Clarity Mind Therapy

10/09/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day. While we have made momentous strides in the understanding and management of su***de, there is unfortunately no guaranteed checklist to identify those who are secretly suffering.

Today let's address the thinking around su***de:

1) Let us not ever classify someone's disclosure about self-harm as merely "attention-seeking" or some other stigmatizing label. Let us take each disclosure seriously enough to help them find the resources to take if they are struggling.

2) Let us practice human empathy. It is easy to become angry at someone else when driving, but it is a true challenge to think first what that person may be going through. It is always wise to play devil's advocate and consider the fact that a person is struggling before considering the "intentional disrespect" in their actions.

3) When someone chooses you to speak to about their mental health, see it rather as an honour than become panicked on how to help them. Most of the time, just having a calm presence who is not trying to solve your issues is the most significant way of helping them.

4) Make sure you are constantly refilling your cup after pouring for others. The best way to help others is to make sure you are the most optimal version of yourself. It is okay to reflect on your own struggles to empathize with them and then referring the person to the right resources.

Resources to assist you and others who may be struggling:

For the UK:

-Call NHS 111 (for when you need help but are not in immediate danger)

-Contact your GP and ask for an emergency appointment

-Contact the Samaritans (call: 116 123)

-Use the ‘Shout’ crisis text line – text SHOUT to 85258

For South Africa:

-Lifeline 0800012322

- South African Depression And Anxiety (SADAG) Helpline 0800567567

- Akeso Crisis Helpline 0861435787

Please visit my site for those who may need further guidance below:

https://www.claritymindtherapy.co.uk/blog-3-1/understanding-su***de-risk-factors-indicators-and-prevention

Credit: Samaritans

09/09/2025

If you have ever felt stuck with mental health symptoms, in your relationships or just in your life, I'm here to help you in a transformation you deserve.

Welcome to "Clarity Mind Therapy" - quality psychology delivered by myself, Clinical Psychologist Brandon Kayat. I conduct online therapy for adults in the UK as well as in-person sessions from my offices in the beautiful Abergavenny here in South Wales.

I also am able to work online with South African clients who are self-funded. Furthermore, I will be running group therapy periodically in the year.

I am a qualified HCPC Clinical Psychologist with over 18 years experience in the field of mental health. This experience ranges from working in hospitals, prisons, community centres, EAP services and the NHS to working in private practice successfully for the last 2 years. I also am an experienced public speaker for mental health across radio, podcasts, school talks and corporate training. This is driven by my passion for individual transformation through psychology- a deep desire to improve our lives and grow.

No matter who you are, I am here to accompany you on that journey of transformation as my practice is all-inclusive. Whether you are looking to improve challenging mental health symptoms or just trying to get out of a stuck point in your life or relationship, we can achieve this. I use a tailored approach to each client's unique problems. With my experience in Schema Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), Jungian Psychoanalytic Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Transpersonal Psychology, I am confident in my ability to help you to help yourself on the rewarding journey of self-improvement. I also offer group therapy.

I work with a range of conditions including anxiety, stress and burnout, OCD, Autism, ADHD, trauma and identity concerns and relationship issues among others. I work with all adults in the UK including members of the LGBTQ+ community, individuals and couples over the age of 18 years old. I have a passion and rich experience in men's mental health and I am an ideal therapist for any men who are hesitant to start therapy but wish to try. I work with all couples who are wishing to improve their relationships. I also am able to assist those who are having trouble with adjustment including expats as I myself have immigrated from South Africa. Finally, I have a special interest in dream analysis and interpretation in the context of the mind-body-spirit axis.

In the first few sessions we will gather the relevant information before working through a collaborative treatment plan. My warm, person-centred therapy approach is geared towards your goals and helping you achieve the life you want. It does not have to be an unfamiliar and daunting new start. When you are ready, I am here to help you achieve the transformation you deserve.

Contact me below at:

www.claritymindtherapy.co.uk

27/08/2025

Have you ever wondered if you are so different to others?

Maybe you made it far into adulthood before anyone picked up on it as you were so good at hiding it. Autism Spectrum Disorder can sometimes be incorrectly diagnosed as anxiety or depression in females.

The symptoms are not as easy to identify as they are in males. In this month's blog we look at how to identify autism in females and the difficulties with doing so. A great resource for anyone as you never know who may be living unaware of how much easier their lives could be.

Recognising autism in women requires sensitivity and awareness of these different presentations. At Clarity Mind Therapy , we work to provide a safe and understanding space where women can explore these experiences, whether they are seeking assessment, therapy, or simply a better understanding of t

24/06/2025

June is Men's Mental Health month- a topic many of you will know that I am passionate about. Stigma surrounding help-seeking among men through years of gender-typing and norms of masculinity still prevails. This prevents many men from seeking the help that would empower them and transform their lives.

I discuss this topic in this month's blog with some practical tips for men going through difficult times as well as tips for their loved ones. Quality mental health is not just for the sick but for those who want to reach their full potential.

https://www.brandonkayatpsychology.com/blog-3-1/men-tal-health

28/04/2025

This month I deal with another contentious topic: who is the real victim in substance abuse?

There are many overlaps between someone who is intentionally manipulative or deceitful with the presentation of substance use disorder and substance dependence. This leads to many people vilifying the user as intentionally and consistently relapsing and lying to loved ones.

I deal with a more empathetic and professional approach to understanding and dealing with substance use disorder: one that does not avoid accountability but brings in an element of true assistance.

This is a highly misunderstood topic that leads to the fragmentation of families and social circles. Ironically, this occurs at a time where a person suffering with substance use desperately needs this social support.

Check out this month's blog on Substance Use for more information.

https://www.brandonkayatpsychology.com/blog-3-1/the-real-victim-in-substance-abuse

13/03/2025

As a result of moving to the UK, I have closed my private practice after a great period. Thank you for all the support. I am still available in my capacity as public speaker for mental health topics- please see my website.

This month's topic, I cover a very personal one: how to support those going through mental health challenges? We have all been there, where you feel that you need to help someone you care about but struggle to know how.

An appropriate metaphor is the pit. If you want to help someone out of the pit, it is important to make sure you are stable and securely anchored outside of the pit. You cannot help if you are in the pit yourself. Similarly, when we are helping others with mental health challenges, we need to make sure we are in a good mental health space. There is no shame in saying: "I am not equipped to help you as you need. Let me help you find professional help. "

Let me know if there are any future topics you would like me to cover in my monthly blogs.

Supporting someone through their mental health difficulties is not about having all the answers—it’s about being present, compassionate, offering help where you can, and knowing when to refer to professionals.

13/12/2024

A topic that is quite contentious in the hustle and bustle culture of 2024 is guilt-free relaxation. Some employers or managers may feel the need to reach out to their employees during their leave for seemingly small or minor matters. These are damaging for the individual who may be pulled back into negative thoughts or moods due to interactions with work.

A good employer understands the importance of allowing workers to be fully recharged and lead lives that are balanced. Unfortunately, the reality is that many workplaces will bully and threaten a person's job security if they fail to meet these unrealistic and unhealthy demands.

It is an employee's right to have leave and to do so without fear of their job security. This December, practice healthy and respectful boundaries with superiors and clients. You deserve it and will be more effective when you return to work. A good employer understands this. Let us build a workplace culture that promotes healthy and happy workers that do not succumb to burnout and other symptoms of poor mental health.

For more information, see this month's blog on my website for guilt-free relaxation.

https://lnkd.in/dnDwdThe

26/11/2024

This month we talk about one of the most difficult topics to discuss: shame. A persistent self-critique without any reason. It affects everyone, however, it is seldom recognized or understood. We would all like to believe we are shame-free, yet, the sad reality is that very few are.

Many people often confuse the healthy response, guilt, with the unhealthy phenomenon of shame. Here is this month's blog if you would like to know more about the silent burden of shame.

Instead of focusing on actions, shame targets the self- leading people to feel they are inherently flawed or unworthy. This is often without any particular actions to cause it. For example, rather than thinking, "I made a mistake," a person might think, "I am a failure." This int

19/11/2024

Celebrating International Men's Day today during Men's health and Mental health Awareness Month.

While the stigma of mental illness is damaging for all, men appear significantly affected by the interplay of this stigma with themes of masculinity and stoicism.

Before telling our men (young or old) "men don't cry", "toughen up" or "it's no use worrying about it;" let us consider carefully the impact of these words and the longstanding effects they have on our society.

Let us rather work for a climate of empathy and support for all genders and minimize the different mental health experiences of our communities. Help men and young boys to find the mental health support that we are all deserving of.

What type of man are we raising for tomorrow?

For more information on this crucial topic, please see the blog below.

https://www.brandonkayatpsychology.com/blog-3-1/the-men-in-mental-health

Credit: FFirst Responder Center for Excellence

10/10/2024

How am I nurturing my mental health?

Happy World Mental Health Day! Today, one of the stigmas I challenge everyone to break is the myth that "you need a big enough reason to go to Psychology."

Psychology is not just for the sick but for those who want to improve their lives. An athlete trains not just to lose weight or to fix a health condition but they train to stay in peak physical performance and condition. Therapy is the same. Take a few minutes today to consider how you are keeping yourself in peak mental condition.

Check out this month's blog where we break this myth that psychology requires you to meet a certain threshold. I am also offering a reduced rate group series, each comprising of 7 sessions for those who wish to try group therapy.

You don’t need a major reason to seek out psychological support. Sometimes, checking in with a therapist can be a proactive step toward optimizing your mental health and improving your overall quality of life.

25/09/2024

I am happy to announce that I will be offering a reduced for a 7-part series of online groups from October through December 2024. It is ideal for those who want to try therapy but find one-on-one therapy intimidating or require reduced rates.

R1400 for 7 groups of 9 minutes.

There will be 4 different primary groups that clients can choose from:

1) Men's Mental Health Support Group
2) LGBTQI+ Support Group
3) Mental Health Education: Conditions, symptoms and intervention (psychoeducation group)
4) Dream Interpretation and Analysis

Please feel free to share with anyone who might need this resource. Groups will be run on weekday evenings from 6pm.

19/09/2024

A topic that is quite taboo but so necessary to speak about is su***de prevention. On September 10th we celebrated World Su***de Prevention Day.

Feel free to read my latest blog on su***de prevention and risk factors. As always, please reach out to me for any help or sessions. This information is literally lifesaving at times so please feel free to share it with those who may need it.

Su***de is very often a brief window when someone cannot not access the mental health resources or innate hope within themselves to see through this window of despair. A person may believe it is all bad and will forever remain bad when, in fact, this is not the case.