Psychology Chartered

Lone working in health and social care

Posted by Richard Maddicks

10th March 2024

Written by Vicki Allen In today’s ever-evolving landscape, the surge in remote work enabled by technological advancements has led to a notable presence of lone workers in just about every industry today. It is believed that 22% (or 8 million people) of the UK work force fall into the category of lone workers. Lone working More…

Challenges of the Ketogenic Diet following Brain Injury

Posted by Richard Maddicks

7th January 2024

Written by JJ Wellock, Assistant Psychologist. Although there are many benefits of the ketogenic diet, there are things to consider before deciding to go low carb, especially with a brain injury. With any major dietary change, it is highly important that you seek medical advice first! Fatigue is one of the most common sequalae of More…

Therapeutic Potential of the Ketogenic Diet following Brain Injury

Posted by Richard Maddicks

7th January 2024

Written by JJ Wellock, Assistant Psychologist. In the first blog we introduced what the Ketogenic diet is, how our brain uses ketones, its properties and challenges. In this part, we are going to discuss the therapeutic potential of the Ketogenic diet for those with brain injuries. With any major dietary change, it is highly important More…

Acquired Brain Injury, Sex and Relationships: Supporting Sex Lives

Posted by Richard Maddicks

13th November 2023

Written by Caitlin Thompson, Assistant Psychologist. The complexities of rehabilitation after an acquired brain injury (ABI) and major disability are vast and it is known that managing the new physical, emotional, and cognitive changes can impact existing and future relationships (O’Keefe et al, 2020; McCabe et al, 2023). However, for some brain injury survivors who More…

Is the Rookwood Driving Battery an Effective Measure of Driving Ability?

Posted by Richard Maddicks

10th November 2023

Written by JJ Wellock, Assistant Psychologist. What is the Rookwood Driving Battery (RDB)? A popular and easily administered predictor of driving ability for those with general neurological conditions. Taking only 30-40 minutes to complete, it is ideal for people who suffer from cognitive fatigue; it is economically friendly and accessible to those with physical conditions. More…

The Ketogenic Diet and The Brain

Posted by Richard Maddicks

4th October 2023

Written by JJ Wellock, Assistant Psychologist; & Dr Neil Bindemann, Director of Innervate. For some people, the word ‘diet’ can trigger uncomfortable emotions and thoughts. The experiences associated with reading or hearing that word, can influence its meaning, to an extent that it can become something that you won’t find in the dictionary. So when More…

Understanding Brain Injury from the ‘Insight Out’

Posted by Richard Maddicks

3rd September 2023

A new podcast? What’s it about?   “I was a young guy who acquired his brain injury following the result of a car accident when I was 17; I was a very fit, young and active guy and when I woke up out of my coma, my new life began, but nowhere close to the More…

Grace to Restore: A Place of Calm

Posted by Richard Maddicks

1st August 2023

Written by Olivia Fretwell, Assistant Psychologist. Grace to Restore is a small, yet rapidly growing charity, offering a safe space to be heard, supported and helped through emotionally challenging times. This service is aimed at young women aged 18-25 with some support available for girls aged 14-17. Grace to Restore is built on the principles More…

Suicide and Traumatic Brain Injury – an area under-researched and under-valued.

Posted by Richard Maddicks

14th July 2023

Written by Olivia Fretwell, Assistant Psychologist. In honour of Samaritan’s annual ‘Talk to Us’ campaign throughout July, this blog will discuss the heart-breaking and complex issue of suicidality in our population, whilst remaining focused on those who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI). As defined by Headway, TBI is trauma to the brain, caused More…

Difficulties recognising emotions: Initial insights into similarities and treatment for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Posted by Richard Maddicks

27th June 2023

Written by Caitlin Thompson, Assistant Psychologist. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and acquired brain injury (ABI) are two distinct conditions that affect individuals cognitive, social and emotional functioning in unique ways. However, a closer look reveals surprising (or to some clinicians, unsurprising) similarities in cognitive functioning. Exploring the common deficit of facial affect recognition in both More…