Michael Lipo Therapeutic Services

07/03/2026

https://mltherapyservices.co.uk/when-reality-is-kinder-than-we-expect-understanding-prediction-bias-in-anxiety/

Anxious minds consistently predict worse outcomes than occur. A therapist in England explains prediction bias and how to challenge it.

26/11/2025

Worried about ? You are not alone. Practice these techniques and strategies to cope with the upcoming few weeks.

https://mltherapyservices.co.uk/christmas-anxiety-manage-holiday-stress-counselling/

05/11/2025

I am asked about Cognitive Behavioural Therapy in most sessions or at least during the introductory call. It is one of the most researched and widely practised forms of therapy in the UK, and for good reason. CBT has helped millions of people overcome anxiety, depression, trauma, and a range of other mental health challenges. In this post, I want to explain what CBT actually is, how it works, and whether it might be the right approach for you.

https://mltherapyservices.co.uk/what-is-cbt/

Discover how CBT works, what it can help with, and whether Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is right for you. Evidence-based guidance from an experienced and highly rated therapist in Wokingham

06/12/2024

I am writing more about grief this week because of Grief Awareness Week and in light of the Assisted Dying Bill in the UK. Grief is incredibly personal and often contradictory, bringing about confusing and challenging emotions. If things feel to difficult or intense, the most important thing is to reach out to a friend, family member, support group, or a professional counsellor.

www.mltherapeuticservices.com/blog/grief-awareness-week-emotions

Grief is rarely a single, straightforward emotion. It is a kaleidoscope of feelings that can shift within moments: profound sadness might transform into unexpected anger, then dissolve into a momentary sense of peace, only to be followed by guilt. This emotional turbulence is not a sign of weakness,

05/12/2024

For Grief Awareness Week, ensure you reach out for support - whether that is a support group, friends, family, or a counsellor and therapist. This is an important week to highlight the usefulness of support and network during a difficult period.

https://www.mltherapeuticservices.com/blog/grief-awareness-week-2024

DM to discuss how individual counselling can support you (or a loved one) during that process.

Grief is not a challenge to be conquered, but a deeply personal experience that each individual navigates uniquely. There's no prescribed timeline or "correct" way to grieve. Whether it comes in waves of intense emotion or as a quiet, persistent ache, grief is a testament to the profound l

13/10/2024

I've written a post on and . Discover how mindfulness, counselling, and emotional awareness can transform your journey into parenthood. This article delves into recent research and advice, offering:
• 10 strategies for maintaining a strong relationship while adapting to life with a baby
• Practical tips for emotional well-being and effective communication
• Insights into the benefits of professional counselling for new parents

Learn why acknowledging your feelings, prioritising self-care, and fostering open communication are crucial for thriving in this new chapter of life. Whether you are expecting a , or you are a new parent (or even just considering counselling), this provides a perspective on building resilience and nurturing your relationship amidst the beautiful chaos of early parenthood.

www.mltherapeuticservices.com/blog/relationship-satisfaction-among-new-parents

Discover how counselling, mindfulness, and emotional awareness can transform your journey new parents. This article delves into recent research and expert advice, offering: • 10 strategies for maintaining a strong relationship while adapting to life with a baby • Practical tips for emotional wel...

21/09/2024

I have used several items, images, and worksheets to help clients build on their an awareness of emotions. Many have been useful but this seems to have had the most impact.

The right-side of the image (yellow and green) contains pleasant emotions such as grateful, elated, mellow.
The left-side of the image (red and blue) contains less pleasant emotions such as irritated, miserable, and fuming.

The top half of the image contains emotions with higher energy, activation, or arousal such as jittery, restless, and thrilled.
The bottom half of the image contains emotions with lower energy, activation, or arousal such as cosy, disheartened, and serene.

The reason that this image is useful is because it helps people to understand the emotions can fit into these four categories:
- High energy and high pleasantness
- High energy and low pleasantness
- Low energy and high pleasantness
- Low energy and low pleasantness

If you struggle with recognising what you are experiencing, start with whether you can notice the energy level and how pleasant (or not) you are feeling.
Be curious and explore what emotions fit into the category.
Read up on emotions - there's plenty books out there!
Look up the definitions of emotions.
And, of course, counselling is a great place to start making sense of your experiences and to better understand what is going on for you.

It will help you feel better, help your interactions and relationships, and help you to have more control over your behaviour and decisions.

16/09/2024

Arthur Brooks studies happiness and says that it is not a feeling but a combination of three things - enjoyment, satisfaction, and purpose. To achieve those three components of happiness, establish and maintain four habits:

• Faith - creating a perspective of life that is bigger than you, and investing in things that go beyond your brief, passing experiences. Engage in meaningful activities that create a sense of awe, a sense of connection to things that are large.

• Family - create connections with family members. Or, if that is difficult, create connections with people that might be considered family in a less rigid definition of the word.

• Friends - create real connections with people who do not provide you with transactional sense of satisfaction.

• Work - find work that you can create something meaningful (and you are being rewarded); have work that serves other people.

I think there are many other ways to create a sense of satisfaction and purpose (and enjoyment), but it seems that those four habits (or areas to invest more time into) are good enough. Find your own ways to get a sense of satisfaction (which is achieved through investing into something) and meaning (which comes from doing things that have a positive impact on those around you).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tm58IegGtaA

Arthur Brooks delivers the keynote address at The Atlantic Festival's "In Pursuit of Happiness Forum."Discover the keys to a more fulfilling life and learn h...

09/09/2024

Another great episode by Tim Ferriss. Susan Cain's words on bittersweetness resonated with me in a way I had not expected. I have often been taught (and work with men who have been taught, too) to suppress emotions, to be strong and stoic. Cain's exploration of longing, of the yearning for something more, struck a chord. It is a feeling that we all experience, even if we do not always acknowledge it.

This bittersweetness, this ache for something greater, is not a weakness. It is a signpost, a compass pointing us towards a deeper connection with ourselves. It is a chance to confront our fears, to face our desires head-on.

To embrace this bittersweet journey, start by acknowledging your feelings. Do not bottle them up. Write about them, talk about them, or simply sit with them. Journaling can be a powerful tool for exploring your inner world and understanding the source of friction and tension. Pay attention to the emotions that arise. What stories do they tell you?

Meditation can also be a valuable tool for cultivating a deeper awareness of your inner landscape. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This is the core of .

If you find yourself struggling to navigate these emotions alone, consider seeking help. Counselling can provide a safe space to explore your feelings and develop strategies for coping. Remember, this journey is a personal one. There is no right or wrong way to experience it. By embracing the bittersweetness, you are opening yourself up to growth and fulfilment.

https://youtu.be/3qcXUtUjPlo?feature=shared

Susan Cain on Transforming Pain, Building Your Emotional Resilience, Exploring Sufi Wisdom, Tapping into Bittersweet Songs, and Seeking the Shards of Light |...