The secret to self care
Self-care seems to be the new buzzword. But do we really understand what self-care is and when we need to do it? Many of us tune into the need for self-care when our emotional wellbeing is poor, but it is most effective when it is treated as a preventative measure. ...
High Functioning Anxiety; When fear is the driving force
If I were to say someone is suffering from anxiety, what are your first thoughts? Someone hiding away at home, too frightened to leave. Or someone who finds social situations too overwhelming and cancels most engagements. What would you think if suggested people who...
Happy World Sleep Day
Getting enough sleep is essential for good mental health. It is one of our basic needs and when we do not get enough sleep, it can have a detrimental impact. To mark this day, I have produced an information sheet on sleep, focusing on something called Sleep Hygiene. ...
How COVID has changed our relationship with world, and the grief you are feeling.
In the last 12 months our world has changed so much, and on some level, we have all been grieving over the loss of the world we had. Living with the threat of something we cannot see has made the world feel unsafe. And it has made us feel unsettled. Let us take a...
Welcome to March 2021 Newsletter
It is my pleasure to share my first monthly newsletter with you. If would like to be added to my distribution list, please leave your details in the "Contact me" section of my website. I do hope you enjoy reading it. Gemma Antcliffe Counselling - March 2021...
When challenging feels…challenging
Today is International Women’s Day 2021 and the theme is #ChooseToChallenge. Central to this campaign is encouraging both women and men to call out gender bias, challenge inequality, question stereotypes and help forge an inclusive world. We are all responsible for...
Our relationship with guilt
Guilt is a universal emotion, yet we all have a unique relationship with it. The extent to which we take personal responsibility will impact on how guilty we feel. Whilst guilt ensures we uphold certain values, an overwhelming sense of guilt can have a detrimental...
Always look on the bright side of life
Capt Sir Tom Moore captured the hearts of the world during the COVID-19 pandemic. He famously said, “For all those people who are finding it difficult at the moment; the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away”. Capt Sir Tom’s positivity was...
Self harm; An increasingly hidden problem
"Stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives” has been the residing public health message for almost a year. Many people have been left to cope alone, isolated from support. As a result, incidents of self harm have increased. Coping strategies come in many...
The Imposter Syndrome
Is there a voice in your head which holds you back? Does it tell you things like: I'm not smart or pretty enough. Why would anyone want to listen to me? Everyone else seems to have it much more together. These types of thoughts could indicate you are experiencing the...