Woman standing against a brick wall with her hand near her mouth, suggesting a freeze response.

Many people have heard of fight and flight: the urge to argue, push back, or escape when something feels threatening. But your nervous system has two other survival strategies that are just as powerful: freeze and fawn. You might look back on something awful that happened and think, “Why didn’t I just say no? Why […]

Freeze and fawn response: Beyond fight or flight

Five matchsticks representing the stages of workplace burnout, with one burnt match and one regrowing with a green leaf symbolising recovery and renewal.

You still turn up. You still meet the deadlines (mostly). On paper, you might even look successful. But inside, your drive has disappeared, your work feels flat, and the effort it takes to get through each day feels enormous – classic burnout symptoms. At the same time, the idea of quitting your job feels completely […]

How do I recover from workplace burnout without quitting my job?

A man exhausted at his work desk, sleeping on a laptop with headphones, coffee mug, glasses, and clapperboard nearby, illustrating early signs of burnout at work.

You might have noticed that lately you move through your workday on autopilot. Perhaps you’re just busy or maybe you’re experiencing the early signs of burnout. Think about it – you do what needs to be done, you smile in the right places, you hit send on the emails. But underneath, there’s an unsettling sense […]

What are the early signs of burnout at work?

Clinical Psychologist Sally Brookes using an AI scribe in session

What is an AI scribe? An AI scribe is a secure digital tool that listens to live speech during your session and turns it into a draft clinical note for your psychologist to review. They reduce admin time and help us capture your story accurately, not to make diagnoses or treatment decisions. At Headstrong Psychology, […]

Why we use AI scribes and what it means for you

Dr Sarah Davenport uses an AI scribe in session

Why we use AI scribes in your sessions AI scribes are secure digital tools that listens to live speech during your session. They then turn it into a draft clinical note for your psychologist to review. We use AI scribes because they help us give you more focused care while still meeting our professional and […]

How we protect your privacy when using AI scribes

Midlife women drinking alcohol

When Drinking Shifts From Treat to Routine For many women, alcohol can start to take on a more central role in midlife. There’s the laughter and release of sharing wine over dinner with friends. A way to blow off steam, celebrate the end of a hard week, loosen the reins of responsibility, and simply have […]

Why midlife women are drinking more – and what’s really behind it

Lifestyle factors improve mental health

If you’ve ever felt lighter after a morning walk, calmer after a healthy meal, or more hopeful after a restful night’s sleep – you’ve already experienced the link between lifestyle and mental health. These everyday choices are more than good habits – they’re proven tools for recovery. Strong scientific evidence and clinical guidelines support their […]

How lifestyle changes improve mental health recovery

Mid-life woman

As a clinical psychologist, I’ve had many conversations with women who feel adrift during menopause. They’ll say things like, “I just don’t feel like myself anymore,” “I feel overwhelmed all the time,” or “I don’t know how to move forward.”  Menopause, after all, isn’t just about changing hormones – it touches everything: our identity, self-worth, […]

Understanding grief and loss during menopause

The benefits of friendship for women laughing and sharing

Friendships play a vital role in our lives, offering companionship, self-esteem, and support. They also offer unique health benefits, enhancing many aspects of our physical and mental well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore the science behind the benefits of friendship and why investing in meaningful connections can lead to a happier, healthier life. The […]

The science-backed benefits of friendship

Maintaining friendships in adulthood can be challenging. There are many reasons why friendships end.

As psychologists, we often witness the profound impact that friendships have on our clients’ mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Friendships are not just a source of joy, support, and connection; they are deeply intertwined with our physical and mental health and overall life satisfaction. However, maintaining friendships as adults can be uniquely challenging and […]

When friendships end: Understanding why friendships falter