Client Profile: Jane was a seasoned project manager, known for her attention to detail and commitment to quality. She loved her job, but as
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Corporate Wellbeing
Understanding OCD in the Workplace: How OK Talk Can Help
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood as a quirky preference for order or cleanliness, but it is a complex mental health condition that affects
Building Stronger Teams: Enhancing Workplace Communication with OK Talk
Effective communication is the backbone of any successful team. When employees feel heard, respected, and empowered to express themselves, teams can tackle challenges more
When Others Don’t Care: How to Cope When People Aren’t as Invested as You Are
Have you ever found yourself deeply invested in something important, only to be met with indifference from others? Maybe it’s a project at work,
Pregnancy and Loss in the Workplace: How OK Talk Counselling and Other Organizations Can Provide Support
Pregnancy is often considered one of the most joyful experiences in a person’s life. However, it’s essential to recognize that not all pregnancies result
Is Vulnerability Worth It? The Realities of Sharing Mental Health Struggles
In recent years, there has been a significant cultural shift towards encouraging openness about mental health. We are urged to speak out, share our
Feeling Stuck: What It Means and How to Move Forward
We’ve all experienced moments when life feels like it’s at a standstill. Whether in the workplace or in our personal lives, feeling stuck can
How Personal Issues Can Affect Focus at Work: Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Them
In a productivity-driven society, the boundary between our personal lives and professional responsibilities often becomes blurred. While we might strive to keep these realms
The Growing Importance of Mental Health in the Workplace: A Call to Action for UK Employers
In recent years, the cost of employee sickness has surged dramatically in the UK, now exceeding £100 billion annually, according to a new report
Manipulation in Disguise: Recognizing and Responding to Emotional Control
Manipulation is a term we often hear but seldom fully understand. It’s a covert and insidious form of influence where someone tries to control
Navigating Workplace Triggers: A Path to Harmony Through Therapy
The workplace, a melting pot of diverse personalities and viewpoints, can often become a source of stress when we find ourselves triggered by a
Navigating Workplace Bullying: Protecting Your Mental Health and Seeking Support
Workplace bullying can have severe and long-lasting effects on your mental health, including: When to Seek Support Early Signs: It’s important to seek support
The Art and Impact of People-Pleasing at Work
People-pleasing in the workplace is a common habit, driven by the desire to be liked and accepted. While it might seem harmless, this behaviour
Tapping and Mindfulness: Techniques to Combat Workplace Anxiety
Workplace anxiety can be overwhelming, but techniques like tapping (Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT) and mindfulness offer practical solutions to help manage stress and improve
Tackling Presenteeism and Absenteeism with OK Talk: A Modern Solution for Employee Well-being
The well-being of employees is more important than ever. Two significant issues that can greatly impact a company’s productivity and morale are presenteeism and
How OK Talk Can Support Your Employees
In today’s fast-paced work environment, maintaining mental well-being is essential for employee productivity and satisfaction. OK Talk is dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health
Navigating Mental Health Challenges at Work: A Guide for Employees
Mental health challenges, such as feeling low or experiencing anxiety, can significantly impact your ability to function effectively at work. It’s crucial to recognize
Navigating the Complexities of Oversharing: Reflections on Post-Disclosure Regret
We’ve all been there. That moment when we decide to open up and share a piece of our lives with family, friends, or colleagues.
The Ripple Effect: How Personal Issues Impact Work Performance
Life doesn’t pause when we step into the office. Personal issues, whether big or small, can have a significant impact on our ability to
Exploring Attachment Theory: How It Influences Relationships in the Workplace and Beyond
Attachment theory, a psychological framework initially developed to understand parent-child relationships, has increasingly found its application in various domains, including the workplace and adult
Meet Marina
Meet Marina Sabolova, the visionary founder of OK Talk Wellbeing Services. With over nine years of experience as a counsellor, psychotherapist and happiness coach,
Navigating Boundaries in the Workplace: A Guide to Setting Healthy Limits
In today’s fast-paced work environments, it’s easy to find yourself stretched thin, constantly juggling tasks, and feeling overwhelmed. In such settings, establishing boundaries becomes
Identifying and Handling Toxic People at Work: A Practical Guide
In every workplace, there’s the occasional challenge of dealing with toxic personalities. Whether it’s subtle manipulation or outright negativity, recognizing and managing toxic behaviour
Coping with Overwhelm: Strategies for Employees
In the fast-paced and demanding world of modern work, it’s all too easy to feel overwhelmed. Whether it’s a heavy workload, tight deadlines, or
Embrace the Power of Conversation: It’s Good to Talk in the Workplace
In today’s bustling workplaces, where deadlines loom and tasks pile up, the importance of communication often gets overlooked. However, Marina, the visionary founder of
Breaking the Silence: Navigating Mental Health Conversations as a Leader
Addressing mental health within a team is indeed crucial, but it’s understandable that leaders may face challenges or discomfort in initiating these conversations. Here
Leading with Transparency: Nurturing Mental Wellbeing in Leadership
In the dynamic landscape of leadership, the call for transparency has never been more crucial, especially when it comes to mental health. Leaders play
Elevating Mental Health Awareness: The Vital Role of Leaders in Team Wellbeing
In the contemporary workplace, leaders play a pivotal role in fostering a positive and healthy environment for their teams. One of the critical aspects
Fostering Open Mental Health Dialogues: Effective Approaches for Leaders to Engage with Their Teams
Promoting open mental health conversations in the workplace is crucial for fostering a supportive and healthy environment. Leaders play a pivotal role in creating
Distinguishing Between Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Programs and Counselling Services: Understanding Their Unique Purposes and Approaches
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) programs and counselling services are both important components of mental health support, but they serve different purposes and have
Family Wellbeing
Understanding Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Young People: A Guide for Parents
As a parent, it can be challenging to see your child struggle with their emotions or mental health. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, low self-esteem,
Returning to School After Summer: Navigating Anxiety in Young People
As the final days of summer fade and the back-to-school season approaches, many young people find themselves grappling with a mix of emotions. Excitement
The Importance of Individual Therapy for Young People: A Counsellor’s Perspective
When we consider the emotional and psychological well-being of young people, it’s essential to create a therapeutic environment where they feel safe, understood, and
Understanding Childhood OCD: When to Seek Professional Help
Parenting comes with its share of challenges, and when your child experiences obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it can be particularly overwhelming. OCD in children manifests
Conquering Emetophobia: A Guide to Managing the Fear of Vomiting
Emetophobia is the fear of vomiting, and it can be a challenging anxiety to manage. If you or someone you know is struggling with
Navigating the Challenge: Coping Strategies for Children Insisting on Co-Sleeping with Parents
Tips for parents Dealing with a child who insists on having a parent sleep with them can be challenging, but there are several strategies
Empowering Your Anxious Child: Strategies for Supporting Their School Journey
Supporting a child who is unable to attend school due to feeling overwhelmed is crucial for their well-being and academic success. Here are some
Coping with My Child’s Morning Panic Attacks Before School: A Parent’s Guide to Managing the Situation
Here are some general tips that might help: Validate their feelings: Let your child know that it’s okay to feel anxious and that you
Dealing with Frustration: Strategies for Handling My Child’s Ignorance
Dealing with a child who ignores you can be challenging, but there are several strategies you can use to improve communication and address the
Navigating Conversations: Addressing the Unseen Influences on My Child’s Behaviour and Mood
Starting a conversation with your child when you sense that something is affecting their behaviour and mood can be challenging, but it’s crucial to
Mental Health
The Power of Patience
Patience feels like a rare and valuable trait. With so many things at our fingertips—from instant messaging to next-day deliveries—it’s easy to feel frustrated
Feeling Chatty? Join Us for Monday Mornings at The Lounge!
Since August 2023, I’ve been hosting the Chatty Cafe at The Lounge in Portishead every Monday morning, and it’s become something I look forward
The Authenticity Dilemma: Why Being True to Yourself Feels So Hard
Have you ever caught yourself acting differently around certain people or in specific situations? Maybe you held back your true thoughts, opinions, or feelings
The Power of Belief: How Our Belief System Shapes Our Lives and How Therapy Can Help
Many of us hold the belief that “I am a good person, so good things should happen to me.” This expectation seems natural—if we
Is Age Just a Number? The Untapped Wisdom of the Older Generation and Its Benefits for Well-being
In a world that often glorifies youth and innovation, we sometimes overlook the value of experience and the wisdom that comes with age. But
The Power of Belief: How Our Belief System Shapes Our Lives and How Therapy Can Help
Many of us hold the belief that “I am a good person, so good things should happen to me.” This expectation seems natural—if we
Understanding Toxic Positivity and What We Can Do About It
In recent years, the term “toxic positivity” has gained recognition, but what exactly does it mean? At its core, toxic positivity refers to the
Understanding Triggers and How Therapy Can Help
In our everyday lives, we all encounter situations that cause an emotional reaction. These emotional responses, sometimes intense, are often referred to as triggers.
Should We Really Put Our Emotions to the Side?
You’ve likely heard the phrase, “Put your emotions to the side,” especially in moments of stress or decision-making. It’s a common piece of advice
Do You Feel Appreciated Enough? The Overlooked Work of Women in Families
In many homes, women take on the lion’s share of household responsibilities, from childcare to chores, all while balancing careers. Yet, their efforts are
Unrealistic Expectations in Therapy: How to Shift to a More Realistic Approach
Therapy can be a powerful journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. However, the path is rarely linear or quick. Many clients enter therapy with
When Others Don’t Care: How to Cope When People Aren’t as Invested as You Are
Have you ever found yourself deeply invested in something important, only to be met with indifference from others? Maybe it’s a project at work,
Walking in Different Shoes: Why We Should Replace Judgment with Empathy
Judgment is a powerful force. We’ve all felt its sting, whether it’s from strangers, acquaintances, or even ourselves. The tendency to judge others based
The Illusion of Ownership: Embracing What We Owe
In our modern lives, it’s easy to feel as though we own so many things: our homes, our careers, even our relationships. We invest
From Script to Reality: Choosing Your Own Life Adventure
As I often tell my son, life is like a movie, and we are all the main characters in our own story. Just like
Is Vulnerability Worth It? The Realities of Sharing Mental Health Struggles
In recent years, there has been a significant cultural shift towards encouraging openness about mental health. We are urged to speak out, share our
Feeling Stuck: What It Means and How to Move Forward
We’ve all experienced moments when life feels like it’s at a standstill. Whether in the workplace or in our personal lives, feeling stuck can
The Surprising Truth About Therapy: More Than Just Coping Techniques
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to be a mental health professional. The therapists, counsellors, and psychologists I encountered always seemed
Embracing Emotions: How Counselling Helps Us Face the Feelings We Often Ignore
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, we often push away our emotions, especially the painful ones. We become experts at brushing
The Paradox of Avoidance: Why We Resist Change Even When We Need It
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you know you need to make a change, but something keeps holding you back? It’s
What Are You Chasing in Life?
In life, we often find ourselves in relentless pursuit of something that we believe will make us complete, fulfilled, or truly happy. This pursuit
Are You Investing Your Energy in the Right Places?
In today’s demanding world, energy is our most valuable resource. It powers everything we do—from the way we work, to how we engage with
The Illusion of Perfection: Social Media, Comparison, and the Journey to Self-Acceptance
In today’s digital age, it’s almost impossible to avoid the endless scroll of social media. Every day, we’re bombarded with snapshots of other people’s
Are You Uplifting or Draining? The Roles We Play in Each Other’s Lives
In the intricate dance of human relationships, how we make each other feel is more than just a passing concern—it’s the essence of our
Manipulation in Disguise: Recognizing and Responding to Emotional Control
Manipulation is a term we often hear but seldom fully understand. It’s a covert and insidious form of influence where someone tries to control
The Journey of Therapy: More Than Just a Quick Fix
It’s not uncommon for people to seek immediate solutions to their problems. This mindset often extends to therapy, where individuals hope to find quick
Embracing Confidence: Finding Strength in Your Unique Journey
Confidence is a tricky thing. Sometimes, we feel on top of the world, certain of our abilities and ready to take on any challenge.
Embracing Authenticity: The Power of Safe Spaces for Personal Growth
We often find ourselves donning masks—figuratively speaking—every time we step outside. We plaster on smiles, tell everyone we’re fine, and shy away from sharing
Navigating the Complexities of Oversharing: Reflections on Post-Disclosure Regret
We’ve all been there. That moment when we decide to open up and share a piece of our lives with family, friends, or colleagues.
‘I became a psychotherapist not just to support people, but to find answers.’ An interview with Marina Sabolova, founder of OK Talk, Portishead
Marina Sabolova had wanted to become a psychotherapist since she was a teenager. Determined to better understand herself and those closest to her, she
It Is Good to Talk” Challenge: Prioritizing Mental Health and Wellbeing Through Conversation
In a fast-paced world where technology seems to rule our lives, Marina, the founder of OK Talk, wants to bring back something simple yet
The Power Within: Unveiling the Traits of Mentally Strong Individuals
In the face of life’s challenges, some individuals exhibit extraordinary resilience and mental strength that sets them apart. This blog aims to delve into
Unlocking the Night: Understanding and Managing Nocturnal Panic Attacks
Panic attacks that occur at night or in the early morning are often referred to as “nocturnal panic attacks.” While the exact causes of
Embracing Resilience: Strategies for Coping with Life’s Disappointments
Dealing with disappointments can be challenging, but it’s an inevitable part of life. Here are some strategies to help you cope with disappointments: Acknowledge
Happy for No Reason Workshop
Hosting “Happy for No Reason” was truly a great experience. It was a day filled with positivity, laughter, and valuable insights that left everyone in