The CBT Works

04/06/2026

I'm off on holiday from today and back on 22nd June.

Taking time to switch off, slow down and recharge is one of the best things we can do for our mental health - it helps reduce stress, restore balance and come back feeling refreshed.

Shona 💜

28/05/2026

In this video, Miley Cyrus opens up about her experience of EMDR therapy and the impact it had on her.

EMDR can be practiced in many different ways, and every person’s experience is unique. Unlike CBT, which is primarily a talking therapy focused on thoughts and behaviours, EMDR works differently — using bilateral stimulation to help the brain process and reframe difficult or traumatic memories, often without needing to talk through every detail in depth.

You can find out more on our website - thecbtworks.com

13/05/2026

What is EMDR? 🤔

EMDR therapy can help people struggling with trauma, anxiety, PTSD, and distressing memories.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing - a therapy approach that helps people process traumatic or distressing experiences in a safe and structured way.

It’s often used to support people struggling with:

• Trauma & PTSD
• Anxiety & panic
• Phobias
• Grief & loss
• Difficult memories that still feel emotionally overwhelming

EMDR uses guided eye movements, tapping or sounds while focusing briefly on difficult memories. Over time, this can help the brain “reprocess” those experiences so they feel less intense and no longer hold the same emotional impact.

You don’t have to stay stuck in survival mode. Healing is possible.

Learn more about mental health support and therapy approaches on our website www.thecbtworks.com

01/05/2026

Sometimes the best therapy… doesn’t feel like therapy at all 🌿

The sound of the sea.
Cherry blossom falling.
A quiet moment watching wildlife.
Fresh air filling your lungs.
Lying still, held by nature.

We often underestimate just how powerful these moments are.

Research shows:
• Spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly lower stress hormone levels
• People who spend 2+ hours a week in natural environments report better health and wellbeing
• Time outdoors has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved mood, and better sleep

In a world that moves fast, nature invites us to slow down.

No pressure. No expectations. Just being.

You don’t need to climb a mountain or escape for days - even small moments count.

A walk.
A pause.
A breath.

🌱 Your mind needs space, too.

15/04/2026

Before → After 💬

This is what progress can look like.

Not perfect.
Not instant.
But real, meaningful change.

On the left, things felt overwhelming - anxiety, low mood, struggling to cope, feeling stuck and disconnected.

On the right, there’s something different - more calm, more clarity, more confidence. Better sleep. Better communication. Feeling more like yourself again.

Therapy doesn’t “fix” you - because you’re not broken.

It gives you the tools, space and support to understand what’s going on and move forward in a way that feels manageable.

And that shift?
That’s everything.

If you recognise yourself in the “before,” just know change is possible.

Shona x



Mental health therapist Inverurie

06/04/2026

When Sandra Bullock spoke about her experience with EMDR, one thing stood out:

It wasn’t just about a single memory.

It became something bigger - a pattern.

In EMDR, people often begin with one moment,
but what can emerge is a deeper understanding of familiar feelings, repeated experiences, and long-standing ways of coping.

That can feel intense - sometimes even overwhelming - but it can also be incredibly meaningful.

Because it’s not about “what’s wrong with you.”

It’s about what your nervous system learned over time.

And once those patterns become visible,
something important happens:

You have the opportunity to respond differently.

That’s where change begins.

If you have Instagram, you can watch more here:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUJHXCpjpHO/?igsh=enF0b2J6ZjYxczQ=

18/03/2026

I’m really looking forward to popping along to this 💙

It’s so important that spaces like this exist in our community - somewhere people can come along, have a chat, and feel they’re not alone.

Men in Mind are doing fantastic work supporting mental health through simple, honest conversations. There’s nothing formal about it - just a relaxed environment, a cup of tea, and the chance to connect.

I’m always keen to support and share local initiatives like this, especially here in Inverurie. The more we talk, the more we normalise, and the more we break down stigma.

📍 Inverurie Locos
📅 Friday 27th March
⏰ Doors open 6.30pm | Start 7pm

If you’ve been curious about what they do, this is a great opportunity to come along and see for yourself.

Sometimes, one conversation can make all the difference.

Shona 💗

09/03/2026

I’m currently out of the office this week enjoying some time in the mountains skiing ⛷️ and will be back next week.

Time outdoors, fresh air, and physical activity are so important for both our physical and mental wellbeing. Stepping away from the day-to-day routine and moving our bodies can really help us reset and recharge.

Whether it’s skiing down a mountain or simply getting out for a walk, taking time to breathe, move, and enjoy the outdoors can make a big difference.

I’ll respond to messages when I return next week. In the meantime, I hope you’re all managing to get a little fresh air and movement into your days too. ❄️

Shona

26/02/2026

“I started doing EMDR about four or five months ago and it’s been life changing. I just absolutely love it.”

Lily Allen spoke openly on the Miss Me? podcast about her experience of EMDR therapy — and how it’s helping her understand patterns around money, self-worth, and deserving.

So often the beliefs we hold about ourselves sit beneath the surface. EMDR can help people process experiences that shaped those beliefs, allowing space for something different.

You can listen to the conversation using either link below - you’ll find the section on at this point 👉 24:17–26:38 if you don’t have time to listen to the full thing:

🔗 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0mpr72j

If you’d like to know more about EMDR or how it works, feel free to reach out.

Lily Allen is back! She joins Miquita Oliver to answer your questions about success.

31/01/2026

January can feel long, can’t it?

The grey mornings hit harder.
The dark evenings drag on.
And suddenly all those “new year, new me” promises feel… heavy.

Be healthier.
Move more.
Be more positive.
Do it all. Do it perfectly. Do it now.

But going from 0 to 100 overnight? That’s a lot to ask of yourself.

So here’s a gentle reminder as February peeks around the corner.
Wellness isn’t an all-or-nothing game.

It’s not about perfection.
It’s about progress.
Small steps. Small shifts. Small moments of care that add up over time.

If January didn’t go the way you hoped - that’s okay.
You haven’t failed. You’re human.

Maybe February can be about balance instead of pressure.
Kindness instead of criticism.
Doing one good thing for yourself today - not everything at once.

And that? That counts. 💛