Helen Gifford Helen Gifford

Why is the world of education and mental health so complicated?

I was struck this week talking to a few different parents. These parents had children and teenagers who have additional needs and mental health concerns. I've been working with parents and young people for many years. Whilst I can offer much needed therapeutic support sometimes practical support is needed.

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Helen Gifford Helen Gifford

Navigating Grief with Young Adults

Grief is a complex and multifaceted experience, often felt as an overwhelming breadth of emotions that can be difficult to articulate even to yourself, let alone to others. This tumultuous state can make the grieving process isolating and confusing. However, when someone—be it a friend, family member, therapist or even a meme—helps articulate these emotions through words or images, it can feel like being thrown a life raft in a stormy sea.

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Helen Gifford Helen Gifford

Addressing taboo topics with young adults

The years of young adulthood are often characterised by relentless performance and comparison. It's a time when many feel the pressure to measure up to some elusive standard of academic success, social skills, beauty, or happiness. But who are they really comparing themselves to?

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Helen Gifford Helen Gifford

Why working with teenagers is enriching

The years of young adulthood are often characterised by relentless performance and comparison. It's a time when many feel the pressure to measure up to some elusive standard of academic success, social skills, beauty, or happiness. But who are they really comparing themselves to?

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Helen Gifford Helen Gifford

Our Bodies are in a Complex Relationship with Culture.

The years of young adulthood are often characterised by relentless performance and comparison. It's a time when many feel the pressure to measure up to some elusive standard of academic success, social skills, beauty, or happiness. But who are they really comparing themselves to?

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Helen Gifford Helen Gifford

Unmasking Young Adulthood

The years of young adulthood are often characterised by relentless performance and comparison. It's a time when many feel the pressure to measure up to some elusive standard of academic success, social skills, beauty, or happiness. But who are they really comparing themselves to?

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Helen Gifford Helen Gifford

The Power of Hope and holding space

It is easy to feel lost as a young adult, stuck in a transitional space surrounded by adults who make all the decisions. Often the possibility of change and moving forwards can get lost. Offering space to talk and sharing hope that things can change can be incredibly powerful.

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Helen Gifford Helen Gifford

Navigating our Social Media World: A Guide for supporting Young Adults

The modern world can be defined by the vast presence and influence of social media. It's a world where almost every individual has a digital footprint, and individual, community and world life events are often broadcasted online in real-time. This constant stream of information can be overwhelming, especially for young adults who are still learning to navigate this complex digital landscape.

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