Rosamund Ammon Therapy

11/09/2025

The most common question I get asked when people see my shelves of miniatures is ‘oh do you work with children too?’ Sadly, for now, I don’t, but in a way of course I do, because all of us are still the Child we always were, trying to make sense of all these big overwhelming emotions that life has thrown at us.

This is why I love working with the miniatures. When a client feels overwhelmed, confused or perhaps aware there is ‘something’ unknown and/or subconscious that is begging to be heard, we’ll turn to the miniatures to look for some answers.

By selecting seemingly arbitrary ornaments, toys or curios, our subconscious can at last tell us what it is holding on to. Generally we place them in a sandtray - which represents the containment of our current world, however that looks - and reflect on the items selected and the positions they are in. This always leads to really rich and enlightening discussion and deepens our understanding of the self.

Sandtray and miniatures is just one of the creative ways in which we can work. Other approaches include guided imagery, memory work, storytelling, role play, art/clay and music to name just a few. Creativity connects and allows the subconscious to come into consciousness and when this can be heard and listened to, it brings peace to our overwhelmed minds.

24/04/2025

26/03/2025

The way that we bond and attach with our first primary caregivers forms the blueprint of how we connect across all of our relationships. For whatever reason, with no blame or fault ascribed, sometimes we’re not lucky enough to have formed a Secure Attachment. Sometimes we might be securely attached to one person at one time but insecurely attached to another person or at another time. Understanding our attachment style can give really good insight into our relationships, and might sometimes explain why we seem to be communicating at odds with the person we most want to connect with. There is nothing wrong with this, and nothing that needs to be ‘fixed’, but bringing it into our awareness is often all it takes for things to seem clearer and lighter.

09/03/2025

I’m often asked, ‘What’s the best way to support my friend or relative who’s going through a tough time’? The answer is far simpler than you might imagine - just be there with them.

Generally people aren’t looking for anyone to solve all their problems, offer practical solutions or make the feeling go away. Often this is impossible anyway or people already know what they need to do. But having someone who can sit with you during the hard time and tolerate the uncomfortable feeling with you, is worth more than any solution.

If someone feels brave enough to open up their vulnerability and share what is troubling them, it’s important to validate that person’s feeling, and understand that they are telling their truth. Affirm this for them and reassure them that the feeling is understandable and valid. Believe them. Telling someone not to worry - because you don’t want to see them worrying and the pain this is causing them - may make them feel as if they are wrong to have the worry. This invalidation will likely result in them feeling bad about feeling bad and deepen the negative cycle.

Similarly, advising someone to practice gratitude and point out that others have it worse, again negates their pain. If you have a broken leg and your neighbour has two broken legs - you still have a broken leg and deserve to have this looked after. Likening the problem to something or someone else you’ve heard about may be an attempt to show you understand where they are coming from, but it may be misconstrued as a comparison and take away the focus from their worries and make them feel unimportant.

Finally, listen. Listen without waiting for it to be your turn to talk. This is their stuff. Be curious, be non-judgemental, be authentic. Reassure them that they can trust you with their vulnerability. Many people don’t want to open up because they don’t want the real them to be seen or heard. See them. Hear them. And love the real them.

Image copyright ‘The Rabbit Listened’ by Cori Doerrfeld.

04/02/2025

Matryoshka dolls are a fabulous metaphor for thinking about the different layers or parts we may have that make up our ‘self’. The animal set here is just one of many creative techniques I use with clients. I absolutely love this poem ‘Russian Doll’ by Rachel Rooney. I wonder what your layers might look like?
And, if we’re feeling really philosophical, are the layers *inside* of us, as the poem suggests, or are the layers *outside* around the real us.

20/01/2025

We’re told today, Blue Monday, is the most depressing day of the year. But we can be depressed any day of any year, regardless of the season, or indeed any external factor. And it is *always* ok to ask for help on any day you need it.

08/01/2025

January can seem like the longest month when energy and motivation are low, and warmth and light seem a long way off. Some of my clients have found this diagram useful - it explains how our brain and body makes certain chemicals to boost our happiness, perhaps making these cold dark days a little easier to bear.

If you think therapy might also help you to address persistent low mood then please do get in touch and we can chat about how I might be able support you.

01/01/2025

Just to let current clients know I have opened up appointments at 11am and 1pm this Friday 3rd Jan for anyone wanting any additional headspace

28/12/2024

Thinking of starting a new habit or shedding a ‘bad’ habit? Perhaps consider what the old habit is compensating for or dissociating from.

Therapy can help you to identify and work towards meeting that underlying need.

29/11/2024

Reflecting on this beautiful quote from Wintering by Katherine May:

“The needle breaks the fabric in order to repair it. You can’t have one without the other.”

20/11/2024

It’s coming…

As we get nearer to Christmas, for some excitement is building, but for many, many others, the Dread can become overwhelming. Christmas is such a tricky and triggering time for those who are carrying heavy emotions.
The expectation to ‘be happy’ and put on an external show of festive joy can make us want to hibernate like a bear in a warm and hidden cave until spring.
Images and reminders of ‘perfect families’ for those who have difficult and often toxic family relationships can make us feel very alone and at times pretty hopeless.
It might trigger difficult memories of past experiences or regrets.
For some, the focus and pressure of Christmas may be highly motivating, and when it is over, life feels somewhat empty or pointless.
Financial struggles at this time of year can cause extreme levels of stress.
For others, knowing that they want to support a loved one who is struggling at this time can be highly stressful.
It’s also a time where culturally there’s almost an expectation to drink when issues surrounding alcohol dependency can cause so much harm.
It is so desperately sad, but perhaps not surprising, that su***de rates soar around Christmas.

At this time, more than ever, it is so important to have self-compassion and to be kind to yourself.
Think about what you actually need and make this a priority.
Say no to things that will drain your energy.
Remind yourselves that your feelings are valid; it’s ok to feel angry or sad and you don’t need to give yourself a hard time for feeling that way.
Remember that Christmas-time won’t last forever, and this will soon be over.
Plan something that brings you joy and nourishes your soul for after Christmas.
Make sure that while you have the energy to be prepared that you have the medication and emergency phone numbers that you might need in a moment of crisis.
Let people know if you are struggling and suggest what they might be able to do to help.
Find your tribe – this might be an online community, doing something creative or being in nature, but try to avoid isolation.
Look after your physical health.
Speak to yourself as you would speak to a good friend you care about.
Remember Good Enough is good enough.

(In my next post I’ll be looking at why Christmas might not be fun for neurodivergent or highly sensitive people)

16/10/2024

We all know the benefits of eating healthily, blah blah, but it’s a real ‘Aha💡’ moment for many of my clients when I tell them that 95% of seratonin (known as the happy/calm hormone) is produced in the gut. A healthy gut biome directly affects the quality and quantity of your body’s seratonin!

Moreover, the gut is responsible for metabolising all the brain hormones so it’s also responsible for processing and excreting excess cortisol & adrenaline - the stress hormones.

But that doesn’t mean you should totally deny yourself your favourite foods - after all, enjoying a lovely meal will also boost your dopamine levels (the pleasure/feel good hormone), and chocolate has been shown to increase endorphins (your body’s natural painkiller & wellbeing hormone)!