I’m posting a little earlier this month as I don’t want to clash with New Years. December has been a month of change for me, I suppose the whole of 2019 has been really!
The last six months or so have felt like I’ve been setting myself up for a more stable 2020, which is quite an exciting prospect.
With change on mind, I’m trying a different format for this post too…
News
December saw me finish my role at the Mental Health Charity and the Staff Counselling Service. I’ve done a lot of reflecting on (and processing) endings.
I’ve also started an exciting new role in Higher Education. With the change in job roles, I’ve not had time for any additional training, but I do have an interesting new reading list.
In relation to private practice, my clinic is still full – however there is likely to be a space coming up in January if anyone’s looking for private counselling. I’m also going to be doing a review in the new year and make some updates to this website and consider (potentially) moving premises.
This December I’ve been enjoying…
Books
December allowed me more time than usual to sit and chill in the evenings – so I’ve been reading more actual books again! I’ve re-read How to be human by Ruby Wax (a hilarious three way conversation between a Monk, a neuroscientist and Ruby Wax on what it means to be human). I’m reading Single-Session Therapy (Psychotherapy and Counselling Distinctive Features) by Windy Dryden as part of my research for my new role/CPD. I’ve also just started reading one of my Christmas Gifts Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
Articles and Blogs
- This rather lovely post celebrating the art of mending “mending clothes as an act of rebellion” by Kate at The Phoenix Green
- Nancy Colier’s reflections on Why it’s so hard to build healthy relationships after growing up in chaos… and how acknowledging past hurts can help you to better cope.
- Brianna Wiest’s reflections on what self care really looks like
- The article that highlighted that it was even possible to add pronouns to my LinkedIn profile (and explains why you could think about doing the same).
- This article about finding peace through tidying up…. I’m considering re-engaging with Marie Kondo’s method in the new year – so I’m drawn to this kind of article at the moment.
Podcasts and Audio Books
- I was so excited for the release of ‘How do you cope?’ by Elis James and John Robins. The comedy duo interview various Celebrities about some quite tough Mental Health and general life challenges. its a lovely mix of humour and human-ness. The talented Abbie Jones recently published this wonderful review of the podcast, which says it all better than I could ever aim to!
- I finally got around to listening to the podcast ‘UnF*ck your brain‘ by Kara Loewentheil, a life coach and a feminist. Each episode covers a topic such as perfectionism, triggers, co-dependency and productivity. I like that the episodes are short (usually 20-30 minutes), it’s a great bite-sized motivator for the commute into work.
- Jolenta Greenberg and Kristen Meinzer are back with their 6th Season of their podcast By the Book… and with a Twist! Jolenta and Kristen are living by historic ‘classic’ self help books this time around. They are currently on the second book of the season and so far it’s joyful!
This December I’ve been doing…
Not very much! I had grand plans of visiting Christmas Markets and winter-y woodland walks. But sometimes life gets in the way of living – right?
I had set myself the goal of being more creative this month. Although I’ve not done any drawing or making – I have been making preserves over the last few months, and have made some cute little Christmas Hampers for some friends and family this Christmas.
I’ve re-discovered my love of Audio books and the Headspace App. I’ve been making sure to get a daily dose of Mindfulness, which also prompted me to start journaling more, I find it helpful to keep me on track and to reflect when my head is full.
Alison Clist BSc MBACP 