The Wake-Up Call We often hear the phrase “Health is Wealth,” but for many of us, it remains a secondary thought—until our health is challenged. Recently, I experienced this firsthand. Navigating recovery from a stroke has been the most demanding “clinical trial” of my life. It stripped away the external markers of success and left […]
Health = Wealth: Why Emotional Mastery is Your Greatest Asset Read More »
The Resolution Trap: Why Your New Year Goals Might Be Hurting Your Mental Health The arrival of January usually brings a tidal wave of “New Year, New Me” energy. We are bombarded with messages telling us to overhaul our lives, lose weight, master new skills, and become the most productive versions of ourselves. But at
The Resolution Trap Read More »
When the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year” Doesn’t Feel Like It. For many, the festive season is a whirlwind of lights, laughter, and connection. But for others, the arrival of December can bring a heavy sense of dread, exhaustion, or profound sadness. At DeVernon Psychotherapy, we see a significant shift in the emotional landscape
Navigating Mental Health at Christmas Read More »
Menopause Awareness Month: Unpacking the Impact on Cognition and Mood As we mark Menopause Awareness Month throughout October, our focus sharpens on a critical theme: the effect of menopause on cognition and mood. This year, especially leading up to World Menopause Day on 18th October, we aim to validate and illuminate these often-misunderstood symptoms. While
Menopause: Cognition, Mood, and Support Read More »
We all know the feeling. A racing heart, a knot in your stomach, a mind that won’t stop spinning with “what if” scenarios. For many people, anxiety feels like a constant, unwelcome companion. But what is really happening beneath the surface, and why does it feel so overwhelming? As a CBT therapist, I often help
What’s Really Going On When You Feel Anxious? Read More »
When we think of menopause, the image of hot flashes often comes to mind. But for the 13 million women in the UK currently navigating this stage of life, the reality is far more complex. Menopause is a whole-body experience, with a surprising range of symptoms that many women don’t expect. As a CBT
Surprising Truths About Menopause Symptoms Read More »
A recent and insightful article by Dr. Clare J. Spencer on Medscape highlighted a crucial and often distressing symptom of the menopause transition: brain fog. Her work, a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, underscores that this is a far-reaching issue, with psychological symptoms like poor concentration, anxiety, and memory loss being top concerns for women
Menopause Brain Fog: CBT & Holistic Care Read More »
Understanding Your Body’s Built-In Alarm: The Fight, Flight, Freeze Response Have you ever found yourself in a stressful situation and felt your heart pound, your breath quicken, or perhaps you froze, unable to move or speak? These are not signs of weakness; they’re the powerful, automatic workings of your nervous system doing exactly what it’s
Understanding Fight, Flight, Freeze: Trauma Response Explained Read More »
Menopause is a natural and inevitable stage in a woman’s life, and while conversations around hot flashes and night sweats are becoming more commonplace, many women experience a far wider range of symptoms that are less discussed, often misunderstood, and can significantly impact their professional and personal lives. As we strive for more inclusive and
Beyond Hot Flashes: Menopause Symptoms We Don’t Talk About Enough Read More »
For many, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) offers significant relief from menopausal symptoms, yet it’s not a universal solution. A considerable number of women, particularly those with a history of certain cancers (like breast cancer) or other complex medical conditions, are unable to be prescribed HRT due to contraindications or personal choice. This reality can leave
Menopause: Thriving Beyond HRT – The Power of the ‘No Med Route’ Read More »