Revive CBT & Counselling

A brilliant day at the BACP Members’ Networking Event in Scotland.

It was a pleasure to connect with fellow counsellors and psychotherapists, share ideas, and hear from inspiring speakers.

Key takeaways:
🧠 Grief beyond the five-stage model, including the Dual Process Model.

💙 Worden’s Four Tasks of Mourning.

🌙 Emerging research into lucid dreaming and its therapeutic potential.

📱 The economics of attention and how we can begin to repair it.

A great reminder that learning never stops. CPD helps us grow as practitioners and better support the people we work with.

Thank you to BACP, the organisers, speakers, and everyone I met. Looking forward to bringing these insights into my work at Revive CBT and Counselling.

On Father’s Day, I’ve been reflecting on what fatherhood actually represents in our communities not just as a personal role, but as a wider social foundation.

Richard Reeves has written powerfully about this, arguing that if there is one word that captures the challenges facing boys and men today, it is fatherhood. He describes it as a “load-bearing wall” in society something that holds structure, meaning, and stability in place.

And I think there is something important in that.

Because when father figures are absent whether physically, emotionally, or socially. it is often boys and young men who feel it most.

Not just in behaviour or attainment, but in identity, direction, and emotional grounding. Many are left trying to figure out what masculinity looks like without consistent examples of care, boundaries, or responsibility.

But fatherhood isn’t only about biology. It’s about presence. It’s about showing up, offering guidance, and learning to give more than you take.

As Reeves puts it, it can be “the ultimate expression of mature, pro-social masculinity” something that brings structure and purpose not only to children, but to men themselves.

Even though I am not a father yet, in my work and in our communities, I see both the gaps and the potential. I see the impact of absence, but I also see how powerful positive male role models can be in families, sport, mentoring, and everyday relationships.

So on Father’s Day, I’m holding space for both truths:
-For those who had strong fathers or father figures who shaped them.
-And for those still searching for what that role should have looked like.

Because fatherhood, in all its forms, still matters deeply for children, for men, and for the health of our communities

Happy Father’s Day…

A powerful evening of conversation, connection and community.

A huge thanks to Martin for organising this Black Men’s Session at a time of heightened tension and uncertainty around immigration.

Spaces like this matter.

They give us the opportunity to come together, share experiences, support one another, and have honest conversations about the challenges affecting our communities.

In a world that often encourages men to stay silent, creating a safe space to speak, listen and be heard is invaluable.

The strength in the room came not from having all the answers, but from the willingness to connect, learn and stand together.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed. Community, understanding and solidarity are more important than ever.

More than a Game 🎾

This photo was taken after a game of padel. What started as part of my rehabilitation following hip surgery has become much more than a way to stay active.

Like many men, life can often become a cycle of work, responsibilities, and home. Somewhere along the way, friendships can become less frequent and opportunities to connect can become harder to find. That’s why spaces like this matter.

As a therapist, I always talk about the importance of a “third space” somewhere that isn’t home and isn’t work. A place where people can come together, build relationships, share experiences, and simply be themselves.

For many men, sport provides that space. Whether it’s padel, golf, football, running, the gym, or a local men’s group, these environments create opportunities for connection, laughter, support, and belonging. Conversations that start with a match or training session often lead to discussions about life, family, challenges, and mental health.

What keeps me coming back isn’t just the physical benefits. It’s the camaraderie, the banter, and the sense of community that exists beyond the court.

In a time when loneliness and isolation are affecting so many men, we need more spaces where men can connect without pressure, judgement, or expectation.

Sometimes improving wellbeing starts with something as simple as showing up, having a game, and sharing a laugh.

’scommunity

It was a privilege to facilitate a men’s wellbeing group in partnership with SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) at The Nook. The first session of many, and it was a sell out!

The last photo captures some of the fantastic men who attended the session. Through open conversation, shared experiences, and CBT-based tools, we explored ways to improve mental wellbeing, build resilience, and support one another.

One of the most rewarding parts of this work is seeing people connect, realise they’re not alone, and develop practical strategies they can take into everyday life.

Thank you to everyone who took part and contributed to such a supportive and genuine group environment. Looking forward to seeing you all again, same time next month!

Disconnecting to Reconnect 🫡

I had the best time on my holidays, celebrating the 40th Fèis íle on the beautiful island of Islay.

For me, this was all about disconnecting from the daily grind and allowing myself space to reconnect with myself, the experience and the people who matter.

I help people experiencing anxiety, stress, low mood, low self esteem , and life challenges regain clarity, confidence, and emotional physical wellbeing without feeling judged or facing it alone. Using evidence-based CBT and compassionate counselling.

https://www.revivecbtcounselling.com

While on my lunch break, getting my steps in and soaking up the spring sun, I came across this sticker:

Live a story worth telling.

It made me stop and reflect on what that really means. Am I on that path?

Truthfully, I believe I am. Every day I strive to help others facing anxiety, stress, low mood, low self-esteem, and life’s many challenges to regain clarity, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.

Maybe a story worth telling is not always about grand moments. Sometimes it is about the quiet impact we have on the lives of others.

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What matters to you?

Life can feel overwhelming at times, but you do not have to face it alone.

At Revive CBT & Counselling, we offer a safe, supportive and confidential space to help you work through life’s challenges and move towards positive change.

Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood, grief, anger, or simply trying to make sense of things, support is here.

✨ Compassionate
✨ Confidential
✨ Professional

📩 [email protected]
📱 07848 985176
💻 www.revivecbtcounselling.com