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Nitrous Oxide: the risks are not to be laughed at
Nitrous Oxide (more commonly known as Laughing Gas) is in the news. Once again, a high profile English Premiership footballer has been photographed appearing to inhale what appears to be Nitrous Oxide from a balloon. More importantly, however, is the UK Government’s announcement that Nitrous Oxide is due to be banned for illicit use. It…
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Is it all about Christmas?
It has been another tough year and all the talk about Christmas can be hard. There are many shoulds, oughts and musts about this time of year – obligations, rules and requirements, but those demands do not always line up with how we feel and it can feel tough. There are a few things we…
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Just Breathe?
When we experience stress and anxiety or feel overwhelmed by anger or frustration probably the most common advice people will give is to “just breathe…” When you experience a stressful event, your body automatically goes into “flight, fight or freeze” mode. Your heart rate increases, your stomach stops digestion, and your breathing becomes more shallow.…
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Working with Containers in Art Psychotherapy
An insight into one way Art Therapists work. All of us can relate to the feelings of being completely overwhelmed by a feeling or experience. Usually this will pass after a day or two and we can understand what happened and why we felt the way we do. Sometimes though that feeling of being full-up,…
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It’s OK to feel your feelings.
Whatever your thoughts and feelings at this time, they are yours and they are just as valid, real and important as anyone else’s, even if they don’t seem to make sense. Over the next few weeks there will be extensive coverage of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. This will mean very different things to…
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No Judgement made here
Here at MYPAS, our counselling services are based on building a trusting relationship with you. Counselling can help you talk about your worries and help you to manage them in a supportive way. Our counsellors are trained to listen carefully and thoughtfully to you, without judgement. Our latest blog post comes from Jo, one of…
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MYPAS Support over Christmas
We just wanted to share an end-of-year update with you all before we finish up for the festive period. MYPAS is closed on the 27th and 28th of December as well as the 3rd and 4th of January. We’re running a reduced service on the 24th, 29th, 30th and 31st. We know that everyone has their…
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Parenting During a Pandemic
James Kelly, MYPAS Therapeutic Manager (East Lothian) and former Family Counsellor shares his thoughts on parenting during a difficult time. The COVID-19 pandemic has tested all of us and no one has been un-impacted by the implications of our current global health crisis. While we have all learned to cope and deal with the lockdowns,…
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World Mental Health Day – Health in an Unequal World
Tom Grayson-Morrison, MYPAS Community Counsellor (East Lothian and Midlothian) shares his thought with us ahead of World Mental Health Day. As we approach World Mental Health Day on 10th October, with its theme of ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’, I found myself thinking about how those who experience racial, social or economic inequality in…
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Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 Roundup
As Mental Health Awareness Week draws to a close we wanted to reflect and roundup our blogs this week. This week has been a great opportunity for reflection, to talk and to support one another during a mentally challenging period. Connecting with nature can help us to feel calm and bring a bit more perspective…
