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How your environment can affect your mental health

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Surroundings can have a profound impact on your mental health. The environments that are inhabited daily, such as workplaces, social places, and homes, can significantly influence your mood, stress levels, and overall well-being.  Workplaces can drain the energy of both mental and physical aspects and as simple as  layout and design can have detrimental affects.  A cluttered, poorly lit office can increase anxiety and reduce productivity. Conversely, open, well-organised spaces with natural light can boost creativity and reduce stress. Ergonomic furniture further enhances physical comfort, improving mental focus. Offices that include plants, low lighting and regular screen breaks can support a more relaxed environment. High noise levels can cause distraction and elevate stress. Quiet zones and noise-canceling headphones can mitigate these effects, fostering a more conducive working environment. Positive workplace culture, characterised by supportive colleagues and constructive feedback
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Grief and loss

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Bereavement is an intensely personal and universal experience. It is a profound, complex journey that each of us will navigate differently. Rooted in the loss of a loved one, bereavement encompasses the emotional, cognitive, physical, and spiritual responses to such loss. While the pain of loss is universal, the process of mourning and healing is as unique as the individual. The Dual Process Model of coping with bereavement, developed by Stroebe and Schut, offers a valuable framework for understanding how healing can unfold. This model suggests that healing involves oscillating between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented activities. Loss orientation encompasses dealing with the direct emotional pain of the loss, such as crying, yearning, and talking about the deceased. Restoration orientation involves stepping back into life, adapting to a world without the deceased, and finding new roles or identity. The grieving process is traditionally categorized into stages, initially proposed
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Location: United Kingdom
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Triggers and what they are.

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Understanding Triggers. So what exactly is a trigger? A trigger is an external stimulus, whether it's a sight, sound, smell, or situation, that can evoke a strong emotional reaction based on past traumatic experiences. While seemingly trivial to others, these triggers can instantly bring back the pain, fear, or distress associated with prior trauma. Recognising and understanding triggers is crucial for emotional well-being and healing. PTSD  and CPTSD are both trigger related and can a tumultuous way of living. Triggers can be powerful reminders of past traumatic events, often causing intense emotional and physiological reactions as if the event is happening again. The role of memory and the brain.The Amygdala is part of the brain that processes emotions and is critical in the formation and storage of emotional memories. During trauma, the amygdala becomes highly active, creating strong associations between sensory inputs (smells, sounds, visuals) and the traumatic experience.  The
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What is Polyvagal theory?

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Understanding Polyvagal Theory and Its role in healing trauma Polyvagal Theory, introduced by Dr. Stephen Porges in the 1990s, offers a revolutionary perspective on how our autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to stress and trauma. By understanding the theory, therapists and clients can better navigate the complex landscape of trauma healing. Here’s is what Polyvagal Theory entails and how it can support recovery. What is Polyvagal Theory? Polyvagal Theory suggests that our ANS is not a single, monolithic entity but instead comprises three distinct pathways: the ventral vagal, sympathetic, and dorsal vagal branches. Each pathway is associated with different physiological states and responses: Ventral Vagal Pathway is linked to feelings of safety and social engagement. When active, this pathway promotes calmness, connection, and a sense of security. Sympathetic Pathway is responsible for the “fight or flight” response. When engaged, it prepares the body to either confront or escape f
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The Transformative Power of Crystal Energy in the Therapy Room

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Crystals have fascinated humanity for centuries due to their beauty and mystical properties. Their unique vibrational frequencies make them valuable tools in various therapeutic modalities. Crystal energy can enhance healing within the therapy room, specifically through techniques like counselling, breathwork, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), and hypnotherapy. Integrating crystal energy into therapeutic practices can significantly enhance the healing process in counselling, breathwork, EFT, and hypnotherapy. By harnessing the unique properties of each crystal, therapists can create a more balanced, harmonious, and effective healing environment. Whether you are a practitioner or a client, embracing the power of crystals can lead to deeper healing and transformation. Crystal energy has been cherished for centuries as a powerful healing tool. Today, it continues to enhance healing practices, providing both physical and emotional benefits. Crystal energy can transform the therapy room, a
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