London Trusted Therapy Harley Street https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com The Home of Holistic Mental Health and Wellbeing. Tue, 10 Jun 2025 06:41:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/cropped-aasassa-32x32.png London Trusted Therapy Harley Street https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com 32 32 When Stress Turns Physical: 7 Silent Signs Your Body Is Begging for Emotional Support https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/when-stress-turns-physical-7-silent-signs-your-body-is-begging-for-emotional-support/ https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/when-stress-turns-physical-7-silent-signs-your-body-is-begging-for-emotional-support/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:50:54 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=12424
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Stress

When Stress Turns Physical: 7 Silent Signs Your Body Is Begging for Emotional Support

Introduction

You push through the day. Emails, meetings, responsibilities — and you tell yourself you’re just “a bit tired.” But over time, unaddressed stress can manifest physically in ways many people don’t recognise. If your body is sending strange signals, it may be crying out for emotional support. Here are 7 physical symptoms of emotional burnout you shouldn’t ignore.

1. Persistent Headaches or Migraines

Stress often causes muscle tension in the neck and scalp, leading to frequent headaches. If you find yourself constantly reaching for painkillers, it might be time to look deeper.

2. Digestive Issues

Butterflies before a meeting are normal. But chronic bloating, stomach pain, or nausea can indicate that your nervous system is stuck in “fight or flight” mode — even when you’re sitting still.

3. Chest Tightness or Rapid Heartbeat

It’s not always a heart condition. Anxiety and emotional stress can mimic cardiac symptoms, making your chest feel heavy or tight — especially during periods of overwhelm.

4. Fatigue That Doesn’t Go Away

Waking up tired? Burnout drains your emotional battery, and no amount of sleep seems to help. This isn’t laziness — it’s exhaustion on a cellular level.

5. Muscle Aches and Tension

If your back, shoulders, or jaw always feel tight, your body may be holding onto stress physically. Over time, this tension can lead to chronic pain or inflammation.

6. Sleep Problems

Struggling to fall asleep or waking up throughout the night? Stress can throw off your body's natural sleep-wake cycle, making true rest feel impossible.

7. Weakened Immune System

Always getting sick or taking longer to recover? Ongoing stress can suppress your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to illness.

Therapy for Burnout

At London Trusted Therapy Harley Street, we understand how emotional exhaustion wears down both body and mind. Our experienced team of therapists works with clients to:

Whether you're facing burnout from work, caregiving, or long-term anxiety, we're here to support your recovery.

Listen to What Your Body Is Telling You

Your body is wise — it speaks when the mind stays silent. If you're experiencing these symptoms, you're not weak or dramatic. You're human — and you deserve support.

Take Action Before Burnout Takes Over

Don't wait for a breakdown. Book a confidential consultation today and begin your journey back to balance, clarity, and wellbeing.

London Trusted Therapy Editorial Team of Psychologists

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I Have Everything — So Why Do I Still Feel Empty? https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/i-have-everything-so-why-do-i-still-feel-empty/ https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/i-have-everything-so-why-do-i-still-feel-empty/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:34:28 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=12417
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Feel Empty

I Have Everything — So Why Do I Still Feel Empty?

Introduction

From the outside, your life looks perfect — a good job, a stable income, relationships, and maybe even admiration from others. But inside, something feels… missing. You find yourself asking, "Why do I still feel this way?" If you’re feeling emotionally numb or unfulfilled despite apparent success, you’re not alone. This silent struggle is more common than you think — and it has a name: depression despite success.

The Hidden Face of Depression

Depression doesn't always look like sadness. For many high achievers, it shows up differently:

When your life is "objectively good," it can feel even harder to speak up. You may feel undeserving of support — or afraid others won’t understand.

Why Does This Happen?

Success often comes with sacrifice — emotional suppression, high pressure, people-pleasing, and perfectionism. Over time, these habits can wear down your sense of self. You may achieve more yet feel less connected to who you are.

Left unaddressed, this disconnect can lead to emotional burnout or chronic low mood — even if you're "functioning" on the outside.

How Therapy Can Help

At London Trusted Therapy Harley Street, we help professionals and high performers explore the roots of emotional numbness. Therapy offers a safe, confidential space to:

Whether you prefer in-person or virtual sessions, our tailored support meets you where you are.

It’s Okay to Say “I’m Not Okay”

You don’t need to hit rock bottom to ask for help. Feeling empty — even when you have everything — is a valid and important signal. It means it’s time to reconnect with yourself.

Take the First Step Today

If you're silently struggling, you don’t have to do it alone. Contact us to book a confidential consultation and explore how therapy can help you find meaning, joy, and connection again.

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Why Can’t I Switch Off My Brain? The Hidden Impact of High-Functioning Anxiety https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/why-cant-i-switch-off-my-brain-the-hidden-impact-of-high-functioning-anxiety/ https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/why-cant-i-switch-off-my-brain-the-hidden-impact-of-high-functioning-anxiety/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:24:27 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=12408
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Anxiety

Why Can’t I Switch Off My Brain? The Hidden Impact of High-Functioning Anxiety

Introduction

Do you lie in bed, exhausted but wide awake, your mind racing with thoughts that won’t stop? You get things done, meet deadlines, smile in meetings — but inside, it’s chaos. If that sounds familiar, you may be living with high-functioning anxiety — a condition that often goes unnoticed but takes a deep emotional toll.

What Is High-Functioning Anxiety?

High-functioning anxiety isn’t a clinical diagnosis, but it's very real. People who experience it often appear calm and successful on the outside, but behind closed doors, they struggle with:

Because these individuals can "perform well," their distress is often dismissed — even by themselves.

Why You Can't Switch Off

If you can’t stop thinking — especially at night — it’s not just stress. Your brain may be stuck in a loop of anticipatory fear and perfectionism. Without tools to interrupt the cycle, the anxiety only grows stronger.

Left unaddressed, high-functioning anxiety can lead to burnout, physical illness, or even depression. That’s why early support is vital.

How Anxiety Therapy Can Help

At London Trusted Therapy Harley Street, we understand the unique pressure faced by professionals and high achievers. Our therapists create a safe, confidential space for you to:

We offer flexible appointments both in person and online, so you can access support on your terms.

You're Not Broken — You're Just Tired

High-functioning anxiety isn’t weakness. It’s a sign you’ve been coping silently for too long. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you — it’s about helping you feel safe enough to finally switch off.

Book a Confidential Consultation Today

Ready to quiet your mind? Contact our clinic today to explore how therapy can help you regain control and live with more ease.

London Trusted Therapy Editorial Team of Psychologists

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What Is CBT? A Beginner’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/what-is-cbt-a-beginners-guide-to-cognitive-behavioural-therapy/ https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/what-is-cbt-a-beginners-guide-to-cognitive-behavioural-therapy/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:16:55 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=12399
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What Is CBT? A Beginner’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Introduction

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched and effective forms of psychological treatment available today. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, or unhelpful thought patterns, CBT offers practical tools to manage your mental health. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what CBT is, how it works, and whether it might be the right therapy for you.

What Is CBT?

CBT is a structured, short-term therapy that focuses on the link between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. It’s based on the idea that negative thinking patterns can lead to emotional and behavioural issues — but with the right strategies, they can be challenged and changed.

What Can CBT Help With?

CBT has been shown to effectively treat:

Even if you’re not experiencing a mental illness, CBT can help improve decision-making, confidence, and stress management.

How Does CBT Work?

CBT typically involves:

Sessions often include “homework” — small tasks or reflections between appointments to apply what you’ve learned.

Why Choose CBTat London Trusted Therapy Harley Street?

At London Trusted Therapy Harley Street, we work with experienced CBT-trained professionals who offer compassionate, evidence-based care. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in our private therapy rooms or convenient online appointments, we tailor your experience to suit your needs.

Is CBT Right for You?

If you often feel stuck in your thoughts or find it difficult to control your emotions, CBT may provide the clarity and structure you need. Many of our clients begin to feel empowered and more in control after just a few sessions.

Start CBT Therapy at London Trusted Therapy Harley Street Today

Taking the first step can be daunting, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation with one of our CBT specialists.

London Trusted Therapy Harley Street Editorial Team of Psychologists

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Is It Time to Talk to a Therapist? 7 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/is-it-time-to-talk-to-a-therapist-7-signs-you-shouldnt-ignore/ https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/is-it-time-to-talk-to-a-therapist-7-signs-you-shouldnt-ignore/#respond Fri, 06 Jun 2025 06:08:38 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=12393
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Therapist

Is It Time to Talk to a Therapist? 7 Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Introduction

In the fast pace of London life, it’s easy to brush off emotional struggles or stress as “just part of modern living.” But untreated emotional strain can quietly affect every aspect of your wellbeing. If you’ve been feeling off for a while, it might be time to speak to a professional. Here are seven signs that suggest therapy could help.

1. You Feel Constantly Overwhelmed

If everyday tasks feel impossible or if you’re always on edge, your mind might be sending a signal that it needs help processing something deeper.

2. You’re Withdrawing from Friends and Family

Pulling away from those you care about — even if you can’t explain why — can be a symptom of emotional fatigue or early depression.

3. Sleep Has Become a Problem

Are you sleeping too much, or not at all? Therapy can help uncover whether anxiety, trauma, or stress is impacting your rest.

4. You Find It Hard to Control Emotions

Sudden bursts of anger, sadness, or panic may be more than mood swings. Talking to a therapist can help regulate these emotional waves.

5. You’re Repeating Negative Thought Patterns

If you keep thinking “I’m not good enough” or “nothing will ever get better,” cognitive-based therapies like CBT can be life-changing.

6. Past Experiences Still Hurt

Unresolved trauma doesn’t disappear with time. Whether it’s childhood wounds or recent events, therapy offers a safe place to heal.

7. You Want to Understand Yourself Better

Therapy isn’t just about solving problems — it’s also a powerful tool for personal growth, self-awareness, and building resilience.

Getting Help at London Trusted Therapy Harley Street

At London Trusted Therapy Harley Street, our team of experienced psychologists, psychotherapists, and wellbeing coaches provide a discreet and supportive space to explore what’s on your mind. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, or simply feel stuck, we’re here to help you move forward.

Ready to Take the First Step?

We offer flexible appointments both in-person and online. Contact us today to speak confidentially with a member of our team.

London Trusted Therapy Harley Street Editorial Team of Psychologists

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One Must Read! Your monthly letter from Olena and the team https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/one-must-read-your-monthly-letter-from-olena-and-the-team/ https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/one-must-read-your-monthly-letter-from-olena-and-the-team/#respond Mon, 02 Jun 2025 19:02:35 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=12327
letter

Dear Friends!

As we navigate the constant rush of modern life, I want to share with you a simple yet profound practice that can transform your daily experience: mindful reading. In our therapy work together, we often explore ways to cultivate presence and calm the restless mind.

Today, I invite you to consider how the simple act of reading can become both a powerful mindfulness technique and a cornerstone of your overall wellbeing.

The Science of Reading: A Lifetime of Benefits

The research on reading’s impact is truly remarkable. From childhood through our golden years, books offer us gifts far beyond entertainment.

👶 In Childhood, reading shapes developing minds in extraordinary ways. Children who read regularly are better able to grasp abstract concepts, apply logic in various scenarios, recognize cause and effect, and utilize good judgment. Perhaps most striking is this: a children's book exposes young minds to 50% more words than watching a television show.

For teenagers, reading for pleasure correlates with clearer career goals and a better understanding of the consequences of risky behavior.

🧑In Adulthood, the benefits become even more immediate and measurable. Researchers at the University of Sussex discovered something remarkable: participants needed to read silently for just six minutes to slow down their heart rate and ease muscle tension. Reading works better and faster than other methods to calm our nerves. Books also promote empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence—qualities that enhance every relationship in our lives.

👵 In Older Age, reading becomes literally life-extending. A Yale University research study found that book reading contributed to a survival advantage significantly greater than reading newspapers or magazines. The mentally challenging task of reading helps maintain and build brain cells and the connections between them. Most remarkably, researchers observed a 20% reduction in mortality for those who read books compared to those who didn't.

Beyond Words: Reading as Sacred Pause

When we think of reading, we often focus on information gathering or entertainment. But reading can be so much more—it can become a deliberate practice of slowing down, a way to create sacred pauses in our day. Unlike the fragmented, rapid-fire consumption of digital content, mindful reading invites us to settle into a different rhythm entirely.

Consider this: when you open a book and begin to read with intention, you're creating a boundary between yourself and the demands of the world. You're choosing to be present with just one thing at a time. In our multitasking culture, this single-pointed attention is both radical and healing.

The Deep Personal Journey of Literary
Experience

C.S. Lewis beautifully captured the transformative power of reading: "In reading we seek the enlargement of our being... Literary experience heals the wound, without undermining the privilege of individuality." Reading is an individual and deeply personal experience. There are works that we grow into and works that grow into us, creating a dynamic relationship between reader and text that evolves throughout our lives.

This puts beautifully the great virtue of studying literature of past ages: it demands that for a while, we lay aside our own concerns, prejudices, and opinions and enter into the experience of another through what Henry James called "fond participation". In this act of imaginative empathy, we practice the very skills that make us more compassionate, understanding humans.

To transform reading into a mindfulness practice that maximizes these wellbeing benefits, consider these gentle approaches:

📍Set the Scene:

Choose a specific place for your mindful reading—perhaps a comfortable chair by a window, or a quiet corner with soft lighting. This physical anchor helps signal to your nervous system that it's time to slow down and receive the full benefits of this practice.

🌬Begin with Breath:

Before opening your book, take three conscious breaths. Feel your body settling into the chair, notice any tension you might be carrying, and let yourself arrive fully in this moment. Remember, you’re about to engage in an activity that will literally calm your heart rate and ease muscle tension.

🧘‍♂️ Read for Presence, Not Progress:

Release any pressure to read quickly or remember everything. Instead, allow yourself to savor the rhythm of language, the texture of ideas, the simple pleasure of words flowing through your awareness. This unhurried approach maximizes reading’s stress-reduction benefits.

🔄 Notice When Your Mind Wanders:

Just as in meditation, your thoughts will drift to tomorrow’s responsibilities or yesterday’s concerns. When this happens, gently acknowledge where your mind has gone, and kindly guide your attention back to the page. This returning is not failure — it’s the practice itself, and it’s strengthening your brain’s neural pathways.

Finding Your Literary Path

If you're wondering where to start, consider your current needs. Are you seeking practical wisdom? Explore nonfiction that helps you unplug and find balance. Do you need comfort and restoration? Browse feel-good fiction that brings you peace. The key is choosing material that genuinely draws you in and helps you settle into the present moment.

Remember, this practice isn't about improving yourself through "important" books, but about creating moments of connection, calm, and the "enlargement of being" that Lewis describes. Poetry, memoirs, fiction, nature writing, philosophy—whatever resonates with your soul and helps you access that healing space of focused attention.

The Gift of Literary Slowness

In our achievement-oriented world, we often feel guilty about "just" reading. But now you know better: in those moments when you're absorbed in a book, you're literally extending your life, strengthening your brain, calming your nervous system, and developing your capacity for empathy. You're practicing something our souls desperately need—the art of being rather than doing.

This practice of literary slowness ripples into other areas of your life. As you develop a mindful reading practice, you may find yourself naturally slowing down in conversations, eating more mindfully, and approaching challenges with greater patience and presence.

Your Invitation Forward

I encourage you to experiment with reading as both meditation and routine, rituals and boundary setting this month. Start small—even those six minutes that research shows can calm your heart rate. Notice what shifts in your inner landscape when you create these intentional pauses with books.

Next time you lose yourself in a book, rest assured you're taking care of your health in the most comprehensive way possible. You're not just relaxing—you're actively contributing to your longevity, emotional intelligence, and capacity for joy.

Your journey toward greater presence and peace doesn't require perfection—it simply asks for your gentle, consistent return to practices that nourish your soul and strengthen your mind. Mindful reading is one such practice, backed by science and enriched by centuries of human wisdom, waiting patiently for you whenever you're ready to slow down and receive its profound gifts.

With warm regards and hope for your continued journey, Olena and the team

🧭 Remember: Your healing journey is unique to you. Take what serves you from this letter and leave the rest. Trust your own wisdom about what your heart and mind need most right now.

Discover More Articles, Videos, and Research on Our Website

If you no longer wish to receive our monthly wellbeing letters, please reply to this email or [email protected] with “Unsubscribe” in the subject line.

We take your privacy and confidentiality very seriously. All emails are sent personally from Olena’s own mailbox — we do not use any mass mailing platforms.

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London Trusted Therapy Harley Street Announces Groundbreaking Collaboration with the University of Nagoya’s Vibrotactile Research Team https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/london-trusted-therapy-harley-street-announces-groundbreaking-collaboration-with-the-university-of-nagoyas-vibrotactile-research-team/ https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/london-trusted-therapy-harley-street-announces-groundbreaking-collaboration-with-the-university-of-nagoyas-vibrotactile-research-team/#respond Sun, 01 Jun 2025 08:32:36 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=12277

London Trusted Therapy Harley Street Announces Groundbreaking Collaboration with the University of Nagoya's Vibrotactile Research Team

I'm thrilled to announce a pioneering partnership between London Trusted Therapy Harley Street and the renowned Vibrotactile Lab Tokyo, led by Professor Suzuki, Director of the lab and Distinguished Professor at the University of Nagoya.

Professor Suzuki's revolutionary work has transformed how we understand tactile sensations through his development of the "Tactile Score" – an innovative system that adapts musical notation principles to precisely describe tactile experiences.

This groundbreaking approach has established him as a world leader in tactile sense Digital Transformation (DX), effectively digitalizing a realm of human experience previously resistant to quantification.

The impact of Professor Suzuki's research extends beyond pure academics, catalysing the formation of Tactile DX Lab – an interdisciplinary network that brings together researchers across diverse fields including IT, robotics, medicine, healthcare, acoustic engineering, aesthetics, philosophy, and psychotherapy. This collaborative ecosystem also engages industry partners and artists to explore the full potential of tactile innovation.

London Trial Group, under the leadership of Dr. Edwards-Skadowska, is now conducting trials on Professor Suzuki's groundbreaking device, Vibrotactile X. Early results show promising outcomes in reducing anxiety, alleviating periods of low mood, diminishing PTSD symptoms, and improving sleep quality among participants.

University of Nagoya's

This collaboration represents a significant step forward in developing non-pharmacological interventions for mental health challenges, combining cutting-edge Japanese technology with rigorous UK-based clinical evaluation.

We look forward to sharing more developments as our partnership continues to explore the therapeutic potential of vibrotactile technology.

#MentalHealthInnovation #JapaneseUKCollaboration #DigitalTransformation #VibrotactileTechnology #UniversityOfNagoya #LondonTrialGroup #TactileResearch

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Celebrating Imperfect Mothers: Post -Mothers’ Day Therapy Notes https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/celebrating-imperfect-mothers-post-mothers-day-therapy-notes/ Thu, 15 May 2025 09:34:15 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=11977 Dr. Olena Edwards-Skadowska – Psychotherapist & Coach
Not sure how much you see this in your practice, but the time around Mothers’ Day and Christmas are always very busy at our clinic with unfolding themes of unity.

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Mothers

Celebrating Imperfect Mothers: Post -Mothers’ Day Therapy Notes

Not sure how much you see this in your practice, but the time around Mothers’ Day and Christmas are always very busy at our clinic with unfolding themes of unity, family, loneliness, betrayal, abandonment, parenthood and, of course, the most sacred one - motherhood.

Throughout history, we have put motherhood on this impossible pedestal - like it is some mythical fountain of pure, selfless love. We have created this image of the perfect mother: always nurturing, endlessly patient, a safe haven for everyone else while somehow never needing one herself.

Society still pushes this idea that women should naturally want children and magically know how to raise them well. But let's get real - mothers are just people trying their best, often without a manual.

It's strange, isn't it? We treat motherhood as almost sacred, yet most of us have complicated feelings about it. Some mothers have endured the unimaginable pain of losing children. Some children grew up without their mothers. Many of us carry the weight of difficult or broken relationships with our moms, while countless mothers lie awake at night wondering where things went wrong with their kids.

Motherhood isn't some one-size-fits-all experience. Some women have deliberately chosen a different path. Others desperately want children but can't have them. Many mums find themselves parenting in ways they never imagined, while plenty of people who didn't give birth are doing the hard, beautiful work of mothering every single day.

There's this glossy ideal of maternal love we see in greeting cards, and then there's the messy, complicated reality we actually live with - whether we are the child, the mother, or both. When Mother's Day rolls around, it can feel like we are supposed to celebrate this perfect fantasy version of motherhood. No wonder it stirs up such a tangle of emotions for so many people whose lives don't fit that narrow story.

The ideal mother isn't some perfect being - she's a safe harbour when life gets rough. She stands by us through our darkest moments and celebrates our victories without keeping score. She knows when to step in with advice and when to simply listen. She remembers how you like your sandwich cut and can recall that silly dance you did at age seven.

A mother's presence shapes us in ways we don't always recognize until we are older - sometimes she's front and centre in our story, other times she is quietly working behind the scenes. She is the foundation we built ourselves upon, though the blueprint of her influence isn't always easy to trace.

I am not talking about every mother that exists – I am describing something more like the essence of motherhood at its best. Research shows children with healthy maternal bonds generally grow into more well-adjusted adults. A mother's love is powerful medicine.

But let's be real - mothers are just people too, with their own struggles, flaws and beautiful imperfections. Lets celebrate imperfect mothers and the beauty of real relationships as this invites forgiveness and compassion , not just to others , but to ourselves

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Healing Your Attachment Style: It’s Never Too Late https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/healing-your-attachment-style-its-never-too-late/ Thu, 15 May 2025 08:26:11 +0000 https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/?p=11956 Dr. Elena Edwards – Psychotherapist & Coach
Pouring rain in London today, and I'm sitting here with my second coffee thinking about all the conversations we had in my therapy room this April.
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Healing

Healing Your Attachment Style: It's Never Too Late

Hello from my little corner of Harley Street,

Pouring rain in London today, and I'm sitting here with my second coffee thinking about all the conversations we had in my therapy room this April. One theme kept surfacing over and over: attachment styles – particularly that tricky "disorganized attachment" that leaves so many of us feeling lost in relationships.

So many of you shared your worry that these patterns are permanent – that once anxious, always anxious; once avoidant, always avoidant. I've seen the heaviness in your eyes when you've asked, "Am I just stuck like this forever?"

The short answer? Absolutely not.

If you've got a moment (and maybe another coffee), let me share what I've witnessed countless times in my practice – and honestly, in my own life too.

Most of us didn't get everything we needed growing up. That's not about blaming parents – it's just being human. But those early relationship wounds leave their mark: maybe you feel that gnawing anxiety when someone gets close, or perhaps you've mastered the art of keeping people at arm's length without even realizing it.

These patterns have roots in our attachment style. But here's what gives me hope every single day in my practice: these patterns can change. I've watched clients transform their relationship landscapes entirely. It takes work – real work – but it's possible.

Remember that formula we've talked about in our sessions? Let's revisit it:

AWARENESS → ACCEPTANCE → ACTION

Here are five practices I've seen make the biggest difference:

1. Stand in Your Worth (Even When it Feels Impossible)

Before you try to "fix" anything, take a breath. You are worthy of love and belonging exactly as you are right now. This isn't just feel-good fluff – it's the foundation of secure attachment, and it grows stronger when you practice being on your own side.

For my anxiously attached folks – this helps quiet that voice saying you're only lovable when you're in distress. For my avoidants – this builds trust that you're worthy of closeness, even when it feels terrifying to let others in.

Some gentle ways to practice:

2. Name What was Missing (With Kindness, not Blame)

Healing starts when we can tell ourselves the truth about our early relationships without getting stuck in blame. This isn't about creating villains – it's about making sense of your story with compassion.

Ask yourself:

Creating this honest narrative loosens the grip of old pain. It helps you see your patterns for what they really are: brilliant adaptations that helped you survive tough circumstances – not character flaws.

3. Catch the Small Moments of Connection (They're Everywhere)

We're wired to notice danger, not safety. But those fleeting good moments in relationships? They're the building blocks of secure attachment.

The cashier who really smiles at you. The friend who remembers something you mentioned weeks ago. Your partner's hand brushing yours while watching TV.

For these moments to rewire your brain, you need to metabolize them:

These tiny practices, repeated daily, literally reshape your emotional brain. They build new neural pathways of security that gradually replace the painful old ones.

4. Seek Out Relationships That Feel Like Breathing

Healing happens in relationship with others. One of the most powerful things you can do is purposefully spend time with people who feel steady, respectful, and kind – even if those connections aren't particularly deep yet.

Start small. Maybe it's:

Ask yourself: Do I feel seen here? Can I breathe easily around this person? Do they respond to me with consistency?

These experiences slowly counteract old beliefs about what relationships have to be like.

5. Tiny Steps, not Giant Leaps

Don't expect yourself to transform overnight or suddenly become fearless in relationships. This is about taking small, manageable steps that gently expand your comfort zone.

If you tend to keep people at a distance:

If you tend toward anxious attachment:

The nervous system learns best through consistent, small signals of safety. Each tiny act of openness becomes another brick in the foundation of secure attachment. Over time, those tiny shifts create profound change.

You deserve relationships where you don't have to exhaust yourself chasing or protecting. And step by step, you can build them.

If you'd like to discuss any of this personally, my door is always open. Our team at London Trusted Therapy Harley Street is growing – we now have specialists in trauma, neurodiversity, psychosexual health, and relationship therapy who contribute to these monthly reflections.

Quick housekeeping: if you'd prefer not to receive these monthly notes, just let me know and I'll remove you from the list. I only write to my carefully curated group of past and present clients because I believe in maintaining real connection in our increasingly disconnected world.

Exciting news : our website launches fully in May, with consulting rooms now at Harley Street, Chancery Lane and Liverpool Street. We see clients both in-person across London and remotely worldwide, working with individuals, couples, families, groups and organizations.

What would you like to read about next month? Our team would love your input !

Wishing you moments of genuine connection this weekend,

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Why couples argue and how to stop: money https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/why-couples-argue-and-how-to-stop-money/ https://london-trustedtherapy-harley.com/why-couples-argue-and-how-to-stop-money/#respond Sat, 03 May 2025 03:33:02 +0000 https://londontrustedtherapyharley-com.stackstaging.com/?p=8661 Dr. Elena Edwards – Psychotherapist & Coach
Dr. Olena Edwards-Skadowska, Psychotherapist, Wellbeing and Resilience Coach, Founder and CEO of London Trusted Therapy Harley Street Watch the video ]]>
Dr. Olena Edwards-Skadowska, Psychotherapist, Wellbeing and Resilience Coach, Founder and CEO of London Trusted Therapy Harley Street
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