TherapyMann

I love a good story and this one really resonated with me, particularly at the start of a new year when so many of us are contemplating changes in our lives.

Have you heard the story of the two Wolves? It goes something like this….
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. “A fight is going on inside me,” he said to the boy. “It is a terrible fight, and it is between two wolves. One is evil – he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.”
He continued, “The other is good – he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you – and inside every other person, too.”
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which wolf will win?”
The old Cherokee simply replied, “The one you feed.”

This old story reminds us how we have the power within ourselves to choose which thoughts and feelings we feed. We all have thousands of thoughts, each day, every day, and how we react to these thoughts determines our actions.

A thought on its own is neutral. It is only when you choose to put life into the thought that it becomes a reality.

Negative thoughts can lead to feelings of anxiety, anger, resentment etc. Therefore, if you want to have a more positive life you need to put life into more positive thoughts, by acting on them, and try to re-frame the negative thoughts or put a positive spin on them. You need to trust your gut to identify the positive thoughts you want to take forward into your life and create a better balance between the two.

This all sounds way too simple and I know change is not easy. What I am trying to demonstrate is that you have free will over how you react to your thoughts. You have a choice. The power is within you.

So, which wolf will you feed?

If you truly want to make change in your life then you need to embrace this decision and focus on the way you think, as this may be the key.

If you would like to have a partner working with you during this process, actively listening and exploring, reflecting what I see and hear, then please let me know. It would be an honour to join you on this journey.

Contact me via my website, therapymann.com or message me here and let’s talk!!!

🎄✨ Wishing all my clients and followers a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season! 🎁 I hope you enjoy time with loved ones and take a moment to relax.

I will be taking a couple of weeks off myself and will be back in the New Year.

Here’s to a happy and healthy new year ahead in 2026! Looking forward to continuing our journey together. 🥳💖

International Men's Day: Let's Ditch the Emotional Backpack!

Happy International Men's Day! Today, we’re celebrating all the great men out there—the dads, the brothers, the mates, the mentors!

We also want to give a shout-out to something important: men’s mental health. We know the traditional handbook said to "suck it up" and keep your feelings in a tightly sealed bottle. But honestly? That bottle is heavy, and you don't have to carry it alone.

Time to trade the tight lips for a chat.
Real talk: True strength isn't about ignoring problems; it's about having the courage to face them. We’re encouraging all men to open up and try seeking therapeutic support.

Why Not Give Counselling a Go?
• Lighter Load: Think of it as a mental gym session. You go in stressed, and you leave feeling lighter, stronger, and clearer.
• The Toolkit: You learn great coping strategies—like having a personal toolkit for navigating rough patches.
• Level Up Your Relationships: When you understand your own mind, you show up better for the people you care about.
• Pro-Tip Perspective: You get an objective, professional ear to help you untangle those complicated thoughts.

To every man: You're doing great, and it's totally okay to ask for help. Your emotional well-being is a priority, not a weakness.

Need a starting point? Check out my website at www.therapymann.com

The days are getting shorter, and with the night’s drawing in, it's common to feel a shift in our mood. If you find yourself feeling low on energy, less motivated, or experiencing a general sense of sadness, you might be dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It's a real condition, and you're not alone in feeling this way.
So, from a counselling perspective, what can we do to tackle this?

• Acknowledge your feelings. Don't dismiss what you're feeling as just "the winter blues." By acknowledging it, you give yourself permission to seek support and find ways to cope.
• Create a routine. The lack of natural light can disrupt our internal clocks. Establishing a regular sleep and wake schedule, and building in time for meals and activities, can provide a sense of stability and control.
• Stay connected. When we feel low, our natural instinct can be to withdraw. Make a conscious effort to stay in touch with friends and family. A simple phone call or a virtual chat can make a big difference.
• Move your body. Physical activity, even a short walk during daylight hours, can boost your mood and energy levels. It doesn't have to be a high-intensity workout; just getting your body moving helps.
• Consider professional support. If these feelings are persistent and affecting your daily life, talking to a counsellor can be incredibly helpful. Counselling provides a safe space to explore these feelings and develop personalised coping strategies.

Remember, it's okay to not feel okay. Taking proactive steps to care for your mental health is a sign of strength. If you're struggling, please reach out.

Stepping outside your comfort zone can feel scary—but it’s where real growth happens. 💪 Each small step builds confidence, resilience, and self-belief. You prove to yourself that you can handle the unknown.

I’ve been there—the fear, the doubt, the “what ifs.” But breaking things into small steps and celebrating progress has shown me I’m capable of more than I imagined. 🌟
If you feel there’s untapped potential in you, let’s explore it together. It would be an honor to support your journey. ✨

🌟 Exciting news, everyone! After much thought, a few deep breaths (and maybe a snack or two), I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my very first website for TherapyMann! 🎉💻

If you’ve ever felt like you could use someone to talk to who isn’t your cat—or your friend who always has unsolicited advice—then you’re in the right place! 🐱

Let’s explore your thoughts, feelings, and maybe even share a laugh or two along the way. Because sometimes, a good chuckle can make even the toughest topics a little lighter.

Check it out here: www.therapymann.com

Let’s embark on this journey together—because healing doesn’t always have to be serious!

Finding Your Sunshine: A Journey to Joy ☀️

Once upon a time, there lived a person named Alex, whose world was constantly shrouded in grey clouds. Joy felt like a distant memory, a sunbeam reserved for others. But one day, a quiet thought sparked within them: what if the sun was always there, just hidden?

Alex began a journey not of miles, but of moments. They first acknowledged the storm within, allowing themselves to feel the rain of difficult emotions without judgement. As the clouds began to thin, Alex started to collect small sparks of light in their daily life, a practice they called gratitude. It was in the warmth of a morning coffee, the kindness of a stranger, or a beautiful sunset that they found these tiny sunbeams.

Next, Alex reconnected with what truly mattered. They began painting again, a long-forgotten passion, and the act of creation brought a deep, quiet contentment. They volunteered at an animal shelter, finding profound joy in the simple, unconditional love of a wagging tail.

Most importantly, Alex learned that the journey wasn't about seeking perfection. The clouds still came, but they no longer held the same power. Alex understood that true joy wasn't about being happy all the time, but about building the resilience to find their own sunshine, even on the greyest of days. Their world hadn't become perfectly clear, but it was filled with light, proving that joy was a practice, not a destination.

What brings you a little spark of joy today? Share in the comments below! 👇

Find your own joy: If finding joy feels overwhelming, you don't have to navigate it alone. Counselling can provide tools, strategies, and a supportive environment to help you rediscover your inner light. Send me a message and we can have a chat about how I can help.

Feeling a little weighed down lately? You're not alone, and it's completely okay to seek support. Think of counselling not as a last resort, but as a powerful tool for personal growth and self-discovery!

Imagine having a dedicated space to unpack your thoughts, find clarity, and build resilience. Counselling can help you navigate life's challenges, understand your emotions, and develop healthy coping strategies. It's a chance to invest in your own well-being and become the best version of yourself.

Ready to take that first step? Send me a message to arrange a free 15-minute call.

I've just completed this excellent course. Well structured, easy to use, well presented resource materials and thought provoking insights and questions that will most definitely impact my own practice.

Working with Relational Trauma: Dealing with Disorganised Attachment | Carolyn Spring In this course I look at the evolution of attachment theory and what this means for working therapeutically with people who have experienced relational trauma, and how its impacts can be reversed through the development of a secure base and ‘earned secure attachment’ through psychotherapy. Aimed...