Dr Stephanie Yin, Existential Psychotherapist and Psychologist

13/05/2024

It's Mental Health Awareness week in the UK. To kickstart the week I'd like to share the Rareminds podcast which launched today. It was a privilege to be the first guest and to discuss with Kym Winter (Rareminds CEO and clinical director) the impact of rare conditions on mental health. As a senior clinical team member of Rareminds and someone living with my own rare condition, I am passionate about raising awareness and advocating for mental health in rare disease care.

Listen to Rareminds Podcast on Spotify. Welcome to the Rareminds podcast where we’ll be talking about all sorts of issues to do with rare conditions and mental health. We’ll be talking to a wide range of people impacted by rare conditions, what the challenges are, how you’ve coped and what wor...

15/04/2023

Delighted to have had the opportunity to discuss the importance of mental health in the rare disease community. Conditions such as NF bring lots of uncertainty and it is important we acknowledge there is no health without mental health. https://www.rarelyheard.org/rarely-heard-all-episodes/nf1-stephanie-yin

20/10/2021

This week is invisible disabilities week. Yet as reminds us, there are still many things visible about disability to those who care to pay attention.

05/10/2021

“It is hard to feel like your pain is truly seen when your illness is invisible.”

Living with an invisible condition can feel very isolating at times, particularly when those around you cannot see your pain and suffering. Invisible chronic conditions are often misunderstood by family, friends, employers, etc. Even those closest to us…
Today I want to remind you that I see you. I see your struggles, your triumphs, your ups and downs, your level ground, your everyday challenges. I see the pain that you hide so well, and you are not alone.

25/06/2021

Looking forward to the Loving & Losing conference starting today!

04/06/2021

We are often our harshest critic, so today I invite you to for not being because perfection doesn’t exist ❤️
Always remember that a big part of is being to yourself as well as accepting yourself as you are.

28/05/2021

When I tell people what I do, it’s sometimes met with: “Oh so you just sit around chatting to people?” And in a simplistic way, that’s true. Yet one of the main differences is that during you are really heard. Is that always the case when ?

Having a strong of friends and family can be hugely beneficial, but the relationship offers a different of its own. This article provides a nice summary of the of talking therapy, including the process of .

https://www.counselling-directory.org.uk/memberarticles/7-hidden-benefits-of-talking-therapy

27/05/2021

Unfortunately it is difficult to stop a in its tracks but if you become aware of your and you can at least make sure to be extra kind to yourself.
Today is one of those days for me so I am taking things as easy as I can and not beating myself up for prioritising .
Can you take the time to ?

24/05/2021

Just a gentle reminder...
“You don’t have to pretend everything is okay if it’s not”.

21/05/2021

Today I wrote a little about being a counsellor with chronic conditions managing my health needs and the demands of my profession.

I hope to start a conversation with other counsellors, psychotherapists and psychologists about the accessibility of our profession.

HTTPS://stephanieyin.com/post/accessibility-for-all

As a mental health professional living with chronic conditions, I am grateful to be able to register for the conference and the 3rd European conference for therapy this year. This is largely due to the fact that these conferences are taking place virtually. Although I have misse...

17/05/2021

Did you know it's ?
Join me in supporting to raise awareness "so everyone with a visible difference or disfigurement can live the life they want to lead".
Seven in 10 people with a visible difference experience abuse online or in person. This is not acceptable! No one should face prejudice or discrimination, so this show you care by raising awareness and celebrating visible differences.

16/05/2021

In an age of computers, smartphones, and expectations about productivity, it can be difficult to make time to just sit, look and listen to the natural world. Yet not only improves our mental health by reducing stress, it also has restorative benefits. This week has reminded me that I need to engage with my environment at all times, but even more so during times of high stress when I am having extended periods of sustained mental exertion.

As draws to a close, I hope that you have had the opportunity to spend some time this week reflecting, talking, and engaging with all aspects of and . But if you haven’t, it’s not too late. Mental health awareness isn’t just about this week. The campaign ending does not mean we stop engaging with mental health topics, including reducing associated with mental ill health. Mental health awareness is a year-round endeavour and I hope that the conversations started this week, continue.

Photo courtesy of

13/05/2021

Day 4 of and I wanted to share this from
I have certainly felt increased anxiety and isolation since the first lockdown in March last year, and although the UK is slowly opening back up, that brings about its own challenges.

has been important to my self care. I intentionally take time out of my day to either walk outdoors or spend time looking out of the window at trees and birds. Peacefully admiring nature around me and taking a well needed break away from my computer or phone screen.

Has the pandemic affected your mental health? How have you practiced ? Do you ?

For tips on how to connect with nature to improve your mental health, visit

10/05/2021

Today marks the first day of Mental health awareness week. This year the theme is and the importance of our connection to nature for our wellbeing.

Please visit the Mental Health Foundation’s website to learn more about Mental health awareness week and their research on how connecting with nature benefits our mental health.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/nature/nature-research

06/05/2021

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I made the decision to move my private practice completely online to ensure safety and flexibility. As a counsellor specialising in health-related counselling, I also feel that online therapy is more accessible to clients who may sometimes struggle to attend sessions face-to-face for various reasons. That is why I am happy to share that you can now book video, telephone and chat sessions directly through https://harleytherapy.com/therapists/stephanie-yin

26/04/2021

I have begun recruitment for my doctoral research project "Living with and Beyond Cushing's disease". If you would like to take part or are interested to know more, please get in touch and visit Living with and Beyond Cushing's disease

11/05/2016

Sometimes it can be hard talking to those closest to us. We worry about what they might think and don't want to burden them with our concerns. Perhaps you are struggling dealing with a diagnosis, or coping with the loss of a loved one; you may be experiencing difficulties in your personal or professional life. If you've considered talking to a professional but aren’t sure whether it’s right for you, get in touch now to book your FREE confidential 20 minute telephone consultation.