Belmont & Byford Counselling

23/03/2024

We are pleased to announce that appointments can now be made via Health Engine at

Find and book health appointments online, 24/7. View all available appointments in your local area and choose a time and place that suits you.

21/03/2024

It may not always be comfortable at first, but engaging in new experiences delivers a proven mental-health boost. In fact, the benefits are so wide-ranging that doing new things should probably be considered an essential element of well-being.

28/12/2023

“To let go does not mean to get rid of. To let go means to let be. When we let be with compassion, things come and go on their own.” – Jack Kornfield

Recent studies highlight the wonderful benefits of letting go of things that no longer serve us well. For example, research shows that letting go of grudges and negative emotions can significantly improve mental health (Witvliet et al., 2001). This mental decluttering not only benefits the mind but also correlates with physical improvements, such as reduced stress and lower blood pressure (Howell & Murphy, 2011).

Letting go of things that don't benefit us can also improve how we communicate with others. Studies show that being true to ourselves leads to better and more genuine relationships (Ryan & Deci, 2003). When we release what doesn't reflect our true selves, we create room for more honest interactions. This not only makes our relationships stronger but also boosts our overall mental well-being.

As we start the new year, think about what doesn't align with your true self. What will you let go of in 2024? Let us know in the comments below!

12/08/2023

I hate it so much! 😩

10/08/2023

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10/08/2023

ℹ🌿 SENSORY OVERLOAD ANXIETY: COPING FOR HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE | HEALTHY PLACE

Sensory overload anxiety can be a real problem for highly sensitive people (HSP). While not all highly sensitive people face intense anxiety, it’s common for highly sensitive people to experience sensory overload anxiety from common, everyday occurrences. But with the right anxiety coping skills, we can better prepare and cope with the challenges of living as a highly sensitive person with anxiety.

WHY SENSORY OVERLOAD ANXIETY AFFECTS HIGHLY SENSITIVE PEOPLE

Being highly sensitive is a double-edged sword. We may be more creative and empathic, but we also may have extremely active minds and feel everything. I know I feel everything—all the time.

As a highly sensitive person, you’re more attuned to your senses and the surrounding world.

You may be more sensitive to noise, smells, sights, and even your own internal physical experience. When we absorb the stimulation around us, we can easily experience sensory overload anxiety. Sensory overload activates the body’s stress response and may lead to anxious thoughts and physical reactions to anxiety.

But while the propensity to absorb so much has its challenges, we can tap into the strength of our sensitivity with the right tools.

HOW TO COPE WITH SENSORY OVERLOAD ANXIETY

1. KNOW YOUR TRIGGERS.

One of the greatest strengths you possess as a highly sensitive person is your ability to sense what negatively affects you. Write a list of your triggers (What Is an Anxiety Trigger?).

2. PRACTICE SELF-CARE.

Take care of yourself and cope ahead for situations that you know could to lead to sensory overload anxiety. If I have a large party to attend, I take time to recharge my batteries and center myself starting weeks before the event.

3. PRACTICE MINDFULNESS.

One simple way to do this is to do a quick body scan to notice where you feel most calm and grounded in your body. Then, as you enter into a stimulating environment, you have a resource within that you can tune into to calm your sensory experience (An Anxiety Relief Exercise That Uses Your Body as a Resource).

4. FIND THE MIDDLE PATH.

It’s important to find a balance. I find that if I spend too much time in quiet places, I’m even more overwhelmed by my senses later. But I also don’t believe in forcing yourself into frenetic environments. Despite my distaste for loud places where I can’t hear others speak, I love dancing and live music. This is a great middle ground for me because I can be in a loud place while still enjoying myself.

5. GIVE YOURSELF PERMISSION TO EXCUSE YOURSELF.

Refrain from staying for too long. I recall a time when I was in India 10 years ago. As you may imagine, sensory overload happens easily in India. One day I was at the end of my rope as 12 people tried to get me to come to their shop. I had a total meltdown. At that point, I desperately need a little break from my travels to center and ground myself.

6. BE KIND TO YOURSELF.

Practice patience and compassion. Remember that along with the challenges of being highly sensitive to our environments, high sensitivity comes with many gifts.

What do you do to cope with sensory overload anxiety? I’d love to hear from other highly sensitive people out there.

APA Reference: Renzi, M. (2018, February 7). Sensory Overload Anxiety: Coping for Highly Sensitive People, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2019, August 5 from

https://www.healthyplace.com/blogs/treatinganxiety/2018/02/sensory-overload-anxiety-how-highly-sensitive-people-can-cope

06/08/2023

Don’t judge! Be Kind always .❤️‍🩹💚

02/08/2023

Are boundaries and expectations sometimes unclear to you? It's a common mix-up, but understanding the difference can lead to happier and healthier relationships with ourselves and others.

Research shows that expectations often arise from our desires and hopes, driving us to envision how we want things to be. They help us set standards and create a vision for our lives (Lemay et al., 2016). On the other hand, boundaries are the guidelines we establish to protect our well-being, defining what is acceptable and respectful in our interactions and experiences (McKie & Cunningham-Burley, 2005).

Here's the twist: Expectations help us think about what our boundaries are, while boundaries inform our expectations. By recognizing our limits, values, and what truly matters to us, we can shape our expectations in a way that aligns with our authentic selves.

Focusing on setting healthy boundaries offers immense benefits. It empowers us to prioritize self-care, reduce stress, and foster deeper connections with others. When we communicate our boundaries clearly, we create an environment of respect and understanding, allowing for more meaningful relationships to flourish (Whitfield, 1993).

Are there areas in your life where you might have confused expectations with boundaries? Let us know in the comments below!

29/07/2023

Interesting.. ❤️🫶❤️ Christine