particularly those who are neurodivergent, these outbursts are not about “bad behaviour.” They are often the result of sensory overload. Children with sensory sensitivities can find the world intense. Noises, bright lights, crowds, or even uncomfortable clothing tags can quickly become overwhelmi

A stroke can bring sudden and unexpected changes to a person’s life. While many people are familiar with the physical effects of stroke, such as weakness, mobility changes, or speech difficulties, the cognitive and emotional impacts are often less visible but equally significant. Beyond the medical recovery process, many individuals experience a shift in how they see themselves. Roles that once felt stable to them, such as being a professional, parent, partner, or independent

Working with men in a therapeutic setting has taught me one key message: showing up is the single most important thing men can do to address their mental health. Many men enter therapy feeling they need to have all the answers, be able to solve their problems on their own, and, most of all, hide any sign of vulnerability. Yet simply being present and making the effort to attend is a profound act of courage and is a very powerful first step. Over time, I have seen that attendi

As a clinical psychologist, I have spent countless hours working with individuals and couples striving to cultivate healthy and fulfilling relationships. Healthy relationships serve as the cornerstone of our emotional well-being, providing support, connection, and a sense of belonging. The following are valuable insights and strategies drawn from psychological principles to help you foster and maintain healthy relationships in your life. 1. Communication is Key: Effective com

Parenting is never a one-size-fits-all journey. Every child brings their own strengths, challenges, and personality into the family. For parents raising both neurotypical and neurodivergent children (e.g., autism, ADHD, or learning differences), the experience can feel like trying to follow two different instruction manuals at once. Each child needs something unique, and parents are often left wondering how to balance fairness, attention, and care between them. Common challen

One of the most common questions from older adults and their families is: “Is this normal ageing, or could it be dementia”? It is an important question, and one that is often (understandably) accompanied with a lot of worry. Understanding the differences between the two can provide reassurance, and it also ensures that the right support is accessed at the right time. What Happens during Normal Cognitive Ageing? Growing older naturally brings changes to how our brains function

We have all experienced those days when even the simplest of tasks feel overwhelming. Whether it is getting out of bed in the first place, going to work, or participating in social activities, motivation can sometimes feel like a distant friend. The good news is that being motivated is not something we are or are not, it is something we can build, step by step. Start Small - Really Small When energy is low, even big goals can feel impossible. The trick is to start with the sm

When a child struggles to go to school, it can be stressful for the whole family. Mornings may turn into battles filled with tears, stomach aches, or outright refusals to get out the door. Parents are often left asking themselves: Are they just refusing, or is something deeper going on? This is where it helps to think about the difference between school refusal and school ‘can’t.’ School Refusal This usually means a child is unwilling to attend, often due to anxiety, worry, o

Stroke remains one of the leading causes of long-term disability worldwide, and for many younger survivors, the question of “when and how can I return to work?” becomes central to their recovery journey. Returning to employment is often seen as a marker of regained independence and identity. Yet, the transition is rarely simple. Neuropsychologists are often part of the team that aid in supporting individuals through this challenging but rewarding process. Physical vs Cognitiv

How Pets Can Nurture Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing For so many people, the connection with an animal companion runs deeper than simple affection: it is a meaningful relationship that offers comfort, stability, and emotional growth. Whether it’s a dog greeting you at the door, a cat curled up beside you, or even the quiet rhythm of an aquarium, research consistently highlights that spending time with animals can have significant psychological benefits. 1. Reduces Stres

Grief in young children can be hard to recognise. While adults might cry, talk, or withdraw, children often show grief in more indirect ways, becoming clingy, acting out, regressing in behaviour (like bedwetting or separation anxiety), or asking the same questions again and again. They may dip in and out of sadness quickly, playing one moment and crying the next. This does not mean the loss has not touched them deeply, it simply reflects how children process emotions in short

A mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a disruption of normal brain function resulting from an external force or impact to the head. They can produce a range of cognitive, physical, and emotional symptoms, including headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory disturbance. Neuropsychologists often meet individuals who have experienced a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The word “mild” can be misleading as people often take it to imply that recovery will be swift and comple