Incels: who are they and what can we do about them?

Back in 2018 I fell down a rabbit hole into the world of Incels and Men's Rights Activists (MRA's) and I was scared - I knew these men were going to keep hurting people - keep KILLING women. This post is based on a blog I wrote following an incident in Toronto where a man drove a van into a group of pedestrians, killing 10 people and injuring 13. It later arose that this man was a self-proclaimed ‘incel’ having posted on social media just before the attack about an "Incel Rebellion" and calling Elliot Roger, another incel mass murder, the "Supreme Gentleman". I'm now writing updating after the tragedy in Plymouth, in the UK, involving an incel.

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Let’s talk about male violence and anger

Violence against women, by men, is a problem. People tend to decentre this problem, reminding us that men get hurt too. It’s true, and I’ll address this later in my post, but for now let’s focus on women long enough to consider why violence, abuse and harassment against women is so prevalent. This is not to blame men but to understand what’s happening so we can find ways to help. I’m no expert here so this is as much of an exploration of myself as it is for you, the reader.

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Celebrities, Diets and Detoxes: The Danger of Selling Disordered Eating

Detox teas, appetite suppressant lollipops, juice cleanses - you’ve probably seen celebrities endorsing these so-called detoxes, diets and “lifestyles” on social media. It’s somewhat normal for influencers and celebrities to sell us stuff that we don’t need (that doesn’t work) in the pursuit of thinness. After all, when we’re constantly being told that thin equals healthy and beautiful, we will literally do anything to lose weight no matter what.

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Body Positive TV Shows to Feed your Soul

We’re finally starting to see different bodies on screen, hurrah! Here’s a list of shows I’ve watched and loved over the last few years, in no particular order (cos how could I choose?) There’s probably more so please do let me know your recommendations in the comments. I’ve avoided spoilers best I can, so dive... Continue Reading →

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Poverty and obesity: let’s blame working-class people and their multi-pack crisps

covid-19, obesity, obesity crisis, government obesity campaign, UK obesity crisis, fat stigma, fatphobia, eating disorders, Mel Ciavucco, fat activism, body image, body positivity, trauma, working class, poverty and obesity

At primary school in the late ’80s, I had free school dinners. There’s no way to avoid feeling exposed when you’re one of the few kids clutching a special token who isn’t allowed to join the normal queue. I patiently waited my turn, after most of the other kids had got their meals, hoping I could still get a wedge of pizza and green custard for dessert. This was one of the first experiences I had of not being ‘normal’, which made me a target for teasing. That, and being fat.

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Elitism in counselling and psychotherapy

Elitism in counselling and psychotherapy, SCoPEd, BACP, counselling training, training to be a counsellor, therapy training, diversity in counselling, inclusion in counselling

I’ve worked in a counselling organisation for over seven years, five years of which as the office manager. I was taken on as a temporary receptionist and I told the manager at the time that I thought I might be interested in training to be a counsellor in the future. He told me I was way too young… I was almost 30. Every time the idea of training popped into my head, I pushed it aside. I knew it wasn’t really about my age, it was more about waiting until I’d had more personal counselling and felt ready… but is anyone ever really ready?

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