Traumatic grief occurs when the circumstances surrounding a loss are so overwhelming that a person experiences psychological trauma alongside a typical grief response. In this context, trauma refers to the mind struggling to process what has happened. People may experience intrusive memories or images, high levels of anxiety, difficulties sleeping, and intense emotional states that […]
Author: drcharlotterussell
EMDR after a cancer diagnosis and treatment
After a cancer diagnosis, it’s very common to feel stuck in a cycle of checking, reassurance‑seeking, and imagining worst‑case scenarios — all while knowing, on some level, that the fear is not logical. Many people describe living with a constant sense of threat, even when treatment has finished and medical teams are reassuring. What’s often […]
What warm and friendly women need to know
Why warmth is a strength — and why it sometimes attracts the wrong people. Warmth is one of the most powerful relational qualities we have. It helps us build trust, create safety, and form meaningful connections. Many women pride themselves on being warm, friendly, and emotionally attuned — qualities that are deeply human and deeply […]
Can EMDR be used to treat health anxiety?
Health anxiety can be exhausting. Even when medical tests come back clear, the worry can linger. Many people describe feeling stuck in a cycle of checking, reassurance‑seeking, and imagining worst‑case scenarios — all while knowing, on some level, that the fear is not logical. What’s often less understood is that health anxiety rarely appears “out […]
How much does EMDR cost? Understanding the investment
If you’ve been researching EMDR therapy, you may have noticed that it often costs more than standard talking therapy. This can feel confusing at first — especially if you’re comparing prices or trying to understand what’s included. The truth is that EMDR is a highly specialised therapy, and the cost reflects the level of training, […]
Common reasons why people seek therapy
People seek therapy for many different reasons, but there’s often a common thread: something, or a combination of things have become difficult and your usual coping strategies are no longer working. For some, it’s a specific event that has shaken their sense of safety or identity. For others, it’s a gradual build‑up of stress, self‑doubt, […]
Why psychologists’ voices matter: Reflections on sharing expertise in the media
My journey into expert contributions to the media began in 2021, shortly after setting up The Travel Psychologist, a blog focused on the psychology of travel and well-being. I attended a ACP-UK workshop for clinical psychologists hosted by BBC journalist James Waterhouse. His message to us as a professional group was compelling; there is a […]
How to prepare for your first therapy session
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. Many people wonder what they should do to prepare, or worry that the first session will be complicated. In reality, the first meeting is about getting to know you, understanding your difficulties, and beginning to think together about what might help. Think about what has brought you […]
Can you do EMDR therapy online?
EMDR(Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a well‑established therapy for trauma and related difficulties. Traditionally, EMDR has been delivered face‑to‑face in a therapy room, but in recent years many therapists have begun offering EMDR online. Understandably, people often wonder whether EMDR can work just as well when delivered remotely. In this post, I’ll explain how […]
What are the 8 Phases of EMDR?
When I use EMDR in therapy, I don’t just jump straight in. We move step by step, following a clear structure that helps you feel safe and supported throughout the process. Each phase has its own purpose — from building trust and preparing together, to reprocessing memories and strengthening new, positive beliefs. In this post […]