Gwen Barr at the Therapod

26/02/2026

Hi Folks,

* Eating Disorders Awareness Week *

This year the focus is on building community awareness around eating disorders.

Community and connection play a vital role in helping someone with an eating disorder feel supported and understood on the journey through seeking help, treatment and moving forward.

Eating disorders can be very isolating for both the person with the eating disorder and those supporting them. Community support networks are a powerful way to help.

I’ve popped a link to the Beat Eating Disorders website where you can get lots of really helpful information if you need some support or want to help a loved one.

Please reach out to someone if you are struggling. You deserve support, understanding and treatment to help you recover.

31/12/2025

15/12/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/1KNd18znHH/?mibextid=wwXIfr

It’s ok not to be ok. We support the work of our partner agencies who can provide advice & support when you need it:

Samaritans - 116 123
Breathing Space - 0800 83 85 87 (Mon-Thu 6pm-2am/Fri 6pm-Mon 6am)
Childline - 0800 1111
NHS24 - 111 (999 in an emergency)
Text Shout to 85258
PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Su***de - 0800 068 4141
Men Matter Scotland - 0141 944 7900
Scotland's Domestic Abuse & Forced Marriage Helpline - 0800 027 1234
LGBT Health & Wellbeing - 0800 464 7000
Combat Stress for Veterans - https://orlo.uk/j7eDr
Andys Man Club - https://orlo.uk/EDs3Z

09/10/2025

Hi folks, I attended an informative talk by Dr Naomi Fisher yesterday about supporting our young people whilst navigating what we can do when school’s isn’t working for them. It’s something close to my heart as a parent and also something I see a lot of in my practice too. If you’re a parent struggling with this issue, you might find the book supporting this talk helpful. ‘What to do when school’s not working’ by Abigail Fisher and Naomi Fisher. Also know that most therapists provide support for both the child and parents. We know it’s a very tough road that you’re on.

12/08/2025

The amazing power of Visualisation…

20/05/2025

Hi Folks,
Here's something for some of you parents out there who's children may be struggling with being burnt out by school. The webinar is also being recorded, so you can catch up when it's convenient.

Dr Naomi Fisher is a clinical psychologist, author and speaker who has also written a very helpful book for teenager's called 'The Teenagers Guide to Burnout' - Finding the Road to Recovery. I hope you find it helpful.

When your child says they don’t want to do anything, it’s frightening. When they go into their room and shut you out, it’s upsetting. When you see that they are just 'getting through' their days, it’s soul-destroying.

Many autistic young people are showing signs of burn out. They are lacking in ‘oomph’ and don’t seem to enjoy anything. They say no to anything new, and at the same time they are bored and under stimulated. They don’t seem to want to do anything. They don’t see the point.

What is going on? Why does it happen and what can parents do to help? That’s what I’m talking about in my webinar Burnt out By School TOMORROW. It’s for parents and carers of autistic young people who just seem to have lost their sparkle. It's recorded. Please share if you know parents in this difficult situation.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/burnt-out-by-school-understanding-and-helping-your-autistic-young-person-tickets-1312049117229?aff=fb5

26/02/2025

I’m loving my latest read about the science behind using music as medicine. I’ve just started it and I’m hoping to find lots of useful ideas for my therapeutic work.

31/12/2024

As we await the sun going down on 2024 ( unlikely to actually get a sunset this evening!) I reflect back with huge gratitude for all the amazing individuals who courageously stepped into the Therapod to work with me to create positive change in their lives this year. It’s been a privilege to witness their immense courage, determination and commitment throughout 2024 and I look forward to welcoming in a new year and new opportunities to work with more incredible people in 2025.

28/12/2024

Thank you to Katherine May for this wonderful exploration into the ebb and flow of life. This book feels so needed in our world of burnout, shame and glorification of busyness. Gaining the wisdom to accept and acknowledge ‘the power of rest and retreat in difficult times’ feels wonderfully liberating. I hope it begins to fuel a tide of change within our culture.