Dr Lisa Reynolds, Clinical Psychologist

23/06/2025

In our busy lives, it's easy to get caught up and lose sight of what truly matters to us. Sometimes, a single overwhelming issue takes center stage, overshadowing everything else. Pain is a good example, whether that's from a physical condition or an emotional pain, as it tends to be really "loud" and demands our attention.

When we are hooked in this way, it's as if we can't see the wood for the trees. When one issue dominates our thoughts and emotions, it can consume our attention and create a narrow focus. We become fixated on the individual trees (the pain, the impact it has on our ability to live the life we want), losing sight of the vast, beautiful forest that represents our life as a whole. During these moments that we can feel lost, disconnected, and uncertain of our purpose.

But, through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), it is possible to regain contact with our values and find clarity once again.

ACT offers a compassionate, empowering, and evidence-based approach to navigate these situations. It encourages people to accept their thoughts and feelings, even the tricky ones, rather than trying to suppress or control them. By acknowledging the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings, we can make space for clarity to develop.

Reconnecting with our values is a vital step in the ACT process. Our values are our compass, reflecting what truly matters to us in life. They represent the person we want to be and the kind of life we want to lead. By turning our attention inwards to our core values and away from the dominating issue, we can start to regain a broader perspective.

Through a deeper understanding of our values and increased awareness of the present moment, we can make intentional choices in keeping with what truly matters to us.

In the journey to regain contact with our values, we can rise above the overwhelming trees and rediscover the beauty of the forest of our lives. With clarity and intention, we can navigate challenges and live a life that resonates meaningfully with who we are at our core.

23/05/2025

This is a friendly reminder that "rest" is a verb; a doing-word. And sometimes, what we really need to be doing is resting. Wishing you all a lovely weekend

14/05/2025

Life can throw a lot at us, and sometimes it feels like we're just reacting. But what if there's a space, even a tiny one, where we can pause and choose how we respond?

Viktor Frankl beautifully described this:
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."

As a clinical psychologist, I am deeply committed to helping my clients discover and nurture this space within themselves. It's a compassionate journey of self-discovery, where we can gently unpack automatic reactions and cultivate more intentional, growth-oriented responses.

If you're seeking a supportive and thoughtful approach to understanding yourself and navigating life's complexities, I invite you to connect.

drlisareynolds@proton.me

07/03/2025

The only way out is through....

It is natural for us to try to push away the things that cause us pain; pain is aversive. Perhaps it feels like a dark tunnel we don't particularly want to be in. We avoid the difficult conversation, asserting our needs, feeling our grief, ending certain relationships.....We might numb ourselves to avoid our discomfort, through food, exercise, substances, or something else.

But, when the painful thing is a regular feature in our lives (like a thought, a memory, a physical feeling, or an emotion), continually avoiding it can have unhelpful and unintended consequences.

Although it's tough, engaging with our difficult emotions and thoughts with self-compassion helps us truly understand what we need to grow and move forwards. We can't use our wise minds to take appropriate action until we understand our difficulties from the inside. This takes courage, strength, and caring. Once we've engaged with our experiences and learned what we need, we can find a way back into the light on the other side of that tunnel.

Get in touch to find out more: drlisareynolds@proton.me

28/02/2025

Developing a Compassionate Inner Guide

Remember the Inner Critic? How could we forget!

The Inner Critic arises from our primitive (caveman) survival instincts and often focuses on threats and potential dangers. However, in today's world, this can hinder our growth and self-esteem. The Inner Critic manifests as negative self-talk, amplifying self-doubt and fostering feelings of shame. Think of the shouty teacher at school - the one everyone dreaded.

We have the power to transform this harsh inner voice into a compassionate one. Drawing on the principles of Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), we can develop a nurturing, supportive inner voice that fosters self-compassion. We might like to think of this as our Inner Guide.

By cultivating self-awareness, challenging negative self-talk, practising self-compassion, and developing a compassionate inner voice, we can transform the Inner Critic into a nurturing and supportive force. Perhaps the shouty teacher might be replaced by a warm, kind, supportive teacher (think Miss Honey from Matilda). Embracing self-compassion allows us to embrace our imperfections and embark on a journey of personal growth and fulfillment.

You deserve compassion and understanding, both from others and from yourself.

Contact me to explore this further: drlisareynolds@proton.me

15/02/2025

We all have a part of us that likes to give us feedback on our actions, thoughts, feelings, bodies...

This can have a critical tone, even if the mind's goal is to keep us safe. The mind doesn't want us to be vulnerable or risk rejection. For instance, by saying "you're not working hard enough," the mind might be trying to ensure the person doesn't lose their job.

Although the mind is trying to be helpful, this inner critic often has a detrimental impact on psychological well-being.

An alternative is developing a compassionate inner voice; one that can protect us, and help us move forward and improve, whilst validating our feelings and drawing on our strengths.

drlisareynolds@proton.me

14/02/2025

Have you heard of the physiological sigh?

It's not just any breath – it's two quick inhalations followed by a long, slow out breath. This unique pattern optimises the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide, signaling to the nervous system to reset and relax. You might have noticed that you naturally do this after a big cry, or before you fall asleep.

By incorporating intentional physiological sighs into your routine, you can "hack the system" and tap into a powerful tool for stress reduction and improved well-being.

Take a moment today to embrace this simple yet effective practice.

drlisareynolds@proton.me

20/01/2025

I don't think a day goes by in work without me mentioning cavemen! Evolutionary psychology underpins a great deal of my thinking in clinical sessions. Anxiety is a great example of why.

Have you ever wondered why we feel anxious? It's because our minds have evolved to feel anxious as a natural survival mechanism.

Our caveman ancestors faced constant threats in their environment, such as predators and scarce resources. To increase chances of survival, their minds developed a system to detect and respond to threats quickly (the Fight, Flight, Freeze Response).

This is triggered when our brains view a situation as dangerous or stressful. The response causes our bodies to release hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, to help us react quickly to the threat.

While this response was helpful for our ancestors (relaxed cavemen wouldn't have lived long enough to pass on their genes!), it can cause us to feel anxious in situations that are not actually life-threatening, such as public speaking or taking a test.

The next time you feel anxious, remember it's a natural response, evolved over thousands of years to keep us safe, but which has not changed since the days of cavemen! So, it is not your fault you feel this way.

If you find yourself struggling with anxiety, don't hesitate to reach out for help and support.

drlisareynolds@proton.me

19/01/2025

If you have chronic pain, I highly recommend following Pain Concern for information and helpful resources. The have free information sessions coming up in February

✴️ February Pain Education Sessions
Our Pain Education Sessions are for anyone who has had pain for more than 12 weeks. The session will give you a better understanding of your pain to help you manage your condition more effectively in the long term.

To book your sessions, please visit:
👉https://ow.ly/kb6I50UtIle

09/01/2025

Availability update:

Friday evenings: no availability

Wednesday afternoons: one fortnightly space, online only

Thursday evenings: one fortnightly space at The Wellbeing Rooms, Stepps or online

Saturday mornings: one fortnightly space at The Wellbeing Rooms, Stepps or online

If you would like to book an assessment appointment or find out more, you can get in touch with me at drlisareynolds@proton.me

04/01/2025

Looking for a safe space to reflect?

I currently have the following availability for individual therapy:

One weekly space on Friday evenings at The Life Academy Wellbeing Centre in Bruntsfield

One fortnightly space on Wednesday afternoons, online only

One fortnightly space on Saturday mornings at The Wellbeing Rooms, Stepps (or online)

If you would like to book an assessment appointment or find out more, you can get in touch with me at drlisareynolds@proton.me

03/01/2025

As we welcome 2025, allow me to reintroduce myself - it has been quite some time since my last post.

I am a Clinical Psychologist specialising in physical health conditions (particularly chronic pain, gynaecological issues, and healthcare-related trauma), anxiety, burnout, grief, loss, and difficulties in older age.

I am passionate about supporting people with chronic physical health problems to live well with their condition. I have worked in psychology services for almost 20 years, and completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2010. It is a true privilege to work with my clients, supporting them to live meaningful, fulfilling lives.

I offer in-person and remote individual psychological therapy and clinical supervision, specialising in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. These sessions are available from The Wellbeing Rooms, Stepps, and The Life Academy Wellbeing Centre, Bruntsfield. Online sessions are also available.

If you would like support in 2025, please get in touch to find out more.

Please direct all enquiries to drlisareynolds@proton.me