A recent study by Dr Zachary Kaminsky, from John Hopkins University in Baltimore, identified the TTC9B and HP1BP3 genes which, when present in certain chemical alterations in pregnancy, may identify pregnant women who are at risk of developing post-natal depression. Blood tests on 52 expectant mothers predicted the onset of post-natal depression with an accuracy rate of 85 per cent. This study that was recently published in Journal of Molecular Psychiatry suggests a biological vulnerability to developing post-natal depression. Continue reading
‘Let’s not forget to care for the carers’ by Dr Ian Martin
The Royal College of General Practitioners has recently recommended that a register of the UK’s 7 million carers be created and that a “carers’ champion” be present in each General Practice in light of evidence that up to 40% experienced depression or psychological problems. Continue reading
‘Yoga can benefit both body and mind’ by Dr Kate Joseph
“A strong body makes the mind strong” Thomas Jefferson
It is well known that mind and body are not separate and that stress and distress can affect our bodies in various ways. We commonly try to treat mental health problems by targeting the mind by using medication or talking therapy. Whereas medication alters neurotransmitters in the brain to help people to feel less anxious and low, talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy help people to change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour. However, can physical practices like yoga lead to changes in mental health and wellbeing? The answer, according to Amy Weintraub, author of ‘Yoga for Depression’ is yes: “The yoga mat is a good place to turn when talk therapy and antidepressants are not enough”. (1) Continue reading
‘Is there a role for forgiveness in conflict resolution?’ By Margaret Childs
Most of us will experience conflict within our families at one time or another but it is less common for family conflict to be played out in the public domain as has happened with the Huhnes. A recent article in the Sunday Times (10 February 2013) described the implosion of the Huhnes relationship in the context of a series of escalating events that were not possible to resolve outside the legal arena. Is forgiveness between the couple the primary factor that will, in time, contribute to a more peaceful resolution? Continue reading
‘Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast’ by Dr James Briscoe
“Culture eats strategy for breakfast” is a remark attributed to Peter Drucker and popularised in 2006 by Mark Fields, president of the Ford Motor Company. It resonates now in the wake of the publication of the Mid Staffs Inquiry Report as we try and understand how a comprehensive system of regulation and governance was undermined by a culture of targets and financial outcomes. And a culture of compassion, caring and consideration, to which all health-care staff surely aspire, was replaced by one of callous disregard, fear and disinterest. For how otherwise could individuals tolerate what was going on in front of them? Continue reading
‘Psychological Capital: How Savvy Employers Invest For The Future’ by Dr Amy Iversen
You have heard of human capital but do you and your organisation know about psychological capital? Psychological capital [1] refers to a positive state-like human capacity or ability. It consists of a series of psychological resources which together contribute to an individual’s positive psychological state and capacity for development and success. Continue reading
‘I feel your pain…..The emotional and sensory role of mirror neurons’ by Dr Sarah Barker
Scientists have found that humans are hard wired to empathise with others. Mirror neurons are suggested to be the reason why emotions, both positive and negative, are so contagious. Continue reading
‘Goals vs Values’ by Rob Archer
When committing to a new course of action it’s useful to distinguish between goals and values because they have different motivational properties.
1. Goals can be achieved. This is why they motivate – we enjoy the feeling of purpose and progress they bring. Yet, once the goal is achieved what then? Very often we revert to our previous behaviour. This explains the diet industry and also why it is hard to get a taxi in New York in the rain*. In contrast values can never be achieved, so they can be more effective in motivating long term behaviour change. Continue reading
‘The Healing Power of Compassion’ by Dr Kate Joseph
There is mounting evidence that fostering compassion towards oneself and others can significantly improve both emotional and physical wellbeing. Professor Paul Gilbert, Clinical Psychologist, developed ‘Compassion Focused Therapy’. (1) CFT is a model that builds on existing approaches like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and is particularly helpful for people who experience shame and self criticism. Rather than avoiding painful feelings, clients are encouraged to engage with these feelings in a compassionate way. According to Gilbert, being compassionate should not be confused with simply being ‘nice’, because compassion can involve setting firm boundaries. For example, for someone who compulsively overeats to manage distress, the compassionate challenge is to find a different method of soothing oneself. Studies show that helping people to become kinder to themselves can lead to significant reductions in shame, depression and anxiety. (2) Continue reading
‘Sports personalities, performance psychology and making changes in 2013′ by Dr Gavin Weeks
For anyone with even a passing interest in sport it was hard not to feel in awe of the performances of our athletes, Olympians and Paralympians in the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award recently. LPP Consulting are proud to have played a small part in the preparation and support some of the athletes and sportspeople representing Great Britain this year. Continue reading