Black Woman Holding Cardboard Banner With World Peace Written On It Surrounded By White Policemen- Why Racism Is Like Being In An Abusive Relationship - Sandra Harewood Counselling

Why Racism Is Like Being In An Abusive Relationship

I am sure that you like me have been impacted, in one way or another, by events in the world right now.   For sure, George Floyd’s death has undoubtedly engaged the collective consciousness into action on racism.  

Hanging Light Bulb - What Happens When COVID - 19 Shines A Spotlight On Hidden Trauma - Sandra Harewood Counselling

What Happens When COVID – 19 Shines A Spotlight On Hidden Trauma

While the world faces a single problem that of Coronavirus – COVID19, what I’ve noticed is that we are all responding to this pandemic in our very different ways.

Single Leather High Back Arm Chair With Mustard Cushion In Room - What A Therapist Wants You To Know About Starting Therapy - Sandra Harewood Counselling

What A Therapist Wants You To Know About Starting Therapy

April is Stress Awareness Month.

In 2020 because of COVID-19, there’s certainly a different more potent resonance.  The entire world, it would seem, is struggling to come to terms with Coronavirus.  And the world is talking about mental health and the stress of living with this virus.

These are stressful times.

Woman Holding Smart Phone In hand In Front of Her Face - Recognise It! What You Should Know About Narcissistic Abuse [Infographic] - Sandra Harewood Counselling

Recognise It! What You Should Know About Narcissistic Abuse [Infographic]

How do you know if your relationship is abusive? Are you simply two people who get triggered and can’t figure it out sometimes?  That wouldn’t be uncommon.  Maybe you feel guilty because you’ve not shown up as you best self.  And we all do things at times we regret.

A Woman's Barefoot On Grass - 10 Simple Ways To Feel Calm And Grounded - Sandra Harewood Counselling

10 Simple Ways To Feel Calm And Grounded

Stress is meant to be temporary—but often lingers. Learn how grounding practices help you calm your nervous system and make clearer choices in relationships.

Female Lego Toy In Glass Container With Male Lego Toy The Other Side of The Glasswork Looking In - How To Stay Connected When Social Isolating COVID19 - Sandra Harewood Counselling

How To Stay Connected When Self-Isolating In Trying Times

The world has changed in a couple of weeks.

Less than a month ago, I was happy shaking hands with acquaintances.

A young beautiful black-haired girl dressed in a white T-shirt and white shorts lying on her side in a room on a wooden parquet in a square painted with a white paint, bending her legs in a lap and pressing them against her chest and hugging them with a hands. Top view - How To Protect Yourself When Self-Isolating With A Controlling Partner - Sandra Harewood Counselling

How To Protect Yourself When Self-Isolating With A Controlling Partner

Home isn’t always a safe place.

And even if you do feel okay, maybe home it isn’t always a calm, peaceful place.

Stressed Woman With Her Hands Covering Her Face - What Your Physical Symptoms Can Teach You About Hidden Stress

What Your Physical Symptoms Can Teach You About Hidden Stress

While I aim to live in the present and express gratitude for each day, I’m kind of glad we’ve got to the end of January! This time of year I can find challenging.  And I am not alone.  We are leaving behind one of the most stressful times of the year.

Woman Looking Through A Lens - Why Telling Your Story Means You Take Charge Of Your Life = Sandra Harewood Counselling

Why Telling Your Story Means You Take Charge Of Your Life

What’s your favourite story? Christmas has long gone, but I have to confess that I think that I’d watched five different versions of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol over the Christmas holidays!

Man And Woman Laying Down Head To Head Holding Hands - Why Attachment Styles Matter to Your Relationship - Sandra Harewood Counselling

Why Attachment Styles Matter To Your Relationship

Have you ever wondered why your partner always seems to want to escape when you have an argument?  Or perhaps why you always seem to be the one trying to get them to stay in the room and make things better.

Box of Coloured Eggs With Painted Faces - Verbal Abuse: When The Joke Just Isn't Funny - Sandra Harewood Counselling

Verbal Abuse: When The Joke Just Isn’t Funny

Many people assume that verbal abuse is just about swearing.  And some go one step further by thinking that swearing is only abusive if it’s attached to name-calling. If they didn’t call you an #@$%ing [insert], then they haven’t been abusive.

Girl Standing In Front of Brick Wall With Graffiti - The B* Word - Boundaries. Why It's Hard To Stop Saying Yes When You Feel No 1 - Sandra Harewood Counselling

The B* Word – Boundaries. Why It’s Hard To Stop Saying Yes When You Feel No

Ever found yourself giving in and putting the needs of someone else first or second-guessing yourself? Can you relate?  Then you know why setting boundaries feels so hard.