In a year where the news feels relentless, many of us are carrying more emotional weight than we realise. Constant updates, global crises and personal pressures can leave our minds overstimulated and overwhelmed. This article explores how negativity affects our wellbeing — and offers gentle, practical ways to protect your mental health from negativity without disconnecting from the world.

Retroactive jealousy can appear when a partner’s past feels uncomfortably present, stirring comparison, insecurity, or old fears. It’s a deeply human experience that can place strain on relationships, but with space to explore what sits underneath these feelings, therapy can help people reconnect with the present rather than feeling pulled into the past.

Many older adults experience emotional challenges, yet they’re under‑represented in therapy. In my practice, I’ve noticed how practical barriers, generational attitudes and unfamiliarity with counselling can all play a role. This article explores those factors with curiosity, and gently invites support at any age.

Bullying looks different today, especially for teens navigating constant online pressures. As a counsellor working with young people in schools and private practice, I see how deeply it affects their confidence and sense of safety. With steady listening, collaboration with school, and support that protects their autonomy, parents can make a powerful difference.

Discover how to manage self‑criticism by understanding where it comes from and how it develops. This person‑centred guide explores recent research, the roots of self‑critical thinking, and gentle, compassionate ways to soften your inner critic and build a kinder relationship with yourself.

Starting counselling for the first time can feel daunting, especially at the beginning of a new year. This article explores what people commonly experience when they begin counselling, what the first sessions are really like, and how person-centred counselling offers a supportive, non-judgemental space to start, at your own pace.

Growing up in the 90s, mental health wasn’t something we talked about. Reflecting now, I see how “everyday trauma”—from family challenges to personal setbacks—quietly shaped my wellbeing. This World Mental Health Day, I’m reflecting on access to support, both in times of crisis and in daily life, and how making mental health care more available to all can truly change lives.