Commit Psychology

22/05/2026

Imagine that you are walking through the mountains one day. You are on a narrow path. To the right of you is a deep valley. The sun is out. The weather is warm. Everything is going well. Then all of a sudden the path gives way, your feet go from under you and down you go into the valley below. You land at the bottom, relatively unharmed. The bottom of the valley is a quagmire. It is damp, grey and stinky and to add insult to injury it starts to rain.

Your natural instinct is, perhaps, to try to climb back up to your old path, but there is a scree slope in the way, so you get so far and then slide back down, hurting your hands and knees in the process. It doesn’t look like you are going to be able to get back up.

You might spend lots of time trying to understand how you got to where you are. Why did the path give way? Why didn’t you see it coming? Why did you choose to go for a walk that day? While that might help next time you are walking along a similar path, it’s not going to get you out of the valley.

What are your choices? Well, you can sit down in the mud and wait in the hope that a helicopter will come along and lift you out of the situation, but that just gets you a wet bottom.

You can run around aimlessly in the hope that you will stumble onto a different path out of there, but that just leaves you feeling confused or hopeless.

Or you can focus your eyes on the horizon, look towards the far off mountains and start walking in that direction, not knowing whether the weather will get better or worse, not knowing whether the terrain will improve or not, putting one foot in front of another, not knowing how far or fast you can go. Moving on, with commitment.

You may not be able to choose the terrain, the weather, or how quickly you move. But you can still choose a consistent direction and continue, step by step, towards the mountains of desire.

23/04/2026

IS VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION THE ANSWER TO CHRONIC FATIGUE?

There is growing interest in vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a possible treatment for persistent fatigue, particularly following viral illness. Early research is promising. Small studies suggest it may influence autonomic regulation, inflammation, and sleep — all of which are relevant to fatigue.

However, the current evidence base is limited. Findings are mixed, studies are small, and there is not yet clear, consistent evidence that VNS provides reliable, clinically meaningful improvement for most people with chronic fatigue.

It is understandable that many are looking for a “root cause” explanation and a direct solution. At present, that level of certainty is not supported by the science.

Current guidance, including that from National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, continues to emphasise careful symptom management. This includes pacing, energy regulation, sleep stabilisation, and psychological approaches that support adjustment and reduce the impact of symptoms over time.

For many people, progress comes not from a single intervention, but from a structured, individualised approach that works with the body’s limits rather than against them.

If you are struggling with persistent fatigue and would like a more tailored, evidence-based approach, you can arrange a free 15-minute consultation at
https://www.commitpsychology.co.uk

01/10/2025

Low mood on the horizon?

Winter blues don't have to take over.

Winter can bring more than cold weather. Many people find their mood drops as the days shorten. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy provides simple, practical tools to manage low mood and keep life moving forward.

Don’t wait for winter to take hold. Support is available.
Practical tools from www.commitpsychology.co.uk

Commit Psychology – help with health.

30/09/2025

Sometimes you have to be committed to how you want your life to be, come what may! www.commitpsychology.co.uk Help with health.

10/06/2024

Discover a New Way to Relieve Back Pain: Pain Reprocessing Therapy

Imagine finding relief without medications or invasive medical procedures. Intrigued? Let us introduce you to Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) – a groundbreaking approach that's changing lives!

What is Pain Reprocessing Therapy
PRT is a revolutionary treatment that taps into the power of neuroplasticity – the brain's incredible ability to rewire and heal itself. This therapy helps your brain unlearn the pain pathways that may have been causing you distress, offering a path to lasting relief.

Research-Backed Efficacy
Recent studies have shown remarkable results with PRT. A landmark study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that 66% of participants reported being pain-free or nearly pain-free after just four weeks of PRT. The science behind this is solid – by retraining the brain, we can address the root cause of chronic pain.

Why Choose PRT
**No Medications**: Say goodbye to dependency on painkillers.
**Non-Invasive**: Avoid surgeries and other invasive treatments.
**Empowering**: Take control of your pain management with techniques you can practice at home.
**Long-Lasting Relief**: Address the underlying causes of pain for sustained improvement.

Neuroplasticity: The Key to Long-Term Pain Relief
Our brains are constantly evolving. Neuroplasticity allows the brain to form new connections and pathways. In the case of chronic pain, your brain may have learned to feel pain even when there's no physical injury. PRT helps to rewire these faulty pathways, teaching your brain to stop generating pain signals.

Curious to Learn More
If you're tired of temporary fixes and want a solution that gets to the core of your back pain, Pain Reprocessing Therapy could be the answer.

commitpsychology.co.uk for more information.

10/06/2024

Are you suffering from Neuroplastic Pain?

If your chronic pain is caused by neuroplastic changes in the brain, typical treatments like pills, potions, and injections may not be effective.

Here’s how you can identify neuroplastic pain:

Pain Without Clear Physical Cause: The pain persists even when medical tests show no significant tissue damage or abnormalities.

Pain That Changes Location or Intensity: It often moves around the body or varies in intensity without a consistent pattern.

Triggered by Emotional or Psychological Factors: The pain can be influenced by stress, anxiety, depression, or other emotional states rather than physical activity.

Pain Despite Healing of Original Injury: Pain continues long after an injury has healed, indicating the brain retains the pain signals.

Symptom Fluctuations: The severity of pain may fluctuate without a clear physical reason.

Pain Associated With Anxiety or Hypervigilance: Heightened sensitivity to pain or an exaggerated response to stimuli, often with anxiety or hypervigilance.

Lack of Response to Conventional Treatments: Pain persists despite conventional treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or surgeries.

Widespread Pain: The pain affects multiple areas of the body, not just one specific region.

Pain That Correlates With Thought Patterns: Pain increases with negative thinking or decreases when distracted or engaged in positive activities.

If this describes your experience, you may benefit from treatments that focus on retraining the brain and managing the emotional and psychological aspects of chronic pain.

Commitpsychology.co.uk - Help with Health

Commit Psychology is a Psychological Service run by Simon Neal, Consultant Clinical Psychologist

29/02/2024

Will you be a statistics for Cheshire West and Chester?

Cheshire West and Cheshire (CWAC) has a population of around 340,000. There are 22,000 people living with diabetes. 58,000 people have high blood pressure and 48,000 are living with heart and circulatory disease. There are around 7,800 stroke survivors in the area. Very sadly 80 people per month die of a heart attack. (source British Heart Foundation)

What do they have in common, Diabetes, Heart and circulatory Disease, High blood pressure and stroke? Scientists have known for years that they are all life style related diseases. In essence they are related to smoking, unhealthy diet, insufficient exercise, stress, loneliness and poor sleep. Of course many of these lifestyle factors interact negatively with people's mental health status.

Yet, Slightly over one quarter of local people are obese. Thirty thousand people in CWAC smoke and a third of people don't exercise enough. Twenty-two thousand people live alone and estimates suggest that up to fifty thousand people suffer from common mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Where are you in all of that?

Changing your lifestyle can be a difficult and daunting task, especially in the context of stress and distress. But change is possible and things like including more plants in your diet, going for a regular walk, doing something meditative and making new social contacts can all have big impacts on health and well being.

Ready to invest in yourself or need to make changes but finding it difficult. Get in touch for a Free twenty minute chat. Contact details can be found here: www.commitpsychology.co.uk

27/02/2024

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE!

Ready to make positive changes for a healthier you? Research highlights the transformative power of adopting healthy habits, even in middle to late middle age. Here's how you can unlock a vibrant, healthier lifestyle:

1. Nourish with Nature: Incorporate 5 or more fruits and vegetables daily into your diet. Studies reveal that this simple step significantly reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality, offering immense benefits for your overall well-being.

2. Move Your Body: Regular exercise is vital. Research demonstrates that staying active lowers your risk of cardiovascular events and increases longevity, regardless of your age. Aim for activities that get your heart pumping and your muscles working, enhancing both your physical and mental health.

3. Mind Your Weight: Maintain a BMI between 18.5-29.9 kg/m2. Working towards a healthy weight not only boosts your confidence but also reduces the likelihood of chronic diseases. Research indicates that managing your weight is particularly beneficial in middle age, leading to improved quality of life and increased longevity.

We understand that change can be tough, especially as we age. However, the evidence is clear: even small adjustments to your lifestyle can yield significant benefits. That's where support comes in. With the guidance of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you can navigate the challenges of behaviour change with confidence and commitment, paving the way for lasting well-being.

Ready to take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling life? Let's embark on this journey together. Reach out to explore how we can support you in adopting these healthy behaviours with the help of ACT. Your well-being matters, and we're here to help you thrive. Commitpsychology.co.uk for contact details. A twenty minute chat is FREE

25/02/2024

Heads up Twenty-Somethings and Concerned Parents!

I've been thinking about the lasting impact of lockdowns on the social functioning of our young adults. While it's been two or three years since those unprecedented times, it's important to recognise that these formative years, particularly late teens and twenties, were significantly shaped by the challenges of isolation and uncertainty. As we move forward, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a beacon of hope for navigating the aftermath. Here are three key themes where ACT can pave the way for positive change:

1. **Identity Exploration**: Lockdowns disrupted the typical rites of passage and social experiences crucial for identity development. ACT provides a safe space for individuals to explore and redefine their identities, aligning with their authentic selves.

2. **Social Anxiety**: Extended periods of isolation may have heightened social anxiety for many young adults. ACT equips individuals with practical tools to manage anxiety, fostering confidence and resilience in social settings.

3. **Relationship Repair**: Lockdowns strained relationships and hindered the formation of new connections. Through ACT, individuals can mend fractured relationships, cultivate intimacy, and build meaningful connections with others.

Ready to reclaim your social well-being and thrive in the post-lockdown world? Consider the transformative power of ACT and invest in your mental health journey today.

Commitpsychology.co.uk for contact details. A twenty minute, no strings chat is FREE

25/02/2024

Commit Psychology - Help with health.

Are you looking for personalised and compassionate Clinical Psychology services to help you overcome your physical or mental health challenges? As a qualified and experienced independent practitioner, I provide evidence-based therapy and support to individuals in the UK who are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and other mental health concerns.

With a deep understanding of the complex interplay between psychological and physical health, I use a range of proven techniques and therapies to help you achieve your unique goals and improve your overall well-being.

As an independent practitioner, I offer a personalised approach to mental health support, tailored to meet your individual needs and preferences. I believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality and effective therapy, and that's why I offer affordable rates, flexible scheduling, and a warm, welcoming environment.

Whether you're seeking individual therapy, or group therapy, I'm here to help you take the first step towards a happier, healthier future. Contact me today. Leave a message or head to my website commitpsychology.co.uk to learn more about how I can help you achieve your goals. A twenty minute chat is FREE