Scott Smith LCSW

14/01/2026

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“Our findings tell us that young people’s choices around social media and gaming may be shaped by how they’re feeling but not necessarily the other way around,” said Prof Neil Humphrey, a co-author. “Rather than blaming technology itself, we need to pay attention to what young people are doing online, who they’re connecting with and how supported they feel in their daily lives.”

Research finds no evidence heavier social media use or more gaming increases symptoms of anxiety or depression

14/01/2026

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14/01/2026

14/01/2026

The Government has launched a review into mental health conditions, ADHD and autism in England.

To make sure the voice of psychology is heard, we're hosting a workshop so our members can contribute evidence to support this review.

📅 Date: 5 Feb'26 12pm

Register your interest now: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=itFP8rgZskWInCq5Qt7HlcnGlQcb3phGqxk1lQOtpgZUMUo3N0owUVRZNzZUNzdZQTFLSUVCM0dGNiQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl&utm_campaign=PsychMat&utm_medium=social&utm_source=OfficialBPS

14/01/2026

Education often provides people with skills in evaluating evidence, critical thinking and a shared understanding of how we can find truth.

However, humans are quite good at “motivated reasoning”: using reasoning skills to come to pleasing conclusions because we want to believe something.

This type of reasoning is often linked to unfounded beliefs – those without evidence. When people feel superior to experts, want to feel special, or need a concrete answer during uncertain times, they might use their reasoning to hold certain beliefs despite a lack of evidence.

New research shows highly educated people are just as likely to believe conspiracies as those with less education if they have these psychological traits.

12/01/2026

"So why does nobody feel better? Because “healing” keeps getting treated like a personality and a product. Real improvement is slow and inconsistent. It’s care you can access, sleep you protect, movement that feels good, friendships that don’t run on constant self-analysis, and clinicians who take you seriously. None of that fits into a six-word caption. Your nervous system isn’t impressed by your personal brand."

Everyone is “healing” right now. The promise is personal growth, the reality is a lot of us still feel fried, anxious, and vaguely unwell.

11/01/2026

"What’s most important is that people understand what AI cannot do. Current chatbots can mimic empathy, but they cannot intervene, build real therapeutic momentum, or hold someone through the hard work of change. The danger isn’t that AI will become real therapy. The danger is that people may mistake it for therapy, and then miss the meaningful help that could actually improve or save their lives."

AI offers emotional support, but without oversight and change, that can cost lives.

11/01/2026

A large review of studies suggests that exercise can ease depression about as effectively as psychological therapy. Compared with antidepressants, exercise showed similar benefits, though the evidence was less certain. Researchers found that light to moderate activity over multiple sessions worked best, with few side effects. While it’s not a cure-all, exercise may be a powerful and accessible tool for many people.

A large review of studies suggests that exercise can ease depression about as effectively as psychological therapy. Compared with antidepressants, exercise showed similar benefits, though the evidence was less certain. Researchers found that light to moderate activity over multiple sessions worked b...

08/01/2026

07/01/2026

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As a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, here are some questions I always ask myself with every client: How did this person figure out how to be loved as a child? How did this person figure out how to be safe in relationship and life as a child? How might that pattern play out in our treatment relationsh...