There is an idea from Johann Hari's Lost Connections that has stayed with me. He suggests that we may be one of the first generations of humans trying to live without a tribe. For most of our history, people lived in close-knit communities. We shared meals, raised children together, mourned losses together and leaned on one another through life's challenges. Connection wasn't a luxury—it was how we survived.

Trauma doesn't just affect what happened to us—it shapes how our brain, body, and relationships respond long after the event has passed. Many people living with trauma describe feeling stuck between extremes: overwhelmed by emotion one moment, emotionally numb the next. They may struggle to trust others, feel disconnected from themselves, or find it difficult to make sense of their experiences.

One of the biggest barriers to accessing therapy isn’t motivation or willingness—it’s logistics. Childcare, work schedules, fatigue, health issues, and the general chaos of daily life can make it incredibly difficult to prioritise your wellbeing.

When we label something “bad”, we unintentionally load it with moral judgment. That triggers resistance, defensiveness or avoidance—exactly what obstructs taking the first step toward change.

Ever sit at your desk ready to work but somehow… not working? You’re not alone. Motivation is fickle, but productivity hacks that rely on automation can break that cycle fast. Here’s my secret weapon: set a timer — and when it goes off, you do the thing.

Our nervous systems were never built for constant acceleration. We process, connect, and heal slowly — through rhythm, repetition, and rest. Yet we’re often praised for moving faster, doing more, pushing through.

We’re often told to just do your best—but what if your best looks completely different from one day to the next? Some days, “your best” might be tackling a to-do list, supporting others, and feeling productive and proud. Other days, it might mean getting out of bed, sending a single message, or just holding yourself together. And that’s OK.

We often set ambitious goals: “I’ll work out every day,” “I’ll stop overthinking,” or “I’ll finally get organised.” But most of us don’t fail because we lack willpower—we fail because we set the bar too high at the start.

Many people enter counselling unsure why their anxiety spikes in relationships or why trust feels so difficult. Increasingly, research shows that past trauma—especially in early attachment experiences—can profoundly influence our nervous system and relational patterns well into adulthood.