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t h e l at e s t w e l l b e i n g n e w s , d e v e lo p m e n t s a n d a dv i c e
issue 02
FIRST to KNOW
breaking news
MEET THE TEAM
A number of experienced practitioners have joined our centres in recent months. In Aberdeen we welcomed psychological therapist, Rebecca Knowles bwww.aberdeenpsychology.co.uk/therapist/ rebecca-knowles In Inverness, therapists Kate Boyd and Colin Rowe joined the team. bwww.invernesspsychology. co.uk/our-staff And our Glasgow team welcomed psychologists Fani Papayianni and most recently Jaclyne Di Croce. Jaclyne also recently joined our Edinburgh team. bwww.glasgowpsychology.co.uk/ practitioners
\JACLYNE DI CROCE
Counselling Psychologist at Glasgow and Edinburgh centres.
coming soon
NEW EVENTS PROGRAMME
FP film dispels the myths
A programme of events in all centres will be rolled out in January. This will include short courses and webinars on mindfulness, wellbeing, parent and family issues and relationships. Further details are diary date available on our website.
bwww.firstpsychology.
co.uk/news-events
Hello and welcome to our Autumn/Winter edition. 2014 has been a busy and exciting time for us with the opening of our Inverness centre, the first birthday of our Dundee centre and many new therapists to welcome. We hope you enjoy our latest update. As always, please feel free to email us at bfpnews@ firstpsychology.co.uk and share your thoughts and suggestions...
05
JAN
View our new animated film that helps to explain the ethos behind First Psychology, how we work, and ultimately to dispel the initial preconceptions people may have about seeking extra support. www.firstpsychology. co.uk
b
expert view
SLEEP TALK
What works for me What is your background? I was born in South Africa and spent ten years as a professional sportsman followed by 21 years as an entrepeneur. In 2001 I started studying coaching skills and psychological therapies. I loved it so much I decided to make a career change so I could focus full time on helping individuals, couples and businesses create their desired outcomes.
Are you lying awake at night worrying about your to do list? According to the Mental Health Foundation, we now sleep about 90 minutes What is most rewarding less each night than we did in NEW about your role? the 1920s. Considering many CENTRE OPENS Every day brings Our Inverness centre was people also have sleep probnew challenges opened in February 2014. and allows me to lems, it’s clear that funcLocated two minutes from be proactive and tioning in a sleep-deprived Inverness train station, the centre responsive. I find it provides expert CBT, counselling, incredibly rewarding state is not unusual. psychotherapy and coaching seeing people gain Sleep is important as it services to the people of inner strength and affects how we think, react the Highlands start managing their and Islands. lives in a healthy manner. and engage. Studies show that sleep deficiency alters activity in What are your interests outside work? the brain and can lead to low mood, negaPlaying golf, keeping healthy and fit tive thoughts and feelings of loneliness. and spending time with my beautiful daughter. Below are some useful tips that can help you achieve a good night’s sleep: ` PAUL KIRSTEN FP PRACTITIONER, BORDERS AND • Try to keep to a regular sleeping and EDINBURGH CENTRES waking pattern and exercise daily. • Wind down with a favourite hobby, a EAR TO THE warm bath, a good book, or the radio. GROUND • Take a technology break 30 minutes Professor Richard Wiseman before bedtime - no emails, texts, or TV. promises to help you “get the most out of the night” with his Instead write a to do list. new book Night School, which • Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and definitely won’t make you doze heavy meals close to bedtime. off. Based on new research, mass participation experiments and • Practise relaxation techniques. PROFESSOR EWAN GILLON
CHARTERED PSYCHOLOGIST AND CLINICAL DIRECTOR, FIRST PSYCHOLOGY SCOTLAND
the world’s largest archive of dream reports, Professor Wiseman reveals how to make the most
Happy 1st birthday Dundee centre In May 2014, our Dundee centre, shown below, celebrated its first birthday. Based in South Tay Street in the heart of the city, the centre offers a range of therapy and well-being services to individuals and organisations. We caught up with Dr Ian Connor, the Centre Director in Dundee, to find out what has been happening since the centre opened and to find out more about Ian and his links with the City. How long with First Psychology? I’ve recently taken over the Centre Director role of Dundee having been Centre Director of Edinburgh for almost three years. I’ve been with First Psychology for four and a half years now. What is your background? I moved to Edinburgh after my undergraduate degree and worked as a teacher of children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties. I then re-trained and did my doctorate in clinical psychology, working in services for people who misuse substances and also in psychological trauma teams with asylum seekers and refugees.
of the missing third of your life. Chapters include: the secret of super sleep, sleep learning, and power naps and dream therapy. The book reveals how to learn information and solve problems while you sleep
b‘Night School’ is available to buy now.
What’s been happening at the Dundee centre? Since I’ve been in Dundee, two new practitioners have come aboard – Jody Payne, who is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Sian Clifford, who is a Psychologist. The centre is thriving, and it’s great to offer psychological input in the place where my psychology career began - I studied my undergraduate psychology degree in Dundee. How do you unwind? I like to catch up with family and friends, go to the cinema and I like to walk along the coast particularly if it’s a good bracing wind, nothing better to clear away the cobwebs!
` IAN CONNOR FP CENTRE DIRECTOR,
DUNDEE AND EDINBURGH CENTRES
FIRST PSYCHOLOGY ASSISTANCE LAUNCH
We launched a new business brand at the end of June with the introduction our First Psychology Assistance website. We take pride in providing a range of services aimed at supporting wellbeing and performance of the people within organisations.
bwww.firstpsychology-assistance.co.uk
wellbeing know how
BALANCING ACT
Attaining a work-life balance is a continual challenge requiring regular adjustment as working life is more changeable than in previous eras. “We can easily find that work has taken over and there just doesn’t seem to be time for wellbeing!”, says Stephanie Gooding, counsellor and psychotherapist. “The longer we remain trapped in this mindset, the more signs of stress begin to show, such as feeling flat, sleeping badly, feeling tired, losing enthusiasm and worrying more.” Stephanie suggests taking stock by looking at the proportion of your week spent on different activities and taking note of the times that you valued most and why they were important to you. “Next write a list of things you would like to add to give a balance of physical activity, times to be close to loved ones, and pure pleasure or enjoyment, alongside the necessities of life. Use this list to help you plan your week to allow more balance. Be prepared to let something go if it doesn’t bring you joy!” Stephanie warns against the perils of excuses and procrastination: “Tell yourself ‘Yes, you deserve to’ and ‘no, the world won’t fall down around your ears’ and keep going!”
technique
BE MINDFUL
Integrate a bit of the good stuff into your work time. Mindfulness skills are an excellent way to begin to engage with the moment-by-moment simple sensations of being alive, the feeling of water as you wash your hands, sunlight on a leaf, a fleeting smile. When the daily grind starts to get you down, pause, breathe and refresh. It will be much easier to do this if there is overall balance in your week. Look out for our mindfulness tasters coming soon!
bwww.
firstpsychology. co.uk/mindfulness
`STEPHANIE GOODING
FP PRACTITIONER, DUNDEE AND ABERDEEN CENTRES
YOUR WAY TO WELLBEING Want to improve your overall wellbeing? Stay in touch with First Psychology to receive the latest news, advice and stories or book your appointment today to talk to someone. Our practitioners are amongst the most experienced in the UK and all calls are confidential.
fpnews@ firstpsychology .co.uk
b0845 872 1780 bhello@firstpsychology.co.uk bwww.firstpsychology.co.uk
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