https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/home daily 1.0 2020-09-16 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50cb5f947e4e5d5cc75d88/1599130483682/emma-simpson-mNGaaLeWEp0-unsplash.jpg Home https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50d26c138dc85aa0d1bd9f/1599132281405/kylie-haulk-o9O-wBHfIbs-unsplash.jpg Home https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5bcb68c7bc6c29cf75e07d/1599851393371/rosie-fraser-rTwhmFSoXC8-unsplash.jpg Home https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50cb363f7d6926aa2fdb88/1599130442211/charles-forerunner-3fPXt37X6UQ-unsplash.jpg Home https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/what-we-do daily 0.75 2020-09-11 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50af4446e3c302a0c77794/1599123291525/ben-white-qDY9ahp0Mto-unsplash.jpg About - A Bespoke therapeutic model tailor made to the client. What makes a therapeutic approach effective? Well, research would suggest that what matters is to meet the individual, or group where they are, in context. We often make great assumptions about ourselves and the world we live in; these assumptions are not really choices, they are often automated responses based upon previous learning that exist in order to make us more efficient. Unfortunately, some of the processes that are designed to make the brain more efficient, are not that applicable to the modern world, and can often result in experiential pain and suffering. Using the most up-to-date research from disciplines including biology, neuroscience, cognitive science, social science, psychology, physics and even computer science, we can aim to revision the world in a different way. Ultimately providing a space for new emotions and ultimately behavioural change. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50ac0a3d9ee35a0515c971/1599123566583/pierre-acobas-nbD0VmKnPrI-unsplash.jpg About - Our aim is to make you curious and interested in yourself and the world around you. This will enable us to truly get to know you, accept you and create space for change and self-management - for how can you manage something you do not truly understand. https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/contact daily 0.75 2020-09-02 https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/our-approach daily 0.75 2020-09-11 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50b20c505109752d09e3bc/1599857283127/ Our Approach - How do we view the human condition at Switch There is an abundance of psychological theories attempting to explain the human condition, and unfortunately most of them, rather than being based on research, they are more aligned to the cultural backdrop that the theory sits within. It is fair to say that the field of psychology itself, is primarily biased towards it cultural framework. However, new findings in the field of neuroscience is challenging many of the assumptions made by psychology and psychiatry and is providing a framework that, although may feel counter intuitive, is backed by the most robust research we have available to us. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50be4115788b24a396df26/1599127127386/david-hofmann-klWtuMJE8Ho-unsplash.jpg Our Approach - Psychological flexibility is not only the key to resilience, but also self-acceptance and good psychological health. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), is one of the most robustly researched areas of therapy - ACT believes that the lead cause of psychological distress is psychological rigidity. Don’t take my word for it..look for yourself!! The evidence is out there. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50b6fcb73f6026490f95e6/1599125265510/Flow+Chart+Image.jpeg.001.jpeg Our Approach - Working with systems in context The human experience is ultimately the result, or summary of the interplay of many different systems. Some of these systems lie within us like the immune, nervous or circulatory systems, and some are external systems such as the education, political or other social systems. Many of us do not realise that these systems are there or how they actually work or impact upon us. By exploring, understanding and appraising these systems we can lead ourselves to better functioning and improved psychological and physical health. https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/domestic-therapeutic-services daily 0.75 2020-09-15 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50d8cb138dc85aa0d246ec/1599133915332/octavio-fossatti-BbhqDutqJew-unsplash.jpg Personal Therapeutic Services - It’s completely normal for our closest relationships to experience conflict and disharmony. However, sometimes we need additional support. Sometimes situations are difficult to assess from within, and taking on a new perspective with the help of a trained facilitator can often quickly heal rifts that have the potential to cause serious problems in our relationships. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50d644323d4a72193218a7/1599861799870/jude-beck-YErQe8LQkyA-unsplash.jpg Personal Therapeutic Services With our unique, blended contextual approach we’ll aim to understand the issue and assist you in finding workable, practical solutions. From cognitive behavioural approaches to in-depth therapeutic discourse, we will aim to facilitate your needs to create more psychologically informed environments where you can thrive and enhance your health and quality of life. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50d76a9f3da3412fa40a38/1599133562483/ben-white-4K2lIP0zc_k-unsplash.jpg Personal Therapeutic Services - Depending on your need, we can offer a therapeutic space for personal exploration… …or visit your home to work with the whole family to create open dialogue and aid communication and cohesion https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f60b8ffd8cc016885d6ab5f/1600174434622/johnson-wang-iI4sR_nkkbc-unsplash.jpg Personal Therapeutic Services - Therapeutic Coaching Sometimes counselling just isn’t enough… Engage in the exciting, active experience of therapeutic coaching. A contextual, dynamic approach, which will invigorate, motivate and inspire focus and determination. Engage YOU in your life! https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/corporate-services daily 0.75 2020-09-11 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50db52323d4a7219329c78/1599134896575/david-pisnoy-46juD4zY1XA-unsplash.jpg Corporate Services - Mental Wellbeing and business. It’s pretty clear that mental health & wellbeing can impact upon the employee’s level of production and commitment to their organisation. Sick leave, disruptive group dynamics, problems with authority and bad leadership can all result in loss of earnings and the companies ability to function as a whole. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50dd51947e4e5d5cc92ae3/1599135307228/deva-darshan-Jt9syHEhrPE-unsplash.jpg Corporate Services - Whether in the form of people operations and working closely with HR, or assessing environments to expose blocks to success, or personal coaching to aid individual performance - Switch has a solution for you, and your business https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50df864448b353b043e080/1599852906170/john-barkiple-l090uFWoPaI-unsplash.jpg Corporate Services https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50e1349dee334f6ac5bd6a/1599136159213/susan-yin-2JIvboGLeho-unsplash.jpg Corporate Services https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/treatment-service-providers daily 0.75 2020-09-11 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50e968546e48103b4b5b5b/1599138177495/timon-studler-obZx1LjKKjc-unsplash.jpg Treatment Service Providers - Switch is here to support your service with treatment modality design & delivery, staff support in the form of Clinical Supervision and psychological consultation. Switch has experience in providing designing, developing & delivering treatment platforms and designing training that has been delivered nationally by some of the countries largest treatment providers. We have supported large workforces by providing group and individual clinical supervision, and assisted in writing policies, procedures and designing care pathways. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f50eb58b585b968ec0a956c/1599138664948/mimi-thian-vdXMSiX-n6M-unsplash.jpg Treatment Service Providers - We will nurture your staff, up-skill the workforce and get the very best from your team to ensure the best quality of treatment for your service users. Listening to your service’s needs, understanding your philosophy and providing the right kind of support in order that you meet your required KPI’s, and to give your service sustainability in a competitive market. https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/mental-health-professionals daily 0.75 2020-09-11 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5bd6b972df9935662720e5/1599857878641/Cyc+Mod.png Mental Health Professionals - Cost effective Fed up with paying out for mediocre supervision and clinical support. You need to leave your support session with new learning and feeling enthusiastic about the work ahead. Education, restoration and understanding and executing your day-to-day tasks are all aspects of the supervisory milieu. Keeping abreast of the latest developments are a crucial obligation of the clinical supervisor. Don’t settle - engage in dynamic and active supervision which will compliment your model of application, and be a practitioner that has real impact and efficacy. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5bd35af7f4901d79fe4e33/1599857857848/toa-heftiba-_UIVmIBB3JU-unsplash.jpg Mental Health Professionals - Get the right kind of support for your practice. Whether you’re a counsellor, therapist, coach or supervisor. You need support that is effective and develops your practice. https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/under-the-hood daily 0.75 2020-09-17 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5bd9bc109fcc28df463deb/1599862126175/john-t-ojCHx1YgUeA-unsplash.jpg Under the Hood - To understand the Switch Approach We must first understand the backdrop of mental health treatment. A brief history of mental health treatment The way we have approached and provided support for people with psychological problems has changed dramatically over the last 100 years or so. From the writings of Freud to the current research in neuroscience, we have come a long way in our knowledge. However, in spite of our advances in science and understanding, people still continue to suffer with mental health problems. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5c9f3df54b1d692809a878/1599905615783/noah-buscher-AUM5vcnuYd4-unsplash.jpg Under the Hood https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5bdbbcae17ef372074f907/1599855568013/my-life-through-a-lens-bq31L0jQAjU-unsplash.jpg Under the Hood - Social Construction So as you sit here, reading this text, you’re probably blissfully unaware that your real-time experience is an amalgamation of things that are “real”, meaning you can touch, weigh and measure them, like computers, trees or settees, and things that are “abstract”, or are not in the real world, things that can’t be weighed, measured or touched, things like the value of money, mathematics, laws, political correctness, mental health, or even your emotions and thoughts. Thing is, these social constructs, have as much power, and are often more influence in our minds as “real” touchable things. They’re called social constructs because in order for them to become real, they need lots of people to agree that they exist. Let me explain, did you ever find it curious, that when reporting our emotional state, most people will usually come up with the same types of words; anxious, depressed, angry, lonely etc. If you were asked say, 200 years ago about how you felt, I almost guarantee that you would not have said “I’m anxious”, but we absolutely know that the experience that we call “anxiety” would have existed 200 years ago, because in that time, the architecture of the brain hasn’t really changed. However, the term anxious was not used in popular culture. It’s not that the emotions themselves are social constructs (although some scholars would say that they are) but more so the names we ascribe to them. So, we can see that the way we describe our experience is determined by certain factors; what time in history you are saying it, what part of the world you live in, your immediate social influences, and from where you source your information from. However, social constructs are much more powerful than that; us humans make things “real” in two ways. We see or touch something in the world, and because we can all see it, and touch it, we give it a name, so when we say the name we all know what we’re talking about, even if the object we are talking about isn’t there ( language is extremely important in the way that we socially construct the world), or we can give something a name, and as long as enough people agree to it, it becomes real, even if we can’t touch it, see it, hear it or taste it. This is social construction, and it probably is the most single important aspect of our mental health and wellbeing. The way we socially construct the word is an intrinsic aspect of the Switch approach. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5bdcd69c498c6a7a22735b/1599855849970/camila-quintero-franco-mC852jACK1g-unsplash.jpg Under the Hood - Psychiatric illness and mental health diagnosis Here it might be useful to mention briefly the field of Psychiatry. Psychiatry is curious as it is rooted in the medical model, which we now know is reductionist, but relies upon socially constructed categories to diagnose patients. The main texts on mental health disorders, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM) now on its 5th edition, and the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (the ICD), which is now on its 10th edition, both apply a reductionist framework. The DSM deals with psychiatric problems exclusively, whereas the ICD addresses health problems in general - The DSM is usually the main text referred to when making a clinical psychiatric diagnosis by a psychiatrist, who will usually be a formally trained medical Doctor before taking additional training in psychiatry. Mental health disorders are social constructions, meaning they do not exist in the real world. They are created by committee and are adapted due to political influences and cultural frameworks. For example, not so long ago, homosexuality was a mental health disorder that was considered a treatable condition – if you’ve ever read about Alan Turing and his abhorrent treatment to cure him of his homosexuality, then you’ll know what I’m talking about. Turing, who had one of the most brilliant minds produced by the human race was chemically castrated, which arguably led to his suicide at the age of 41. By the way, if you’re thinking of disputing his brilliance, then consider that if it wasn’t for him, the machine that you are reading this on, would probably not exist! Homosexuality was removed from the DSM only in 1973. If a mental health diagnosis was “real”, like heart disease, or diabetes, then you couldn’t just “erase it” when societal views changed. The function of mental health disorders and categorisation is to identify the cause of the psychiatric problem based upon the symptoms reported by the patient, so that the psychiatrist can prescribe the correct medication. The problem with this approach is that many symptoms are the same for different disorders – it is not uncommon for a person suffering with psychological trauma to be diagnosed with up to 5 different psychiatric disorders, and to be medicated in line with those disorders, before the trauma is identified and the person is signposted to the correct type of support. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5bdfa649b5e1331cfcbf90/1599862214410/alexis-fauvet-Ne5SFwlUEGw-unsplash.jpg Under the Hood - Predictive Brain Theory & Affective Science As you’re reading this section, I’d encourage you to keep in mind the earlier segment on social construction; remember, our ideas on psychology and mental health are largely based upon social construction and mental experiencing and are not “real” in the true sense of the word. It is often argued that psychology is not a “real science” as many of its experiments cannot be replicated – a key aspect of research in empirical science. However, psychology attempts to work with human experience, which is in itself, not a “real” phenomenon like chemistry and biology. So, we probably need to give psychology a bit of a break on this score, it is after all, trying its best. The psychological paradigm both historically and currently looks something like this – the world happens, and you react to it, if you like, cause and effect. There you go, simple. Sounds about right and feels very intuitive. Do we not hear a loud bang (cause) then jump (effect), or see an image of an adorable cat (cause) and become compelled to cuddle it (effect)? Well, that’s what it certainly feels like. However, what we’re learning is that the way the mind and brain work is not intuitive at all! https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5bdf869e7502007b370cf5/1599862283151/nick-fewings-4lnPASdXn9I-unsplash.jpg Under the Hood - Emotions & Affect When we talk about emotions, what are we actually talking about? Well, let’s review this so we’re all on the same page. There are a continual flow of emotions passing through your system all of the time. Thing is, most of them will go unnoticed; rather like a small cut I received while I was doing the garden the other day, but wasn’t aware of it at the time, and only noticed it when drying off after my shower, 3 hours later. When an emotion attains the energy to breach the threshold of your awareness, you notice it, and the moment this happens, you’re experiencing a feeling. In other words, you feel the emotion. https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/further-reading daily 0.75 2020-09-12 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5c7f1263c71e3d42297aae/1599897375800/LFB.jpg Further Reading https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5c80e46ba9c322b19ff43b/1599898772590/Sapiens+.jpg Further Reading Take a look at this compelling narrative of the history of our species. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5c8199d7bf523730bdb5f8/1599898217229/Doctoring+.jpg Further Reading A eye opening book backed up with robust research about the Psychiatric paradigm. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5c82ae4d3a6a5d4fb64de3/1599898532723/Zoltan+T.jpg Further Reading This amazing read was written by an incredible man who suddenly lost his sight and used is experience to question the nature of human consciousness. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5f4e7964cb0027356e8705dc/t/5f5c83e5d7536c1e1ef70cdb/1599906657915/sch.jpg Further Reading Quite a challenging real about one of the world’s most influential physicists and his rather humble view on human existence. https://www.switchconsultancy.co.uk/location-fees daily 0.75 2020-09-12