I am proud to be promoting 'Family & Friends' workshops in conjunction with Breast Cancer Care Cardiff. Following our successful pilot evenings in February & March we have secured funding for further events this year. Having a cancer diagnosis can be life changing, both for those diagnosed as well as those close to them. These evenings give everyone affected the opportunity to meet others and share their experiences in an informal, non clinical and supportive environment. Dates are currently being confirmed in Cardiff for June, September & November, with the possibility of further evenings in Swansea/Carmarthen. Please share with anyone you think may be affected by the psychological impact of living with primary breast cancer in South Wales. Sometimes it helps not to feel so isolated and lonely when thoughts and feelings can be shared.

I'm excited to have signed up for Babette Rothschild's somatic trauma therapy training in London, which takes place over the course of a year. It approaches psychotherapy and counselling with traumatised clients in a safer and more assured way by using a non invasive model of working that is very different to that of exposure. The following is an interesting observation on the merits of working in this way, compared to the more evidence based, cognitive models.

https://www.madinamerica.com/2018/01/trauma-resiliency-model-new-somatic-therapy-treating-trauma/

Starting 2018 off with a new project in association with Breast Cancer Care, Cardiff. We will be hosting an information evening in February and March for those diagnosed with primary breast cancer and their family and friends, offering emotional support on how to manage the psychological impact of this illness. If you know of, or are supporting somebody with a primary breast cancer diagnosis, please contact me for information.

I am also the group facilitator supporting those living with secondary breast cancer. Meetings are monthly with bi-monthly demos and talks, offering a brilliant opportunity to share emotional experiences, tears and laughter too. Don't hesitate to contact me if you know someone who would benefit from such an amazing service.

Private practice is also available at The Cyncoed Consulting rooms for anyone who needs support with complex trauma, medical trauma, PTSD, cancer or life limiting illness, grief and bereavement. FREE telephone consultations available prior to booking your initial appointment.

As we come to the end of 2017 I feel privileged to have worked with some truly inspirational people who have been living with the effects of trauma, medical trauma and PTSD. I continue to offer support to those who have experienced complex trauma in the traumatic stress service of the health trust, and from 2018 will be facilitating group therapy in Cardiff for those living with secondary breast cancer. If you are affected by any issues causing traumatic stress or anxiety please contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or arrange a no-obligation free chat on 07903 457245. You can also find me on the Consultant’s page at www.cyncoedconsultingrooms.co.uk 

I look forward to working with you in 2018.

As an integrative therapist with recent experience of working within the health board  I sometimes feel frustrated when expected to adhere to the parameters of a rigid model. For me it feels inauthentic  expecting the client to 'fit' the model, instead of being available and open to their needs. I have nothing but admiration for Psychologist Birgit Valla, the leader of a large, community mental health centre in Norway who publically announced that neither she nor her staff would employ psychiatric diagnoses or standardized treatment protocols. Instead she chose to put the client's needs first and respond accordingly, whilst still measuring outcomes - with outstanding results. Isn't this what's effective about the therapeutic relationship? After all, who are we to say we know what's best for our clients if we haven't established their needs from the beginning?

http://www.scottdmiller.com/feedback-informed-treatment-fit/brave-or-foolhardy-dramatic-implications-of-a-new-psychotherapy-outcome-study/#

(Taken from Scottdmiller.com)

Yes really, yet still largely unrecognised, or in other words not labelled! But not all of us want or need labels. Medical trauma is just that, something related to a medical incident that's caused us distress, resulting in complications in our day to day lives. So, it could be anything from an interaction with a medical professional, a hospital procedure that didn't go according to plan, a diagnosis that has resulted in a lack of support.....basically anything medically related that causes us to behave differently - and not in a good way - can be classed as medical trauma. The sad thing is it does exist, but it's not (yet) widely recognised in the UK. The good thing is we can do something to help. I feel privileged to be helpiing those who have recently approached me at my private practice, as well as my patients within the NHS, who also present with other trauma related issues. Thank you for having the courage to share yourselves with me. Together we can make a positive difference and help you to regain control in your life.

Post traumatic stress disorder can happen to anybody who has experienced a traumatic experience, and the effects can be frightening, isolating and debilitating to live with. Flashbacks that happen without warning, re-experiencing of the event that appears all too real, persistent nightmares and a heightened state of vigilance are common symptoms associated with PTSD, and it can be exhausting and time consuming living a life of avoidance. The good news is that help is available, and PTSD can be overcome. E-mail or phone for an appointment........ I look forward to helping you gain control back in your life.

Severe trauma and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are recognised mental health issues yet medical trauma is a largely unacknowledged phenomenon which can be just as debilitating. Medical trauma focuses on anxiety and trauma which occurs from direct contact with the medical setting. Examples may be experiencing a chronic life changing illness, a life threatening diagnosis, or a routine operation that has impacted in a negative way, all leaving a fear of the hospital environment. 

E-mail me if you would like to book a consultation ......more info to follow over the next few weeks!