We all have an internal dialogue through which we make sense of the world around us and understand others.

But this dialogue does not always help us; in fact, sometimes it works against us.

When we are emotionally charged, our internal dialogue can 'feel true', but accepting it unquestioningly can increase anxiety, distress and confusion.

The way you talk to yourself, your internal dialogue, matters.

Negative thoughts can affect our nervous system, leaving us feeling tense, hypervigilant, anxious, and worried.

When we find ourselves caught in difficult experiences from the past, it can feel as though we are continually pressing the reply button, reliving the experience over and over again. In doing so, we may reinforce the neural pathways associated with those memories, making the accompanying feelings of guilt, fear or shame feel even more deeply rooted.

Counselling, particularly EMDR, alongside a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship, can help you develop a healthier relationship with yourself, allowing your thoughts to support rather than hinder you.