Connected Wellbeing Psychotherapy

11/11/2025

John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields” reminds us that remembrance is not only about honouring those who died, but also about holding space for the emotions that war leaves behind; grief, trauma, love, and the longing for peace.

The image of poppies growing among graves shows how life continues to emerge even in devastation. It speaks of the human capacity to heal and create meaning after loss, something I often explore in therapy.

The “torch” passed from “failing hands” can be seen as a call not just to fight, but to remember, care, and carry forward compassion. A sense of rebuilding and finding peace within ourselves and our communities.

Just as artists and poets of that time turned pain into creative expression, we too can use art, reflection, and therapy to give voice to experiences that words alone can’t contain.
Creativity becomes a bridge between what has been lost and what still endures.

Here is the full poem written by Canadian Army Doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae in 1915, after witnessing the death of a friend on the battlefield in Belgium and then noticing the number of poppy flowers that began growing afterwards.

In Flanders Fields

by John McCrae (1872–1918)

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

31/10/2025

Halloween can be a time to recognise when the veil between life and death grows thin. The veil reminds us that love transcends form, that bonds remain, even when presence shifts.

Traditionally Halloween was rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people believed the boundary between the living and dead was thin and spirits could visit the earth. The Christian Church later created All Hallows’ Eve (the night before All Saints’ Day, Nov 1) to honour saints and the faithful departed.

In Mexican tradition, Día de los Mu***os invites families to celebrate the lives of those who have died, honouring them with food, colour, and joy. It’s a beautiful expression of how grief and love can coexist.

In psychotherapy, we often explore how loss continues to shape our inner world. This season offers a powerful reminder of that ongoing connection.

For those navigating loss, this time of year can be both tender and meaningful. May it bring an opportunity to pause and reflect, honouring the ties that remain.

If this season evokes emotions or reflection you’d like to explore, Connected Wellbeing Psychotherapy offers a calm, confidential space for that process.

***os

10/10/2025

How the seasons can stir up memories.

As the seasons shift, people may notice changes not only in the weather, but in their emotions too. Our senses bring to life these changes. We may notice the smell of autumn rain, the sound of leaves crunching, changes to air temperature on the skin or even the different light levels. This can suddenly bring back vivid memories, both comforting and painful.

Why this happens is due to our memory storage being deeply linked to our senses. The brain stores experiences as networks of sensory details — sights, sounds, smells, textures and these can resurface years later when we encounter similar sensations.

For some people, these sensory reminders bring warmth and nostalgia. But for others, they can act as triggers, reconnecting the mind and body to moments of loss, fear, or trauma. Even when trying to block out a memory, the nervous system still remembers.

If you find yourself feeling unsettled or “off” as the season changes, know that this is a valid and human response. Slowing down and grounding yourself in the present moment can help bring back a sense of safety.

Sometimes, revisiting these memories gently in a supportive space can help ease their emotional charge. Therapy can provide that safe place to explore what’s being stirred up and why.

26/08/2025

🌿You don’t need a plane ticket to take a holiday…🌿

As an Integrative Psychotherapist and Arts Psychotherapist, I see time and again how deeply we need pause, rest, rejuvenation.
But often, life doesn't make space for it. Holidays are expensive, time feels short, and the “shoulds” keep piling up—housework, deadlines, expectations.

But what if you gifted yourself a holiday day?
A day with permission to do whatever nourishes you.
No chores. No productivity. No guilt.
Just space to reconnect with your own rhythm and ignite your spark again.

Whether that’s lying under a tree, painting for no reason, watching old films in your pyjamas, or sitting in stillness—it matters.
You matter. And rest is not a luxury.
It’s a way back to yourself.

Take a pause. Take a breath. Take a you-day.

14/07/2025

Disability Pride month is all about being proud to be disabled, and I just wanted to say; I am Proud to be disabled! I am an ambulatory wheelchair user which means I can walk — just not far, but that doesn’t make me or other's “less disabled.” It just means we need to adapt our ways of moving through the world.

I am proud of my perseverance when things are tough, and I am also proud of knowing when I need to pull back or ask for help.
I am proud of those who help me and those who support, assist or celebrate other people with disabilities.
I am proud of everyone with a disability be it a visible one or an invisible one.

I am increasingly thankful of my adapt and overcome attitude, which I believe comes from having a Military Father who served in the Royal Air Force, and a Scottish Mother (who I believe built resilience in childhood having to use an outdoor toilet - in Scotland! - all year round!).
I am forever adapting and overcoming to every twist and turn my health conditions bring. I find creative ways of feeling about and thinking about my limitations. I gravitate towards ways of increasing my access to the world so that I can still find wonder and awe, feel the wind in my hair and hear the birds whilst maintaining a level of independence.

Let’s keep dismantling assumptions, showing up with pride, and honouring every part of our journey — as whole, powerful, worthy people.

11/07/2025

🌈 July is Disability Pride Month 🌈

As a Psychotherapist, I invite you to take a moment this month to pause and reflect…

💭 What assumptions do you hold—consciously or unconsciously—about what it means to be disabled?

Disability isn’t always visible. It’s not always wheelchairs or walking aids. It can be chronic pain, fatigue, sensory overload, neurodivergence, or invisible illnesses that quietly yet profoundly impact every corner of someone’s life.

Being disabled can affect:

🏠 Home life – managing daily tasks with exhaustion, pain, or cognitive difficulties.

💼 Work – balancing employment with fluctuating health or navigating inaccessible environments.

👨‍👩‍👧 Relationships – facing misunderstandings, isolation, or needing more support than others realise.

📞 Services – constantly having to fight to be heard, to be believed, and to get the support that should be accessible.

Disability Pride is not about pity—it’s about visibility, value, and the right to live fully and freely. It's about challenging the societal barriers that disable people even more.

This month, let’s not only celebrate disabled voices—but truly listen to them. Ask yourself:

🔍 Where might I need to unlearn something?

🧠 What can I do to make space for others' realities?

Let’s build a more compassionate and inclusive world—together.

01/07/2025

Do you know which medications can impact your ability to withstand hot weather? Are you aware of groups of people who’s bodies can not tolerate the high heat and may need extra help?

I myself have heat intolerance due to an auto-immune condition, and have had to creatively adapt in order to keep myself well. Creative adaptions include; Cooling scarfs and mats, Portable Air con units and fans, closing curtains to block out the sun, or even tinfoil to help reflect it away. Altered working patterns; which acknowledges my own need for my body to rest more and help keep my heart rate down while it is working hard to stay cool. Obviously, staying well hydrated is also vital. If you do need to go out and are more affected by the weather, I recommend a hat to keep the sun off your head. I will add some links in the comments to some of my essential “keep cool kit” (other products and retailers are available).

The article in the comments has more information about how heat can affect different people, ways to stay cool and what to do if you over heat. Here is a snap shot of what it says:

“Factors that may limit your ability to regulate your body temperature include:

Being older.

Being overweight.

Having certain health conditions.

Taking certain medicines.

The risk of a heat-related illness also rises with:

High humidity, which prevents sweat from evaporating as quickly to cool down your body.

High elevation, which increases your chances of dehydration and sunburn.

Strenuous exercise or activity, like hiking or biking in hot weather.

Medications that raise your risk of heat-related illness

Heart medications such as water pills (diuretics), beta blockers and ACE inhibitors.

Psychotropic medicines, including antidepressants, antipsychotics and benzodiazepines.

Drugs for Parkinson’s disease and overactive bladder.

Stimulants.

Antihistamines. “

09/05/2025

As May blooms around us, it’s a reminder that growth often starts slowly — and quietly.

The longer days, fresh greens, and bursts of colour can lift us… but they can also highlight what still feels heavy inside.
Maybe you’re noticing a shift in energy, or maybe you feel out of step with the season, watching life move forward while you feel stuck.

Therapy can be a space to explore what’s stirring beneath the surface — old wounds, new questions, or the quiet longing for something to change.

This May, give yourself permission to grow at your own pace.
Healing, like spring, doesn’t need to be rushed.

15/01/2025

Would you like to have the support of a therapeutic relationship but find it difficult to commit to an hour a week in person or on a screen?

Email therapy offers a more flexible way to receive support, at a time and place that fits around your life.

For more information email me at:
caroline_keenCWP@proton.me

24/12/2024

This candle I have lit for all those who may not be here this Christmas. 🕯️✨

There are many reasons a chair may be empty at Christmas. We can find moments and ways to fill our hearts and minds with wonderful memories of love. This helps continue that bond and carrying them with us, moving healthily between states of loss and the continuation of life.

The article in the comments from Winston's Wish offers ways to remember and include a lost loved one.

Grief can affect people in many different ways and it is kind to respect each person's own way of dealing with their loss, as every relationship built is unique therefore every loss is also unique.

19/12/2024

A reminder of nature's beauty. These ice flowers require specific environments to 'blossom'
What is it you need in your environment to allow you to blossom?

https://www.facebook.com/share/18LZoZdmMZ/

Ice Flowers in Norway
See https://garden.deshaacademy.com/144/?fbclid=IwY2xjawHMqQtleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHf0RcfmVri_6NlbZMI2dvcUGcavDCr0QsRi6goHNLH8-Q9DEkvimYlyPfg_aem_exgYMFUWYHyCTSIcy0jivQ

03/12/2024

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/caroline-keen-9708a1196_today-is-international-day-of-people-with-activity-7269652334635372544-F7iK?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Today is International Day of People with Disabilities. This day celebrates the rights, achievements and contributions of over 1 billion people with…