Why We All Feel Anxious.

Waking up with anxiety? You’re not alone. Whether it’s the work we need to finish, the people we need to meet, or the growing list of neglected chores, anxiety finds its way into our minds, promising that peace is just beyond the next task. It whispers that if only we could overcome this hurdle, we’d finally find serenity and security. But here’s the harsh truth: it’s not really about that one thing you’re worrying about. Anxiety runs deeper than any one deadline or awkward meeting.

If we’re being real, anxiety is just part of our wiring. It’s not about the day-to-day stuff; it’s about the fact that we, as humans, are fundamentally anxious beings. It’s always lurking in the background, simmering away while we focus on the little worries that distract us. But we know anxiety isn’t going anywhere. It’s not some passing phase. It’s part of the human experience, and yeah, it’s a pain in the arse.

We all fall for the same lie: that we’ll be calm once something happens. Maybe we think peace lies on some beach, seven time zones away, with warm water lapping at our feet and a cocktail in hand. Or maybe we think it’s when the house is spotless, or the job promotion finally comes through. Or even that magical someone who’ll make everything feel easy, as if they can solve all our problems by simply existing.

But eventually, we all come to know that none of these things will fix anxiety. Whether you’re lying on that beach, sitting in your perfect house, or falling into the arms of a lover—anxiety will still be there, kicking about, waiting to make its move.

And why? Because we’re vulnerable, fragile creatures. Our bodies are like complex, unpredictable machines. We don’t have nearly enough information to make most of the big decisions in life. We’re surrounded by media that stirs up envy and restlessness. And let’s not forget—we’re the descendants of humans who survived by being anxious. We carry the survival instincts of those who escaped predators and endured hardship. Anxiety, like it or not, is baked into who we are.

But here’s the game-changer: instead of trying to beat anxiety, it’s our task to accept it. Just because we’re axnious, doesn’t mean we’re doing life wrong. It doesn’t mean life has gone off the rails. It just means we’re human. There’s no point stressing about the fact that we’re stressed. The most important thing we can do is let go of the fantasy that we’ll ever live completely anxiety-free. That’s not happening.

It doesn’t mean we should stop chasing our goals. Go ahead, book the holiday, get the new job, fall in love—but do it knowing these things won’t cure anxiety. Do it because they bring something else to your life, not because they’ll bring permanent calm. And while we’re at it, let’s cut ourselves (and everyone else) some slack. You’re not the only one battling anxiety. We all are. Even the people who seem like they’ve got their shit together—they’re anxious, too. Trust us.

Sometimes, the best way to deal with anxiety is to laugh at it. Not the fake, awkward kind of laugh, but the proper, relieved laugh you get when you realise you’re not alone. When someone makes a joke that cuts right to the heart of what you’ve been privately agonising over, and suddenly, you feel a little less trapped.

And let’s not forget the importance of a good hug. Not the forced, “How are you?” hug, but the kind of hug that feels like you’re saying, “Yeah, this life is hard, and it’s messy, but I’m here with you in it.” Think Botticelli’s angels, wrapping their wings around us, offering comfort for the absolute chaos of earthly life.

We’re all in this anxiety boat together. We might be navigating it on our own, but we can still reach out, lock eyes with a fellow sailer and say in the kindest way possible, “I know.” We may not be able to escape anxiety, but at least we don’t have to face it alone.

On Body-Image in Therapy.

The relationship we have with our bodies is often one of the most tangled and deeply personal journeys we undertake. For so many of us, it is marked by shame, criticism, and an unrelenting pressure to fit into someone else’s ideal. We wage war on ourselves, believing the stories that tell us we’re not enough, that we’re flawed. But what if we flipped that shit? What if, instead of berating our bodies, we offered them kindness, respect, and the love they deserve?

This is where therapy comes in. In therapy, we begin to unravel the toxic beliefs we’ve internalised over the years—beliefs that tell us we need to be smaller, quieter, or more perfect to be worthy. We’re given the tools to start listening to our bodies instead of punishing them. Slowly, we recognise that our body is not something to be sculpted into someone else’s idea of beauty, but a vessel that has carried us through every challenge, every joy, and every heartbreak.

Through therapy, we learn that our bodies have always been doing their best to protect us, even when we were at war with them. They’ve stood by us when we starved them, hurt them, or ignored their cries for help. And when we finally start to pay attention, we can begin to be in touch with ourselves in a more loving way. Therapy gives us the space to examine our past, confront the ways we’ve mistreated ourselves, and—most importantly—start to forgive ourselves.

This process is not easy work, it’s hard gaft. It means facing the harsh realities of how society, and even we ourselves, have viewed our bodies as objects, as things to be perfected. But through therapy, we come to see that our bodies are so much more than that. They are the reason we can experience life in all its fullness. They let us move, explore, rest, touch, and love. They allow us to feel joy and connection.

The power of therapy lies in its ability to create a space for self-compassion. It’s where we learn that our bodies are worthy of care—not because of how they look or how closely they match societal standards, but because they are ours. Therapy helps us stop silencing our bodies, stop suppressing their needs, and start embracing their wisdom. In doing so, we move from a place of shame and self-doubt to a place of pride, respect, and love.

There’s no need to wait until we’ve achieved some unattainable idea of perfection to begin. The journey toward somewhere better starts where we are right now, with all the imperfections, scars, and stories our bodies carry. In therapy, we learn that our bodies are not obstacles to be overcome—they are integral to our experience of the world. Every line, every mark tells a story of survival and resilience.

My encouragement to you today? Stop apologising for your body and start honouring it. Let’s move away from self-criticism and toward self-celebration. Therapy can be the bridge to this healing—helping us rewrite the story we tell ourselves about our bodies.

If you need some support, I’m here.

Therapy Through A Feminist Lens.

Empowering Women to Own Their Mental Health

In a world where women are still fighting for equality and facing news story after news story of horror, my practice of offering therapy through a feminist lens gives a space where women’s experiences are seen, validated, and understood. It’s an approach that doesn’t just skim the surface but digs deep into the societal pressures, gender roles, and power dynamics that shape our mental health. Because let’s face it—traditional mental health models haven’t always been built with women in mind.

I’m a big believer that feminist-orientated therapy is a powerful tool for helping women reclaim their mental health and well-being in a society that often expects them to carry more than their fair share of emotional labour. Here's how feminist therapy can help women not just survive, but thrive.

What is Therapy Through a Feminist Lens?

Feminist-orientated therapy is all about centering the lived experiences of women. It acknowledges that women face unique stressors—from inequality at work and unpaid labor at home to unrealistic beauty standards and sexual harassment. This approach helps women understand how these societal pressures affect their mental health and empowers them to navigate these challenges with strength and self-compassion. It’s about rewriting the story, where women are not just participants but the authors of their own lives.

How Does Feminist-orientated Therapy Help Women Look After Their Mental Health?

1. Validating Lived Experiences

Women are often gaslit by society, their feelings minimised or dismissed. In feminist-orientated therapy, a woman’s experience is never undermined. It offers a space to acknowledge the systemic pressures that make mental health struggles feel even more complex. You’re not “overreacting”—you’re responding to a world that often doesn’t make space for you.

2. Addressing Power Dynamics

Feminist therapy dives into the power imbalances that impact relationships, whether at work, at home, or in social settings. It helps women recognise when they’re taking on too much emotional labour, setting boundaries, and reclaiming their power in situations that have historically left them feeling helpless or small.

3. Promoting Body Autonomy and Positive Self-Image

Women have long been judged on their appearance. Feminist-orientated therapy works to dismantle these pressures, encouraging women to break free from unrealistic image standards and embrace body autonomy. It’s about shifting the focus from how you look to how you feel, and reclaiming your right to take up space—unapologetically.

4. Reclaiming Anger as a Powerful Emotion

Anger is often seen as unfeminine or out of place in a woman’s emotional toolkit. Feminist therapy reframes anger as a powerful emotion that signals when something isn’t right—whether in personal relationships or societal structures. It’s about understanding that your anger isn’t something to suppress; it’s something to channel into positive change.

5. Building Communities of Support

Feminist-orientated therapy doesn’t just stop at the individual level—it promotes the idea of building communities of support among women. Whether it's finding your tribe or leaning on friends who understand your journey, the focus is on connection and solidarity. Healing is not a solo act; it’s something that grows stronger through community.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

With the rise of mental health conversations in recent years, we’re also seeing the rise of issues like burnout and overwhelm, especially among women who are juggling multiple roles. Feminist-orientated therapy provides a roadmap for self-care that goes beyond bubble baths and mindfulness apps. It’s about addressing the deeper, structural issues that weigh on women's mental health and empowering them to navigate these challenges in ways that honor their worth.

How I Can Help

I understand that mental health isn’t just an individual journey—it’s influenced by the world around us. Through a feminist lens, my therapy sessions help women look after their mental health by validating their struggles, challenging societal expectations, and fostering real, sustainable change.

Ready to take control of your mental health? Let’s work together to rewrite your narrative.