• Diagnosis and Identity Part 2

    Diagnosis + Identity – Part 2

    We are told it is ‘our’ problem, that ‘we’ are the broken ones, the ones that have to be cared for by non-disabled people or expensive equipment. We have to ‘prove’ that we are ‘sick or disabled’ enough, to be able to access our basic needs (this often doesn’t take into account our pain or suffering, only to what extent the impairments render us economically inactive.) If we can’t produce, then we are considered a ‘burden’ – with historic invalidity allowances. What does that mean? Invalid, without validity? But we are valid, and the system is broken, not us.  In the US today, people are being denied opiates. Pain is…

  • diagnosis and identity image of red moon and brown/white feather against woods

    Diagnosis & Identity – Part 1

    Content Warning: Mention of abuse, hospital, mental health inpatient abuse, including conversion therapy, LGBTIAQ+ abuse, racism and BIPOC/BAME abuse. A diagnosis is the moment that breaks the timeline. Before becomes…before. Now we are firmly in ‘after’ and what’s before us here might be beyond what we could ever have imagined, ‘before’. Diagnoses can save, change and split lives. A diagnosis can become one of the most significant ways in which we identify ourselves. Often, in medical environment and interactions, a diagnosis can feel like the only aspects of us to which attention is paid. 

  • Starting therapy FAQ poster with plant and poster" hard roads lead to beautiful destinations

    Starting Therapy: Finding a Therapist, How it Works, First Session & Beyond 

    First time in therapy? If you haven’t worked with a therapist before, but are considering booking your first session, (or just feel you need some support and are checking out what might be available); you probably have a lot of questions. The entire process of finding and beginning therapeutic work can feel really intimidating and weird.  You might be wondering: – Do we just talk on the phone? – How is this different to talking to my best friend? – Can I even say some of my struggles out loud? What if you judge me? I’ve been there both as a client, as a coach and counsellor (in advance training)…