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.

Su***de Prevention Month: Break the myths to break the silence September is su***de prevention month. Su***de is complex...
08/09/2025

Su***de Prevention Month: Break the myths to break the silence

September is su***de prevention month. Su***de is complex, and sadly many misconceptions still surround it.

One of the most harmful myths is that you shouldn’t ask someone if they’re suicidal — or that you can’t help if they are. These beliefs can prevent people from receiving the support they need.

As Professor Rory O’Connor (Health Psychology, University of Glasgow) explains:

“Evidence shows asking someone if they’re suicidal can protect them. They feel listened to, and hopefully less trapped. Their feelings are validated, and they know that somebody cares about them. Reaching out can save a life.”

How you can help?
• Check in with friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
• Listen with empathy, without judgment.
• Share resources and encourage professional support.
• Remind people they are not alone.

Talking about su***de does not cause it. But silence and stigma can make it harder for people to get the help they need.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
UK: Call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24/7)

Meet Gypsy, a fan of The Psychologist magazine apparently. We’re not saying she’s thinking about a DClinPsy… but we’re n...
24/07/2025

Meet Gypsy, a fan of The Psychologist magazine apparently. We’re not saying she’s thinking about a DClinPsy… but we’re not not saying it either.

Thanks to Rhiannon for bringing her in and sharing the tail wagging, fluffy joy! ❤️

✨ Great Feedback Alert! ✨ We were so pleased to receive some brilliant feedback from a recent client and we wanted to gi...
16/07/2025

✨ Great Feedback Alert! ✨

We were so pleased to receive some brilliant feedback from a recent client and we wanted to give a special shoutout to Lara, who was praised for her support during the enquiry stage. Well done, Lara!

At every step of the journey, from the very first enquiry, we're always striving to be efficient, high quality, and truly person-centred.

Feedback like this is not only lovely to hear, but it's also essential; it helps us grow, improve, and keep raising the bar.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their experience with us. We're listening, and we're always looking for ways to be even better.



🌟 Great Feedback Alert! 🌟We were so pleased to receive some brilliant feedback from a recent client — and we wanted to g...
16/07/2025

🌟 Great Feedback Alert! 🌟

We were so pleased to receive some brilliant feedback from a recent client — and we wanted to give a special shoutout to Lara, who was praised for her outstanding support during the enquiry stage. Well done, Lara! 👏

At every step of the journey, from the very first enquiry to the final stages of support, we’re always striving to be efficient, high quality, and truly person-centred. Feedback like this is not only lovely to hear, but it’s also essential; it helps us grow, improve, and keep raising the bar.

Thank you to everyone who takes the time to share their experience with us. We’re listening, and we’re always looking for ways to be even better. 💬💡

Dr Maria Downs and Dr Renate Pantke were at the EMDR Europe 2025 Conference in Prague over the weekend. EMDR stands of E...
05/06/2025

Dr Maria Downs and Dr Renate Pantke were at the EMDR Europe 2025 Conference in Prague over the weekend.

EMDR stands of Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing and is treatment for trauma that uses ‘bilateral stimulation’ (often side to side eye movements) to help us to process traumatic events.

They enjoyed talks by Key Note speakers including Sarah Dominguez on ‘transdiagnostic’ approach to treating trauma and Alessandra Minnelli talked through fascinating studies into epigenetic changes (genes) from the early childhood stress.







🌈 June is Pride Month; A chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. But pride is much more than a parade. Pride is root...
01/06/2025

🌈 June is Pride Month; A chance to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. But pride is much more than a parade.

Pride is rooted in the Stonewall Riots of 1969, when marches started in response to a police raid on a gay bar The Stonewall Inn in New York. The protests ignited a movement for LGBTQ+ rights and liberation and Pride Marches continue to this day.

Sadly, 56 years on over half of LGBTQ+ people have experienced depression, three in five have experienced anxiety and one in eight aged 18-24 have attempted to end
their life.

Pride is a celebration of the resilience, history and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. But it is a movement rooted in protest and we must use this opportunity to highlight challenges many still face; especially when it comes to mental health.

The following organisations provide help and support:







A glowing review for Dr Downs’ from a solicitor working for the local authority. ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
09/05/2025

A glowing review for Dr Downs’ from a solicitor working for the local authority.

⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐




Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is ‘community’. A community is more than a group of peop...
08/05/2025

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week and this year’s theme is ‘community’.

A community is more than a group of people, it provides a sense of identity and belonging that is critical for a sense of wellbeing. It reduces isolation and loneliness and provides us with a sense of purpose.

It’s not too late to get involved. Swipe for some of the ideas shared by

Anthony Hopkins was diagnosed in 2014 and shared his diagnosis publicly in 2017, in an effort to debunk myths, end stigm...
29/04/2025

Anthony Hopkins was diagnosed in 2014 and shared his diagnosis publicly in 2017, in an effort to debunk myths, end stigma and raise awareness. He was in his seventies by the time he got his diagnosis and has shared how his way of processing things has helped him in his job as an actor by allowing him to study his characters and focus on small details.







The terms “high functioning” and “low functioning” autism are often used to describe the perceived level of support an a...
27/04/2025

The terms “high functioning” and “low functioning” autism are often used to describe the perceived level of support an autistic person might need, however they are not a medical term.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) instead categorises autism based on the level of support required.

‘High’ and ‘low’ functioning labels oversimplify the diverse and unique experiences and abilities of individuals with autism.

To be ‘low functioning’ can be stigmatising and dismissive of an individual’s unique strengths and abilities. To be ‘high functioning’ can minimise the support they receive and overlook their challenges. It is more helpful to look at the levels and areas of help an individual may need.








Autism does not make people violent. Some individuals, and particularly children, may exhibit challenging behaviours suc...
23/04/2025

Autism does not make people violent. Some individuals, and particularly children, may exhibit challenging behaviours such as hitting out, experiencing emotional meltdowns or throwing things, but these behaviours are usually an expression of distress rather than intentional violence.

Unfortunately a lack of understanding around autism may lead some people to interpret these behaviours as intentional self-harm or harm to others, rather than understanding the causes, such as sensory-overload or communication difficulties.

This misconception has been further spread through stereotypes in the media.

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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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