Commit Psychology

01/10/2025

Low mood on the horizon?

Winter blues don't have to take over.

Winter can bring more than cold weather. Many people find their mood drops as the days shorten. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy provides simple, practical tools to manage low mood and keep life moving forward.

Don’t wait for winter to take hold. Support is available.
Practical tools from www.commitpsychology.co.uk

Commit Psychology – help with health.

30/09/2025

Sometimes you have to be committed to how you want your life to be, come what may! www.commitpsychology.co.uk Help with health.

10/06/2024

Discover a New Way to Relieve Back Pain: Pain Reprocessing Therapy

Imagine finding relief without medications or invasive medical procedures. Intrigued? Let us introduce you to Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) – a groundbreaking approach that's changing lives!

What is Pain Reprocessing Therapy
PRT is a revolutionary treatment that taps into the power of neuroplasticity – the brain's incredible ability to rewire and heal itself. This therapy helps your brain unlearn the pain pathways that may have been causing you distress, offering a path to lasting relief.

Research-Backed Efficacy
Recent studies have shown remarkable results with PRT. A landmark study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that 66% of participants reported being pain-free or nearly pain-free after just four weeks of PRT. The science behind this is solid – by retraining the brain, we can address the root cause of chronic pain.

Why Choose PRT
**No Medications**: Say goodbye to dependency on painkillers.
**Non-Invasive**: Avoid surgeries and other invasive treatments.
**Empowering**: Take control of your pain management with techniques you can practice at home.
**Long-Lasting Relief**: Address the underlying causes of pain for sustained improvement.

Neuroplasticity: The Key to Long-Term Pain Relief
Our brains are constantly evolving. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new connections and pathways. In the case of chronic pain, your brain may have learned to feel pain even when there's no physical injury. PRT helps to rewire these faulty pathways, teaching your brain to stop generating pain signals.

Curious to Learn More
If you're tired of temporary fixes and want a solution that gets to the core of your back pain, Pain Reprocessing Therapy could be the answer.

commitpsychology.co.uk for more information.

10/06/2024

Are you suffering from Neuroplastic Pain?

If your chronic pain is caused by neuroplastic changes in the brain, typical treatments like pills, potions, and injections may not be effective.

Here’s how you can identify neuroplastic pain:

Pain Without Clear Physical Cause: The pain persists even when medical tests show no significant tissue damage or abnormalities.

Pain That Changes Location or Intensity: It often moves around the body or varies in intensity without a consistent pattern.

Triggered by Emotional or Psychological Factors: The pain can be influenced by stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional states rather than physical activity.

Pain Despite Healing of Original Injury: Pain continues long after an injury has healed, indicating the brain retains the pain signals.

Symptom Fluctuations: The severity of pain may fluctuate without a clear physical reason.

Pain Associated With Anxiety or Hypervigilance: Heightened sensitivity to pain or an exaggerated response to stimuli, often with anxiety or hypervigilance.

Lack of Response to Conventional Treatments: Pain persists despite conventional treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or surgeries.

Widespread Pain: The pain affects multiple areas of the body, not just one specific region.

Pain That Correlates With Thought Patterns: Pain increases with negative thinking or decreases when distracted or engaged in positive activities.

If this describes your experience, you may benefit from treatments that focus on retraining the brain and managing the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic pain.

Commitpsychology.co.uk - Help with Health

Commit Psychology is a Psychological Service run by Simon Neal, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

29/02/2024

Will you be a statistics for Cheshire West and Chester?

Cheshire West and Cheshire (CWAC) has a population of around 340,000. There are 22,000 people living with diabetes. 58,000 people have high blood pressure and 48,000 are living with heart and circulatory disease. There are around 7,800 stroke survivors in the area. Very sadly 80 people per month die of a heart attack. (source British Heart Foundation)

What do they have in common, Diabetes, Heart and circulatory Disease, High blood pressure and stroke? Scientists have known for years that they are all life style related diseases. In essence they are related to smoking, unhealthy diet, insufficient exercise, stress, loneliness and poor sleep. Of course many of these lifestyle factors interact negatively with people's mental health status.

Yet, Slightly over one quarter of local people are obese. Thirty thousand people in CWAC smoke and a third of people don't exercise enough. Twenty-two thousand people live alone and estimates suggest that up to fifty thousand people suffer from common mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Where are you in all of that?

Changing your lifestyle can be a difficult and daunting task, especially in the context of stress and distress. But change is possible and things like including more plants in your diet, going for a regular walk, doing something meditative and making new social contacts can all have big impacts on health and well being.

Ready to invest in yourself or need to make changes but finding it difficult. Get in touch for a Free twenty minute chat. Contact details can be found here: www.commitpsychology.co.uk

27/02/2024

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!

Ready to make positive changes for a healthier you? Research highlights the transformative power of adopting healthy habits, even in middle to late middle age. Here's how you can unlock a vibrant, healthier lifestyle:

1. Nourish with Nature: Incorporate 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily into your diet. Studies reveal that this simple step significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, offering immense benefits for your overall well-being.

2. Move Your Body: Regular exercise is vital. Research demonstrates that staying active lowers your risk of cardiovascular events and increases longevity, regardless of your age. Aim for activities that get your heart pumping and your muscles working, enhancing both your physical and mental health.

3. Mind Your Weight: Maintain a BMI between 18.5-29.9 kg/m2. Working towards a healthy weight not only boosts your confidence but also reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases. Research indicates that managing your weight is particularly beneficial in middle age, leading to improved quality of life and increased longevity.

We understand that change can be tough, especially as we age. However, the evidence is clear: even small adjustments to your lifestyle can yield significant benefits. That's where support comes in. With the guidance of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you can navigate the challenges of behaviour change with confidence and commitment, paving the way for lasting well-being.

Ready to take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life? Let's embark on this journey together. Reach out to explore how we can support you in adopting these healthy behaviours with the help of ACT. Your well-being matters, and we're here to help you thrive. Commitpsychology.co.uk for contact details. A twenty minute chat is FREE

25/02/2024

Heads up Twenty-Somethings and Concerned Parents!

I've been thinking about the lasting impact of lockdowns on the social functioning of our young adults. While it's been two or three years since those unprecedented times, it's important to recognise that these formative years, particularly late teens and twenties, were significantly shaped by the challenges of isolation and uncertainty. As we move forward, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a beacon of hope for navigating the aftermath. Here are three key themes where ACT can pave the way for positive change:

1. **Identity Exploration**: Lockdowns disrupted the typical rites of passage and social experiences crucial for identity development. ACT provides a safe space for individuals to explore and redefine their identities, aligning with their authentic selves.

2. **Social Anxiety**: Extended periods of isolation may have heightened social anxiety for many young adults. ACT equips individuals with practical tools to manage anxiety, fostering confidence and resilience in social settings.

3. **Relationship Repair**: Lockdowns strained relationships and hindered the formation of new connections. Through ACT, individuals can mend fractured relationships, cultivate intimacy, and build meaningful connections with others.

Ready to reclaim your social well-being and thrive in the post-lockdown world? Consider the transformative power of ACT and invest in your mental health journey today.

Commitpsychology.co.uk for contact details. A twenty minute, no strings chat is FREE

25/02/2024

Commit Psychology - Help with health.

Are you looking for personalised and compassionate Clinical Psychology services to help you overcome your physical or mental health challenges? As a qualified and experienced independent practitioner, I provide evidence-based therapy and support to individuals in the UK who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.

With a deep understanding of the complex interplay between psychological and physical health, I use a range of proven techniques and therapies to help you achieve your unique goals and improve your overall well-being.

As an independent practitioner, I offer a personalised approach to mental health support, tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences. I believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality and effective therapy, and that's why I offer affordable rates, flexible scheduling, and a warm, welcoming environment.

Whether you're seeking individual therapy, or group therapy, I'm here to help you take the first step towards a happier, healthier future. Contact me today. Leave a message or head to my website commitpsychology.co.uk to learn more about how I can help you achieve your goals. A twenty minute chat is FREE

24/02/2024

Surviving cancer can leave people with a roller coaster of emotions, from anxiety and uncertainty to moments of hope and resilience. It's completely normal to experience these ups and downs, especially with factors like treatment side effects and concerns about the future weighing on your mind. If this is you, you're not alone on this journey.

Healing doesn't always happen overnight. Even after treatment ends, the psychological effects of cancer can linger. Fear of recurrence, adjusting to changes in your body, and finding your way back to everyday life can be ongoing challenges. But know that there's support available to help you navigate these hurdles.

Studies show that how people feel mentally can greatly impact the overall quality of life of cancer survivors. That's why interventions aimed at improving coping skills, easing distress, and building resilience are so important. Taking care of your mind is just as crucial as caring for your body during this time.

Amidst the struggles, many survivors find unexpected growth and strength. It's called post-traumatic growth, and it can lead to a deeper appreciation for life, stronger connections with loved ones, and a renewed sense of purpose. The journey doesn't end with cancer – it can be a testament to personal resilience and spirit.

If you or someone you care about could use a listening ear or some guidance on navigating life after cancer, we're here for you. Get in touch for a free, no-pressure chat today. Sometimes, a little support and evidence-based therapy can make all the difference.

commitpsychology.co.uk for contact details.

13/02/2024

Finding Peace with Health Anxiety

Struggling with health anxiety can feel like navigating a never-ending maze of worry and uncertainty. It's that constant drumbeat in the mind, amplifying every minor ache into a looming catastrophe. But you're not alone. Many others share this journey, and understanding the roots of health anxiety can be the first step toward finding peace.

Did you know that the relentless checking of symptoms and seeking reassurance bears striking similarities to OCD? Recognizing these parallels can help you feel validated and understood, knowing that your experiences are recognized within the broader context of psychological understanding.

But there's hope. Therapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), offer effective strategies for regaining control over health anxiety. By challenging distorted beliefs and embracing uncertainty, it's possible to break free from the grip of anxiety and rediscover a life of greater peace and fulfillment. You're not alone in this journey, and there is light at the end of the tunnel. Keep moving forward, and remember, healing is possible.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with Health Anxiety despite medical reassurance and absence of evidence of serious illness why not leave a message here or get in touch via CommitPsychology.co.uk A 20 minute chat is free and without obligation.

03/12/2023

Does mental illness exist?

I recall a patient saying, unequivocally, that she "had mental Health," Her perspective was that she had a mental health diagnosis, akin to a condition like the flu or appendicitis and her symptoms needed treating.

There is considerable debate on whether Mental Illness can be diagnosed like a chest infection. Not least because different mental health practitioners may offer different diagnoses for the same patients, an uncommon scenario in physical health settings.

Another concern is that a mental health diagnosis can prove disempowering for some individuals. The notion of "having" something implies a need for external intervention to remove it. The medications may reduce symptoms, but may not address the underlying causes of the symptoms. For example Anxiety is a response to something.

In response to these challenges, a group of thoughtful Experts by Experience along with a group of Psychologists have formulated an alternative framework for understanding psychological pain and distress—the Power Threat Meaning Framework. (See https://www.bps.org.uk/member-networks/division-clinical-psychology/power-threat-meaning-framework)

This framework shifts focus from diagnostic labels to exploring the relationships between power, threats, and meaning in individuals' lives as a means of understanding distress. It encompasses:

Power: Examining societal and individual power imbalances.
Threat: Considering various adverse experiences like trauma, abuse, discrimination, and social inequality.
Meaning: Emphasizing the importance of understanding the personal meaning individuals attribute to their experiences, highlighting the subjective nature of distress.

The model suggests considering the entire story behind distress rather than resorting to a diagnosis labels.

When grappling with anxiety or despair, reflecting on formative experiences and understanding what you are responding to may prove helpful.

If seeking help, consider engaging with a psychologist or mental health practitioner. www.commitpsychology.co.uk could be a valuable starting point.

01/12/2023

Pain Reprocessing Therapy - A new approach to back pain.

Over the last decade it has become clear that the experience of pain is created by the brain. That is not to say that pain is created by the mind. It is the mind that is aware of pain, as an output from the brain, in exactly the same way as the mind is aware of where your arms and legs are.

In about 85% of long lasting back pain no obvious cause can be found in the tissues of the back or the spine. This is because chronic pain is not the pain of injury that is lasting a long time. What appears to happen is that changes in the way the brain works lead to the brain creating pain for no good reason.

Imagine a car alarm. It is designed to go off when someone tries to break in to the car. That's how acute pain systems work. Instead, in Chronic pain the alarm has been set up so that it goes off when someone walks near the car with the volume set to maximum. In chronic pain the brain becomes over cautious, over sensitive and over respondent. It's as if the brain is looking at the body through a giant magnifying glass and it is finding things to worry about that really it should be ignoring.

In January 2022 Yoni Ashar and Alan Gordon published a research paper in JAMA looking at a new form of treatment for chronic back pain called Pain Reprocessing Therapy. In essence they were teaching people to reconceptualise pain as over sensitivity on the part of the brain and to learn to down regulate the brains output. OVER TWO THIRDS OF PEOPLE HAD NO OR LOW PAIN at the end of eight weeks of treatment. The research group as a whole had been troubled by persistent pain for ten years on average.

Alan Gordon has written a book outlining the treatment. You can find a link to it on the resources page of my website commitpsychology.co.uk

If you'd like to know more, why not get in touch. Leave a message here or give me a call. A twenty minute telephone call is absolutely free. Don't suffer in silence!

Commit Psychology is a Psychological Service run by Simon Neal, Consultant Clinical Psychologist