Barbara Matheson

Developmental paediatrician Dr Bill Garvey discusses how children can be helped to build a more stable sense of self-esteem. He shares his experiences of working with children, and how aiming for high self-esteem can be a fragile approach. Instead, he explores what he identifies as the three pillars of self-esteem – self-pride, process praise, and […]

By now many of us are familiar with the dos and don’ts of online meetings i.e. the technicalities of Zoom and Teams, not sitting in front of a window etc., but have you given much thought to what other steps you might take to help you get the most out of online counselling? Working with […]

A new study has revealed what some may consider an unusual way to ease menopausal symptoms for women. Cold water swimming is growing in popularity, due to its benefits towards physical and mental health, and is now being hailed to bring menopause relief. Academics from University College London discovered that spending time immersed in cold […]

Sharing a few thoughts on a cold January day in Exeter I always have mixed feelings about this time of year. I don’t like the winter, it doesn’t suit me at all, but I do see it as a new beginning, a time to reflect and maybe reset. What will this year offer me? What […]

  TV and radio presenter Mariella Frostrup recently commented that she looks forward to a time when women can “stop feeling so ashamed” of their bodies. Along with other celebrities like Davina McCall, Mariella Frostrup is a menopause campaigner. She went on to say that she felt that when it comes to women’s health experiences […]

Psychologists are warning that gender bias could be stopping women from getting a proper diagnosis of ADHD. The concern stems from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder being seen as something that only affects “naughty boys” and therefore is often dismissed as women’s problems or anxiety. This article from the BBC explains the issue and highlights some […]

Being away at university can make you feel distant from family and friends at the best of times. But with Covid meaning we now have to do more and more things online, that feeling can be amplified. This article shares suggestions from students on how to help you cope. From setting routines to apps for […]

Deciding that you want to talk to someone about your mental health is a big step. Deciding who the best person to speak to isn’t easy to answer if you don’t know what might be best for you. This article looks at the role of the therapist, counsellor and life coach, explaining where each might […]