Andy Weston Counselling

Be kind to yourself.

What matters.

Is there space for humour in therapy? Yes. 'Shared humour is an attachment language.'

You've Got to Be Kidding Shared laughter is an attachment language. Though therapists usually engage more knowingly with tears, the exchange of brighter affect is another kind of invitation to the dance of intimacy.

Anxious attachment: We need to talk about your smartphone. Latest blog ✍️.

Anxious attachment - we need to talk about your smartphone - Andy weston A recently published book called The Anxious Generation has helped spark a much needed national conversation about the impact of smartphone use on our mental wellbeing. Author Jonathan Haidt lays out a compelling case about the implications of a phone-based childhood for a generation of kids and sug...

Respecting boundaries.

Attachment - respecting the changing relationship landscape. Latest blog ✍️.

Attachment - respecting the changing relationship landscape - Andy weston The pressure to conform to social norms and expectations can often be overwhelming. But more of us are contemplating new possibilities, with attitudes changing towards marriage, family and traditional expectations of what relationships look like. People are being empowered to choose the best path in...

A majority of children experience some type of adverse event before they turn 18 which could traumatise them. The most effective way they can deal with potential lasting emotional pain is through connecting with a close caregiver.

Letting go.

Societal and other pressures force many people to focus on 'I should..' and less on 'I want..' Try changing that focus over time and see how you feel.

AI Therapy & Chatbots - We are born to connect. Latest blog ✍️

AI Therapy & Chatbots - We are born to connect - Andy weston As humans we're born to connect but it doesn't make it easy. Psychodynamic therapy can help make big improvements to the quality of relationships.

You can't manufacture true empathy and listening and as Thomas Hübl says - The essence of relating is, I feel you feeling me.

When checking in with family & friends, don't just accept, 'I'm fine thanks.'

It's good to talk.

We all, at various times, fake being okay.

'Having people in your everyday life that you can talk to openly and honestly about certain things is hugely beneficial for us all. But therapy offers something more than that....' https://www.andywestoncounselling.co.uk/talking-to-a-therapist-in-counselling-and-its-benefits/ ✍️

We need to go upstream.

Talking is a powerful medicine.

Measuring courage.

'Mental health is increasingly now seen as something that needs to be maintained rather than attended to in a crisis.' My latest blog: https://www.andywestoncounselling.co.uk/changing-attitudes-towards-counselling/ ✍️

'Taking back control - of self.' My latest blog: 🖋 https://www.andywestoncounselling.co.uk/taking-back-control-of-self/

Lean in to your emotions.

Human relationships.

As the debate regarding the full impact of climate change and how to seriously combat it continues to rage, what’s not up for debate is the extent to which eco-anxiety is becoming an increasingly debilitating condition. My latest blog below ahead of COP26.

How listening can help ease the rise of eco-anxiety - Andy weston Eco-anxiety (or climate anxiety) is an ever growing phenomenon, with a recent survey of 10,000 young people from across the globe finding 75% of respondents fearing for the future.

Self-worth.

One of my favourite TEDx talks. 'Why You Should Try Therapy Yesterday.'

Why You Should Try Therapy Yesterday | Dr. Emily Anhalt | TEDxBoulder "The stigma associated with going to therapy is slowly dropping, but who is it really useful for? This talk is for anyone who has considered trying therapy (...

Challenging our own perceptions & assumptions is more important than ever in today's world. Make use of self-awareness.

This was the case for me in personal therapy and I see it in my work with clients. When you reach acceptance in yourself, which can take time, therapy often goes to another level.