Blog - Centre for Therapy

Do weighted blankets work?

For many people, weighted blankets have become a routine part of stress relief and healthy sleep habits.

With the changes to all our lifestyles due to the pandemic it seems that more people are experiencing anxiety.

Research suggests weighted blankets may benefit people with anxiety, stress, insomnia and other conditons.

They can provide comfort that helps relaxation, improved sleep and reducing panic attacks.

Others have suggested that they can help sufferers of Fibromyalgia and Autism.

What is a weighted blanket?

As the name suggest a weighted blanket is very much like a regular blacket, but much heavier.

They are typically filled with small beads and made from cotton or velvet type material for softness.

They can also come with seperate covers which can be removed and washed.

What are the benefits of weighted blankets?

Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that weigh about 5KG or…

Ciarad Lloyd and What we have learnt about Grief

The comedian and award-winning creator of Griefcast, Cariad Lloyd, investigates the science that is revolutionising our understanding of grief in a new programme on Radio 4.

With a mixture of empathy and humour, Cariad reveals the new thinking which has superseded outdated notions like the much-quoted 'Five stages of grief' and asks whether extreme grief should now be treated as a medical condition.

Cariad talks to those who have experienced intense bereavement and loss, and also the scientists pioneering new treatments, including

Professor George A Bonanno, the author of The Other Side of Sadness and Dr Kathy Shear, the founder of Columbia’s Centre for Complicated Grief.

‘6 Ways to turn around a bad day’

If you woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, here is a great article on the BBC's website recommends 6 ways to turn around a bad day.

What would make today great?Focus on one thing at a time?If in doubt breathe it out?Name three good thingsStrut your StuffGet the tunes on!

Read the full article here and also video.

Challenging ‘cognitive distortions’

In a recent article entitled 'People With Depression Show Hints Of Distorted Thinking In The Language They Use On Social Media' Emily Reynolds discusses the inaccurate thought patterns that often affect those with depression.

These distortions include jumping to conclusions, catastrophising or self-blame - all of which can cause sincere distress for those experiencing them.

You can read the full article on the The British Psychological Society website.

If you feel that you could benefit from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or other therapies you can contact one of our listed therapists

The Photo used in this article was by Photo by Elina Sazonova

6 Things to do when you wake up feeling anxious

Great video from Mel Robbins on how she approaches anxiety when first waking up.

These are the six things she does to improve anxious feelings.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CM4SfZOlX0i/?igshid=1uuxdpzwj03zw

You can find out more about Mel Robbins on her website.

Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do

Things mentally strong people don't do

To develop mentally it is important to eliminate the routines that work against us. As a starting point here are 10 things that mentally strong people don't do.

Waste time on feeling sorry for themselvesShy awat from changeWaste energy on things that are not in their controlGive away their powerFear taking risksWaste time dwelling on the pastWaste time trying to please everyoneReapeat their mistakesResent other people's successGive up after their first failure

The following are some great articles that explore mental strength and give great insight.

Psychotherapist Amy Morin is the author of 13 Things that Mentally Strong People Don't do and writes a great introduction to mental strength from her own experiences.

This articles in the independent also explores the things that mentally strong people don't do.