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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
In the embrace of the night, sleep should be a sanctuary, a time of rest and rejuvenation for the mind and body. However, for many individuals grappling with mental health challenges, stress, and anxiety, the restful realm of sleep can become a battleground of restless thoughts, worries, and elusive dreams. The effects of sleep issues
Embracing Serenity: Navigating Sleep Issues from Mental Health, Stress, and Anxiety Read More »