When people think of ADHD, they often picture what is most visible: difficulty focusing, restlessness, impulsivity and forgetfulness. These are the traits that others notice first, the behaviours that get labelled, the symptoms that make it into diagnostic criteria. Yet these visible signs are only a small part of the full picture.

Late ADHD diagnosis, particularly in adults diagnosed in their thirties, forties, or beyond, often triggers a profound mourning process. This isn't the straightforward grief we associate with losing someone we love. It's more complicated, more ambiguous. You're mourning a version of yourself that never got to exist, opportunities that slipped away, and decades spent believing harmful narratives about your character, such as thinking that there is something wrong with you.

When someone we care about is experiencing domestic abuse, our instinct is often to offer what seems like obvious advice: "Just leave." It appears straightforward, remove yourself from the harmful situation and start fresh. However, this well-intentioned counsel frequently misses the complex psychological, practical, and safety considerations that survivors face. Understanding why "just leave" isn't helpful advice is crucial for anyone supporting someone through domestic abuse, and for survivors themselves who may be struggling with guilt about why leaving feels so difficult.

For many people, intimacy begins as a source of connection, pleasure, and bonding. Yet over time, what once felt natural and enjoyable can transform into something that triggers anxiety, creates distance, and generates stress. When sex becomes a source of tension rather than connection, individuals and couples often find themselves caught in cycles of avoidance that can feel impossible to break.

Many couples wonder if their relationship problems are "bad enough" to warrant professional help. The truth is, you don't need to be on the brink of separation to benefit from couples therapy. In fact, seeking support before issues become entrenched often leads to better outcomes. Here are five clear signs it might be time to book that first session, plus what you can realistically expect from the process.

Art therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that combines creative expression with psychological support. Far from being just "making pretty pictures," it is a clinically informed practice that uses art as a tool for exploring emotions, improving mental health, and fostering personal growth. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply seeking greater self-understanding, art therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore your inner world.

Despite growing awareness around mental health, men remain significantly less likely to seek psychological support than women. This reluctance to reach out for help has profound consequences, not just for the men themselves, but for their families, relationships, and communities. At Heathwell Blackheath, we have experienced counsellors and psychotherapists who specialise in supporting men through their mental health journeys. Understanding why men hesitate to seek therapy is crucial for dismantling the barriers that prevent them from accessing the support they need.

When the same relationship patterns keep repeating and emotional difficulties feel overwhelming, many people wonder if there's a way to create meaningful change without years of therapy. Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT) offers an evidence-based solution that works with both symptoms and the underlying interpersonal patterns that often fuel them.

Do you ever feel like you're the only adult in your relationship? Like you're constantly managing, organising, and remembering everything while your partner seems to coast along? If this resonates with you, you're experiencing what many therapists recognise as the parent-child dynamic in romantic relationships.

You're not alone in feeling this way, and more importantly, it's not your fault. But understanding how this dynamic develops, and how to change it, can transform your relationship from one of caretaking to true partnership.

Starting therapy is a significant step towards better mental health and wellbeing. But with many different therapeutic approaches and thousands of practitioners across London to choose from, how do you find someone who's not just qualified, but truly right for you and your unique circumstances?

This comprehensive guide will help you navigate both the practical considerations of choosing a qualified therapist and the equally important question of finding the right therapeutic approach for your needs.

Narcissistic abuse is one of the most insidious and often misunderstood, forms of psychological harm. Unlike overt physical abuse, it operates through subtle, persistent manipulation that can distort a person’s sense of reality and gradually dismantle their self-esteem. Survivors frequently describe feeling confused, disoriented, and alone, often doubting their own perceptions and questioning their worth. At Heathwell, our specialist therapists understand the unique dynamics of narcissistic abuse and offer skilled, compassionate support to help individuals make sense of their experiences and begin the process of healing.

"She used to be so outgoing and happy. Now she won't even answer the phone when her friends call."

"All she does is stay in her room on her phone. I can't get her to come downstairs for dinner anymore."

"I don't understand what's happened to my child. It's like someone switched them overnight."

If these thoughts sound familiar, you're not alone. Many parents find themselves bewildered when their previously confident, capable child suddenly becomes anxious, withdrawn, or struggles with tasks they used to handle with ease. This dramatic shift can be deeply concerning, leaving parents wondering what they've done wrong or whether their teenager is simply being "difficult."

After years of school runs, teenage dramas, and family dinners, the day arrives when your last child leaves home. The house is suddenly quieter, routines shift, and you find yourself face-to-face with your partner without the buffer of parenting responsibilities. This transition, commonly known as the "empty nest," can be both challenging and surprisingly rewarding for couples.

Psychosexual therapy is a specialised therapeutic approach that focuses specifically on sexual functioning, sexual relationships, and how we feel about our sexual selves. It's sometimes called sex therapy, and it addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of sexual health.

Unlike general counselling, psychosexual therapy directly explores the intimate aspects of your life and provides tailored strategies for sexual concerns. The therapist creates a safe space where you can discuss matters that might feel embarrassing or difficult to talk about elsewhere.

Rebuilding intimacy after trauma isn't about going back to how things were before—it's about creating something new that honors both your experiences and your desires for connection. The path isn't usually straightforward and often involves cycles of connection, retreat, and trying again.

With patience, support, and compassion—from others and yourself—it's possible to develop a connection that might actually be more authentic and meaningful than before.