As mental health professionals, we recognise that community support is not just beneficial but essential for individuals grappling with mental health challenges. It provides a sense of belonging and connection, which is crucial for emotional well-being. Initiatives like the newly funded MORE BETTER DAYS program illustrate how collective community efforts can create a supportive network, [...]
Summer is often celebrated as a season of warmth, relaxation, and joy. With longer days, sunny weather, and opportunities for outdoor activities, it's easy to assume that summer is a universally positive time for mental health. However, at The AOC in Dudley, UK, we understand that the relationship between summer and mental health is more nuanced. [...]
Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and expanded by Mary Ainsworth, offers a profound understanding of how early relationships with caregivers shape our emotional and relational lives. Today, attachment theory is a vital tool in therapy, helping clients navigate and heal from relational and emotional difficulties. This article will explore how to use attachment theory [...]
The Value of Integrative Therapy At The Art of Change (AOC), our primary goal is to provide our clients with personalised, comprehensive, and effective mental health care. Integrative therapy is a cornerstone of our approach, acknowledging the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health. By combining multiple therapeutic modalities, we address the [...]
Beautiful England in Spring Dive into the therapeutic realm of April walks, guided by the harmonious blend of cognitive-behavioural techniques (CBT) and Gestalt principles. Picture yourself amidst April's serene beauty—sunlight filtering through branches, birdsong serenading the air. This picturesque setting isn't merely visually captivating; it's a catalyst for healing and self-reflection. Studies, notably by [...]
At The Art of Change (The AoC), we believe in the transformative power of client-centred therapy, also known as person-centred therapy or Rogerian therapy. This approach, pioneered by humanist psychologist Carl Rogers, prioritises your autonomy and self-direction in the therapeutic process. What is Client-Centred Therapy? Client-centred therapy is a non-directive form of talk therapy where you, [...]
Navigating Turbulent Waters In the intricate tapestry of family life, conflict often emerges as a natural part of the dynamic. While families are remarkably resilient and capable of weathering storms and bouncing back, persistent patterns of conflict can inflict lasting harm, particularly to children's mental and physical well-being (Sori, Hecker, & Bachenberg, 2016). At The [...]
Why charity fundraising feels as good as winning money We all feel good when we do something for charity, but why? Is there a psychological explanation? In short, yes, “research shows that we are happiest when we’re doing for other people,” as reported by Metro interviewing Laurie Santos, a Professor of Psychology at Yale University. [...]
5 Benefits of Effective Counselling and Therapy (the facts) Have you ever heard someone say that they had great results from CBT (talking therapy), or without their therapist, they would never have moved forward? You might also have heard people say that they would never go to a counsellor and attached a stigma of being ‘mentally [...]
