What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 9pm Tuesday 9am - 9pm Wednesday 9am - 10pm Thursday 9am - 9pm Friday 9am - 9pm Saturday 9am - 1pm

http://www.thementalhealthpath.com/

The Mental Health Path, Spencer Road, Derry (2026)

17/06/2026

🌿 Healing Isn’t a Destination—It’s the Path Itself 🌿

We often talk about "getting better" as if it’s a finish line we need to cross. But in the world of mental health, healing is the process of coming home to yourself.

It’s not about erasing your past or pretending the hard days didn't happen. It’s about building the resilience to carry your story without it weighing you down.

🤫 Why Prioritising Healing Matters:

Breaking Cycles: Healing allows you to recognise patterns that no longer serve you, stopping generational trauma in its tracks.

Reclaiming Agency: When you heal, you move from "surviving" to "choosing." You regain control over your reactions and your future.

Emotional Capacity: Just like a physical wound, an untended mental struggle drains your energy. Healing restores your ability to feel joy, curiosity, and connection.

Self-Compassion: The path teaches you that you are worthy of care, even (and especially) on the days you feel "unfinished."

"Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it." — Maya Angelou

Gentle Reminders for Your Journey:

🔸️It’s non-linear. Some days feel like two steps back. That’s not failure; it’s part of the rhythm.

🔸️It requires rest. You cannot heal a nervous system that is constantly in "fight or flight" mode.

🔸️You don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s counselling, community, or a trusted friend, healing happens in connection.

🤍 Take a deep breath. You are doing and can do the work, and that is enough 🤍

For Counselling & Holistic Therapy options
📧 email [email protected] or DM us on here or ☎️ 07818448899.

📍Unit 5 Spencer House
Spencer Road
Derry/Londonderry

14/06/2026

Our Bi-weekly walking group has moved to a Monday evening from tomorrow 👍🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

'Step Away from the Screen and Into the Green' 🌿

Feeling a bit "stuck" lately? Sometimes the best way to clear your head isn't found in an app or a book—it’s found on a path.

Joining a Wellbeing Walking Group is about more than just getting your steps in; it’s about reconnecting with yourself and your community.

Here is why you should lace up those trainers and join us:

1. Nature is the Ultimate Mood-Booster:
Science backs it up: spending time in green spaces lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) and boosts serotonin. A breath of fresh air can be the reset button your brain has been looking for.

2. Connection Without Pressure:
There is something uniquely relaxing about "side-by-side" conversation. In a walking group, you can chat as much or as little as you like. It’s a low-pressure way to meet new people who value mental health just as much as you do.

3. Gentle Movement, Big Results:
You don’t need to run a marathon to feel the benefits. A steady walk improves circulation, helps you sleep better, and provides a natural energy lift that lasts long after the walk is over.

4. A New Perspective:
Changing your physical environment helps change your mental one. Seeing the beauty of Derry/Londonderry from the riverside path reminds us that there is a big, beautiful world beyond our daily worries.

"Solvitur ambulando" – It is solved by walking.

Ready to join us?

Whether you’re looking for a friendly chat or a peaceful stroll, The Mental Health Path is here for you.

No one walks alone!

📍 Meeting at: Front entrance Foyle Arena

🗓️ Date: Monday 15th June

⏰ Time: 7pm

11/06/2026

✨ ️IS YOUR CUP RUNNING ON EMPTY? ✨️

🫶 At Riverstone Holistic Therapy we talk a lot about self-care, not because it's a trendy buzzword, but because it is the literal foundation of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

Self-care isn't selfish, it's how you take your power back, ground your nervous system, and refill your reservoir so you can show up fully for the life you love.

ℹ️ THE REAL BENEFITS OF MAKING TIME FOR YOU!

✨️ Calms the chaos: Regular self-care lowers cortisol levels, helping your body shift out of "fight or flight" mode and into a state of healing and rest.

✨️ Boosts Emotional Resilience: When you check in with yourself daily, you're better equipped to handle life's unexpected curveballs without breaking.

✨️ Sharpens your focus: Stepping away to recharge actually increases your productivity and mental clarity. You cant think straight when you're running on fumes.

✨️Deepens Self-Connection: Gentle practices like mindfulness, breathwork, or therapeutic bodywork remind you of who you are beneath all the stress.

"You cannot pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first, so you can give your best, not your rest"

☺️Self-Care doesn't have to take hours. It can be a gentle 10 minute walk, 5 minute stretch or booking that holistic therapy session you've been putting off.

💪If your ready to invest in your self-care, your healing journey, the doors of Riverstone Holistic Therapy are always open.

✉️DM us on here, or email [email protected], or call ☎️🤳07818448899 to enquire about our Reflexology treatments, our NADA Ear Acupuncture service or our Indian Head Massage treatment.

Allison 🤍

📍Unit 5
Spencer House
Spencer Road
Derry/Londonderry

09/06/2026

🌿 Healing Isn’t a Destination—It’s the Path Itself 🌿

We often talk about "getting better" as if it’s a finish line we need to cross. But in the world of mental health, healing is the process of coming home to yourself.

It’s not about erasing your past or pretending the hard days didn't happen. It’s about building the resilience to carry your story without it weighing you down.

🤫 Why Prioritising Healing Matters:

Breaking Cycles: Healing allows you to recognise patterns that no longer serve you, stopping generational trauma in its tracks.

Reclaiming Agency: When you heal, you move from "surviving" to "choosing." You regain control over your reactions and your future.

Emotional Capacity: Just like a physical wound, an untended mental struggle drains your energy. Healing restores your ability to feel joy, curiosity, and connection.

Self-Compassion: The path teaches you that you are worthy of care, even (and especially) on the days you feel "unfinished."

"Healing takes courage, and we all have courage, even if we have to dig a little to find it." — Maya Angelou

Gentle Reminders for Your Journey:

🔸️It’s non-linear. Some days feel like two steps back. That’s not failure; it’s part of the rhythm.

🔸️It requires rest. You cannot heal a nervous system that is constantly in "fight or flight" mode.

🔸️You don’t have to do it alone. Whether it’s counselling, community, or a trusted friend, healing happens in connection.

🤍 Take a deep breath. You are doing and can do the work, and that is enough 🤍

For Counselling & Holistic Therapy options 📧 email [email protected] or DM us.

09/06/2026

🤔 Couples counselling is often misunderstood as a "last resort" for relationships in crisis, but it actually serves as a proactive way to strengthen the foundation of any relationship.

ℹ️ Here is how it helps transform a relationship:

1. Breaking the "Cycle" of Conflict

Most couples have a "typical" argument — a recurring pattern where one person pursues and the other withdraws, or both escalate. A counsellor helps you step back and see the cycle itself as the enemy, rather than each other.

ℹ️ You learn to:

✅️ Identify emotional triggers before they lead to an explosion.

✅️ De-escalate heated moments using "time-outs" or grounding techniques.

✅️ Focus on problem-solving rather than "winning" the argument.

ℹ️ 2. Improving Communication (Beyond the Surface)

It’s not just about talking more; it’s about talking differently.

✅️ Counselling introduces structured tools like: "I" Statements: Learning to express your feelings (I feel...) without making your partner feel attacked (You always...).

✅️ Active Listening: Ensuring your partner feels heard and validated before you offer a rebuttal.

✅️ Non-Verbal Awareness: Understanding how body language and tone of voice can either bridge or block connection.

ℹ️ 3. Rebuilding Trust and Safety
Whether trust was broken by a major event (like infidelity) or eroded by years of small letdowns, therapy provides a neutral ground to:

✅️ Process hurt in a safe, controlled environment where the conversation won't spiral.

✅️ Establish transparency practices that help the betrayed partner feel secure again.

✅️ Understand the root causes of the distance, which often stem from unmet emotional needs.

ℹ️ 4. Deepening Emotional Intimacy
Over time, many couples become "roommates"—efficient at managing life, but emotionally disconnected. Counselling helps you:

✅️ Reconnect with what initially drew you together.

✅️ Share vulnerabilities that you might be afraid to voice at home.

✅️ Create shared goals and values, ensuring you are both walking the same path.

ℹ️ 5. Proactive Maintenance
The healthiest couples often use therapy to "tune up" their relationship before things break. It helps you prepare for major life transitions, such as:
Moving in together or getting married.
Becoming parents. Navigating career changes or retirement.

✅️ The Goal: A successful session isn't one where you never fight again; it’s one where you leave with the tools to repair the relationship more quickly and effectively when you do.

❤️ Reconnect. Re-align. Rediscover ❤️

〰️ Relationships aren’t always a straight line—they’re a path. Sometimes that path gets a little overgrown with communication breakdowns, old patterns, or the weight of daily stress.

🫶 At The Mental Health Path, we don’t believe in "fixing" people. We believe in strengthening the bridge between them.

Whether you're navigating a rough patch or simply want to deepen your connection, our couples counselling provides a safe, non judgement neutral space to:

✅️ Master Communication: Move from "you vs. me" to "us vs. the problem."

✅️ Rebuild Trust: Heal from past wounds and move forward with clarity.

✅️ Deepen Intimacy: Rediscover why you started this journey together in the first place.

💑 Your relationship is an investment. Let’s make sure it’s one that continues to grow.

📩 Ready to take the first step? To learn more about our specialised couples sessions...

📨 PM us on here
📧 Email [email protected]
☎️ Call 07818448899

📍Unit 5 Spencer House Spencer Road Derry/Londonderry.

09/06/2026

While Reflexology is performed on the feet its impact is deeply felt in the mind.

It operates on the principle that stimulating specific pressure points send signals through the nervous system, shifting your body out of a state of stress and into a state of rest.

Here is a look at how Reflexology supports mental health;

1 - CALMS THE "FIGHT OR FLIGHT" RESPONSE

When you are chronically stressed or anxious, your sympathetic nervous system is in overdrive. Reflexology stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system - often called the "rest and digest" state. This physically lowers your heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and signals to your brain that you are safe, breaking the cycle of acute anxiety.

2 - REGULATES MOOD HORMONES

By targeting specific reflex points - particularly those associated with the endocrine system, like the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and adrenal glands - reflexology helps balance the bodies chemical messengers.

* It helps decrease the production of cortisol, (the stress hormone).

* It encourages the release of endorphins and serotonin, the bodies natural feel - good chemicals and mood stabilisers.

3 - IMPROVES SLEEP QUALITY (INSOMNIA RELIEF)

Mental health struggles and poor sleep almost go hand in hand. Because reflexology induces a state of deep relaxation, it helps combat insomnia and racing thoughts at bedtime. Better, deeper sleep allows the brain to process emotions and handle daily stressors much more effectively.

4 - GROUNDS AN OVERACTIVE MIND

Anxiety often traps people in their own heads, leading to loops of worry. The physical tactile nature of Reflexology pulls your awareness away from your thoughts and down into your body. This "grounding" effect acts as a physical anchor, similar to mindfulness or meditation, which can be incredibly relieving for those dealing with trauma or high anxiety.

For further information on how Reflexology can help you, or to book a free consultation or a Reflexology session, contact us today via,

📨PM this page

📧Email [email protected]

☎️07818448899

📍Riverstone Holistic Therapy
The Mental Health Path
Unit 5, Spencer House
Spencer Road
Derry/Londonderry

Allison 🤍

04/06/2026

🚧🚦𝐓𝐎𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐑𝐎𝐖 - 𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐘 𝟓𝐓𝐇 𝐉𝐔𝐍𝐄 🚦🚧

𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐘𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐄
From: Caw Roundabout
To: Culmore Roundabout
Commencing: Friday 5th June 04:00 - 07:00
Required for: Essential Maintenance
Alternative Route: Craigavon Bridge Upper

𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐅𝐎𝐘𝐋𝐄 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐆𝐄
From: Caw Roundabout
To: Culmore Roundabout
Commencing: Friday 5th June 09:30 - 16:30
Required for: Inspection

𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐄 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐄
Road: Queens Quay, Derry
From: Harbour Square Roundabout
To: Queens Quay Roundabout
Commencing: Friday 5th June 06:00 - 14:00
Required for: Works access

03/06/2026

🤔 What Self-Sabotage looks like:

Self-Sabotage is often subtle and can be mistaken for 'bad luck' or personality traits. Common examples include;

Procrastination - Delaying a task until the quality suffers or the opportunity is lost, providing an 'excuse' for why you didn't succeed, (e.g., 'I just didn't have the time').

Impulsive Behaviour - Turning to substances, e.g, alcohol, drugs, overspending, or lash outs when things are going well to 'level out' the anxiety of progress.

Relationship Conflict - Picking fights or pushing people away when you start to feel a deep emotional connection to avoid the risk of being hurt later.

Negative self talk - Constant 'internalised' criticism that convinces you not to try because 'you'll just fail anyway'

Perfectionism - Setting such impossibly high standards that you never finish anything, or you're too paralysed to even start.

🤔 How to solve it;

Breaking the cycle requires moving from unconscious reaction to conscious action.

✨️ Identify the payoff - Every self-sabotage behaviour has a hidden benefit.

Example; If you procrastinate on a project, the payoff is that you don't have to face the judgement of your best work being not good enough.

✨️ Solution; Ask yourself 'what am I afraid would happen if I actually succeeded at this?'

Spot the triggers - Keep a journal or mental log of when you feel the urge to 'blow things up.' Is it when you receive a compliment? when a deadline approaches? when a relationship gets serious? Recognising the pattern is 50% of the battle.

✨️Practice 'Self-Compassion'
Self-Sabotage is fuelled by shame. If you beat yourself up for sabotaging, you create more stress, which leads to more sabotage. Treat yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend.

✨️ Use 'Minimum viable actions.'
Instead of aiming for a huge overhaul, commit to the smallest step.

✨️ Instead of 'i'm going to write this entire report today'
Try - 'I'm going to open the document and write one sentence'

This lowers the 'threat level' to your subconscious and reduces the need for the brain to sabotage.

✨️ Reframe the fear; Instead of seeing fear as a signal to stop, see it as a signal you are growing. The discomfort of change is often what triggers the sabotage, if you expect the discomfort, it loses it power over you.

If these patterns are familiar to you, maybe counselling can help you work through strategies to combat self sabotage, whether it is towards self, you're job or maybe your relationship with a significant other. Contact details below.

PM this page for information on counselling support or email info@thementalhealthpath, alternatively you can call 07818 448899

📍The Mental Health Path
Unit 5
Spencer House
Spencer Road
Derry/Londonderry

29/05/2026

In the context of mental health and cognitive psychology, the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic thinking centres on where your motivation and validation originate: from within yourself or from the outside world.

Think of it as the difference between doing something because it feeds your soul versus doing something because it ticks a box or earns a round of applause.

1. Intrinsic Thinking
Intrinsic thinking is driven by internal rewards. It is the cognitive process where the act of thinking or doing is its own reward.

Core Driver: Curiosity, personal growth, and alignment with internal values.

Mental Health Impact: Generally associated with higher levels of resilience and well-being. When you think intrinsically, your self-worth is "decoupled" from external success or failure.

Examples: Learning a new language because you find the sounds beautiful.

Practicing mindfulness because it makes you feel grounded.

Problem-solving because you enjoy the "puzzle" aspect of the challenge.

Key Characteristic: Autonomy. You feel in control of your thoughts and actions because they originate from your own desires.

2. Extrinsic Thinking
Extrinsic thinking is driven by external pressures or rewards. The focus is on the outcome or the reaction of others rather than the process itself.

Core Driver: Praise, money, status, or the avoidance of punishment/criticism.

Mental Health Impact: While useful for productivity, a heavy reliance on extrinsic thinking can lead to "contingent self-esteem."

This makes your mental state fragile because it depends on factors you cannot control.

Examples:
Studying purely to get an "A" to avoid a parent's disappointment.

Posting on social media specifically to see the "like" count rise.

Working a high-stress job solely for the status it provides, despite personal misery.

Why the Balance Matters:
In a therapeutic context, many people struggle because their "internal compass" has been replaced by an "external radar."

The Trap: If you only think extrinsically, you may achieve great things but feel "hollow" or like an imposter.

The Goal: Counsellors often work with clients to rediscover intrinsic motivators—helping them move from "I have to do this for them" to "I want to do this for me."

If you feel counselling would help you rediscover your intrinsic motivators then PM this page or email [email protected]

The Mental Health Path

17/06/2026

14/06/2026

11/06/2026

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

09/06/2026

04/06/2026

03/06/2026

29/05/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	9am - 9pm
Tuesday	9am - 9pm
Wednesday	9am - 10pm
Thursday	9am - 9pm
Friday	9am - 9pm
Saturday	9am - 1pm