Matt Alderton 
Addiction difficulties might cover a wide range of substances including, alcohol, tranquilizers, stimulants, cannabinoids, club drugs (MDMA), opioids, steroids, dissociative drugs (Ketamine) and hallucinogens. Drug misuse in the UK is the highest of all European countries. 7% of adults in England regularly drink alcohol at levels above the recommended amount. It is estimated that over … Read more
One in four women and one in six men will suffer domestic abuse in their lives. In 2018 4.2% of men and 7.9% of women suffered domestic violence in England and Wales. Domestic violence is defined as violent or aggressive behaviour within the home, typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner. Domestic … Read more
Anxiety disorders include disorders that share features of excessive fear and anxiety and related behavioural disturbances. Fear is the emotional response to real or perceived imminent threat, whereas anxiety is anticipation of future threat. Obviously these two states overlap, but they are also differ, with fear more often associated with surges of autonomic arousal necessary … Read more
Depression might be defined as having feelings of severe despondency and dejection. We have all felt a little depressed from time to time. However, it is when we experience depression symptoms over a period of time that we might want to seek some professional help. Depression Symptoms Depression affects people in a number of different … Read more
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) was recognised as having its own classification by the ICD in June 2018. The ICD is the International Classification of Diseases. The definition of Complex Trauma or Complex Post Traumatic Stress is a ‘psychological disorder which can develop in response to repeated or prolonged experience of interpersonal trauma where … Read more
This article aims to address how to choose a therapist. Therapists have different skills, training, experience, academic qualifications, accreditation, level of personal development. Finding the right therapist for you can be a bit hit and miss. Here are some helpful hints and tips to help you find the right therapist for you. Where can I … Read more
Cognitive processing therapy was originally designed for the armed forces and emergency workers as a way of working through difficult trauma experience. We offer it as a stand alone therapy for clients who are unable to do EMDR therapy or as part of an integrative holistic approach to trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder. Groups who … Read more
Helping someone with PTSD symptoms can be difficult. PTSD symptoms might include negative alterations in moods, disturbing dreams, avoidant behaviour, angry outbursts, intrusive thoughts and trouble sleeping. Living with or seeing someone we love struggling with such symptoms is unpleasant. Angry outbursts triggered for no obvious reason might be taken personally. One main difficulty is that … Read more
EMDR therapy is the leading evidence based treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is important to have some basis understanding of EMDR prior to starting therapy, finding a trauma/EMDR therapist or helping someone you love to find help. This post outlines some EMDR basics. What is EMDR therapy? EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement … Read more
The DSM-5 is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition. It might be considered as the gold standard for outlining diagnostic criteria for the classification of mental health conditions. It is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health professionals. We believe in the individuality and uniqueness of … Read more
What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy is an important question if you are thinking of embarking on some therapy? Accepting that you need help can be a difficult step to take. Once you have made the decision to get help it is beneficial to make sure that you get the right help. There … Read more
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can occur to anybody. Developing PTSD symptoms is not a sign of weakness. PTSD occurs across all ages, races, ethnicities and cultures. There are however certain factors which can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD symptoms. These include type of trauma experienced, how long the trauma was experienced for, upbringing, … Read more