There is something enormously gratifying about volunteering which leaves us feeling as though we get more out of it than we give.  Volunteering has been shown to be fantastic for both our mental and physical health, and we feel it. We feel the benefits of being physically active along with that uplifting sense of social connection and belonging, and now researchers are measuring it!

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often misunderstood in the defence context. It’s not just about hand-washing or perfectionism. OCD is a serious mental health condition driven by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours that can severely impact quality of life.

A mother scrolling during feeds, a father distracted at the park, a parent answering messages while their baby lies awake nearby. Parent's on their phones is common. Almost invisible. But it’s not harmless.

Chronic pain is more than just a physical sensation, it seeps into emotions, thoughts, and the fabric of daily life. Traditional approaches to pain management tend to focus on medication or physical interventions, but there is growing recognition of the benefits of a more integrative mind-body approach. Psychological and creative therapies offer relief, not simply by reducing pain but by transforming the way individuals experience it. Among these, Art Therapy (AT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are particularly powerful tools. Together, they provide a way not only to cope with pain but to lead a meaningful and fulfilling life despite it.

This article is Part II of a two-part series on pain and art therapy, following Art Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Pain Management. Weaving, has a rhythm to it, something steady, predictable, and calming. The repetition of movement is almost meditative, gently nudging the mind away from pain and into a more peaceful state.

As AI continues to evolve, its applications in therapeutic settings will too. These tools hold promise as a way to complement and enhance existing therapies. With thoughtful guidance and a focus on individual strengths, AI can help make healing more accessible, meaningful, and empowering.

When recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the mostly widely used intervention, but for some people, talk therapy can feel overwhelming—especially when cognitive fatigue, memory challenges, and emotional frustration are part of the picture. Could creative expression help?

While trauma-focussed cognitive behavioural therapies (TF-CBTs) are gold standard for treating PTSD, I'm really curious about the integration of art therapy with TF-CBTs. Particularly as a way to overcome the early and significant drop out from TF-CBTs.

Mood disorders, such as depression or bipolar disorder, often involve intense and persistent emotional highs and lows that can feel impossible to control. DBT-informed art therapy offers a way to channel those intense feelings into something creative and therapeutic.

Art and creative pursuits have been shown to play a unique role in lowering stress, while enhancing individual, social and community resilience

While tolerance to stress is individual, situations such as Lockdown can be challenging for most of us. There are lots of effective ways to relieve stress, exercise, yoga, music, and time outdoors (1 hour, with a mask!), all offer stress-relieving potential. But arts and crafts offer some unique advantages and engaging in creative self-expression, is a powerful mindfulness tool.