Steph at MindFull Psychology

05/11/2025

🚨 Using cannabis to manage anxiety or past trauma? New research shows it may actually make things worse.

A groundbreaking study from King’s College London has found that people who turn to cannabis to cope with anxiety, depression, or physical pain are more likely to develop paranoia, heavier use, and long-term mental health issues than those who use it recreationally.

Drawing on the Cannabis & Me survey—the largest of its kind—two companion studies revealed that users who began consuming cannabis to ease distress tended to take in far higher doses of THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for cannabis’s high. They also reported greater levels of paranoia and psychological distress.

In contrast, people who started using cannabis socially showed fewer mental health problems, suggesting that the reason for first use may shape its psychological impact.

The findings become even more concerning when childhood trauma enters the picture. Over half of the 3,389 participants reported early-life trauma, and these individuals showed stronger links between cannabis use, paranoia, and dependency. Researchers warn that using cannabis as a coping tool for emotional wounds may intensify rather than relieve distress.

These results raise important questions about cannabis legalization and mental health care. Experts urge better public education, trauma-informed support, and mental health screening to protect vulnerable users who may turn to cannabis for relief—but end up deepening their struggles.

🧠 Source:
BMJ Mental Health (Aug 26, 2025) – “Are reasons for first using cannabis associated with subsequent cannabis consumption (standard THC units) and psychopathology?”
Psychological Medicine (Aug 8, 2025) – “The impact of childhood trauma and cannabis use on paranoia”

04/11/2025

A great time with all the autumn colours to get out in nature and practice your grounding skills!!! This one’s for you LH….

04/11/2025

I love how this article explains the distinction between trauma memories and other memories, insightfully written by Dr Naomi Fisher

Are mealtimes a battle - and the harder you try, the worse it gets? Maybe you need a low demand approach to food. We'll show you how.

18/10/2025

Two of three days training in Integrating IFS with EMDR done!!!!

Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapy that views the mind as multiple "sub-personalities" or "parts” rather than one. The more trauma we’ve experienced, the more extreme some of our parts will be…which can unintentionally cause dysfunction. IFS therapy helps you to understand the role of different parts within you (such as protectors and exiles) and get self to work with these parts, restoring balance to the system. When IFS is integrated with EMDR we can reprocess the traumatic memories carried by these parts leading to a more holistic and relational healing experience.

Want to know more? Get in contact Psychology (skmpsych@gmail.com)

26/08/2025

Please share the following mental health organisations with anyone who has been affected by the loss of civilian life and taking of hostages in Israel and the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza:

Organisations providing Mental health support in Israel and Gaza:

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)

UNICEF

War Child

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme (GCMHP)

Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS)

People in Need

UNRWA

07/03/2025

Engaging in my own ecotherapy this afternoon! Ecotherapy is the term for the health and wellbeing benefits we get from being in and interacting with nature. Since our move in December, we are blessed to have it all on our doorstep, but ecotherapy can also be about the pictures of nature you hang on your wall, what you do when you leave your home anything involving interact with the natural world around you.

The planet is in decline so as a little gesture of giving back to nature, I am buying a tree that I will plant for each new client I take on in March. Just my way of reducing my carbon footprint... planting one tree could remove 1 tonne of carbon dioxide from the air over its lifetime.

04/02/2025

OCD can be treated, but people with the disorder tend to have a lower quality of life than neurotypical people. A recent study theorized that decision making could be, at least partly, to blame.

04/02/2025

Sharing one of my favourite affirmations for mindful living....
"Be open to everything, attached to nothing and don't fix on the outcome"
Let go of expectations!

02/11/2024

Enjoyed getting back to my routes today with this great training event in Manchester

31/10/2024

14/10/2024

If you’re looking for a HCPC Registered Psychologist I’m now accepting new clients. If you want to find out more or refer please email brief details regarding the nature of your referral to skmpsych@protonmail.co.uk.

I work with any of the following difficulties:

💡PTSD / CPTSD trauma symptoms
💡Complex trauma / developmental trauma
💡Depression / low mood
💡Anxiety (OCD, panic, health, social, GAD)
💡Bereavement / prolonged grief
💡Personality difficulties (PD)
💡Anger
💡Low self-esteem
💡Stress
💡Forensic risk assessment

26/09/2024

IBS is a common, often disabling gastrointestinal disorder affecting some 40 million individuals. For many people with IBS, pharmacological and dietary options fall short of helping the full range of symptoms…

CBT for IBS can help relieve symptoms and manage flares. We explore beliefs around uncontrollability and unpredictability and introduce ways of reducing exacerbating factors such as stress and anxiety. If you want to know more or refer for CBT sessions please get in contact: skmpsych@gmail.com