Nicki Bell
Do You Know Your Glimmers?

This blog from Christina Johnson- Clinical Psychologist- explores what glimmers are, why they matter, and how recognizing them can improve mental well-being and help us cultivate a more mindful and fulfilling life.

Do You Know Your Glimmers?
Couples & Relationships
Natalie Bodart
Embrace the clash: Why conflict is necessary ...

It is a long held belief that it’s a good sign in a relationship if there are no arguments, conflict or disagreements, because if there is no conflict surely that means that there are no problems right? Unfortunately not. Dr Christina Johnson, counselling psychologist and couple’s therapist at The Bodart Practice talks about why conflict is necessary in any relationship, but more specifically the romantic relationship, and the pitfalls of avoiding learning how to manage disagreements in a healthy way. 

Embrace the clash: Why conflict is necessary for healthy relationships
Natalie Bodart
Loved up to lost in your relationship? Here's ...

Have you ever been in a relationship where you are blissfully happy and then it all starts to fall apart? This is a very common experience in partnership but it doesn’t have to end your relationship. I am here to help you understand how this situation can arise and what you can do about it.

Loved up to lost in your relationship? Here's why & what to do about it
Natalie Bodart
Healing from Within: The Distinctive Path of ...

Trauma-informed yoga and a general yoga class differ in their approaches, goals, and considerations, particularly when it comes to healing trauma and the needs of individuals who have experienced trauma. In this blog Ana Maria Coneelly, trauma informed yoga teacher, highlights some of the key differences and benefits so that you can choose a class that might support you best.

Healing from Within: The Distinctive Path of Trauma-informed Yoga
Natalie Bodart
Mindfulness Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

What’s stopping us from learning and practising mindfulness when there is a wealth of research demonstrating the benefits for physical health, mental health, emotional wellbeing, cognitive functioning, prosocial behaviour, and relationships? In this blog we outline what mindfulness is, the known benefits, and separate fact from fiction. We also provide helpful links and resources so you can take the next step in learning and practising this helpful skill.

Mindfulness Myths: Separating Fact from Fiction

EMDR: What is it and how can it help me?

EMDR: What is it and how can it help me?

EMDR is one of the evidence based therapies used to treat trauma and PTSD. However, it is also a treatment for other mental health difficulties such as anxiety, depression, grief, pain, addictions and stress. Recently Prince Harry spoke about his own experience of EMDR. In this blog post we talk about what EMDR is, what it can treat, what happens across the course of therapy and how it works. We also share feedback from clients who have received EMDR and how you can access this and other therapies with The Bodart Practice.

Can sound heal?

Can sound heal?

Can sound heal? In this blog we share some of the emerging research about the uses and impact of sound therapy using Tibetan singing bowls for managing stress and bringing the brain into a state of deep relaxation. Sound therapy is one of our holistic therapies at The Bodart Practice. Get in touch to find out how you can get involved.

Trauma passed down the generations; does our ancestry matter?

Trauma passed down the generations; does our ancestry matter?

Can trauma be passed down through generations? Does our ancestry matter? Dr Harriet Rankin shares some of her learnings from the Intergenerational Trauma Conference. Trauma is not always visible but may be the invisible impacts of trauma in our family histories; from genetics to patterns of relating and cultural genocide. However we can have hope in how change is possible through the generations and by exploring our family histories, we may just make more sense of our own struggles.

This Week in Clinic: Series One Highlights

This Week in Clinic: Series One Highlights

In this interview series, Dr Natalie Bodart talks to different psychologists about their week in clinic. They share their reflections, take away messages and how they are looking after their own mental health. Each conversation is with the aim of demystifying what goes on in the therapy room so that seeking help may feel less daunting.

Why value based New Year's resolutions are a win-win (and how to identify yours)

Why value based New Year's resolutions are a win-win (and how to identify yours)

New Year’s resolutions can often set us up for failure as our best intentions are hard to sustain as life gets busy. What if we could identify resolutions that were a win-win? Dr Harriet Rankin shares how to make your resolutions value based rather than goals focused so that we can always be working towards the things we truly value. We link to a handy worksheet to help you identify your values.

Lockdown mental health - stories of struggle and survival

Lockdown mental health - stories of struggle and survival

COVID-19 has impacted our lives and mental health, for some beyond measure. In these stories we hear the emotional impact, as well as stories of strength and resilience, moments of joy and questions about the future. By sharing these stories you may find something relatable or simply a few minutes to reflect on your own journey.

Five tips for staying sane in a World gone mad

In the midst of the outbreak and spread of Coronavirus, or COVID-19 you would be forgiven for feeling afraid and overwhelmed by the volume of changing information and advice at every turn. Suddenly we are expected to change our well established routines and behaviours and tolerate a higher degree of uncertainty. None of this comes easily to habit loving humans.

I wonder what situation you are in as you read this. Are you self-isolating wondering how the days will pass? Have you been told to work from home and feeling some relief from the dreaded commute? Are you reluctantly cancelling that longed for and much needed holiday? Are you separated from loved ones and unsure when you will see them next? Are you worried about those at risk, perhaps elderly relatives? Are you worried about your own risk; personal, financial or otherwise? Have you washed your hands a million times today? Have you stared at the empty supermarket aisles in mild panic or bewilderment? Perhaps you are a frontline healthcare professional with your own anxieties to contain?

If you can relate to any of the above then you can rest assured that you are not alone, even though we can feel more alone than ever when disaster strikes. So how do we stay sane when the World seems to have gone mad and we are surrounded by news of threat and danger? 

  1. You do not have to keep calm and carry on. It’s understandable this is a difficult and anxious time. Be kind to yourself about this.

  2. Set some boundaries around what news and information you want to consume and when. Absolutely do not have the news on repeat in the background. Choose your sources wisely. The same goes for how much you talk about it. Make space for other conversations.

  3. Continue to do things that bring you pleasure even if some things may not be on the menu right now. 

  4. Sort out in your mind the things that you can do something about and the things that you can’t. For the things you can; problem solve and put your solution into practice. For the things you can’t; refocus by consciously shifting your attention to something more helpful (tip: use all your senses. Scents and music can be a big help. TV is often too passive). 

  5. Stay connected to friends and family and to yourself. Share love and care and fun because we need that more than ever when times get tough. 

By Dr Natalie Bodart, Director & Clinical Psychologist