Blog
Articles on therapy, mental health, relationships, and wellbeing
What Is EMDR Therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. Recommended by both NICE and the World Health Organisation for PTSD and trauma, EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of traumatic events. Most people complete a course in 6–12 sessions.
Signs of Anxiety: When to Seek Help
Anxiety produces both physical and emotional symptoms — from racing heart and muscle tension to persistent worry and avoidance. While anxiety is a normal human experience, it becomes a clinical concern when symptoms are present most days, cause significant distress, and interfere with daily functioning. NICE stepped care guidelines provide clear thresholds for when professional support is indicated.
How Does Couples Therapy Work?
Couples therapy is a structured process in which both partners attend sessions with a trained therapist to improve communication, work through conflict, and rebuild connection. The therapist does not take sides or assign blame — they provide a guided, confidential space where both perspectives can be heard and understood. A typical course runs 8–20 sessions, depending on the issues being addressed.
What Is Psychosexual Therapy?
Psychosexual therapy is a specialist clinical intervention that addresses sexual difficulties with psychological or relational components. Delivered by COSRT-registered therapists, it combines talking therapy with psychoeducation and, where appropriate, structured behavioural exercises. Sessions are fully clothed, office-based, and confidential. Both individuals and couples are seen. A typical course is 8–16 sessions.
Trauma Therapy Explained
Trauma therapy is an umbrella term for evidence-based therapeutic approaches that help people process and recover from traumatic experiences. EMDR and trauma-focused CBT are the two leading modalities, both recommended by NICE and the World Health Organisation. Trauma therapy does not always require detailed recounting of events, and sessions are always paced to the client's readiness.
Grief Counselling: What to Expect
Grief counselling provides a supportive, professional space to process loss — whether from bereavement, relationship breakdown, or other significant life changes. Sessions help you explore your feelings, make meaning of your loss, and develop the capacity to carry grief while continuing to live. This article explains what happens in grief counselling, when to seek help, and what to expect from your first session.
What Is CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)?
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) is a structured, evidence-based therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours. Developed by Aaron Beck in the 1960s, CBT is recommended by NICE as a first-line treatment for depression, anxiety, OCD, and a wide range of other conditions. It is typically delivered in 6–20 sessions with between-session homework.
Depression Counselling vs Medication: What's the Difference?
Counselling and antidepressants are both evidence-based approaches to treating depression, and they work through entirely different mechanisms. Counselling addresses the psychological and interpersonal factors that maintain depression; medication affects neurochemistry. Understanding the difference helps you make an informed decision — ideally with input from both your GP and a qualified therapist.