Anglia Counselling Ltd

Living with…

Thriving through Post-traumatic Stress and Living Life by Surprise

by Bob Brotchie

(Guest post) ~ Liv…and a survivors story, living with PTSD.

It disturbs me every time it happens… but the flashbacks are getting to be less prevalent.

With my husband in the passenger seat, and my nine month old in the back, we passed a car accident a few days ago. The accident was over. There were several people on the side of the road. The cars were still in-situ. One of the cars had spun into my lane of traffic, the other was on the other side of the road, blocking a lane. [Read more…]

Living with Anxiety – Day 5

by Bob Brotchie

A huge ‘thank you’ to Sarah, and all the authors for contributing their poignant yet inspiring accounts of living with anxiety through this week.

Sarah, who runs No Longer a Problem, based in the North East of England found success in hypnotherapy for her generalised anxiety disorder. She illustrates a key point; to consider various offerings when searching for your key to reducing your anxiety. Inevitably there are counsellors, hypnotherapists and psychiatrists who, within their sector, as less suitable to the individual they meet so it is crucial to remain open-minded and try not to judge and generalise some experiences that are necessary to know what does work for you – as well as what doesn’t. 

I see anxiety more than any other single psychological manifestation in clients I meet. So it is an honour to learn more from these sharing and wonderful individuals this week.

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Living with Anxiety – Day 4

by Bob Brotchie

Catherine provides a young voice and a touching account as our wonderful guest author for Day 4 of this week long series. She is courageous in sharing her story and I found when reading this account, whilst preparing it for publication, a number of thoughts and emotions. I felt incredible compassion but also a sense of hope – that with the determination Catherine holds, she will continue to grow trust in the world.

Hey, so I’m Catherine, 21 years old and I suffer with anxiety, depression and bits of other mental health issues! I’m going to chat away about my anxiety, just how it affects me in every area of my life. Anxiety, something that we ALL experience at some point; before a first date, before a job interview etc. But someone like me who has anxiety, experiences that 24/7. [Read more…]

Living with Anxiety – Day 3

by Bob Brotchie

Claire Heard is our guest author for day 3 of this week long series. This is a wonderful story from Claire which I hope illustrates how, when we find keys that work for us as unique individuals, we can become less like victims – to that which doesn’t serve us. It is natural for us to fight any pain, but mindfulness can provide for levels of acceptance to reduce the impact of that pain. [Read more…]

Living with Anxiety – Day 1

by Bob Brotchie

Christine O’Hagan introduces this week of authors and their unique stories – with her own experiences of how she lives with anxiety. She tells me that just writing her account helped. Yes, it did create some anxiety, but it also provided perhaps even a little objectivity. Does this account resonate for you or a loved one?

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Living with Chronic Pain – Day 3

by Bob Brotchie

Despite living with multiple illness over more than two decades, Angela proves it is never too late to seek help. Here is her story, bravely shared to inspire you. Angela’s story is one that is sadly far from unique. Angela is however, unique, as is the new found self-esteem, sense of worth, feeling of wellbeing and recognition for who she is, from how she was.

Fighting the Battle Within

For years the feeling of living in a deep dark hole, constantly struggling to find my way out affected me daily. Every day felt like a rainstorm even when the sun was shining brightly. [Read more…]