I wrote about the IAPT service (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) in my blog back in May but it seems it is still hitting the headlines, and not for the right reasons.  Up to 95,000 people are waiting for up to 90 days to access the counselling they need...

Halloween and bonfire night have been and gone, it’s starting to get dark around 4pm and the Christmas songs are being played on the radio. The countdown to Christmas is truly on. Society assumes we are all looking forward to Christmas and why could we not? After all...

I have recently had to engage in some honest self reflection about how I feel towards another person. They are loud and love to be the centre of attention. I have purposely kept my distance from this person and find myself inwardly rolling my eyes whenever they speak...

Over the last few days my Facebook page has been inundated with pictures of beaming children in their school uniforms, ready to start their new school or class for the year.  For each child the start of September brings with it a fresh new uniform, new stationery, new...

Are you sitting comfortably?  I am going to tell you a story called “The warm fuzzy tale”. There once was a happy land where “warm fuzzies” are given our freely to each other.  As the name would suggest, when someone received a “warm fuzzy” they feel warm and fuzzy...

Last Saturday afternoon Ripon celebrated St Wilfrid’s Parade.  The market square was positively buzzing with the people of Ripon who had all come to clap, cheer, dance and sing along as the City Band, Morris Dancers and floats which made their way through the city....

I recently listened to an interesting interview with Dr Tim Cantopher, a leading psychiatrist who has written a new book called “Overcoming anxiety without fighting it”.  Acceptance is the central premise to his book; acceptance of your anxiety, accepting it is a part...

I have absolutely loved this recent spell of hot weather.  It makes me feel energised and motivated to get outside and bask in the sunshine.  I have dug out my floaty dresses, gone for walks, enjoyed icecreams, been for picnics and dangled my legs in a paddling pool. ...

I am excited to announce the official launch of Gemma Antcliffe Counselling in Ripon.  Nestled in the tranquil, leafy area of Bishopton, my home-based practice provides a safe, private and comfortable space you can seek help and support. My practice is here for adults...

A recent study by Lancet Psychiatry show there has been an alarming rise in self harm among girls and young women.  16-24 year olds seem to be the most vulnerable, with 19.4% reporting self harm.  Speaking on Radio 4’s The Today Programme, a leading psychiatrist...