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
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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
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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 »
By: Karen Vernon [CBT Therapist/Owner] DeVernon Psychotherapy Introduction When we speak of trauma, our thoughts often drift to the psychological and emotional scars: anxiety, flashbacks, depression, or a sense of being perpetually on edge. Yet, a crucial, often overlooked aspect of trauma is its profound physical imprint. Many individuals experience chronic physical symptoms –
Beyond the Mind: Why Trauma “Lives” in the Body – And How to Find Release Read More »
Bridging the Menopause Support Gap: Announcing the Menopause Masters App By Karen Vernon / DeVernon Psychotherapy The journey through menopause and perimenopause is a universal experience for half the global population, yet it remains profoundly underserved in terms of accessible, comprehensive, and empathetic support. It’s a phase that can significantly impact women’s well-being, careers, and
Navigating Menopause, gaining back your professional edge Read More »
As women embrace the transformative phase of menopause, they often encounter a wave of emotions and physical changes that can feel overwhelming. From hot flashes to sleep disturbances, from mood swings to concerns about identity, menopause touches nearly every aspect of life. But fear not—in the journey through menopause, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be
CBT for Menopause: Thriving Through Transition Read More »