The Way

I recently watched the film 'The Way' with Martin Sheen acting as a father who goes to collect the body of his son who has been killed in an accident whilst walking the pilgrimage known as "The Camino de Santiago". 

I can't recommend this film enough. With its inspiring story line, breathtaking scenery and moving soundtrack, this is not a sad film as you would expect, but an incredibly uplifting film. 'The Way' offers a wonderful metaphor for the 'journey' rather than 'getting to a destination' and realising the difference between ’the life we live and the life we choose'. This is a sensitive, enjoyable and well-acted film for all the family.

Are there any films you can recommend? What do you turn to inspire you, cheer you up, make you laugh, or even help make you cry? Please do let me know.

  

Update

It's been quite a while since my last blog and a lot has happened over the past few years. I now am in private practice counselling from home in Surrey and after 3 years of training, I have qualified as an NFSH Spiritual Healer. I have found people who come for spiritual healing, are really looking for space to be, to relax and be listened to and I am very excited about being able to offer this additional service.

A passion of mine is working with young people and I feel the changes in British society over the course of the last generation have made it tougher for young people to cope. I am very glad the government is taking action for young people's mental health and that they are extending psychological therapies so that more children can have access to the support they so desperately need. See: Department of Health - campaign about psychological therapies. Treating a child's mental health as equal to their physical health, is an important acknowledgment and reducing the waiting times to receive support is a positive development, but much more I feel much more needs to be done. Investing more budget into mental health services, embedding mental and emotional well-being into the school curriculum and improving support for children reaching adulthood, to name just a few. 

Black dog

Recently I came across 'I had a black dog' by Matthew Johnstone, a beautifully illustrated book which helps explain the oppressive 'heavy black cloud' of depression. The World Health Organisation has also produced this very helpful YouTube clip. I really liked the succinctness of the pictures reflecting what life is really like for people suffering from this debilitating illness and helpful advice of not suffering alone.
I think using antidepressants can help some people function and cope with their day to day life, and I also advocate the importance of talking therapies.
Another book I recommend is 'Sunbathing in the Rain' by Gwyneth Lewis. With its practical tips,  striking observations and wise musings, it's an insightful read into one woman's journey from the dark through to the light on the other side.

SAD?

Well the nights are drawing in again and I know that a lot of people suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I for one suffer slightly and I have already noticed a change in my mood, craving more stodgy foods and feeling more lethargic than normal. I thought I would put down a few hits and tips that may be of help:

• The research on the use of Lightboxes has been very positive as it stimulates the production of chemicals in the brain and appears to have an anti-depressant effect. (Although I have not used one before I have noticed Boots had a Lightbox which was relatively cheap in comparison to others , although, please note I do not know if there are still available?)
• Complementary therapies that help you to relax and release stress
  
• Exercising can be a mood lifter as it releases endorphins.
  
• Eating right and developing a sleep routine can help you feel better in the long term
  
• Creative visualisation - Closing your eyes and imaging walking along a beach on a hot summers day, really focusing on the sun rays warming up your body, healing, nurturing and filling you with energy.
• Wearing bright and cheery colours sometimes can help change moods
• Counselling and CBT can help with feelings of isolation/depression
  
• For more extreme forms of SAD I would recommend a visit to the doctor

Hello and welcome!

Hi and welcome to my new blog which I hope you will find enjoyable and informative. I wish for it to be an interactive site where we can all help and support each other and please feel free to add your comments.

Butterflies' have always made me think of change and transformation. Growth happens when we begin to look inside ourselves and begin on the path of self-development. Butterflies' encapsulate qualities of joy, beauty, creativity and sensitivity. All things I feel are so important in my work as a counsellor and healer.

Are there any symbols you could use to evoke certain qualities in your life? For example, when I wanted to bring more love in my life, so I placed lots of pictures,postcards and magazines of love on my noticeboard which really helped to focus my intention. Carrying around a small seashell allowed me to get in touch with a sense of serenity I always feel at the beach. I always get a sense of vitality when I gaze at lit candles. Symbols help to develop our qualities and please let me know what works for you.....