Choosing a word of the year can set an intention for the year, in the simplest form.

I chose the word ‘grow’ because I intend to grow myself, my Therapy Toolbox course, and help other women to grow too. It will be a slow-grow.

I find it enlightening and freeing to let go of the old year before looking into the next so wanted to share this simple process with you. Janus, the god of beginnings, gates, transitions and duality and who gives January its name, has two faces. One looks forward, and one looks back.

Learn how to write a therapeutic journal. Think of the journal page as your therapeutic space. A place of reflection and insight shared only between you and the page. Writing your thoughts and feelings gives them a voice, the page is a container for the swirling mass of thoughts and feelings inside.

Learning self compassion is one of the most overlooked life skills, but also one of the most essential. In our current culture we are somewhat polarised, we do spend time on ourselves but sometimes it is more as an object rather than a human with a heart. Here are some tips to help you develop self-compassion. You can build these into your daily self-care routine.

Prioritising self care alongside work and family life can feel selfish, indulgent, daunting even. It is essential, for you and for others. Self compassion should be easy, but somehow, for many of us, it isn’t. A small investment of time in self nurture is more likely to lead to you achieving your goals.