Experiencing a range of emotions is all part of being human; but emotions can become overwhelming. In this blog I explore the skills we can use to stay calm, connected and in control instead of reacting, by defending and attacking, wanting to run, freezing up or hiding away.

Do you feel as if everyone around you belongs, and yet you’re the outsider? In this blog I look at our natural need to belong and what strategies we often use to help when we feel like we don't. I explore a way forward so that you can feel connected with others without losing connection with yourself.

Do you worry that you are coming across as too needy? Alternatively, you may have long mastered the ability of pushing aside your needs to the point where you don't even notice them. Our needs don't go away, and often they are human natural needs which were not met in our childhoods and now leave a void which we unconsciously try and fill. In this blog I explore some of these needs, how they can still affect us and what we can do when we recognise the void left when they are not met.

Many of us carry life scripts, it’s as if at some point in early childhood were given our script, the role we were to play in our family. Both the giving and playing out of these scrips is often out of our awareness, but can form the way we interact with ourselves and others in adulthood. In this blog I explore my insights on life-scripts, including a scenario based on some frequenting occurring life-scripts and how it can be different between siblings.

We are all unique, and as such we are made up of different aspects of who we are; we which I refer to as our 'parts, a term often used in therapy. In a journey of self-acceptance, it is worth spending time becoming aware and accepting all of are parts. We can consider how are parts interact, which conflict and which complement each other. Which parts we try to deny and push away. Some parts we were born with, while others we developed along the way. This blog is all about parts and I hope it inspires you to go on your own journey to identify, connect with and embrace all aspects of who you are.

Being aware of your physical health is becoming the norm, yet our mental health can still be seen as a weakness. Something to be avoided, kept secret or suppressed. I often talk about our 'journey of awareness'; getting to know ourselves, accepting ourselves, and finding compassion for the way we are. I look at different aspects of this journey and why it is a strength to go on this journey and not a weakness.

In busy, demanding lives we all need time to just zone out, switch off and lose ourselves in whatever is our chosen method. What if however, the zoning out isn't that bit of 'my time', but instead it’s an escape from who we are and how we feel and becomes addictive. In this blog I explore my insights into how what we use as an escape can end up controlling us.

Do you recognise when you are calm and connecting with yourself and others? You feel in control. Then something happens and you react and spiral or you may want to just hide and disappear. It might be that you seem to be constantly in a spiral or feeling down. In this blog I outline ways you can identify if you are in control and connected or if you have spiralled or plummeted. We look at ways you can become more aware of your responses and start to look at tools to help you manage those ups and downs.

Is your head invaded by thoughts? Are you regretting the past, overthinking the present, or worrying about the future? These intrusive thoughts can rob you of enjoying each day. In this first blog of the series, I give my insights into what is going on, what helped me and how you can escape the head noise and start to live connected with yourself and those around you.