Explore industry insights and self-help tips at Livingwell Recruitment. Stay informed with the latest trends and career advice for mental health professionals to enhance your career and personal well-being.

Introduction: Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) is a pragmatic, non-pathologizing, and goal-oriented approach  that represents a significant shift from traditional, problem-focused models. It guides clients to envision their desired future and identify solutions to achieve it, making it particularly effective for short-term interventions. Focusing on Strengths, Not Problems: Instead of dwelling on the origins of problems, SFBT focuses almost entirely on the client's stre

Beyond 'Feel-Good': How Regularly Expressing Gratitude Transforms Your Physical Health and Happiness Gratitude  is often seen as a simple 'feel-good' habit, but its effects are truly transformative  for both your mental and physical state. It's a fundamental practice that actively shifts your mindset. The Proven Benefits of Gratitude By intentionally focusing on what you’re grateful for , you are literally training your mind to see abundance rather than lack , which fosters a

Adopting Evidence-Based Practices (EBPs) is not just a trend; it is a foundational pillar of ethical and effective mental health care. For clinicians, this means moving beyond instinct and applying the most current, validated research to patient care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for clients. What are Evidence-Based Practices? Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology (EBPP) involves the conscientious, explicit, and judicious use of the best available research evidence in

Introduction: Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, offers clinicians a powerful, neurobiological map of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and its profound influence on emotional and social functioning. Polyvagal-informed therapy leverages this understanding to help clients regulate their nervous system and improve emotional resilience. The Three Neural Circuits of Safety: The theory describes a hierarchy of three neural circuits that govern responses to safety

The Revolutionary Act of Unplugging: How a Digital Detox Boosts Mood and Focus In a world of constant connectivity , where screens follow us from the moment we wake up until we go to sleep, taking a break— unplugging —is truly a revolutionary act of self-care . This simple practice has profound benefits for your mental landscape. The Science of Digital Breaks The continuous stream of notifications and information keeps our brains in a state of hyper-alertness, which contribut

For mental health and healthcare clinicians, reflective practice  is the deliberate process of examining one’s experiences, thoughts, and feelings in practice to gain deeper self-awareness and improve future clinical actions. It is the engine of lifelong learning, transforming raw experience into refined expertise. Making reflective practice a non-negotiable priority is key to preventing burnout, managing countertransference, and ensuring continuous clinical quality. What is

Introduction: Somatic Therapy is a powerful, body-oriented approach that focuses on the intrinsic connection between the mind and body....

High-Quality Rest: Establishing an Evening Routine to Boost Energy, Mood, and Focus A calming evening routine  is not a luxury; it is the essential key to high-quality rest and improved mental health. The way you wind down at night dictates the quality of your sleep, which, in turn, impacts your energy, focus, and mood the following day. Why a Routine is Crucial for Sleep Establishing a consistent evening ritual  helps your body prepare for sleep by signaling that the day is

Leadership in mental health and healthcare is not confined to management roles; it is the capacity of every clinician to influence positive change—whether on an individual client level, within a team, or across an entire organisation. Developing strong leadership skills is vital for career progression, effective team collaboration, and becoming an advocate for improved patient care and systemic reform. Leadership Within the Clinical Setting Effective leadership starts with se

The link between diet and mental well-being is no longer a fringe idea; it is a burgeoning field of science known as "nutritional...

Introduction: Positive Psychology Therapy represents a shift in focus from what is "wrong" to what is "right" with individuals....

The Power of Self-Compassion: How to Reduce Anxiety and Boost Resilience The way you talk to yourself, your self-talk , has a profound and significant impact on your mental wellbeing . It dictates your mood, resilience, and general outlook. If your inner voice is your harshest critic, it's time to practice compassionate self-talk . The Research on Self-Compassion Research consistently shows that practicing self-compassion is a powerful antidote to negative emotional states. P

For mental health and healthcare clinicians, the ability to respond effectively in a crisis is a core, life-saving competency. Crisis intervention is a specialised, short-term process focused on reducing immediate distress, ensuring safety, and stabilising an individual who has lost their capacity to cope with an overwhelming event. Continually improving these skills is essential for ethical practice and for protecting both the client and yourself. The Immediate Goals of Cris

Rural and agricultural communities face unique mental health challenges, often compounded by factors like geographical isolation,...

Introduction: Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), originally created by Dr. Marsha Linehan, is a comprehensive cognitive-behavioural...

A 20-Second Hug: The Underrated Form of Self-Care that Lowers Blood Pressure and Boosts Bonding Human touch  is one of the most powerful, yet often underrated, forms of self-care . Something as simple as a 20-second hug can trigger a cascade of beneficial effects in your body, from lowering stress to boosting your immune system. How Hugging Works for Emotional Wellbeing The act of hugging stimulates the vagus nerve and prompts the body to release powerful hormones. A key stud

In the mental health field, the success of treatment is highly dependent on the strength of the therapeutic alliance and the client's active engagement. For clinicians, mastering engagement skills is not just about being personable—it’s about using deliberate, evidence-based techniques to build trust, foster collaboration, and motivate clients to take ownership of their change process. Supercharging these skills is the fastest way to improve outcomes and retention in your pra

Explore the groundbreaking proposal for a £1 billion Social Prescribing Fund. See how connecting people to community activities is transforming well-being and reducing pressure on the NHS.

Introduction: Schema Therapy, an integrative approach developed by Dr. Jeffrey Young, extends Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) by...

The Greater Good Science Center on Adult Play: Boost Mood, Reduce Stress, and Renew Energy We often think of play  as a childhood pastime, but it is an essential component of self-care  for adults, too. Engaging in activities purely for fun—whether it’s a hobby, a sport, a game, or creative play—is a powerful way to enhance your mental and emotional wellbeing. The Adult Benefits of Play The positive effects of play are backed by research. According to the Greater Good Science