Taking Shape CBT

21/06/2025

This was a great course. Thanks to the Moira Anderson Foundation for all the incredible work they do.

28/05/2025

Hey, folks. We're back at Lanarkshire Counselling & CBT Centre on Monday the 2nd of June at 6:30pm.
For those who don't know us, we are qualified therapists who run a men's support group in North Lanarkshire. The group is free to attend and offers a safe space for men to chat if they wish and look for peer support.
We've been running the group for two years now and have found positive engagement from the guys that come.
There's never any pressure on anyone to share if they'd rather listen and be assured those that do talk, are listened to.

27/04/2025

When you notice yourself feeling overwhelmed, it's important to recognize those feelings without judgment. Thoughts like 'I should be able to handle this' or 'It's a sign of weakness to ask for help' can intensify distress. CBT helps us challenge these unhelpful thought patterns. Instead, consider the thought: 'Everyone needs support sometimes, and seeking help is a sign of strength and self-awareness.'

Recognize that feeling overwhelmed can lead to avoidance behaviors, like isolating yourself. While this might offer temporary relief, it can reinforce negative feelings in the long run.

Taking the active step of reaching out for support is a powerful coping mechanism. It allows you to:

* Challenge negative thoughts: Talking to someone can provide a different perspective and help you identify cognitive distortions.

* Regulate emotions: Sharing your feelings can reduce their intensity and provide emotional validation.

* Develop problem-solving strategies: Others may offer helpful suggestions or simply provide a supportive space for you to explore solutions.

* Build a stronger support system: Reaching out strengthens connections and reminds you that you're not alone.

So, when things feel like 'too much,' remember that actively seeking help is a courageous and effective behavior rooted in the understanding that we all benefit from support. It's not about weakness; it's about taking charge of your well-being and choosing a path towards feeling better.

08/04/2025

Some wise words from big Arnie 💪

26/03/2025

Music industry burnout? 😩 This FREE 4-evening course gives you CBT tools to manage stress & prioritize your mental health. For everyone connected to music!

Navigate the unique mental health challenges of the music industry with this practical, free, 4-evening psychoeducational course.

21/03/2025

20/03/2025

Before you get to this point, reach out 😂

Dw the signs will be clear af

19/03/2025

Let's break the stigma together.

Listen to people, don't just wait for them to finish talking.

Normalise it like we do physical health.

Never be afraid to get help or suggest to someone they might need it.

18/03/2025

Important to note: mental health disorders aren't for likes.

17/03/2025

Trauma can have profound and lasting effects on the brain, altering its structure and function.

Here's a breakdown of how it impacts key brain areas:
Key Brain Areas Affected by Trauma:
* Amygdala:
* This area is responsible for processing emotions, particularly fear and anxiety.
* Trauma can lead to an overactive amygdala, resulting in heightened fear responses, hypervigilance, and increased emotional reactivity.
* Hippocampus:
* This area plays a crucial role in memory formation and retrieval.
* Trauma can impair the hippocampus, leading to difficulties with memory, including flashbacks, nightmares, and problems distinguishing between past and present events.
* Prefrontal Cortex:
* This area is responsible for executive functions, such as decision-making, planning, and emotional regulation.
* Trauma can disrupt the prefrontal cortex, leading to difficulties with concentration, impulse control, and emotional regulation.
How Trauma Alters Brain Function:
* Stress Response:
* Trauma triggers the body's stress response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
* Chronic exposure to stress hormones can have damaging effects on the brain over time.
* Neuroplasticity:
* While the brain has the ability to adapt (neuroplasticity), trauma can lead to maladaptive changes.
* The brain may become wired for survival, prioritizing threat detection over other functions.
* Impact on Child Development:
* Childhood trauma can have particularly severe effects on brain development, as the brain is still forming.
* This can lead to long-term difficulties with emotional regulation, relationships, and overall well-being.
Consequences of Trauma on the Brain:
* Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
* Anxiety disorders
* Depression
* Difficulty with emotional regulation
* Problems with memory and concentration
* Relationship difficulties
It's important to remember that the brain has a remarkable capacity for healing. With appropriate support and treatment, individuals can recover from the effects of trauma.

16/03/2025

I’m finding that Instagram gives me another way to share helpful information. If you’d like to find more resources regarding CBT and how to manage daily stresses, please follow me there.

17/02/2025

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