Audrey Stephenson

Audrey Stephenson Audrey Stephenson is a Therapist, Trainer and Coach with over 15 years of experience.

18/07/2023

Does your brain feel like it is in a scramble? You can’t think straight? You need to do some sorting out. Put thoughts and feelings about yourself and the world into order. Ordering those thoughts and emotions will enable you to be calmer. Inner peace will find you!

You know you need the order. But when you are stuck in the scramble, you are not sure where to start. You have read it all before; find time to meditate, exercise, journal, get out into nature. Yes, there are logical steps to unscramble the brain. You don’t have the time, the will or inclination to implement these steps.

Will the support of a psychologist help with the scramble?
Why is the scramble happening?
What is causing the scramble?
Find techniques to order the scramble.
Identify the triggers that cause the scramble.

There is nothing wrong with enlisting the help of a professional. Asking for help takes a lot of courage. You need strength to admit you don’t have all the answers.

Reach out to Audrey if you need guidance to unscramble the thoughts and emotions. Book a 20 minute free discovery call.

https://bit.ly/3IGD5oN

At times we all need to check in to make sure we are on the right track. Audrey assists fellow practitioners to ensure t...
15/07/2023

At times we all need to check in to make sure we are on the right track. Audrey assists fellow practitioners to ensure they improve their skills without it costing them their health.

"Because counselling and psychotherapy are not regulated in the United Kingdom as protected titles linked with specific qualifications, supervision is not required. However, in order to be an accredited or registered member of most professional bodies within the industry, being in peer, group, or individual supervision is viewed as a must-have component for the reflective, ethical and effective practitioner.

Supervision for me is founded on a relationship of non-judgemental positive regard. Doing the work is challenging, whether it is for ourselves or our patients and clients. Supervision encompasses all of this. While your clients and patients are usually the focus of our sessions, for me, creating a practice that works for you is paramount. Your practice needs to reflect your purpose, or we can get disconnected from the work. We look at why you do what you do, as well as the how.

As an integrative therapist myself, the work we do is most often accessed through different lenses - first I need to understand your internal theoretical model (sometimes the work may be uncovering and refining this with you). Once this is clear, we work to support your practice of doing the work with your clients and patients. Flagging at-risk individuals, making reports if there are ethical issues, reviewing your note-taking (does it actually work for you?), and discussing transferential issues that may arise."- Audrey Stephenson.

Book a 20 minutes call with Audrey to find out more, https://bit.ly/3IGD5oN

“The work I do with couples has at its foundation, acknowledgement of each individual and the complexity of desire, disa...
02/07/2023

“The work I do with couples has at its foundation, acknowledgement of each individual and the complexity of desire, disappointment and wounding, that they bring to the partnership.

It is intense and transformative work.” - Audrey Stephenson

As humans, we are drawn to connect, and romantic connection is often one of the most fantasised about partnerships that we come across. The weight of our conscious expectations, unconscious beliefs, and over taxed schedules, often leave us wondering where the dream went.

If you are feeling disillusioned book a discovery call to find out if couples therapy would be helpful.

https://bit.ly/41ycRw9

01/07/2023

I've always admired wisdom and this quote from Maya Angelou has to be up there.

"I’ve learned that people will forget what you’ve said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

I believe good therapy is a type of treatment or counselling that helps individuals address their mental health issues a...
26/06/2023

I believe good therapy is a type of treatment or counselling that helps individuals address their mental health issues and improve their overall well-being. It is conducted by a licensed therapist or mental health professional who is trained to help clients explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviours in a safe and supportive environment. My qualifications are available for viewing. Click the link in the bio, go to my website and view the About Audrey page.

There are several key characteristics of good therapy.
✳️First, it should be tailored to the individual's specific needs and goals. I tend to work collaboratively with my clients to develop a treatment plan that takes into account their unique circumstances and challenges.

✴️Good therapy should also be evidence-based, meaning that it is grounded in scientific research and has been shown to be effective in treating specific mental health conditions. I use proven techniques and strategies, honed over many years to help my clients achieve their desired outcomes.

✳️Another important aspect of good therapy is the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist. I like to be warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental, creating a safe and supportive space for my clients to explore their thoughts and feelings. I like to build rapport and establish trust with my clients.

✴️Finally, good therapy should be focused on empowering clients to take an active role in their own healing process. I help my clients develop coping skills and tools that they can use to manage their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life. By working together in a collaborative, evidence-based, and empowering way, good therapy can help individuals achieve greater mental health and well-being.

If you are not sure what you are looking for when it comes to good therapy a discovery call with me, may help answer some of your questions. Click the link in the bio and click on book a consultation.

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Ann, an elderly lady in our village recently had a bad fall, broke her collarbone, and while in hospital contracted pneu...
25/06/2023

Ann, an elderly lady in our village recently had a bad fall, broke her collarbone, and while in hospital contracted pneumonia. Rather than worrying about her health and getting better, she worried about her dog. She knew she would have limited mobility and everyday tasks would be extremely difficult.

How was she going to manage?

She needn’t have worried the villagers were marshalled and a roster was drawn up. Ann’s dog was taken on regular walks, shopping was organised, washing and cleaning were sorted, regular home-cooked meals were delivered, and daily tea and biscuit chats were organised.

With everyone rallying around Ann, they forgot about the magnitude of their woes, and enjoyed the change in their routines, socialising and laughing regularly. One villager was heard saying to his wife, it feels good to help someone else, even if it is just walking their dog.

This sentiment is echoed in the words of Mother Teresa, “Do small things with great love.”

Looking at the science acts of kind-heartedness impact our brains and bodies, ultimately leading to improved mental health and happiness. When we engage in acts of kindness, such as helping others or expressing gratitude, our brain releases neurotransmitters like dopamine and oxytocin, often referred to as "feel-good" chemicals.

Dopamine creates a sense of reward and pleasure, while oxytocin enhances social bonding and connection. These neurochemicals not only make us feel good in the moment but also contribute to long-term psychological well-being.

Studies have shown that kindness can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, reduce inflammation, and boost our immune system. The science is clear: by engaging in small acts of kindness, we create a positive feedback loop in our brain and body that promotes mental health and overall happiness.

What act of kindness will you engage in? Please share below in the comments.

Most of us are so caught up in how what other people are doing impacts us. We can't concentrate because of what this on...
24/06/2023

Most of us are so caught up in how what other people are doing impacts us. We can't concentrate because of what this one is doing. We can't feel happy because of what that one is doing. We can't eat healthily because we are surrounded by these people. We don't have a shot at creating the dream we want because this one doesn't seem to approve. At every turn we seem to be completely stopped by other people and so, being intelligent individuals, we think the only thing left, the obvious choice, is to try to control them. If I can make this guy do what I want then I will be happy. If I can make this child act the way I want, then I will be happy. If I can twist myself into a pretzel so this person approves of me then I can be happy. And when that stops working I will try to bully them into it. Or guilt them into it. Or whatever I have to, to have them fall into line with what I want so I will be happy.

Oh dear...

We aren't honest about this of course. When we see it written in black and white in this way, its kind of, well, embarrassing, isn't it? But don't worry. We all work this way. Its human. We are by design, selfishly motivated. Yes, I said it. Human beings are selfishly motivated. And guess what else? There is nothing wrong with it. Part of this is biological - when one of us dies, we don't all die. So frankly, our individual survival, our well being, is pretty important to us. And no matter who loves us, or whom approves of us, we all die, and that is an individual journey. So some selfishness is built right in. And then there is the fact that what is true for you, isn't necessarily true for the next guy. You like cheese, the woman next to you is allergic, the man next to her gags at the thought of the stuff. We don't have identical experiences, so why oh why would we ever think that another person is the key to understanding ourselves or making us happy? When you think of it like that, it sounds crazy doesn't it?

Continue to read my blog, https://bit.ly/3UaxEDP

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Time and time again in my practice I hear stories of clients having to deal head-on with the stigma of trauma. The reali...
20/06/2023

Time and time again in my practice I hear stories of clients having to deal head-on with the stigma of trauma. The reality is that trauma is a common experience and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or social status. It often refers to a distressing event, or series of events that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope, leading to feelings of fear, helplessness, and despair. Trauma can come in many forms, including abuse, neglect, violence, accidents, natural disasters, and more.

Yet despite its prevalence, trauma is still shrouded in and , which can prevent from seeking help and support. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed of their trauma, thinking that it reflects or . Others may fear being or by others, or worry that they will be labelled as "crazy" or "unstable." In my experience many survivors suffer in silence, turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms or avoiding triggers that remind them of their trauma.

But how do we break this cycle of trauma, stigma, suffer in silence?

I believe there are four key steps we can all embrace to eradicate the stigma associated with trauma.

🟢Educate ourselves and others about trauma.
Learning about the nature and effects of trauma can help us understand why survivors may struggle with certain symptoms or behaviours, and how we can offer them validation and empathy. Resources such as books, articles, support groups, and therapy can provide valuable insights and tools for navigating trauma.

🟡Challenge and about trauma.
There are many misconceptions and myths about trauma that can perpetuate stigma and blame. For example, some people believe that trauma only happens to "weak" or "deserving" individuals, or that survivors should be able to "get over it" quickly. By challenging these harmful beliefs and promoting accurate information, we can create a more compassionate and informed society.

🔴Speak up and share our stories.
Sharing our own experiences of trauma can be a powerful way to break the silence and inspire others to seek help. By speaking up about our struggles and successes, we can show that healing is possible and that there is no shame in seeking support.

🔵Advocate for trauma-informed policies and practices.
Creating trauma-informed environments, such as schools, workplaces, hospitals, and community centres, can help survivors feel safe and supported. This may include providing trauma-informed training for staff, offering flexible and compassionate services, and prioritizing trauma prevention and intervention.

Breaking the stigma surrounding trauma requires a collective effort, but it starts with each of us. By educating ourselves, challenging myths and stereotypes, speaking up, and advocating for trauma-informed policies and practices, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society for survivors of trauma.

Remember, healing is possible, and you are not alone.

Every now and then we all feel a little flat, but for some of us, we can’t seem to shake the feeling.This is when turnin...
18/06/2023

Every now and then we all feel a little flat, but for some of us, we can’t seem to shake the feeling.

This is when turning to a therapist could be helpful.

Helping you to identify and develop coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. These can help boost your energy and reduce feelings of being flat.

After all who doesn’t want to feel fabulous most of the time and enjoy a passion for life?

Find out more, https://bit.ly/3L2VVtf

17/06/2023

Within the UK, counsellor and psychotherapist aren't protected terms. Therefore understanding the differences between the two terms can be confusing. I see counselling as being able to tackle everyday problems, which may span the mundane to the catastrophic. Counselling is often linked with more short-term work and may be more structured.

Psychotherapeutic work explores more deeply held patterns which may lie within your past history. While psychotherapy absolutely deals with current issues a client may have, we often explore how those current issues may link to self-beliefs or identity. Psychotherapy is often linked with longer-term work.

I always had the idea that I'd practice at something, and get better and better until I could do it perfectly. As a seek...
03/06/2023

I always had the idea that I'd practice at something, and get better and better until I could do it perfectly. As a seeker in education, philosophy, spirituality, science, psychology, and self-development, I believed that eventually, you get...THERE. You know, THERE. That place where everything makes sense, and things always flow, and basically, you walk on water.

Pouf! And then I woke up.

What I realised is that true understanding of self and real skilful living, comes from more than having a certain mindset, it also comes from having certain practices in your life.

What things do you do on a daily basis? What thoughts do you routinely have? What feelings often plague you? These are your practices now, and many of them have come about through circumstance, through defence, and through unconscious choices that helped you to survive.

The practices that help you to live authentically, joyfully, and feeling like yourself, may look different for each person, but they share certain things in common. One of the main things that they share is a knowledge, an inside out knowledge, that your best, most self-expressed, self-empowered, compassionate towards self and others, self, doesn't happen in one fell swoop.

While I invite you to my seminars, they ain't gonna do it for you in isolation. You've all watched inspiring TEDtalks, you've been touched by people's heroism in crippling situations, you've had flashes of insight, and yet...they pass. They seem to 'wear off'.

Good living...connected and aligned living, is a practice.

It happens daily, weekly, monthly, yearly. On and on. There aren't any shortcuts. It's a practice.

I welcome you to join me at the practice of living.

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