Blog
Ketamine: From Healing to Harm – Navigating the Dual Realities of a Controversial Drug”
As a UK-based counsellor, I’ve observed the evolving narrative of ketamine from its origins as a medical anaesthetic to its current status as both a therapeutic tool and a substance of abuse. This duality presents both opportunities and challenges in the realm of mental health. The Medical Genesis of Ketamine Ketamine was first synthesised […]
Emotional Hijack
When we encounter certain situations, our emotional responses can sometimes feel disproportionately intense. This phenomenon, often referred to as an “emotional hijack,” occurs when our brain’s amygdala the centre for processing emotions—reacts swiftly to perceived threats, bypassing our rational thinking processes. Such reactions are frequently rooted in unresolved experiences from our past, particularly from childhood. […]
The Power of a Smile: Science, History, and the Secret to Feeling Happier
We may never know the exact moment the first smile appeared, but we can take an educated guess—and that guess takes us back an astonishing 30 million years. That’s long before humans ever walked the Earth! It suggests that smiling isn’t just a human trait—other species must have been smiling long before us. Researchers discovered […]
Love and Gender Roles: Navigating Relationships in a Changing World
The roles of men and women have undergone a seismic shift since World War II. In our grandparents’ time, men were the providers, the protectors, the ones who pursued. Women, meanwhile, were expected to nurture, support, and, when it came to romance, wait patiently to be chosen. These roles were reinforced by societal norms and […]
Breaking Free from External Validation: How to Reclaim Your Power and Self-Worth
Have you ever felt like your happiness depends on what others think of you? Maybe you find yourself constantly seeking approval—whether it’s through social media likes, compliments, or reassurance from friends and family. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people, especially those who have faced rejection, trauma, or low self-esteem, rely on external […]
Embracing the Beauty of Ageing: A Pro-Ageing Perspective
Gone are the days of “anti-ageing.” I prefer a different approach—one that celebrates every chapter of life rather than fights against it. As I enjoy my final year of my fifties, I find the idea of pro-ageing not only refreshing but empowering. To me, it means honouring where I am, appreciating the journey, and feeling […]