Understanding and Improving Mental Health

Understanding and Improving Mental Health

Understanding and Improving Mental Health: Counselling in Sheffield

There are various types of therapies, each of which is designed to target different issues and symptoms. Some of the most popular ones include:

  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): This type of therapy focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours that may be contributing to mental health issues. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of disorders, including anxiety and depression.
  • Psychodynamic therapy: This type of therapy is based on the idea that unconscious thoughts and experiences are influencing one’s current behaviour and thoughts. Psychodynamic therapy aims to help individuals understand and resolve these unconscious conflicts.
  • Mindfulness-based therapies: Mindfulness-based therapies, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), are based on the principles of mindfulness and meditation. These therapies aim to help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations, and to respond to them in a more balanced and healthy way.
  • Interpersonal therapy (IPT): This type of therapy is focused on improving communication and relationships in one’s personal and professional life. IPT can be used to treat a variety of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

How to Choose the Right Therapy

Choosing the right therapy depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the mental health issue, as well as one’s personal preferences and goals. It is recommended to speak with a mental health professional who can assess your individual needs and recommend the most appropriate therapy for you.

The Benefits of Therapies

Therapies have been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Some of the benefits of therapies include:

  • Improved mood and overall well-being
  • Decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression
  • Better sleep
  • Improved relationships and communication skills
  • Increased self-awareness and understanding of one’s thoughts and behaviours.
  • Improved coping skills for dealing with stress and life’s challenges.

 

The Process of Therapies

The process of therapies typically involves regular sessions with a trained therapist. During these sessions, individuals can explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and to learn new ways of coping with mental health issues. The length and frequency of therapy sessions will vary depending on the individual and the type of therapy being used.

Finally, therapies can be an effective way to address and improve mental health. With the right therapy and a commitment to the process, individuals can experience significant benefits, including improved mood, decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression, and better overall well-being. If you are struggling with a mental health issue, consider reaching out to us at Rainbow Counselling Services. We are an association of professional counsellors and coaches based around Sheffield. We will be more than happy to help, guide and support you. 

 

 

 

Contact us on our website if you require counselling or therapy or have any question at all.

 

Is New Year, New Me Really That Simple?

Is New Year, New Me Really That Simple?

Is New Year, New Me Really That Simple?

As we begin a new year, it’s common to hear the phrase “New Year, New You.” While it’s exciting to think about the possibilities for growth and change, it can also be daunting to set and keep resolutions. Sometimes, the pressure to make a resolution can feel like pressure to change who you are as a person in a fundamental way.

It’s important to remember that setting goals for yourself can be a valuable aspect of self-improvement, but it’s also important to be kind and compassionate with yourself. Reflecting on who you are, and the direction of your life can be a positive thing, but it’s important to be mindful of the language we use and the pressure we may put on ourselves. Let’s work towards setting achievable goals, rather than expecting ourselves to fundamentally change overnight. And remember if you are feeling overwhelmed or down, that is natural and it’s always good to seek help from a counsellor or therapist.

 

You can read more about Beating New Year’s Resolution Pressure from: https://nationalcounsellingsociety.org/blog/posts/beating-new-years-resolution-pressure

Counselling and therapy can help you establish what’s important, find balance, focus and strength to deal with pressure.  

Contact us on our website if you require counselling or therapy or have any question at all.

 

Finding ways to combat Climate Anxiety

Finding ways to combat Climate Anxiety

The hottest topic in the news at the moment is the climate crisis and let’s face it, it’s an issue that affects us all.

Many of us are understandably worried about what is happening in our world and we can feel anxious and at times, powerless, to change things.

Did you know this state of anxiety has a name – ‘Eco-anxiety’? The British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has commissioned research which finds that 23% of us are worried about the future due to concern over climate change (see the link to their article here for more stats on this).

Looking for some ways to help with this anxiety?

BACP recommends finding ways to talk about it, to process your thoughts and feelings, to receive validation that you are not alone. Give others time to talk – rifts are happening in families with 10% saying the issue has caused arguments between parents and children. Take time to hear someone else’s perspective. Practice regular self-care and avoid ‘doom-scrolling’ and sole focus on the negative. Reconnecting with nature is also a great anti-stressor and is a fantastic way of remembering that you are part of something bigger. To find out more please visit this article on BACP’s website >

And of course here at Rainbow our team of counsellors can help you to work through some of the issues related to this as well. If you would like to book an appointment with a Rainbow counsellor, please send us a message with a brief explanation of your situation and we will recommend a counsellor to meet your needs.​

Being there for a loved one with anxiety

Being there for a loved one with anxiety

Whether you have been loving or loathing lockdown one thing’s for certain – for many people it has raised anxiety about many things: money, job security and health to name a few.

Online Counselling Services at Rainbow, SheffieldPerhaps you are feeling anxious on behalf of someone else – a family member whose job is at risk, a single friend who is living alone and isolated or an elderly parent with pre-existing health issues.

This helpful article by the rTMS Centre highlights some ways you can help someone who is experiencing anxiety. Being there for them in a non-pressurised way and distracting them with other helpful things may support them in this phase of their journey.

Also important in these times (and always) is the importance of self care. The article reminds us that key to supporting someone is to be aware of our own boundaries and limits so that we can realistically offer something that is concrete and sustainable. Read more about the article at the rTMS Centre >

Remember support is out there! You are not alone. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our counsellors today.

Clear your phone and clear your mind

Clear your phone and clear your mind

Many of us can spend up to four hours a day on our phones, whether that’s on social media, looking up or ordering something, or just passing the time of day.

Clear your mind and your phone with a digital detox and start the year focussing on being in the present and being relationship-focussed for a healthier and clearer mind.

The link below to an article, by Mozilla (Firefox), has some great tips for how to reduce the temptation to be constantly on your phone or device. Ideas include making apps grayscale so they seems less appealing, and moving essential apps only to be in your line of vision. Check it out for some great tips to get your year off to a better start. Find out more >

Help banish January blues with some self care

Help banish January blues with some self care

Christmas is over, your money has run out and daylight hours are short. It’s that time of year when many people can start to feel a little down in the dumps.

banish January bluesIt’s never too early or too late to find some self care strategies which can work for you. Mind offer some excellent tips on self care…

Top of the list is awareness of your mood and self esteem – know those things that affect you and spot warning signs early. Seek to always be in some form of contact with others as loneliness can be debilitating. Make time for things you love and that nourish you. And last but not least, look after your physical health.

Check out the full article here > and also take note of the contact details for some specialist organisations that Mind suggest, should you feel you need that little extra bit of support.

To make an appointment with a Rainbow counsellor, send us a message or call us on 07789 157 300.