Healthy Mind Psychology

Healthy Mind Psychology A personalized approach to therapy and neurorehabilitation.

Are you waiting for a crisis to receive therapy? Often, people wait for a significant crisis or a breaking point to seek...
29/03/2024

Are you waiting for a crisis to receive therapy?

Often, people wait for a significant crisis or a breaking point to seek therapy...

However, starting therapy before a crisis can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. Just like regular exercise is imperative for maintaining for physical health, therapy can be a proactive measure to maintain and improve mental wellbeing.

Early intervention in therapy can help address issues before they escalate into more significant problems. It's about understanding and managing emotions, stress, and life changes in a healthy way. By tackling these issues early, individuals can develop coping strategies and resilience, making them better equipped to handle future challenges.

🤗 Let's normalise therapy as something available and potentially very valuable for everyone!
Therapy shouldn't be viewed only as a remedy for severe mental health issues. It's a tool for personal growth and self-improvement. Normalising therapy as an option for routine self-care encourages more people to take advantage of its benefits, regardless of their mental health status.

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

Neurobiological Mapped Patterns: From Brain Activity to Mental Experiences🧠 The human brain is an intricate network wher...
27/03/2024

Neurobiological Mapped Patterns: From Brain Activity to Mental Experiences

🧠 The human brain is an intricate network where countless neurobiological patterns are mapped and continuously active.
These patterns form the basis of our mental experiences. When neurons in specific areas of the brain activate in response to stimuli, they create the mental events we recognise as images, feelings, and perspectives.

🖼️ One of the most fascinating aspects of these neurobiological patterns is their role in creating mental images.
When we visualise a scene, remember a face, or dream, specific neural networks in the visual cortex and other areas of the brain are activated. These patterns essentially "draw" the images in our mind, translating electrical and chemical brain activity into vivid visual experiences.

💓 Feelings, ranging from joy and love to fear and anger, are also the result of complex neurobiological patterns.
Emotional experiences are orchestrated by the limbic system, a group of brain structures that process emotions. The limbic system, in concert with other brain areas, creates the rich tapestry of our emotional lives, turning neurochemical signals into feelings that are integral to our experience of the world.

🌐 Our perspectives, or the unique ways we understand and interpret the world, are shaped by a combination of neural pathways and past experiences.
These patterns are influenced by the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher-order thinking, decision-making, and social interactions. The activation of these neural networks allows us to form opinions, beliefs, and attitudes, effectively creating our individual worldview.

🌟 These mental experiences – images, feelings, and perspectives – are not just isolated events.

They are interconnected, influencing and shaping each other. For instance, a certain image can trigger an emotional response, which in turn can alter our perspective. This interplay highlights the complexity of our mental life and the incredible capabilities of the brain.

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

This month's freebie of the month: A Free Guide to Understanding & Identifying ACE'sAdverse Childhood Experiences, commo...
25/03/2024

This month's freebie of the month: A Free Guide to Understanding & Identifying ACE's

Adverse Childhood Experiences, commonly known as ACEs, refer to traumatic events that occur in an individual's life before the age of 18.

These experiences range from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse to household challenges like living with a family member addicted to substances, experiencing divorce, or facing mental illness within the home. It's crucial to understand that these experiences are not just difficulties or challenges; they are profound traumas that can have lasting impacts on a person's physical and mental well-being.

The ACEs Quiz is a simple yet powerful tool designed to help you uncover any adverse childhood experiences you might have faced.

Comprising straightforward questions, it serves as a starting point to understand the potential impact of your early years on your current health and wellbeing.

Access our FREE GUIDE to understanding and identifying ACE's 🔗 Via our link in bio!

Our body has the ability to protect us without conscious thought!Unmanned intelligence refers to the innate, automatic f...
22/03/2024

Our body has the ability to protect us without conscious thought!

Unmanned intelligence refers to the innate, automatic functions and behaviours controlled by our brain. The "unmanned" idea means the multitude of activities happening outside of our conscious awareness.

These subconscious processes are crucial in how we respond to and protect ourselves from life around us and traumatic experiences. They encompass instinctive reactions, emotional responses and coping mechanisms that operate without our conscious control.

These are involuntary responses to stimuli, like the knee-jerk reaction or the quick retraction of a hand from a hot surface. Reflexes demonstrate how our bodies are hardwired to protect and sustain us without conscious thought.

So let's talk about what other examples of unmanned intelligence exist in our body?

🔄 Habits.
Habits are actions or behaviors that have become automatic through repetition. They show how our brains can efficiently manage regular tasks, from brushing teeth to driving, by creating neural pathways that make these tasks almost effortless.

💖 Emotive behaviors
These are the instinctive emotional reactions we have to certain stimuli, like fear in response to a threat or joy in response to a positive event. These emotions have evolved as mechanisms to help us respond appropriately to various situations, ensuring our survival and well-being.

🌐 How we respond to trauma or perceives threat
These are immediate, automatic responses to perceived threats, like the fight-or-flight response, that may be slower than reflex but still can happen without conscious effort. When faced with danger, our brains instantly decide whether to confront the situation or flee from it, even before we consciously process what's happening.

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

Our March Book of the Month: Feeling and knowing by Antonio Damasio From one of the world’s leading neuroscientists, thi...
20/03/2024

Our March Book of the Month: Feeling and knowing by Antonio Damasio

From one of the world’s leading neuroscientists, this book is an engaging investigation into how biology, neuroscience, psychology, and artificial intelligence have given us the tools to unlock some of the mysteries of human consciousness.

So what are our key takeaways from Feeling and Knowing?
1. In recent decades, many philosophers and cognitive scientists have declared the problem of consciousness unsolvable, but Damasio is convinced that recent findings across multiple scientific disciplines have given us a way to understand consciousness and its significance for human life.

2. The book helps us understand why being conscious is not the same as sensing, why nervous systems are essential for the development of feelings, and why feeling opens the way to consciousness at large. These topics are particularly relevant when thinking about how our brains and minds are intricately liked with our bodies!

3. The book is nothing short of a guide to understand­ing how we experience the world within and around us and find our place in the universe.

Have you read this book?

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

Meet Dr Victoria Watton, Clinical PsychologistDr Watton specialises in Clinical Psychology, with a particular focus on F...
18/03/2024

Meet Dr Victoria Watton, Clinical Psychologist

Dr Watton specialises in Clinical Psychology, with a particular focus on First Episode Psychosis, Trauma and Maternal issues. Her treatment style gravitates towards more analytic and relational approaches, and she finds it useful to think about the the links between historical situations and relationships and current difficulties. Dr Watton is also trained in both CBT and EMDR and finds that these can be highly effective for many patients. Victoria can offer a person-centered and tailored approach to suit the patients’ needs.

Dr Watton gained her bachelor’s degree in psychology with English from Keele University and her Master of Research in Clinical Psychology and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Birmingham. In addition to this, Victoria holds a PGDip in CBT for Psychosis and Bipolar, from UCL.

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

We wanted to shine a light on Dr Ravindran's Youtube Channel! Dr Ravindran () is a multi-award winning pain expert, cons...
15/03/2024

We wanted to shine a light on Dr Ravindran's Youtube Channel!

Dr Ravindran () is a multi-award winning pain expert, consultant and author of the Amazon bestseller, 'The Pain-free Mindset.'

Dr Ravindran started his channel with a vision of sharing the latest in pain science and lifestyle medicine with the 28 million pain sufferers in the UK (and beyond).

Lately he has been talking frequently about the impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences and how these are linked to those who may go on to suffer chronic pain later in life.

Here at HMP, we partner with Dr Ravindran and are big fans of his work!

Check out his youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/

What is the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Checklist?The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Checklist is a tool us...
13/03/2024

What is the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Checklist?

The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Checklist is a tool used to identify the major categories of traumatic events experienced during childhood.

This checklist covers 10 specific types of adversity that research has linked to increased risks for health and emotional difficulties in adulthood.

🏠 The Ten Major Categories of ACEs
1. Physical Abuse
Experiencing physical harm or the threat of physical harm from a parent or guardian.

2. Emotional Abuse
Enduring emotional maltreatment, such as constant criticism, rejection, or being subjected to hostile language.

3. Sexual Abuse
Involvement in or exposure to inappropriate sexual behaviour or contact.

4. Physical Neglect
Facing neglect in basic physical needs, including food, shelter, and safety.

5. Emotional Neglect
Lacking emotional support, love, and care from family.

6. Parental Separation or Divorce
The emotional and psychological impact of parents’ separation or divorce.

7. Household Substance Abuse
Living in a household where substance abuse is present.

8. Household Mental Illness
Exposure to family members struggling with mental illness.

9. Incarcerated Household Member
Experiencing a family member's incarceration.

10. Domestic Violence
Witnessing or being exposed to domestic violence.

As I mentioned in my last post, individuals who have experienced a higher number of ACEs are at a greater risk for various health and emotional problems in adulthood.

This includes increased risks of mental health issues like depression and anxiety, physical health problems like heart disease and obesity, and behavioral issues like substance abuse and aggression. The cumulative effect of these adversities can also impact relationships, job performance, and overall life satisfaction.

But remember, risk is not destiny, and there are lots of ways we can find ourselves on paths of greater well-being!

You can download our FREE GUIDE to understanding ACEs via our link in bio 🔗

Are our traumas making us sick?Adverse Childhood Experiences, commonly known as ACEs, refer to traumatic events that occ...
11/03/2024

Are our traumas making us sick?

Adverse Childhood Experiences, commonly known as ACEs, refer to traumatic events that occur in childhood, including physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, or witnessing violence.

These experiences can have profound and lasting effects on an individual's life, shaping their emotional, physical, and mental health well into adulthood.

The impact of ACEs often extends far beyond childhood. 🌪️
As children grow into adults, the trauma they experienced can manifest in various ways, including mental health issues like depression and anxiety, relationship problems, and even physical health issues like heart disease and diabetes.

The reason for this long-term effect is that traumatic experiences in childhood can alter brain development, affect the ability to form healthy attachments, and influence how one responds to stress.

The emotional and psychological effects of ACEs are significant 🧠
With research showing that individuals who have experienced these traumas may struggle with self-esteem, trust, and emotional regulation. They might also be more susceptible to developing coping mechanisms like substance abuse or engaging in high-risk behaviors as a means of dealing with unresolved trauma.

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

Can our experiences influence our genetics? 🧬Epigenetics is a field that explores how our experiences can influence gene...
08/03/2024

Can our experiences influence our genetics? 🧬

Epigenetics is a field that explores how our experiences can influence gene expression, ultimately impacting our lives.

Gabor Mate, renowned speaker, author and HMP favourite, emphasizes the importance of understanding epigenetics for personal growth and transformation.

What can we learn from Gabor Mate's work on this topic?
Beyond Genetics 🔬Epigenetics demonstrates that our genes are not our destiny. Instead, our experiences can activate or silence genes, shaping our health, behavior, and well-being.

Experience Shapes Expression 🌱Our experiences play a significant role in determining how our genetic potential expresses itself, making it essential to create nurturing environments for our development.

Adaptability & Resilience 🌿 Epigenetics offers a way for our bodies to adapt to changing conditions without permanently altering our genome, highlighting the importance of building resilience for our wellbeing.

Nurture vs. Nature 🌳 Epigenetics explore the interplay between our genetic makeup and the environment, challenging the long-standing nature vs. nurture debate and acknowledging their complex relationship.

Empowerment through Epigenetics 💪 Understanding the principles of epigenetics empowers us to take control of our lives, make conscious choices, and foster positive experiences that can shape our gene expression and wellbeing.

Like this post if you found this interesting!

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

Little T's: Understanding the Nuance of Personal Trauma 🤔 Little Ts, or minor traumas, are experiences that may not be w...
06/03/2024

Little T's: Understanding the Nuance of Personal Trauma 🤔

Little Ts, or minor traumas, are experiences that may not be widely recognised as 'traumatic' but still have a significant impact on an individual's emotional wellbeing.

Unlike major traumas, which are typically clear and identifiable events, little Ts tend to be more subtle and varied 🤔
Examples can include chronic workplace stress, ongoing emotional neglect, or persistent feelings of failure. The key factor here is not the event itself, but the personal emotional response it elicits.

One of the most important things to understand about Little Ts is that there is no universal criteria for what constitutes this kind of trauma.
What might seem like a minor event to one person can be deeply traumatic for another. It's the individual's emotional and psychological response that defines the experience as traumatic.

This subjective nature of trauma means that two people can experience the same event very differently.

The effects of Little Ts can be insidious, often building up over time.
They might not cause immediate, intense reactions like major traumas (though sometimes they do), but their cumulative effect can lead to significant emotional distress.

& Because these traumas are less obvious, they often go unlabelled, unrecognised and untreated.

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

If you fee like you've tried everything, try us! At Healthy Mind Psychology we understand how to treat the holistic heal...
05/03/2024

If you fee like you've tried everything, try us!

At Healthy Mind Psychology we understand how to treat the holistic health of the mind and body. We know the most popular therapies don’t work the same way for every individual, so we’re here to show you how our method of psychology can be different.

We are a team of 20+ doctoral level psychologists specialising in...
- Clinical Psychology
- Trauma
- Neuro & Functional Neurological Disorder
- Pain Management
- Health & Rehab

To work with Healthy Mind Psychology 🔗 Go to our link in bio or visit www.healthymindpsychology.co.uk

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