Feel Well Therapy

28/01/2026

Self-care can include enjoyment!

Self-care has developed a reputation for being serious and slightly joyless. While routines like mindfulness and movement matter, self-care can also include laughter, creativity, play, and doing things simply because you enjoy them.

Enjoyment isn’t indulgent. It helps regulate the nervous system, builds emotional resilience, and supports our ability to cope with everyday stresses.

Many people, particularly those who are used to caring for others or who hold beliefs such as “I must be strong” or “I must be productive”, can find it hard to prioritise themselves. Guilt or discomfort can surface.

As a therapist for over 30 years, I understand how complex this can feel. I also know that change is possible. While some journeys are more challenging than others, we can all learn skills to treat ourselves more compassionately and create more enjoyment in our lives.

A helpful cognitive reframe is this:
Looking after yourself is not self-centred – it’s maintenance.

22/01/2026

January reflections from Michelle

At this time of year, we often ask ourselves how we can improve, fix, or push forward. But those questions can assume we have unlimited energy, time, and motivation – which most of us simply don’t.

A more helpful question might be:
What would help me feel more balanced, supported, or steady right now?

That might mean:

Creating space to properly switch off
Building one habit that helps regulate stress
Practising saying no, or at least pausing before saying yes
If something increases pressure or self-criticism, it may not be the right focus for you.

Goals that truly support wellbeing tend to be small, flexible, and realistic. They allow room for real life rather than demanding perfection.

“Missing a week doesn’t mean you’ve failed.”
“Expect setbacks and return gently.”
”Aim for consistency, not perfection.”

22/12/2025

Wishing You a Restful Festive Season

As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to send my warmest wishes to every person connected to Feel Well Therapy — our clients, affiliate therapists, members, newsletter subscribers, colleagues, associates, and the wider community who support us in so many ways.

Your trust, kindness, and connection throughout the year mean a great deal.
However you spend this season, I hope it brings you moments of rest, comfort, and joy.

And as we look ahead to 2026, I wish you good health year to come.

Michelle

19/12/2025

We’re so pleased to be connecting with you each month through our newsletter—full of helpful resources, service spotlights, upcoming events, and updates from Feel Well Therapy and the The Feel Well Centre

Each month we share important updates from the clinic, new offerings and members of the team, hints and tips for the month, any important awareness days and events along with helpful resources.

This month we are discussing your sleep health and the ways you can regain a healthy sleeping pattern.m

Want it delivered straight to your inbox each month?
Sign up for next months issue here: https://mailchi.mp/714403bc1575/feel-well-therapy-newsletter

17/12/2025

I came across this and thought of many of our clients.

This time of year can bring a lot of pressure — expectations, deadlines, family dynamics, and very little space to pause. If things feel more overwhelming than usual, you’re not failing. Your nervous system may just be carrying a lot.

It’s okay to slow things down, to choose rest where you can, and to ask for support when you need it.

15/12/2025

An evidence-based route to better sleep...

If sleep problems are ongoing, one of the most effective, research-backed approaches is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) — which offers long-term improvements without the side effects associated with sleep medication.

CBT-I looks at:
• Aligning time in bed with actual sleep time to improve sleep efficiency
• Rebuilding a strong connection between bed and sleep
• Addressing unhelpful thoughts and worries about sleep
• Practical guidance around routines, habits and environment
• Calming the nervous system to prepare both body and mind for rest

The evidence is strong. Large clinical studies show CBT-I leads to significant reductions in insomnia severity, with many people continuing to sleep better months after treatment has ended.

Better sleep is possible — and support doesn’t have to start with medication.

If sleep has been a struggle for you, evidence-based help is available.

Please do reach out on info@feelwelltherapy.org.uk or call
07957 350396

12/12/2025

Sleep and mental health are closely connected. When one is affected, the other often follows. Many people notice that their sleep becomes lighter, broken, or more restless during stressful periods, and this time of year can make that even more noticeable. End of year demands, financial pressures, emotional load, and a full diary of festive preparations can all make it harder to unwind.

Good sleep helps us process emotions, supports our immune system, improves focus, and strengthens our ability to cope with daily stresses. When sleep is disrupted, everything can feel heavier. Anxiety rises, irritability increases, and our sense of resilience can quickly drop.

Worry, overthinking, and a racing mind can all keep us awake long after we want to be asleep. It is a very human response to stress, and you are certainly not alone if you have noticed this happening more often during the winter months.

If sleep has been difficult for a while, therapies such as CBT, EMDR, and CBT for Insomnia (CBT I) can offer practical tools to help reset unhelpful patterns and rebuild a healthier sleep routine.

Our team is here to support you through the winter months and beyond so please reach out to us if you are looking for support on ways to improve your sleep and/ or mental health and wellbeing. The easiest way is via our contact page on our website.

Alternatively you might want to look at the Mental Health Foundation website, which offers clear and accessible guidance on coping with sleep difficulties.

10/12/2025

Sleep, Stress, and Slowing Down for the Season

As we come to the end of another busy year, many of us find ourselves feeling stretched between work, home, and festive preparations. When life feels full, rest is often the first thing to slip — yet it’s one of the most important foundations for our mental and emotional wellbeing.

This month, we’re focusing on something we all need, but don’t always prioritise: sleep. How it affects our mood, our stress levels, and our resilience — and what we can do to gently improve it.

Keep an eye open for our posts coming in the next few days.

Warmly,
Michelle
Clinical Lead, Feel Well Therapy

10/11/2025

Working With Employers: Supporting Employee Wellbeing
With 1 in 6 employees experiencing a common mental health condition, many organisations are now recognising the importance of early support.

At Feel Well Therapy, we provide:

*Specialist psychological assessment and evidence-based therapy (CBT, EMDR, Counselling)

*Treatment for stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, OCD, bereavement, and more

*Wellbeing in Menopause services, offering tailored assessment and therapy for employees navigating menopause at work

Our approach is guided by NICE clinical guidelines, ensuring employees receive the right therapy, first time. Too often, referrals default to counselling alone, which may not be the recommended treatment for many difficulties. We help employers understand what’s best for each situation — whether that’s CBT, EMDR, Counselling, or specialist menopause support.

What you can expect:

*Professional, confidential service
*Assessment appointments within 2–4 weeks
*Outcome and satisfaction data collection
*Clear communication and transparent costs
*Flexible, pay-as-you-go structure — no long-term contracts

If you’d like to discuss how Feel Well Therapy can support your organisation’s wellbeing, contact Michelle for an informal chat:
info@feelwelltherapy.co.uk

03/11/2025

A message from Michelle,

November brings with it two important awareness campaigns — International Stress Awareness Week and — both shining a light on the importance of looking after our mental health and recognising when life’s pressures start to take their toll.

As the days get shorter and the end of the year draws near, many of us begin to feel the strain of deadlines, family expectations, or simply the pressure to “hold everything together.” Stress can creep up slowly — and before we know it, we’re running on empty.

This month, I wanted to take a moment to remind you that support is available, whether you’re struggling at work, at home, or in the quiet moments in between. Therapy offers space to breathe, to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, and to rebuild calm and confidence — one step at a time.

Warmly,
Michelle
Clinical Lead, Feel Well Therapy

28/10/2025

Unsure if you’re experiencing menopause/ perimenopause, considering HRT, or exploring lifestyle changes? Speaking to your GP can feel daunting but is a key step in taking control of yourwell-being.

To help, I’ve created a guide with tips for GP conversations, letter templates, and advice to ensure you feel heard.
As an experienced CBT, EMDR, and Occupational Therapist—and someone who’s been through menopause myself—I understand how overwhelming this can feel. You can regain your sense of self and feel empowered.

Check out the guide and take that first step—support is here for you.
Download your free guide': https://drive.google.com/file/d/
19_oAEEe9aBuLIBmg3w9LwtTGmWLzUBTs/view?usp=sharing

26/10/2025