Dania Akondo Psychotherapy

09/03/2023

When everything was thrown into chaos in 2020, it was a shock to all of us. We realised that everything could change in an instant and that there was much we took for granted. While it's good to have our perspective shifted, we should be careful not to lean too far in the opposite direction.
Yes, life is chaotic and unpredictable; it throws curveballs and disappointment comes our way. But those aren't reasons to retreat and avoid investing in our lives. To evade connection is to hollow oneself out and become a husk of a person.
Cherish your life, and keep nurturing your connections. It's what keeps us grounded through the storm.

19/02/2023

This is an idea we see all around - in religious texts, politicians' speeches, and even a certain TV series. There's a reason it's repeated often and across time: light in the darkness is a powerful image to us as humans.
But sometimes it can be hard to find that light. We can feel swallowed by uncertain times and scary situations, and it might feel frustrating to be told that you just have to keep looking when that seems impossible. Those moments are when others step in.
When we're feeling hopeless, we should rely on others to find the light for us. It can be family, friends, partners, therapists, or anyone else you're close to. You're not alone in your fight, and it's vital that you remember that.

01/02/2023

Therapy is much more complex and necessary than we often see in movies and TV. Our thoughts about ourselves, feelings about situations, and beliefs about others are layered. Whether we like to admit it or not, we can be so influenced by the past; that which we can remember and, sometimes, cannot.
For some a good therapist is like an archaeologist. They can help you uncover what is buried deep within so you can better see the now.
If you're feeling lost, out of control, or confused about why you act or think the way you do, then please take the time to try out therapy. Some therapists are trained to help you excavate the past so you can understand the present and map the future. It's all about what is best for you.

13/01/2023

Do you want to start therapy but don't know how to go about it?
Are you nervous that you are going to end up choosing the wrong therapist?
Would you like to start therapy but are worried that you cannot afford it?
Join this group now! This is a safe space where you can ask any therapy-related questions without fear of judgement.

I am here to listen. ✨

Group name: The Benefits of Therapy (on Facebook)
Link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/724382929040206/?ref=share

22/11/2022

Never forget that our natural environment boosts your mental well-being! has put together this great article on exactly how, so give it a read! https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/nature-and-mental-health/how-nature-benefits-mental-health/

20/11/2022

This Self-Care Sunday, let's get some perspective in a gentle and relaxing way. It's called the Leaves on a Stream meditation, and goes like this:
Imagine you're sitting on the bank of a gently flowing stream. The weather is perfect and there's a pile of autumn leaves next to you. Really take a minute to imagine every little detail. Then, let your mind wander for a bit until you encounter a thought. It might be "I feel great this weekend!", or "Please not another week of work!". Take the thought, rest it on one of those leaves, and sit the leaf on the water. Watch as the stream carries the thought away. Keep doing this, one thought at a time, for 15 minutes.
The exercise reveals that our thoughts aren't facts. They occur for a multitude of reasons and don't reflect the sum of who we are. Like the leaves on the stream, eventually slipping beyond the horizon, so too do our thoughts come and go. It's really important to keep this perspective: study your thoughts, but don't mistake them for reality.

17/11/2022

Life is unpredictable, turbulent, and won't always go our way. In the face of that adversity, it's important that each of us builds up our inner strength; strength that gets us through the toughest of times. The ability to wield this store of emotional and psychological power in moments of challenge is what we call "resilience". It truly is invaluable and something we should all focus on cultivating.
Building resilience isn't always straightforward and it requires a lot of reflection and internal growth. Believe me when I say that therapy is the absolute best place to explore your current state of resilience, and work on growing it.

If you aren't able to access therapy right now, there are resources online to help you start this journey. Give this article a read for tips on how to build resilience: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/managing-stress-and-building-resilience/

25/10/2022

Read it again. And then one more time. You are not a burden.
You're not a burden on your friends, or your family, or your loved one, or your child. The insidious thought that we're somehow weighing people down can really damage our self-esteem. We end up ignoring all the joy, love, and positivity that we give and receive. This can lead to an incredibly dark place and seem self-fulfilling after a while. The truth is that the people in your life have chosen to remain because they care about you. And caring means becoming a pillar for you to lean on. So don't be afraid to lean on them. They want to support you and be supported by you. On the off chance that a particular person is making you feel this way, that's quite a clear sign that they aren't right for you.
If you're not sure how to transition out of this feeling, or drop a friend who makes you feel like a burden, send me an email. I'm more than happy to help you feel more comfortable in your skin.

23/10/2022

Here are the 7 different types of self-care listed by yougibotanicals in the article titled Why Self-Care is so Important. Give this a read for more info on how to recharge and beat the Monday blues.
Link: https://www.yougibotanicals.com/blogs/news/the-real-reason-behind-self-care-sunday

10/10/2022

Are you a person of colour who felt neglected and rejected as a child? Did you feel abandoned by your loved ones? Were you bullied and/or discriminated against?
Join this online support group now!
We will help you heal from childhood trauma and achieve inner peace.

This will be a safe space conducive to your personal development, growth and self-awareness. You will have the opportunity to understand how you relate to others and work on your communication style.
Link is in bio for more info.

05/10/2022

During dark days, it’s completely natural to want to feel warm and secure at home. We need to move forward. But, it’s important to be careful and now allow home to insulate you from the outside world. A change of scenery, fresh air and contact with loved ones all go a long way to pulling one of out of depression. Just make sure you’re not becoming too reliant on home, and keeping yourself from recovering in the process.

25/09/2022