This month's addition to The Playlist For Change has been chosen by Contributor #6. I used to be a very confident person, and I felt I was capable of achieving anything I put my mind to. Over the years as I got older, had more setbacks, and started to like myself less and less, that side of me ebbed away. When I did try to get it back I associated inner strength with cocky, arrogant people rather than the self-assured, quiet confidence I favoured. Trying new things and takin

This month's addition to The Playlist For Change has been chosen by Contributor #5. 'I’ve always loved singing this song loudly when driving in the car, or exercising to it. I find it really energising and very affirming, it lifts my spirit. This is how I would describe my experience of therapy too; accepting and celebrating who I am, how I am wired and focusing on all the benefits of what my brain can do rather than the problems it can cause me! “There’s nothing wrong with l

This month's addition to The Playlist For Change has been chosen by Contributor #4. 'I’ve always struggled to conform to expectations set by others of me, I used to try, and not surprisingly it led to conflict. Like everyone I can dwell on the negative moments and struggle to move on. Yes, it’s about love, it’s also about so much more. We can remove the conventions and conformity that seemingly rule us all, preventing us from being ourselves and embracing our best life. We do

This month's addition to The Playlist For Change has been chosen by Contributor #3. 'I was going through a difficult time after my divorce and I found this song at just the right time to help me. I used to listen to it on loop and sing the chorus to myself until I believed it! It was nice to know I wasn't on my own in feeling like I did, and having a mantra I could sing to myself definitely helped. I haven't listened to (the song) in a long time, because it belongs to a diffi

This month's addition to The Playlist For Change has been chosen by Contributor #2. 'I’ve always loved 'The Wizard of Oz'. As a kid, I was obsessed. And I’ve always loved 'Over The Rainbow.' When I was younger, it felt like quite a sad song; wanting to be someone else, or somewhere else. Which I did. Over the years, there have been lots of versions, and I think I love them all. But this one is definitely my very favourite. Now I’m older, I hear this as a happy song, and I thi

It feels only right that we kick off the The Playlist For Change revival with a song that has inspired and supported me through the years. After a childhood of feeling an outsider and different in ways I didn't fully understand, Primal Scream's Screamadelica came along at just the right time to hold my teenage hand and meet a new confidence head on. Movin' On Up was the opening track, and in the video Bobby Gillespie sang and danced his amazingly weird heart out. Along with l

Music has always been the place I go to for inspiration and escape. And as we make our way back out of house arrest, now feels a great time to relaunch The Playlist For Change and share the songs that help change happen. Every month, I will add a new song to the playlist. Songs will be contributed by clients old and new, accompanied by a brief explanation as to why the song means so much. If you would like to contribute to the playlist and help inspire change, get in touch vi

As we make our way out of twelve months of enforced house arrest, it would be easy to assume that we're all itching to get back out there. But for many, the past year has left us feeling depleted and unprepared for re-entry. For those feeling a little daunted at the prospect of throwing the doors back open, here are a few tips to help ease you back in to life outside. YOU'RE NOT ALONE IN FEELING THIS WAY We may have been in different boats but have all been in this same storm

Accessing therapy can feel pretty daunting, and taking the plunge can feel like jumping off top board. 'Ten Meter Tower' is a great video that captures both our doubts and fears before making any big decision and that sense of elation and exhilaration once we make the leap. Diving into therapy takes a great deal of courage and bravery, and a really good incentive to help with any nerves or apprehension can be to hear from people who have already jumped in. Feel free to take a

I am often asked why I find the word 'recovery' so problematic when it comes to addictions and behavioural change. Well, it may just be a matter of semantics but in my eyes 'recovery' always implies a desire to go backwards. A desire to 'go back to how it was before the problems started'. Not only does this limit what therapy can achieve, it also limits what we're capable of achieving as we move forward in life. Therapy is a great opportunity to confront any problems we may h

Thought you knew all about what addiction is and isn't? Watch this video and think again. #counselling #psychotherapy #cardiff #addictions #addiction #tedtalks

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In accordance with current BACP guidelines, I am temporarily delivering all face-to-face sessions via Skype. Skype sessions work really well and can take place at your home; a great advantage during this period of enforced isolation. Skype is free and easy to download via the following link https://www.skype.com/en/get-skype/ Simply find a quiet and confidential space at home for your session and you're good to go! Your garden or your car can work as great alternatives if the

We've been busy behind the scenes updating the Stephen G. Thomas website and finally the 2020 www.stephengthomas.com is born! Feel free to take a look around and let us know your comments and feedback. I'll be using this blog to update you on latest news and developments as well as providing tips and tricks to survive and thrive in the world of today. We're also open and delivering online sessions so feel free to like, share and follow to help spread the benefits of therapy i