Dr Olivia Thrift
-1
archive,author,author-admin,author-1,bridge-core-3.1.1,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode_grid_1200,footer_responsive_adv,qode-theme-ver-30.0.1,qode-theme-bridge,disabled_footer_bottom,qode_header_in_grid,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-7.0,vc_responsive
 

Author: Dr Olivia Thrift

March 20th is International Happiness Day. Happiness is by its nature elusive. It is an emotion and like all emotions it comes and goes and nobody's happy all the time, despite what social media may have you believe. In fact due to the brain's negativity bias we are more prone to emotions such as anxiety and anger than we are...

It is not uncommon for films to serve as mirrors reflecting the complexities of the human psyche that are often seen in the therapy room and yet it had been a long time since I watched a film that I felt portrayed this complexity in a way that really touched and moved me. That changed when I went to see...

Today, Monday 15th January, the USA marks Martin Luther King Jr day. An iconic figure in the civil rights movement in the United States, Martin Luther King Jr. left an indelible mark not only on history but also on the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice. Beyond his monumental efforts in societal change, King's principles and philosophies hold valuable lessons...

As twinkling lights adorn the streets and the air fills with festive melodies, the holiday season often brings joy and warmth. However, amidst the merry gatherings and cheerful ambiance, many individuals find themselves grappling with a common struggle: the ability to say 'no. The Pressure of Holiday Expectations The holidays, a time traditionally associated with joy and celebration, can sometimes become overwhelming....

I moved to California over six years ago and one of the hardest things about living so far away from where I was born is only seeing family and old friends a couple of times (at best) a year. My parents are flying out for the Christmas break this weekend and I am really excited to be seeing them. I...

Having lived in the USA for the last six years I have come to really appreciate Thanksgiving, which brings with it the aroma of gratitude, a time when we gather with loved ones to celebrate the abundance in our lives. It's more than a holiday; it’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and appreciate the blessings that surround us. This practice...

Would you rather be remembered as being successful or kind? The National Center for Education Statistics asserts that American children are more likely to feel like success is valued by their parents than kindness and that 80% of them also value success more highly than kindness. Whilst I am not surprised at this statistic I do find it concerning. While...

In the world of psychology and psychotherapy, Schema Therapy is a well-established approach that aims to help individuals understand and overcome deeply ingrained patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving known as "schemas." Schemas are enduring, self-perpetuating themes or patterns that develop in response to early life experiences. When a schema is triggered we respond by either surrendering to the schema...

World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10th each year, is a global initiative designed to raise awareness of mental health issues, promote mental well-being, and mobilise support for those struggling with mental health challenges. In a world where the pressures and challenges of daily life can take a toll on our mental well-being, World Mental Health Day serves as...

September 10th was world suicide prevention day and in honour of this we dedicated our last blog to talking about the risk factors associated with suicide, the impact of losing someone to suicide and resources available for suicidal clients and those bereaved by suicide. Given the significance and importance of this topic I want to continue to talk about suicide...

World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual event that takes place on September 10th. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of suicide and to promote suicide prevention efforts. Many clients who come to therapy experience suicidal ideation, where thoughts of suicide come into their mind. For some these thoughts are very passive and it may be more of...

What is solution-focused therapy? As the name implies, SFT is a goal-orientated, future-focused therapy which focuses on the future rather than the past. Solution- focused therapy is a short-term, evidence based therapeutic approach that incorporates principles of positive psychology which focuses on building strengths and working on solutions to problems. Whilst for some it can be very helpful to understand how our...