I have always been fascinated by psychology and why 'we are the way we are'. As I started my dissertation for my masters degree in psychology, the world was going into a lock down due to the pandemic called 'Covid-19'. For my dissertation I wanted to review the debate of medication vs therapy for the treatment of  mood disorders such as Anxiety and Depression. 

I firstly wanted to find out how people developed such disorders, reviewing the long debate of nature vs nurture and also talk to people who had suffered with anxiety or depression in the past and understand what treatment worked best for them. The review of nature vs nurture was interesting i.e. does mental health issues ‘just run in the family,’ (nature) or simply a product of your environment and experiences (nurture). While there is research on both sides, there is still no definitive answer; however, the most recent research has concluded that  nature and nurture go hand-in-hand in shaping human behaviour and our mental well-being. 

On conclusion of my research it was clear that most participants preferred a combination approach to treatment which would conclude the theory above. The medication helped by changing certain neurotransmitters in the brain allowing the brain to function better and hence, the patient to focus on therapy/counselling to work. Over-time most participants concluded that they reduced medication over time, with the majority no longer requiring medication. I must remind you that the people I interviewed had chronic mood disorders i.e they had sever bouts on and off over along period of time. 

The results fascinated me; however, one thing  I noticed on review of the interviews was that all participants explained they had received behavioural therapy  (CBT, ACT, DBT etc.). This brought up an interesting fact and led me down a path research on how beliefs play a critical role in how health our mind works. 

Let’s explain-  our beliefs are formed between ages 0-8 years and are programmed into our subconscious mind. Have you ever spent a day with a two or three year old child and they constantly ask why. This is because their brains are operating in what is known as theta waves. This brainwave pattern enables us to observe, process and learn new information, behaviours and beliefs very quickly. Think of it like the process of downloading information onto a computer. This can be great for quick development; however, whats downloaded is unfiltered, as the child doesn’t have the capacity to really assess or analyse what we are receiving. So, the child trust’s and believe’s what they see and feel. Therefore, our belief are often formed through various influences, such as upbringing, culture, education, religion and personal experiences. These beliefs can be empowering ("I am capable") or limiting ("I am not worthy").

When a belief is triggered, it generates automatic thoughts. For example, if someone believes they are not good at learning, their mind will automatically produce thoughts like "I'll fail" or “I can’t" when in a learning environment. These beliefs and thoughts will be stored in the subconscious mind, constantly continuing the narrative unless challenged. 

Unless we identify limiting beliefs and the associated negative thoughts that are impacting our mental health then it will continue to hold us back from being our true selves and being able to form lasting meaningful relationships with ourselves and others. 

During my research I realised that I myself was holding myself back by invisible barriers, unshakable doubts, and an overwhelming sense that I was stuck in patterns I couldn’t seem to break. I realised these weren’t external circumstances holding me back but my mindset. I began to see how these thoughts shaped not only my decisions but my entire life. As I delved deeper into the world of psychology, neuroscience, and personal growth, I discovered the profound power of the mind to both imprison us and set us free. The key was learning to identify, challenge, and recreate those limiting beliefs into empowering ones.

Reclaim your Mindset is the guide I wish I had during my own transformation. It’s a practical roadmap for anyone feeling trapped by self-doubt, fear, or negativity. I wrote this book because I know how it feels to yearn for change but feel powerless to achieve it. And I also know the freedom and strength that come when you reclaim your mindset and step into the life you’re meant to live.

This book isn’t just about rewiring your thoughts, it’s about reclaiming your power, breaking free from the subconscious chains holding you back, and stepping boldly into your full potential. My hope is that it becomes a companion for anyone ready to rewrite their story and create a life of purpose, confidence, and freedom.