Karen Johnson Therapy

30/03/2026

Holiday time coming up soon.
Fear of Flying/Driving?
Contact me to feel relaxed and at ease on your journeys

28/03/2026

We talk to ourselves directly impacts how our brains process stress and information. Neuroscience research shows that replacing the phrase “I’m overwhelmed” with “I need to focus on what matters most and go slow” can help the brain calm down and reorganize information more effectively.

When the brain perceives overwhelm, the stress response activates, flooding the system with cortisol and making it harder to concentrate, problem solve, or retain information. By consciously reframing thoughts, we signal to the nervous system that it’s safe to slow down, prioritize, and regain control. This simple verbal shift engages executive functions in the prefrontal cortex, supporting better decision making and cognitive clarity.

Practicing intentional self talk helps manage daily demands, reduces mental fatigue, and allows the brain to reorganize information in a structured way. Over time, this habit can improve focus, memory retention, and emotional resilience, enabling calmer responses to challenging situations.

Small shifts in language and mindset are powerful tools for mental clarity and stress regulation. Choosing words that prioritize focus and pacing can help the brain function optimally, turning moments of overwhelm into opportunities for calm and effective action.

07/03/2026

New research reveals a fascinating truth about the human brain. When you consciously focus on the good in your life, your brain literally rewires itself to notice more positive experiences. This is the power of neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to adapt, change, and strengthen pathways that support happiness and well-being.

Experts explain that practicing gratitude, celebrating small wins, or simply acknowledging moments of joy can train your brain to focus on positivity automatically. Over time, this reduces stress, improves emotional resilience, and even enhances physical health by lowering inflammation and promoting better sleep.

The science is clear: your mindset shapes your brain. By actively seeking the good, you can create a self-reinforcing cycle of positivity, making happiness not just a feeling but a neurological habit. Start small, focus daily, and watch your brain transform the way you experience life.

31/01/2026

Try something new, a great activity with lovely encouraging people 💜

Come drum with us 🥁⭐️
Join Mika and our super friendly drum folks for our first open workshop of 2026!

𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗣
Tues 24 Feb 7-8.30pm
at King St Studios, in central NUL
Contribution £10
No experience necessary

Whether you're a complete newbie or a table tapping pro - we'll get everyone moving and grooving with some toe tapping beats from Brazil.

Drumming is great for the body and brain, helping to improve focus, reduce stress, boost mood and support general well-being.

Places are limited and we expect to sell out.

𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗘𝗧𝗦 𝗢𝗡 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗘
🌐 artbrasil.org.uk/cd

https://www.facebook.com/share/1ABPbxxN6V/

31/01/2026

Therapy
You don’t find yourself
You build yourself
💜

19/01/2026

💜

01/01/2026

Happy New Year

A lot of people end that phrase with an exclamation mark!
An exclamation mark is used to convey strong emotion, excitement, shock, joy, anger.
It can also be used as a command or convey urgency.

How people perceive it can be so different:
Are you happy it is a new year, was last year a nightmare?
Are you excited, do you have plans for 2026?
Are you shocked, has last year passed so fast?
Do you feel it is telling you have to be happy because it is New Year? Do you feel as though everyone else but you is enjoying themselves?

Begin to realise that EACH DAY IS A NEW DAY, whatever the date. You can start new hobbies, make changes, create a goal, whatever the date is. The main thing to recognise, is that even if you don't stick to your new plans every day, you continue, you move forward.

We all have other things that have an impact on us and what we want to do - money, partners, work, children, pets etc. Be kind to yourself, make time for YOU!

So if you start a new fitness regime and miss a day/session, that's fine, continue.
If you have a long term goal, split it into smaller more achievable ones. Set a date to complete it, if you don't get it done by then, still continue.
Every time you continue is creating a stronger neural pathway in your brain. Yes, it is hard, it takes persistence, effort, time, but you CAN do it!

As a child you fell over learning to walk, but you carried on, you persevered. Every time you got your face covered in food trying to eat, you took that spoon and tried again. You have learned so much since the day you were born, remind yourself of what you have already achieved.

Don't be pressured by others, it is okay to do what you want in your own time, sometimes what we need is just space and time alone, to sit, to chill, to allow ourselves to breathe and just be.

Forget about the year, take each day and notice the little things that make you smile. Some people make a note and put it in a jar and then on New Year's Eve read all the lovely little things that have happened. 💜

21/12/2025

15/12/2025

Facing your fears

I have recently been away on holiday and during that time discovered that I am not at all keen on swing bridges.
I started walking across one which had a torrent of fast moving water beneath and a sign limiting the amount of people on the bridge. I couldn’t do it, I had to turn back, I said to myself “I can’t do this.”

I then had a pep talk to myself, mentioning how many people cross this every day, how much you wanted to do this walk, other things I have achieved. It wasn’t easy but I turned around and started walking, internally saying “you can do this!” Over and over to myself. I couldn’t stop or look to the side, my stomach was churning all the way, but I did get across.

I felt so relieved 😮‍💨. Then I realised that I would have to do it again on the way back! Again I had to brace myself, talked to myself beforeand all the way across, didn’t stop and my heart in my mouth all the way.

It wasn’t easy, it was awful in fact but I didn’t allow my fear to stop me. I did cross some others during my travels but they didn’t feel as bad as that one. I think it was the torrent of water and h the sign limiting the number of people and how open it was.

It wasn’t the height as I also went zip lining through a forest and loved that, felt totally safe even though some of the platforms swayed.

Change that internal voice, change the tone from fear to determination, come up with facts, tell yourself “I can do this!” 💜

02/11/2025

Lovely walk around Knypersley this morning, its a beautiful day.

13/10/2025

Being kind includes yourself 💜