However you are engaging in The Philosophy of Doing Less, Being Present and Feeling More, be it through Repose, subscribing to my newsletter, reading my thoughts on Instagram, you’ve been to one of my talks or working through Take It In; there might be times when you need some extra support if stuff comes up.
If this is where you’re at, I always recommend working with a therapist, counsellor or mental health practitioner where possible. If you are looking for mental health services, contact your GP or healthcare provider in the first instance.
With that said, while talking therapy is helpful and beneficial to many people, it’s also OK if you’ve worked out that it’s not for you. We all need community support. Mental health services can be free and available via the NHS or charities, but there is often a waiting list. Private therapists are another option, but may not be financially do-able for everyone, so do take your personal situation into consideration and know that your choices are always valid. There will always be support available for you in many different ways, there are such amazing resources out there.
Below I have listed some resources that I included in my book, where you can get more information, reach support services and receive guidance, including in an emergency:
Mental Health and Emotional Support
Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Below is a list of suggested therapies that might also serve you. Some practitioners are registered with a professional body such as the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council or one for their own industry. If they are not, always try to work with practitioners that come highly recommended, reviewed or through word of mouth. They should be able to share any of their qualifications and lineages with you upon request. Ask for those receipts!
Aromatherapy, Emotional Freedom Technique, Herbal Medicine, Massage, Meditation and Mindfulness, Nutrition, Reiki, Yoga.
Personal Toolkit
Throughout my work, you’ll find ideas for resourcing and regulating yourself, in Take It In look out for the practices, especially on page 192 and 216. You can find a free guided meditation directory here of some of the collaborations I’ve done. You can also sit in community and sign-up for the next Repose group class.
In addition, reach out to loved ones, friends and family, and any peers who can hold you, support you and make you laugh. Spend some time in nature, get enough sleep and have some fun!
You can create a mini toolkit and have it near you during times where you may feel dysregulated. This might be some soothing essential oils, a warm blanket, an affirmation written on a piece of paper, cuddly toys, crystals, photos of loved ones, objects that make you happy or a mental memory of a safe and happy place that you can come back to.
Here are some other tools that I recommend:
Self-Compassion Exercises (Dr. Kristin Neff)
Peter Levine’s 2 Step Self-Holding Exercise
