Anxiety, Autism specific9 Comments

Cutting Autistic child’s hair

Change Therapy

Going to the hairdressers can be a very distressing experience for autistic children due to sensory issues such as a sensitivity to noise and touch. In this article Jim the Trim, a hairdresser from Wales whose barbershop was awarded the National Autistic Society’s Autism-Friendly Award, gives us his Top 5 Tips on how hairdressers can make autistic children more comfortable during a haircut. Top 5 Tips Take your time to get to know the person and for them to get to know you. You may have to be very gradual and just allow the person to come in and watch … Continue reading Cutting Autistic child’s hair

Inspirational, Meditation, Mindfulness, Wellbeing8 Comments

The Complete Picture

Change Therapy

A man had four sons. He wanted them to learn to judge things carefully, so he sent each of them on a quest to look at an apple tree far away. The first son left in the Winter. The second son left in the Spring. The third son left in the Summer. The fourth son left in the Autumn. After they all returned home , he asked his sons to describe what they had experienced. The first son said that the apple tree was ugly and twisted. The second son said the apple tree was covered with buds and full … Continue reading The Complete Picture

Inspirational, Mindfulness, psychology, Wellbeing1 Comment

Each Day

Change Therapy

Each day is a fresh beginning For yesterday has gone, Another chance to start anew To change things and move on. Another opportunity To love and smile and give, And act with generosity To look up and laugh and live. Each morning is a fresh, clean page As yet unwritten on, The threshold of an unlived day But not yet walked upon. So choose how you will live this day As on your way you go, For through our acts we all leave tracks Like footprints in the snow. (Kathleen Gillum) Continue reading Each Day

Inspirational, Wellbeing9 Comments

Burt Lancaster inspiration

Change Therapy

Burt Lancaster played a trapeze artist in the film Trapeze in 1956. Most of the stunts, he performed himself. Burt, had trained as an acrobat since the age of 9.  Burt and his friend Nicholas Cuccia formed an acrobatic duo and went on to join Kay’s Circus in the 30’s. When Burt auditioned for this particular job in the circus, he had to prove his worth, not relying on being only an acrobat, but by becoming part of the team who performed each night in the show. The boss of the Circus asked a young Burt, to try out the … Continue reading Burt Lancaster inspiration

Anxiety, general health, Health, Mindfulness, Nature, Weight and Diet, WellbeingLeave a comment

Post-Cardio recovery

Change Therapy

I offer Psychotherapy sessions for survivors of heart attacks/cardio events, which are available at my other website: Adjustment Therapy, however the Covid pandemic impacted on my ability to provide any sort of face to face therapy, even with masks, so this was not an option. It has not been safe for me to go out since March 2020 because of the risk of getting the Covid virus and only now, with the vaccine being available to me by May this year, I plan to offer Therapy sessions for people of all ages, who have been affected by a recent Cardio … Continue reading Post-Cardio recovery

Anxiety, Health, psychology, Wellbeing15 Comments

Signs of a toxic friendship

Change Therapy

8 Signs of a toxic friendship 1. Putting You Down Constantly You should feel like your friend’s equal, giving and receiving positive feedback that makes you both feel good. However, a toxic friend may find ways to make you feel like you’re less than they are. For example, they might draw attention to your insecurities and reinforce them as true. Or, they might discourage you from trying to achieve your dreams (telling you that they’re not realistic for someone like you). 2. Blame Everyone makes mistakes in relationships. Good friends can apologize for their part in such arguments or other … Continue reading Signs of a toxic friendship

general health, Health, psychology, Wellbeing4 Comments

Good friendship qualities

Change Therapy

What are good friendship qualities? It comes down to 5 crucial qualities in my opinion, yet there may be more. Anyone wish to comment? Nourish. The friendship nourishes both individuals. Each feels supported and cared for and both look forward to each other’s company. Trust. Each knows they can count on each other to be honest and accepting, even when one or both change. Commitment. Both are prepared to put time and effort into the relationship even when physically apart. Balance. The give and take of a relationship balances out over time, as each provide support when required. Relationship. This … Continue reading Good friendship qualities

general health, Health, psychology, Weight and Diet, WellbeingLeave a comment

Adolphe Quetete and BMI?

Change Therapy

Today is World Obesity Day (4th March 2021) Body Mass Index (BMI) is a calculation of body fat on the basis of height and weight applying to adult men and women. Your Body Mass Index score indicates whether you are underweight or overweight. Based on the score that you get, you may be advised to bulk up or lose weight. It is done to ensure that you maintain a bodyweight that may be healthy, and you may be advised to change your lifestyle to attain a healthier BMI. The BMI scale was developed in 1832 by a Belgian mathematician named … Continue reading Adolphe Quetete and BMI?

general health, psychology, Wellbeing4 Comments

Are you being nudged?

Change Therapy

Do you make choices of your own free will, or are you being nudged along by an unseen force to comply? The Government, Retail and Medical professions, amongst many other industries employ strategies to shape your behaviour. Nudge theory is the science behind subtly leading people to the ‘right’ decision. It works on the principle that small actions can have a substantial impact on the way people behave. For organisations wanting to drive positive behaviour change, it’s a handy concept to know about. Nudge theory is also concerned with the design of choices, which influences the decisions we make. Nudge theory … Continue reading Are you being nudged?

Anxiety, general health, Health, Inspirational, Wellbeing6 Comments

Uncertainty

Change Therapy

All around the world, people remain uncertain about the future. I don’t know what the outcome will be, however I have continued to use some strategies to keep myself going. I want to share them with you, in the hope that you may get some benefit from this particular method. A) Do something every day to reduce anxiety; whether it is a relaxation technique, exercising or getting in touch with some friends. This all amounts to finding some calm in your daily existence. B) Stay informed. Decide to allocate yourself 30 minutes each day to check the Local news and … Continue reading Uncertainty

Autism specific, neurological disorders, Wellbeing3 Comments

Autism and Meltdowns

Change Therapy

Most parents are familiar with a child’s temper tantrum and the disruptive, angry outbursts where the child demands attention, including getting their own way. In contrast, when a child or adult on the Autistic Spectrum has a Meltdown, they are reacting to emotional overload, and their brain struggles to make sense of a situation or behaviour. Ultimately, a Meltdown is a loss of control brought about by changes to the routine or expected behaviours, resulting in the senses being over stimulated all at once. Explosion of emotions! The Meltdown responses displayed by the Autistic person may include verbal expressions, of … Continue reading Autism and Meltdowns

Inspirational, Nature, Wellbeing5 Comments

Time is like a River

Change Therapy

“Time is like a river. You cannot touch the same water twice, because the flow that has passed will never pass again. Enjoy every moment of your life!” “For what it’s worth… it’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you make the best of it. I hope you see things that startle you. I hope you … Continue reading Time is like a River

general health, Health, Wellbeing3 Comments

Balance and Dizziness (vestibular) Disorders

Change Therapy

Originally posted on View from Over the Hill:
Since Dr. Graham Bryce and I started the B C Balance & Dizziness Disorders Society (BADD) 15 years ago, I’ve talked with hundreds and hundreds of members dealing with vestibular disorders. When our first Board met around my kitchen table, we discussed a name for our fledgling support group. I noted that “Balance and Dizziness Disorders” which was chosen, would probably have the acronym BADD, which might not look good. The response? “Well, it IS bad.” So “BADD” we became. Balance and Dizziness Disorders ARE bad Through the years, members complain that… Continue reading Balance and Dizziness (vestibular) Disorders

Health, Inspirational, Mindfulness, Nature, Wellbeing8 Comments

Hope

Change Therapy

“Life is available only in the present moment.” “No one has ever lived in the past or the future, only the now.” “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” “While you are walking, smile and be in the here and now, and you will transform that place into paradise.” “Yesterday is already gone. Tomorrow is not yet here. Today is the only day available to us; it is the most important day of our lives.” (Courtesy Thich Nhat Hanh) Continue reading Hope

Anxiety, Autism specific, Diabetes, general health, Health, Meditation, Mindfulness, Nature, neurological disorders, Weight and Diet, Wellbeing3 Comments

Giving something back.

Change Therapy

I predominantly offer Psychotherapy sessions for parents/carers of children who are on the Autistic spectrum or who have Special Needs. We walk and talk in Nature, rather than sit inside a room, and this form of therapy is found to be more relaxing, while enjoying the natural environment. There are not many people who can afford to pay out in excess of £50 for an hour of Counselling or Psychotherapy, as these sessions are never just once a week; they go on for weeks, months and sometimes longer. This is an expensive outlay for most people. As a parent of … Continue reading Giving something back.

Anxiety, Diabetes, general health, Health, Wellbeing7 Comments

Beware of Shovelling Snow

Change Therapy

Every winter, about 100 people in the US die while shovelling snow. Why? A study looking at data from 1990 to 2006 by researchers at the US Nationwide Children’s Hospital recorded 1,647 fatalities from cardiac-related injuries associated with shovelling snow. In Canada, these deaths make the news every winter. Cardiologist Barry Franklin, an expert in the hazardous effects of snow removal, believes the number of deaths could be double that. “I believe we lose hundreds of people each year because of this activity,” says Franklin, director of preventative cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at William Beaumont Hospital, Michigan. His team found … Continue reading Beware of Shovelling Snow

general health, Health, Wellbeing7 Comments

Listening to your partner

Change Therapy

I was reading an article in a newspaper the other day, about a GP Doctor, who was enjoying his usual cup of coffee and cereal with his wife, one morning somewhere in the UK. His wife noticed that some cereal was dribbling down his mouth, and it was uncharacteristic of her husband not to clean it up immediately. She also suggested that his speech was a little slurred, but she was brushed off as being ‘silly’. He struggled a little bit with the keyboard on the computer, but again, he thought this could be anything. The Doctor went about his … Continue reading Listening to your partner

Anxiety, general health, Health, Meditation, Mindfulness, Wellbeing8 Comments

Body Image

Change Therapy

Body image is something that many people are concerned about and which has a negative effect on their Mental Health. Feelings of being low or depressed contribute to anxieties around their appearance, especially when out in the public domain. Finding clothes that change our outward appearance helps, yet it is inside that the greatest challenges are, which thousands of people have to face each day of their lives. Below are some suggestions which may help in coping with Body image: Practice Mindfulness – this involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help … Continue reading Body Image

Anxiety, general health, Health, Wellbeing8 Comments

Coping with Fear

Change Therapy

Fear is one of the most powerful emotions; it has a very strong effect on your mind and body. Fear can create strong signals of response when we’re in emergencies; it can also take effect when you’re faced with non-dangerous events, like exams, public speaking, a new job, a date, or even a party. It’s a natural response to a threat that can be either perceived or real. Fear and anxiety can last for a short time and then pass, but they can also last much longer and you can get stuck with them. In some cases they can take … Continue reading Coping with Fear

general health, Health, Inspirational, Weight and Diet, WellbeingLeave a comment

Finding Meaning – Every Day

Change Therapy

It is easy to become complacent in life and just do enough to get by. Have you taken things for granted? Can you be quite content to let others do the running? We all get like this at one time or another, and it is easy to sit back and watch. I was on the phone to a friend the other day asking how they were, and they said that they were lacking motivation to get up and do anything; preferring to watch some box-sets on Netflix for a few days, eating the remains of the Christmas chocolates and other … Continue reading Finding Meaning – Every Day

Uncategorized3 Comments

Stay in the Present

Change Therapy

Mindfulness can be thought as a way of being.. that helps us be in contact with our experience on a moment to moment basis. Mindfulness can help improve Wellbeing. In its simplest form, use Sight, Sound, Taste, Touch and Smell to centre yourself in the PRESENT moment – rather than concentrating on what may happen in the future or what might have happened in the past. I can offer you online sessions in guided Mindfulness, from the comfort of your own home, so get in touch here. Continue reading Stay in the Present

Health, Inspirational, Uncategorized, Wellbeing2 Comments

Change the way you approach a problem.

Change Therapy

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Albert Einstein. I love this quote by Albert Einstein. What do you think when you read it? Sometimes I wish the governments of the world would read the above quote and change the way they approach their problems; it would certainly be refreshing for us all! We can easily get caught up in a cycle of negativity while trying to overcome problems, and before long they seem bigger than before, as the same way of thinking brings about the same results. If you have a … Continue reading Change the way you approach a problem.

general health, Health, Meditation, Wellbeing7 Comments

Have a Nap

Change Therapy

In need of a quick shut-eye? Don’t ignore your body and take some time to re-energize throughout the day. Maybe you didn’t get enough sleep last night, or just feel lethargic and cannot be bothered. There are many positive reasons for finding some time during the day to have some ‘me-time’ by closing your eyes for a quick nap. Naps boost alertness and improve motor performance, which is why you should feel energized after taking one. The length of your nap determines the benefits. 10 minutes to 30 minutes, may make you feel groggy on waking, but your body will … Continue reading Have a Nap

Inspirational, WellbeingLeave a comment

Don’t Quit – poem

Change Therapy

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you’re trudging seems all uphill, When the funds are low but the debts are high, And you want to smile but you have to sigh, When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don’t you quit.   Life is strange with its twists and turns, As every one of us sometimes learns, And many failures turn about When we might have won had we stuck it out. Don’t give up though the pace seems slow – You may succeed with another blow.   Success … Continue reading Don’t Quit – poem

Anxiety, Inspirational, Wellbeing7 Comments

Strength of a Lioness

Change Therapy

She rises to gather strength She rises to greet and groom others She rises to hunt She rises alongside other Lionesses She rises to move the young cubs to safety She rises to confront enemies that threaten the pride She rises to walk with her King   It is amazing that no matter how weak or hopeless you may feel at certain times in your life, there is a part of us that brings forth the nature of the Lioness, especially when feeling threatened. If only we could learn to have the strength of a Lioness at all times, then … Continue reading Strength of a Lioness

Anxiety, Health, Meditation, Mindfulness, Wellbeing1 Comment

Coping with Anxiety – Mindfulness Meditation

Change Therapy

Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19 7 – Mindfulness Meditation Thinking back to what we have managed to do in such a short space of time, I would like to talk you through a short mindfulness meditation to help you sleep/rest, as your body adjusts to the changes in your new routine of waking at dawn. Going to bed at a time earlier than you are used to can be a challenge, however you will start to feel the benefits soon, and of top of this, your anxiety level will reduce too. If you … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Mindfulness Meditation

Anxiety, Health, Weight and Diet, Wellbeing1 Comment

Coping with Anxiety – Watching the Food Intake

Change Therapy

  6 – Watching the food intake I know, it is so easy to eat half that packet of biscuits while consuming 4 coffees all before lunchtime! You didn’t do this while at work prior to the pandemic did you? What has changed? Too much time on our hands? From the previous article, on Shaking your Body Alive, I invited you to adjust your sleeping times, and start to waken at 6am. You body takes time to change to your new regime, and will still urge you to eat when it says so; it has been pre-programmed to require energy … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Watching the Food Intake

Anxiety6 Comments

Things You CAN Control

Change Therapy

Your Beliefs Your attitude Your thoughts Your perspective How honest you are Who your friends are What books you read How often you exercise The type of food you eat How many risks you take How you interpret the situation How kind you are to others How kind you are to yourself How often you say “I love you.” How often you say “thank you.” How you express your feelings Whether or not you ask for help How often you practice gratitude How many times you smile today The amount of effort you put forth How you spend / invest … Continue reading Things You CAN Control

Anxiety, Health, Weight and Diet, Wellbeing4 Comments

Coping with Anxiety – Shake your Body Alive!!

Change Therapy

Change Therapy – Ways to cope with anxiety during and after COVID-19   5 – Shake your body alive Instead of sleeping in your bed until noon (or later) it is time to alter the body clock! Leave the phone on silent and stay away from the TV remote as long as possible from the time you waken. Set your alarm for 6am. Have a wash, taking extra care of your appearance – imagine you are going on a hot date! Take some time, whether in the shower or in front of the mirror, to tell yourself what you want … Continue reading Coping with Anxiety – Shake your Body Alive!!