M Downs and Associates

M Downs and Associates High quality specialist psychological services including therapy, training, supervision and medico-legal reports.

Providers of medico legal reports and psychological services.

Our team member Dr Sarah Harper shares her recommended books on attachment and relationships and how they influence a ch...
23/03/2026

Our team member Dr Sarah Harper shares her recommended books on attachment and relationships and how they influence a child’s development - Perfect for parents, carers or professionals looking to deepen their knowledge and understanding.

Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions.What do I say?Will it feel awkward?What actually happens in a session?T...
21/03/2026

Starting therapy can bring up a lot of questions.

What do I say?
Will it feel awkward?
What actually happens in a session?

The truth is that the first few sessions of therapy are often about getting to know each other, building trust, and understanding what has brought you there.

You don’t need to arrive with the perfect words or a clear story. Many people start therapy saying things like “I’m not sure where to begin” and that’s completely okay.

Therapy is a space where you can go at your own pace, explore what matters to you, and begin to make sense of your experiences.

If you’re thinking about starting therapy, feeling unsure or nervous is a very common place to begin.

And taking that first step is often a meaningful one.

✨ Save this post if you’re considering therapy or share it with someone who might find it helpful.

mentalhealthmatters selfunderstanding psychologistlife

Neurodiversity Celebration Week reminds us that different minds make the world richer. 🌍When people share their neurodiv...
19/03/2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week reminds us that different minds make the world richer. 🌍

When people share their neurodivergence, it helps break stigma, build understanding, and show that there is no one “right” way to think, learn, or experience the world.




The suspect in 1 in 5 cases of women killed by men? The victims own son. And yet it is a type of abuse that is rarely sp...
18/03/2026

The suspect in 1 in 5 cases of women killed by men? The victims own son. And yet it is a type of abuse that is rarely spoken about.

Dr Maria Downs, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and founder of M Downs and Associates discusses the psychology behind the stats in our latest blog post. Link above! 👆🏼





In today’s blog post we look at why so many adults with autism are receiving a late diagnosis and what that can mean…. T...
17/03/2026

In today’s blog post we look at why so many adults with autism are receiving a late diagnosis and what that can mean…. The link to our latest blog post is in our bio ⬆️

Therapy with children looks very different from therapy with adults. Adults usually come to therapy expecting to talk ab...
16/03/2026

Therapy with children looks very different from therapy with adults.

Adults usually come to therapy expecting to talk about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Children, however, often communicate through play, creativity, and behaviour. Depending on their age, this can involve sitting and talking, games, drawing, storytelling, or imaginative play.

Through these activities, children can safely express feelings they may not yet have the words for. Play becomes their language, and the therapist gently helps them explore emotions, build coping skills, and feel understood.

Child therapy also often involves working closely with parents or caregivers, because supporting a child means supporting the environment around them too.

Different approach, same goal: helping something to heal and grow.





Tomorrow is the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 🌈 At M Downs, celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week is im...
15/03/2026

Tomorrow is the start of Neurodiversity Celebration Week 🌈

At M Downs, celebrating Neurodiversity Celebration Week is important because we recognise that differences in how people think, learn, and experience the world are a natural and valuable part of being human. Neurodiversity brings unique perspectives, creativity, and strengths that enrich our communities and workplaces.

As an organisation, we are committed to promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. Taking time to recognise Neurodiversity Celebration Week helps us raise awareness, challenge stigma, and create environments where neurodivergent individuals feel valued, respected, and supported.

It is also an opportunity for us to continue learning, listening to lived experiences, and ensuring that our work reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equality. By celebrating neurodiversity, we reaffirm our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in a world that understands and embraces difference.

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Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a dedicated time to recognise and celebrate neurodivergent individuals and the value ...
15/03/2026

Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a dedicated time to recognise and celebrate neurodivergent individuals and the value of neurological differences. This includes people with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome, and many other ways of thinking, learning, and experiencing the world.

The week aims to increase awareness of neurodiversity, encourage understanding and acceptance, and challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. It provides an opportunity for schools, workplaces, and communities to come together, learn more about neurodiversity, and promote environments where everyone can thrive.

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As part of World Sleep Day we have shared our top 10 evidence based tips; click the link in the bio to read the latest b...
13/03/2026

As part of World Sleep Day we have shared our top 10 evidence based tips; click the link in the bio to read the latest blog ⬆️

13/03/2026

“Sleep Well; Live Better” is the theme for World Sleep Day
2026
Sleep is one of the most underrated factors in psychological and physical health. In clinical practice; we see its impact constantly, on mood regulation; cognitive function; resilience and recovery from mental health conditions.
Here’s some little known facts about sleep problems:
CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I) is now recommended by NICE as the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, ahead of medication.
Poor sleep is both a symptom and a cause of anxiety and depression. The direction of that relationship matters clinically.
Workplace sleep deprivation costs the UK economy an estimated £40 billion per year in lost productivity.
If you work with individuals experiencing sleep difficulties; or if this is something you are navigating yourself; our team at M Downs and Associates offers evidence-based assessment and therapy.

Wellbeing MDownsAndAssociates

Today on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere while al...
08/03/2026

Today on International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere while also acknowledging something that is often overlooked: women’s mental health. 💜

Across the world, many women carry invisible loads. They balance careers, caregiving, expectations, relationships, and the emotional labour that often goes unseen. While women continue to break barriers and lead change, they are also more likely to experience anxiety, depression, burnout, and the pressures of trying to “do it all.”

Supporting women’s mental health means creating spaces where women can speak openly, be heard without judgement, and access the support they deserve. It means recognising that wellbeing is not a luxury it is essential.

Today is a reminder that strength does not mean struggling in silence. When women are supported to prioritise their mental health, entire families, communities, and workplaces thrive.

Let’s continue to advocate for compassion, balance, and support for women everywhere not just today, but every day.

Country star Luke Combs recently spoke openly on the On Purpose podcast about living with OCD, describing how intrusive...
06/03/2026

Country star Luke Combs recently spoke openly on the On Purpose podcast about living with OCD, describing how intrusive thoughts and anxiety can feel overwhelming even when life looks successful from the outside. His honesty is a powerful reminder that mental health struggles don’t discriminate and that talking about them helps reduce stigma.

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) involves persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and sometimes behaviours or mental rituals (compulsions) people feel driven to perform to reduce anxiety. It can be exhausting and isolating.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of OCD, you’re not alone and support is available. Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (particularly Exposure and Response Prevention) can be very effective. A good first step can be speaking to your GP, who can discuss treatment options and refer you to specialist support if needed.

Conversations like this matter. The more we talk about OCD, the easier it becomes for people to recognise symptoms and reach out for help.

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M Downs And Associates Ltd, Barracks House, Hillsborough Barracks, Langsett Road
Sheffield
S62LR

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+441143035053

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