The Devon Clinic

Author: Chris Fleet (Dip.Hyp. Adv D. hyp, SQHP)

  • 8 Simple Tips to Manage Stress Effectively

    Everyone feels stressed sometimes, but managing it well is important for staying happy and healthy. Let’s talk about simple ways to handle stress so you can feel calm and in control.

    Understanding Stress and How to Manage Stress

    manage stressStress is your body’s way of responding to challenges or threats. It can be anything from homework, a big game, or even just a busy day. While a little stress can help you stay focused, too much stress can make you feel overwhelmed and tired. It’s like a tightrope walk – a little bit of stress can help you balance, but too much can make you fall.

    The Importance of Managing Stress

    Why should you care about managing stress? Well, stress affects more than just your mood. It can make you feel tired, upset your stomach, give you headaches, and even make it hard to sleep. By learning how to manage stress, you can feel better and be more ready to take on whatever comes your way.

    Simple Ways to Manage Stress

    Here are some easy ways to handle stress and keep your mind and body in balance:

    1. Progressive Muscle Relaxation

    This is a great way to relax your body and mind. Here’s how to do it: relax

    1. Find a quiet place to sit or lie down comfortably.
    2. Start with your feet. Tense the muscles for 5 seconds, then relax for 10 seconds.
    3. Move up to your calves, thighs, abdomen, and so on, until you’ve tensed and relaxed all muscle groups.
    4. Breathe deeply and enjoy the feeling of relaxation.

    This exercise helps you become aware of the tension in your body and teaches you how to release it. It’s like giving your muscles a mini-vacation!

    2. Deep Breathing

    Deep breathing can help calm your mind and reduce stress. Try this simple exercise:

    1. Sit comfortably and close your eyes.
    2. Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose, counting to 4.
    3. Hold your breath for a count of 4.
    4. Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 4.
    5. Repeat this a few times until you feel calm.

    Deep breathing sends a signal to your brain that it’s time to relax. It’s a quick and easy way to feel more at ease.

    3. Stay Active

    Exercise is a great way to blow off steam and reduce stress. Even a short walk, a game of football, or dancing to your favourite music can make a big difference. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are chemicals in your brain that make you feel good. So, next time you’re feeling stressed, get moving!

    4. Stay Connected

    Talking to friends or family can help you feel supported and less stressed. Don’t be afraid to share your feelings and ask for help if you need it. Sometimes, just knowing someone is there for you can make a big difference.

    5. Stay Organised

    Sometimes stress comes from feeling overwhelmed by everything you have to do. Try making a list of your tasks and tackle them one at a time. Breaking things down into smaller steps can make them feel more manageable. Think of it like eating an elephant – you do it one bite at a time!

    6. Take Breaks

    Don’t forget to take breaks. Whether it’s a few minutes to stretch, read a book, or just relax, taking time for yourself can help you recharge and reduce stress. It’s important to give your brain a rest so you can come back to your tasks feeling refreshed.

    7. Get Enough Sleep

    A good night’s sleep can make a big difference in how you handle stress. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, and create a bedtime routine to help you relax before sleep. Avoid screens and caffeine before bed, and make your bedroom a comfortable place to rest.

    8. Mindfulness and Meditation

    Mindfulness and meditation can help you stay present and focused, reducing feelings of stress. Try sitting quietly for a few minutes each day, focusing on your breath and letting go of any distracting thoughts. There are also many apps and online videos that can guide you through mindfulness exercises.

    How Hypnotherapy Can Help

    Hypnotherapy is another effective way to manage stress. It involves guided relaxation, intense concentration, and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness, sometimes called a trance. In this state, you can focus your mind on specific thoughts or tasks, which can help you relax and manage stress better. Hypnotherapy can also help change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to stress, providing long-term relief.
    If you want to know more then you can ask Chris Fleet from the Devon School of Hypnotherapy for more information

    Everyday Habits for Managing Stress

    1. Create a Routine: Having a daily routine can provide structure and reduce uncertainty, which can lower stress.
    2. Eat Healthily: A balanced diet can improve your mood and energy levels, making it easier to handle stress.
    3. Limit Caffeine and Sugar: These can increase anxiety and make it harder to manage stress.
    4. Find a Hobby: Engaging in activities you enjoy can be a great way to relax and reduce stress.
    5. Practice Gratitude: Taking time to appreciate the good things in your life can help shift your focus away from stress.

     

    Stress is a part of life, but it doesn’t have to take over. By learning to manage stress effectively, you can stay calm, focused, and ready to handle whatever comes your way. Remember, simple techniques like deep breathing, staying active, and taking breaks can make a big difference. Hypnotherapy can also be a powerful tool to help you manage stress and improve your overall well-being.

    So, next time you feel stressed, try one of these tips and see how it helps. You’ve got this!

  • Why Your Gut Health Matters

    Why Your Gut Health Matters

    Why Your Gut Health Matters

    Gut Health

    Imagine the last time you felt really amazing. Not just okay, but full of energy, clear-headed, and ready to do anything. What if I told you that a big part of that feeling came from your gut?

    Yes, your gut. The part of your body that helps you digest food and has a huge impact on how you feel overall. Let’s talk about why your gut health matters and how you can take care of it to feel great every day.

    The Gut-Brain Connection

    First, let’s talk about the gut-brain connection. Have you ever had a “gut feeling” or butterflies in your stomach before something big? That’s your gut and brain talking to each other. The gut is sometimes called the “second brain” because it has millions of nerve cells and produces more serotonin (the happy chemical) than your brain. When your gut is healthy, it sends happy signals to your brain, making you feel good and energetic.

    Now, think about the opposite. An unhealthy gut can make you feel tired, grumpy, and even sad. It’s not just about digestion; it’s about how you feel every day. When you take care of your gut, you’re not just helping your digestion; you’re boosting your overall happiness.

    Immune System Superpower

    Your gut is also a big part of your immune system, which keeps you from getting sick. About 70% of your immune cells are in your gut. A healthy gut with lots of good bacteria can fight off bad germs and keep you healthy.

    Think of your gut as a busy city. A healthy city has different areas working well together. When this balance is messed up, things go wrong. In your gut, this can lead to problems like “leaky gut,” where bad stuff gets into your body, causing inflammation and making you sick.

    Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

    Let’s get back to basics. The gut’s main job is digestion. A healthy gut breaks down food and absorbs nutrients, giving your body the energy and building blocks it needs. When your gut isn’t healthy, it can’t get all the good stuff from your food, leaving you feeling tired and weak.

    Remember the last time you felt bloated or gassy after eating? That’s your gut telling you something’s wrong. It’s not just uncomfortable; it’s a sign that your digestive system needs help. By taking care of your gut, you can enjoy meals without feeling bad afterwards and know your body is getting all the nutrients it needs.

    The Role of Fibre and Probiotics

    So, how do we keep this important organ in top shape? Start with fibre. Fibre is your gut’s best friend, feeding the good bacteria and keeping everything moving smoothly. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans to give your gut the fibre it needs.

    Probiotics are another key part. These are good bacteria that help keep your gut balanced. Eat probiotic-rich foods like yoghurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. These foods add helpful bacteria to your gut, boosting its natural balance.

    Simple Changes, Big Impact

    You don’t need to change your whole diet to improve your gut health. Simple changes can make a big difference. Start by drinking plenty of water, eating a variety of foods, and managing stress through activities like mindfulness or meditation. These small steps can improve your gut health and, in turn, your overall well-being.

    Everyday Habits for a Healthy Gut

    1. Eat a Rainbow: Include colourful fruits and vegetables in your meals. Each colour represents different nutrients that are good for your gut.
    2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water helps your digestive system run smoothly. Aim for about 6-8 glasses a day.
    3. Chew Your Food: Take your time to chew your food well. This helps your stomach digest it better and absorb more nutrients.
    4. Move Your Body: Regular physical activity keeps your digestive system active and healthy. Even a simple walk can help.
    5. Sleep Well: A good night’s sleep helps your gut repair and function properly. Try to get 8-10 hours of sleep every night.
    6. Reduce Stress: Stress can mess with your gut health. Find ways to relax, like listening to music, reading a book, or spending time with friends.

    Foods That Love Your Gut

    • Fruits and Vegetables: Apples, bananas, berries, carrots, broccoli – they all have fibre that feeds the good bacteria.
    • Whole Grains: Brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread are great choices.
    • Legumes: Beans, lentils, and chickpeas are full of fibre and protein.
    • Probiotic Foods: Yoghurt, kefir, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi add good bacteria to your gut.
    • Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide healthy fats and fibre.

     

    Your gut is more than just a part of your digestive system; it’s a key player in your health and happiness. By understanding and taking care of it, you can change how you feel every day. Remember, a healthy gut leads to a happy mind, a strong immune system, and a vibrant life.

    So, let’s celebrate gut health – the hidden hero of our well-being journey. Here’s to feeling fantastic from the inside out!

    If you want to know more about gut health, you can always talk to our in-house gut health specialist, Marlene, from the Devon Allergy Clinic.

  • The Devon Clinic 3 Peaks Challenge

    The Devon Clinic three-peaks challenge involves local business owners raising money to help victims of domestic abuse receive much-needed assistance.

    Click Here To Donate

    The Devon Clinic three-peaks challenge involves local business owners raising money to help victims of domestic abuse receive much-needed assistance.
    We aim to climb the highest peaks in Scotland, Wales and England within a 24-hour time frame.three peaks

    Join Us in Supporting Mental Health & Victims of Domestic Abuse! 

     

    We’re delighted to announce our participation in the Three Peaks Challenge, a crazy adventure that combines physical endurance with a powerful commitment to supporting mental health and aiding domestic abuse victims.

    The Devon Clinic provides vital support to people who have experienced all forms of domestic abuse.

    We are incredibly grateful to the local business owners who are going to climb the highest peaks in England, Scotland, and Wales within just 24 hours.

    100% of the funds raised will directly fund psychological support services for victims of domestic abuse.

    Your generosity will enable us to provide vital counselling, psychotherapy, and support programs to individuals and families who are navigating the complex aftermath of domestic abuse.

    With your help, we can offer support to those who need it most.

    How can you get involved? Here’s how:

    1️⃣ Donate: Consider contributing to our Three Peaks Challenge fundraiser. Your donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of survivors, helping them on their journey towards healing and empowerment.

    2️⃣ Spread the Word: Share our mission with your network! Raising awareness about our cause, you help us reach more people willing to lend their support and make a positive impact.

    3️⃣ Follow Our Journey: Stay updated on our progress as we embark on this incredible adventure. We’ll be sharing stories, photos, and updates from the trail, giving you a glimpse into the heart of our mission.

    Domestic abuse affects millions of individuals worldwide, leaving lasting scars and challenges in its wake. But together, we can be a force for change, offering support, compassion, and, more than anything, a way forward…

    Thank you for joining us in this important mission. Your support means everything to us and to those we serve.

     

     

    Click Here to Donate

  • 5 Great Reasons To Volunteer at The Devon Clinic

    Volunteering Can Transform Your life and Boost Your Career

    Volunteer at The Devon ClinicVolunteering is an incredible way to give back to your community, learn new skills, and make lasting connections. At The Devon Clinic, there are numerous opportunities for you to make a real difference in people’s lives while reaping the benefits of volunteering. Today, we encourage you to consider joining this amazing team for one or two days a week. With travel money, free training, and a chance for future employment, there’s never been a better time to step up and #volunteer.

    1. Travel expenses and free training The Devon Clinic understands the value of its volunteers and wants to ensure that you’re well-supported during your time with them. That’s why they provide travel money to help cover the cost of getting to and from the clinic. Additionally, you will receive free training to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in your role. This training benefits the clinic and its clients and enhances your personal and professional development.
    2. The power of #volunteer work in #Paignton Located in the heart of Paignton, The Devon Clinic is a community-driven organization dedicated to improving the #mentalhealth and wellbeing of its clients. By volunteering at the clinic, you can make a tangible impact in your local community, providing essential support to individuals in need.
    3. Improve your mental health while helping others. Volunteering has been proven to positively affect volunteers’ mental health. By engaging in meaningful activities and helping others, you can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. It’s a win-win situation: you help improve the mental health of those in need while boosting your emotional well-being.
    4. Gain valuable experience and training for future employment. The skills and experience gained through volunteering can be invaluable when it comes to finding employment. One of The Devon Clinic’s previous volunteers secured full-time employment after their time there. By volunteering, you can demonstrate your dedication, work ethic, and ability to learn new skills, making you an attractive candidate for future employers.
    5. Join a supportive community focused on mental health. The Devon Clinic offers a welcoming and nurturing environment where you can connect with others who share your passion for mental health and well-being. As a volunteer, you will be surrounded by professionals, therapists, and fellow volunteers who can provide support, guidance, and friendship. These connections can lead to lasting relationships and even future opportunities.

    If you’ve been considering volunteering and are interested in mental health, The Devon Clinic in Paignton is the perfect place. With travel money, free training, and a chance to make a difference in your community, you have everything to gain by joining this dedicated team. So why wait? Start your volunteer journey today and become a part of something truly special. #mentalhealth #training #Paignton

    Equality and Diversity For Volunteers

    As a charity, the Devon Clinic is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all its activities, including funding activities. Here are some of the steps that the Devon Clinic CIC has taken to ensure that its volunteering activities are inclusive and equitable:

    1. Developing an equality, diversity, and inclusion policy: The Devon Clinic has developed an equality, diversity, and inclusion policy that outlines its commitment to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of its work, including funding activities.
    2. Training staff on equality, diversity, and inclusion: The Devon Clinic provides regular training to its staff on equality, diversity, and inclusion issues, including unconscious bias, cultural awareness, and inclusive practices.
    3. Consulting with communities: The Devon Clinic CIO consults with local communities to ensure that its funding priorities reflect the needs and aspirations of diverse groups.
    4. Promoting accessibility: The Devon Clinic promotes accessibility by ensuring that its funding application processes are clear and easy to understand and that all relevant information is provided in accessible formats.
    5. Providing support for underrepresented groups: The Devon Clinic provides additional support to underrepresented groups, such as people with disabilities or those from low-income backgrounds, to enable them to access funding opportunities.

    Overall, the Devon Clinic has taken a range of steps to embed equality, diversity, and inclusion policies and practices in its funding activities. By doing so, it aims to ensure that its funding is accessible, equitable, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of diverse communities. 

  • We Are Proud To Be Named G12 Charity Of The Year 2023

    As a charity, we are constantly on the lookout to work with good, reputable local companies and organisations.

    For any business, networking is vitally important and the contacts that we meet at these events are vital for us.

    We are delighted to have been chosen as Charity of the Year by the G12 Business networking club which runs Business Networking Events at venues across South Devon.  G12 Business Club meetings provide the perfect balance between informal networking and structured business exchange, so the meetings are both fun and productive.

     

    The great thing about the G12 Networking Events is that all businesses are welcome with no commitment to join like some groups, you can just attend on an ad-hoc basis.  For every meeting, you have a 60-second pitch platform and three focused 1-to-1s with other business people.

     

    We have always found them valuable in making new business contacts that can help add and grow what we offer for our clients here.

     

    If you have never experienced Networking before this is a great introduction and theres a very useful article about networking here

     

     

    You can find out when their next events are on their website https://g12businessclub.co.uk

  • Male sexual issues and how Hypnotherapy can help

    A short blog written by our Registered Hypnotherapist and Psychosexual Hypnotherapist and registered nurse, Louise Dawkins. 

     

    Currently, 22% of men in the UK will be concerned about a sexual difficulty. Why suffer in silence, when hypnotherapy could help you?

    These can range from Erectile Dysfunction, Premature Ejaculation, Body Confidence issues or a host of other sexual related problems.

    Thought patterns can be accountable for a large amount of sexual issues, that eternal negative voice in your mind. When Hypnotherapy is practised in a non-judgemental, secure, honest and open space these symptoms can often be alleviated.

    There are 3 classifications that men’s sexual dysfunction disorders can be generally placed into, those of sexual arousal, desire or orgasm disorders. These conditions may present in different forms, of varying degrees such as, only a partial ability or total inability to maintain an erection, unable to feel sexual excitement or pleasure or ejaculating too soon, all of which could lead to a decline or avoidance of sexual contact.

    Hypnotherapy helps you to relax and remove any mental blocks or anxiety which could be affecting your sexual performance, helping you to feel in control of your body, giving you confidence and empowering you to have fulfilled and rewarding sexual experiences.

    Previous sexual traumas or negative experiences could have an ongoing impact in life and hypnotherapy can often bring release from these feelings and allow men to move on in a more positive and confident manner.

    Please do see your GP prior to the consultation to rule out any medical conditions that may be contributing towards your issues.

    Sex and intimacy are an important part of life, allow yourself to enjoy your own sexuality.

    If you have any questions please contact me or book in for a free consultation, all information is strictly confidential and therapy is carried out in a safe environment.

    Please give Louise a call or email for a completely private, confidential chat: 

    07902515793 – louise@abilyhypnotherapy.uk

  • The Mind and The Body

    My Time at The Devon Clinic.

    “When I first attended the clinic, I could hardly walk with a terrible pain in my lower back and knots galore, alongside ongoing anxiety! Little did I know that a massage would change my life and completely re-adjust my body. After seeing Sue Coome my pain has never come back a year down the line…

    Sue used a spiritual healing technique that didn’t involve too much touch and more use of energy. At first, I was hesitant to if it would actually work, but straight after I was so impressed and felt like I had been re-booted! Not only did Sue give me a massage that actually made a difference, but she also talked to me about what stressors I had going on at the time and made me feel at ease with my feelings. From expressing that I have been feeling low, Sue was straight on to informing me of what The Devon Clinic can offer and explained how it would help me personally. I was then guided to join The Single Parent Programme which allowed me to get counselling sessions and more physical therapy for only £5 per session. This has changed my life. The clinic actively wants to help the community and really showed their compassion to me and my situation. A year later and I just wanted to share my thanks in supporting me to becoming my best self, full of energy and I make the most out of each day. Thank you to my talking therapist, Chris Fleet. Helping me see my life in a much more positive light and tackled my anxieties. Thank you to everyone there and please do not hesitate to get help at The Devon Clinic, they know what they’re doing!”

    A huge thank you for such a great review which really empathises what we try to do here. The Devon Clinic offers support for not only the mind but the body too. Not many people are aware with how the mind and body is connected to our overall wellbeing. Massage alone can’t fight depression, but it does offer relief and can boost your dopamine and serotonin levels which are linked to reducing depression. So when we combine both talking therapy ( counselling/hypnotherapy/life coaching ) with the physical therapy of massage your whole body will react positively as the mind and body are powerful allies.

    So, what is the mind and body connection?

    Research has found that stress diminishes white blood cell response to infected cells, so if you are stressed, they tend to heal far slower, and vaccinations etc are less effective. When feeling stressed or anxious, your body will respond as if its under attack and will turn in to a physical reaction which is called ‘fight-or-flight stress response’. Your body then releases hormones that speed up your heart rate, increase your blood pressure and make the muscles tense up. This reaction is good if you need to avoid any danger, however if you feel continuously stressed your body’s natural fight-or-flight reaction can last too long which will lead to a more continuous feeling of depression and physical pain. This is why its important to try and have a positive outlook because the body will response accordingly with the mind. However, if you do feel that the stress is somewhat constant, and your body isn’t feeling right, then maybe it’s time to seek professional support and work on connecting the mind and body which will overall leave a highly positive affect to your well-being.

    There are many options out there that can help the mind and body. Whether that be from the comfort of your home by watching online meditation or physically seeing someone who is trained to help.

    Here at The Devon Clinic, we have a whole range of both mental and physical therapies with practitioners who are dedicated to helping their clients. So please contact us today so we can talk through what options could be suitable for your own individual needs.

     

    Contact us on 01803 500 300 or additionally email us ay reception@devonclinic.co.uk

     

  • Refuge4Pets – What its all about!

    My name is Shirley Westaway and I am the outreach coordinator with Refuge4Pets. I am writing to introduce myself and my role to you, and to tell you a little about our service.

    Until March 2021, and for the previous 14 years, I was a MARAC IDVA with First Light, supporting high-risk victims of domestic abuse during their ‘crisis period’, particularly in the North Cornwall area.

    That role involved working with male and female victims, risk assessing, safety planning (including attending the weekly MARAC), supporting around all kinds of issues, advocating for and with the client regarding the police, social care, court (criminal, civil and family), mental health, housing etc.

    My knowledge around all of these agencies/organisations grew and I now have a good understanding of how they can support a survivor of abuse, including what their limitations are.  This enables me to best advise those I work with.

    I also provided (and continue to provide) training around domestic abuse, sexual abuse and the impact on victims and children, within the service and externally.   And I was a trustee with Southwest charity, Refuge4Pets – whom I now work for.

    Pets are often the silent victims of domestic abuse and used as part of the pattern of coercion and control, threatened, yelled at, beaten, kicked and, in some cases, killed (results of recent survey below).

    You would not expect those escaping domestic abuse to leave their children behind, and we at Refuge4Pets do not expect them to leave their pets either. However, if they are escaping to a refuge, or other emergency accommodation, it is very rare that they can take their pet with them, especially if it’s something large, like a horse.  Therefore, many remain in their abusive situation.

    And so, we provide a service across Devon and Cornwall (those entering or those moving within) and foster their pets.

    We are one of only four such services in England, and the only one providing such a service in the Southwest.

    We have more than 150 carefully recruited foster carers and we ensure we place the appropriate animal with the appropriate carer.

    Since we started in August 2017, we have enabled more than 250 individuals (male and female) and families to escape domestic abuse, by fostering nearly 400 animals, mostly cats and dogs, but horses, snakes, rabbits, birds. We understand the victims of domestic abuse often have to leave with nothing, therefore we supply everything that animals need, including covering the cost of veterinary treatment, pet food, and bedding.

    To this end, we need to take part in many fund-raising activities and are always grateful for volunteers to help with these events.

    As a small charity (service manager, admin, two project workers and me – outreach coordinator.

    Our two knowledgeable, empathic project workers rescue the pets and transport them to the foster home, engaging with other services to enable a safe escape, as necessary. They liaise between the foster carer and the owner of the pet on a regular basis, updating them with the progress of the pet, and often share photos or videos.

    And then, they have the best job in the world, when they reunite the pet and their owner, once suitable accommodation is found Pets tend to stay in our care for six months, although that can vary, especially with the housing situation during Covid, and we have had a number of pets in our care for longer.

    Once owners are reunited with their pets, we have noticed that many have seen their professional support drop away.  Some may have escaped to family or friends and their professional support be non-existent. Therefore, my role is to support those service users, regarding any topic, and whether an emotional or practical concern.

    This is a 12-month pilot, and I have supported more than 50 clients in the past 10 months, helping them settle into their new surroundings, to engage with other agencies and groups, and regarding issues around housing, social care, budgeting, funding, domestic abuse, and sometimes just giving them, someone secure to vent to!

    I have also organised summer activities for them, from dog walks to craft sessions, and recently facilitated the Recovery Tool Kit with them. I will be hoping to run this course again in 2022 and I plan to recruit and train volunteers/peer mentors, so that they may help support survivors in their own areas.

    I am honoured to work with those I do, they inspire me daily.

    Anyone can make a referral to our service.  These must be made by either calling the office number on 0300 4000 121, or by using the referral form on our website, with as much detail as possible.

    This helps us ensure we place the animal with the most appropriate foster carer as soon as possible. While messages regarding referrals can be left on our answer service, referrals will only be acted upon during office hours, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm. We are not able to provide a service for those entering hospital, prison, rehab, going on holiday etc. Our service is purely for those escaping domestic abuse.

    We train vets and animal charities nationally around domestic abuse and also regarding the links between DA and animal abuse, and we are in the process of expanding to offer training regarding An Introduction to Domestic Abuse, and also Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control.  We also hope to expand subjects offered in the future.

    If you would like a presentation about our service directly to your own team, or if you are interested in our training, please contact the office and we will be happy to have that discussion with you.

    Recent research titled ‘Animal Abuse as a Strategy of Coercive Control’ carried out by Dr Mary Wakeham, Service Manager of Refuge4Pets, surveyed 107 victim-survivors of domestic abuse from across the UK, all of whom had animals in the house at the time of the abuse.  In-depth interviews were also conducted with 24 victim-survivors and 10 professionals from across the UK.

    The research found that animals were abused by the perpetrator (previous or current male partner) in 94 of the 107 households (88 per cent) and all 24 interview participants talked about how the perpetrator abused animals.

    Animals were murdered by the perpetrator in 13 of the 107 survey participants’ households (often multiple animals murdered in these households) and in households where an animal was given as a ‘gift’, abuse often took place.

  • Binge Eating Disorder – What is it, and What Might Cause it?

    Binge Eating Disorder – What is it, and What Might Cause it?

     

    Binge eating can be a frightening experience, where you can feel completely out of control. It’s as if you just can’t seem to stop eating, and some people describe a sense of zoning out or dissociating while bingeing. The brain doesn’t seem to register that you are full until you either run out of food or feel overfull and sick. This is quickly followed by an overwhelming sense of shame and failure to control yourself. Once again you have binged….

     

    Why does this happen and why is it so difficult to stop? There are five main reasons:

     

    1. Dieting – yes, that’s right, trying to significantly restrict your food intake can trigger episodes of binge eating. Will power only takes us so far. This is because the body is primed to make you eat. When the brain senses we aren’t getting enough nutrients, it ramps up our hunger responses. Fight hunger and it fights back! Eventually, biology wins the battle and out-of-control eating can result.

     

    1. Planning to restrict. You know this one – “my diet starts on Monday” (Therefore, I might as well eat as much as I can of my ‘forbidden’ foods over the weekend.) It’s called Last Supper eating, and can happen several times a week.

     

    1. Emotional regulation. Certain foods in certain quantities can act in the same way as anti-anxiety drugs. Chocolate is a good example of this. By filling yourself up with food, part of the nervous system called the parasympathetic nervous system is activated. This part calms you and puts you in a restful state. The brain soon learns that food seems to reduce your anxiety and other difficult emotions. It may therefore compel you to binge in times of stress.

     

    1. Frequent behaviours soon turn into habits, especially where the habit is linked with your reward feedback systems (which food is). If you binge in certain situations or at certain times then this is most likely a habit. For example, when you get in from work (“I deserve this cake, I’ve had a hard day”). Habits are very powerful. Our brains link eating with survival, so the brain is vulnerable to the habit of bingeing at certain times.

     

    1. This is a lot more complex. Partly, this overlaps with 3, but there is a much deeper mechanism at work here. If your binge eating was originally triggered by traumatic experiences in the past, which remain unresolved, you may re-experience similar strong emotions and bodily sensations if you are triggered by other, often random events occurring during daily life. This can include certain situations, arguments, raised voices, different sights, sounds or even smells. We are not always aware of our triggers. In this situation, filling yourself up with food can be a way of feeling safe, and grounding yourself in the present moment. It is a coping mechanism, which may have enabled you to survive in the past, and is a way of soothing difficult feelings in the present.

     

    The good news is that a trained counsellor can help you to look at your binge eating behaviour more closely, and we can begin to explore your personal reasons for binge eating. We can look at your triggers, situations where you feel more vulnerable, and explore ways to help you cope which don’t involve bingeing. I will not ever judge you, or be shocked by what you tell me. I work together with you to discover your path to recovery.

     

    Written by counsellor Trish Thomas

  • Parental Burnout

    Being a parent can often be romanticised; however, recent studies show that 80% of parents suffer from burnout. The term ‘burnout” is often associated with high-profile jobs with excessive hours and much to sacrifice for success in their career. However, it’s not just working that can cause burnout; parenting can be too. Parenting is also classed as a full-time “job”; however, it is a lifetime commitment, with no option of resigning. That’s why it’s important to recognise the signs of parental burnout and start to put strategies to deal with it before a more extreme burnout happens.

    Parental burnout was identified in the 1980s and was described as “an exhaustion syndrome, characterised by feeling physically and mentally overwhelmed by their role as a parent” by researchers Isabelle Roskam and Moïra Mikolajczak.

    Burnout is a gradual progression, as many don’t realise they are at risk until it takes over. Though, it’s never too late to deal with burnout and reverse its effects before they develop into serious mental or physical health problems. It’s important to be self-aware and recognise the “red flags”, and knowing when you need to take a break and recharge can avoid potential burnout.

     

    Burnout red flags:

    • Short Temper – Snapping quickly at loved ones over things that you normally wouldn’t react to.
    • Foggy Brain – Memory issues, lack of mental clarity, unable to focus.
    • Low Tolerance – Things you may not have noticed previously now irate you and leave you with no patience with tasks, children, or others.
    • Heightened Emotions and Sensitivity – Becoming sensitive to bright light, loudness, crowds, eye contact, struggling in social situations, and crying for little or no reason.
    • Headaches– Increase in headaches, doesn’t like to go away.
    • Bad Sleep Patterns – Waking up early, going to sleep late. Up throughout the night, restless.
    • Forgetfulness – confusion and forgetting things daily, caused by depression, lack of sleep and a bad diet.
    • Bad Stomach – Stress can sometimes slow down digestion, causing IBS pain. Either constipation, diarrhoea or frequent trips to the toilet, and stress can only worsen digestive problems.
    • Depression – Symptoms of depression include low mood, hopelessness, low self-esteem, lack of energy and sleeping problems.
    • Anxiety – Chronic anxiety can lead to irrational thoughts and irrational fears that interfere with your everyday.
    • Feelings of Isolation – the sense of being alone even with others around. They are separated from others, socially or emotionally.
    • Overwhelming Feelings – Overwhelmed by expectations, responsibilities, and lack of time.
    • Bad Communication – Lack of active listening or snapping quickly.
    • Using Food, Drugs or alcohol to cope – Parents often joke about having a drink when the kids are in bed. However, habitual drinking to “unwind” `does not solve the problem and can lead to much more serious issues.

     

    In extreme circumstances, parental burnout can increase the child’s risk of abuse and neglect, which is not a surprise. Research has indicated that parental burnout/stress is a risk for domestic violence. The risk increases as the parent’s stress levels increase, leaving parents to imagine the possibilities of walking away.

    So, what can you do to prevent parental burnout? It’s important to be aware of the signs, and if you feel they relate to you, then reach out for help; there is no shame in asking for support. The Devon Clinic has been funded a programme for stressed single parents, offering nine sessions of counselling treatments. This hugely successful programme can help control and overcome any signs or feelings of being burnout. If you are not a single parent, do not worry. We have many practitioners that can help support you in your time of need.  Speaking out is the first step you can take; help is out there.

     

     

    01803 500300 – reception@devonclinic.co.uk