Having maintained a practice of tracking my own menstrual cycle for many years, and learning to pay closer attention to the cyclical experiences of the women and people in my therapy room, it became apparent that the issues that bring people to therapy are often more extreme and distressing in the luteal phase, between ovulation and the bleed. This observation is supported by research which shows that women in the mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle experience stronger emotional memories than women in other phases.
Category: Menstrual Cycle Awareness
Information about the menstrual cycle and mental health
What is Trauma?
Through my many years of study and practice across a broad spectrum of emotional distress and mental “disorder” in NHS and private settings, I have come to hold a very broad concept of “trauma”. You can read more about my position, and the associated complexities here: https://thebodyinmind.co.uk/2023/01/26/can-i-call-it-trauma/ but to summarise, it is my belief that in fact, we all hold the imprint of traumatic and adverse events occurring perhaps years or moments prior to, during and/or post our births into this world. These events shape us into complex and interesting individuals. Navigating adversity is part of the human experience, and whilst often difficult and sometimes devastating, traumatic experience also offers up rich opportunity for growth, resilience and hope.
A core message I wish to share via my work as a body focussed psychologist is that there are many ways in which we can benefit our wellbeing and accelerate healing via connecting and listening to the innate wisdom of our bodies.