Valentine’s Day often comes wrapped in red roses and candlelit dinners, celebrating one kind of love: romantic, monogamous, and lifelong. But love is so much bigger than that. Who says your most meaningful relationships have to follow a script? What if your happiest future isn’t about settling down with one partner—but growing old in a house full of your best friends?

Ever feel like your relationship patterns are on repeat? Or wonder why it’s hard to pinpoint where things went wrong in your early years? The answers might lie in attachment theory—a powerful framework for understanding how our earliest connections shape the way we relate to others and ourselves.

At Wynyard Therapy & Life Coaching Services, we’re often asked about the difference between psychotherapy and counselling. It’s a great question because while these approaches share some similarities, they have distinct purposes and can address different needs. Knowing which is right for you can make all the difference in your mental health journey. 

So, you know how some people get a nice piece of jewellery or a spa day for their birthday? Well, one week after my 48th, I got something *a little less glamorous*—a diagnosis of ADHD, and a confirmation that I am in menopause. 🎉 Talk about a double whammy. Hot flushes and a complete inability to keep track of time? Lucky me.

Menopause is a significant milestone in a woman's life, often accompanied by a multitude of physical and emotional changes. While hormonal fluctuations are a well-known aspect of this transition, there's more to the story when it comes to a woman's decreased desire for sex with her partner. It's crucial to recognise that menopause's impact on a woman's sexual desire is not solely attributed to hormones. Instead, it can also be influenced by deeper emotional and relational factors. In this blog post, we'll delve into some of the reasons why menopausal women might lose interest in sex with their partners and how this is not just about hormones but can be tied to past behaviours and inequalities in the relationship.

As a psychotherapist with extensive experience working with survivors of rape and sexual abuse and having managed a forensic unit where all residents were perpetrators of violent or sexual crimes against women and children, I am deeply aware of the complex dynamics surrounding these issues. Recent accusations against public figures like Russell Brand have intensified discussions about victim blaming, a phenomenon that permeates society. It's crucial to explore the cognitive processes and societal factors that contribute to this harmful behaviour.

The back-to-school season can be a time of excitement and anticipation for many children, but it can also bring its fair share of challenges and stressors. As parents, you may notice signs of anxiety, academic pressure, or social struggles in your child as they transition into a new school year. At Wynyard Therapy and Life Coaching, we understand these challenges and are here to offer our child and young person therapy services to help your child thrive academically and emotionally during this crucial time.

In the world of therapy, where many options are available to address mental health concerns, Single-Session Solution-Focused Therapy (SSSFT) stands out as a brief, client-focused approach that brings significant benefits to those seeking support. This article aims to highlight the advantages of SSSFT from a client's perspective, demonstrating how this approach can empower individuals to overcome challenges and improve their well-being.

We've all come across them: the friends, colleagues, or family members who go out of their way to keep everyone happy. The "people pleasers" are those individuals who habitually prioritise the needs and desires of others over their own. While on the surface, this might seem like an admirable quality, people-pleasing can often lead to emotional exhaustion, loss of self-identity, and difficulties in forming genuine connections. In this blog, we'll explore the phenomenon of people pleasing, its potential causes, the negative impact it can have on individuals, and most importantly, how to find balance and empowerment in life.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of children and adults worldwide. Traditionally, the condition has been associated with genetic factors and neurobiological abnormalities. However, recent research has shed light on the intriguing link between ADHD and trauma. This blog post explores the intricate connections between ADHD and trauma, delving into how adverse experiences may influence the manifestation and course of ADHD symptoms.

In the realm of abusive relationships, the narcissistic cycle presents itself as a particularly insidious and harmful pattern. It's crucial to shed light on this cycle to empower individuals to recognise the signs, protect themselves, and break free from the toxic grip of narcissistic abuse. In this blog post, we will delve into the stages of the narcissistic cycle and explore strategies for healing and regaining personal power.