Summer Day By Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver, the American poet, died on 17 January 2019. Although celebrated in the USA, she is less well known in Great Britain. Although some may find her poems a little sentimental or too straightforward, for me they contain some of the big issues that we really grapple with in life. Like most of Oliver’s poetry, Summer Day celebrates the …

Andrew Allan Counselling

Loneliness

In recent years, a number of celebrities of have been open regarding their own mental health issues and this has been of great benefit in reducing the stigma. How often though do you hear of people admitting to feeling or having felt lonely? Loneliness continues to be a mental health taboo. Last year the BBC surveyed 55,000 people in as …

Andrew Allan Brexit Blog

Brexit

After over three years the Brexit saga continues to rumble on and takes another twist as Boris Johnson is appointed Prime Minister. We often joke about the Brexit arguments that we have had with friends and family and sigh with mock theatricality with each new political development. However, Brexit can take its toll upon mental health. For some, this long …

Visualisation

Around Easter we had some lovely weather and I can recall having a very enjoyable walk in Knole Park, Sevenoaks. My spirits were lifted and I felt really refreshed after a day working. The benefits of exercise for both mental and physical health are indisputable and recent research has also pointed to the beneficial effects of regular exposure to nature. …

Sleep

Sleep- In recent times, the link between sleep and wellbeing has been increasingly emphasised. It is certainly true that too little sleep can be detrimental to good physical and mental health as indeed can too much. Advice regarding turning off electronic devices, not eating too close to bedtime, keeping the bedroom cool etc. is all sensible and can be effective. …