When Christmas feels heavy, you’re not alone.

When Christmas feels heavy, you’re not alone.

by | Dec 12, 2025 | Uncategorised

When Christmas feels heavy, you’re not alone.

It Gets Everywhere… And So Does the Pressure

It’s everywhere.
On television and radio.
In shops, newspapers, magazines, online… and even hanging from lamp posts and windows. We can’t escape it. The festive season is coming. And for many people, instead of joy and excitement, it brings a quiet, painful thought:

“Everyone else seems to be having a wonderful family time… except me.”

This is something I hear again and again from clients at this time of year. But let’s pause and gently ask ourselves:
Is that a fact — or an opinion shaped by comparison, expectation, and pressure?

The Truth Behind the Festive Image

A small number of people are lucky enough to experience a calm, joyful, supportive festive period. For most, the reality is very different. It’s a mix of moments of warmth and connection alongside stress, tiredness, emotional triggers, and financial pressure. Family dynamics can feel magnified when everyone is expected to come together, stay cheerful, and “make the most of it” — regardless of unresolved issues or past hurts. And for others, the festive season can feel deeply lonely. It can highlight distance from family, strained relationships, bereavement, or simply being on your own. Friends may be busy with their own families. Routines change. Many of the places where we normally feel connected are closed.

What’s meant to feel joyful can instead feel isolating.

If This Is You — You’re Not Broken

Feeling lonely at this time of year doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It means you’re human.

Loneliness often isn’t about being physically alone — it’s about feeling unseen, disconnected, or not where you think you should be. And that “should” can be one of the heaviest burdens of all.

Cards used in this video:

Your clan does Love Ye & Yer a Smart Bastard — Scottish affirmation cards offering warmth, encouragement, and a bit of much-needed humour when life feels heavy.

About Derek McGillivray Derek McGillivray, known as A Happy Medium, is an intuitive life coach, psychic medium, counsellor, and speaker based in Scotland. Derek supports people through emotional overwhelm, change, and life transitions with grounded guidance and spiritual insight.

So What Can We Do?

We may not be able to change everything around us — but we can change how we meet this season. When we change the way we think, and gently adjust what we do, we begin to change how we feel. If we keep thinking and acting the same way year after year, we often relive the same emotional experience. But even small shifts can soften things.

The Alternative Cycle

Here’s a simple way to approach this time differently:

How can I think differently about this season?
What can I do differently — even in small, manageable ways?
How might I feel if I allow myself to respond differently?

Support matters. Speak to someone you trust. Write things down. Make lists of options rather than focusing on what’s missing. Some people also find meaning in volunteering or helping others — not to ignore their own feelings, but to reconnect with purpose and humanity.

You may also find this free resource helpful:
https://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/docs/Holidays.pdf

The 12/12 Portal – A Time to Choose Differently

Today also carries special energetic significance. 12/12 is known as a powerful portal of reflection, release, and conscious choice.

The number 12 represents completion, wisdom, and integration — the closing of old cycles and the opportunity to step into something new. This isn’t about forcing happiness or pretending everything is fine. It’s about choice.

The 12/12 portal gently invites us to ask:

What emotional weight am I carrying into this season that I don’t need to keep carrying?
What expectations, comparisons, or old family stories am I ready to release?
What one small shift would help me feel safer, calmer, or more supported?

Energetically, this portal supports letting go of emotional baggage, reframing old family patterns, choosing self-compassion, and setting intentions that are realistic, not overwhelming. You don’t need rituals or tools unless you want them. Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is simply decide to be kinder to yourself.

A Simple 12/12 Reflection

Try this today, or anytime during the festive period.

Pause and take a slow breath in… and out.

Ask yourself:
“What do I need most right now?”

Write down one thing you’re ready to release.

Write down one feeling you’d like to invite in — peace, steadiness, connection, or clarity.

That’s enough.

Energy follows intention.

Bringing It Back to Loneliness

Loneliness often tells us we’re on our own — but that voice isn’t always telling the truth. The 12/12 portal reminds us that we are allowed to choose a different experience, even if nothing around us changes immediately.

You can feel lonely and still reach out.
You can feel low and still take gentle care of yourself.
You can feel disconnected and still begin again.

The Power of Positive Self-Talk

I often encourage clients to use positive coping statements — not to dismiss difficult feelings, but to support themselves through them.

Think of these as being your own calm, steady coach when emotions rise.

Stop and breathe.
I can do this.
This will pass.
I can feel sad or anxious and still cope.
I’ve survived difficult times before.
These are feelings, not facts.
I don’t need to rush.
Right now, I am safe.
My mind isn’t always my friend — and that’s okay.
This is uncomfortable, but it’s temporary.

Sometimes getting through the day gently is enough.

A Gentle Reminder

The festive season doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s version to be meaningful. If this time of year feels heavy, you don’t have to carry it alone. With awareness, support, and conscious choice, it can become a time of reset rather than pressure. If you’d like support with loneliness, emotional overwhelm, or simply making this season feel more manageable, you’re welcome to get in touch or book a session.

Warm wishes,
Derek McGillivray
A Happy Medium

www.ahappymedium.co.uk

Ready to Go Deeper?

If anger, stress, or past hurts are holding you back, I can help. Through coaching, healing, and intuitive guidance, I work with clients to release what no longer serves them and step into a lighter, freer life.

Book a private session with me today:

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights, meditations, and spiritual guidance: @ahappymediumderek

Heartchange

Heartchange

by | Oct 26, 2025 | Mind, Soul

Is our heart really changing?

Is Our Heart Really Changing? The Spiritual Shift of Our Time

by Derek McGillivray – A Happy Medium, Date: 26 October 2025

Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed more and more people talking about heart changes — not just physical, but energetic, emotional, and spiritual. Maybe you’ve felt it too: that flutter in your chest, waves of emotion that seem to come from nowhere, or a deep sense that your heart is both aching and opening at the same time.

Many in the spiritual and ascension community are calling this a Heart Awakening. Some even say our hearts are literally changing to hold more light, more compassion, and more truth. It might sound a bit “out there,” but if you’ve been on a healing or awakening path, you’ve likely noticed it too — the call to live more from the heart than from the head.

My Own Experience
After a period of deep reflection and healing, I realised how much my heart has changed — not just physically or emotionally, but energetically. Seeing others struggle, feeling the love and support from friends, family, and clients reminded me that the heart isn’t just an organ… it’s the seat of our soul.

When I connect with Spirit or work with clients, I often feel this shift most strongly in the chest — like a gentle pulsing energy, guiding me to speak from kindness, not ego. That, to me, is what this “heart change” is really about.

The Messages of the Heart — and the Signs
Just before I went to sleep recently, I was drawn to an old interview with David Icke by Terry Wogan (his second interview) in which Icke, calm and grounded, defended his earlier awakening and spoke of being ridiculed but standing firm in his truth. That stood out to me: many who awaken early are often misunderstood — but over time much of what sounded “out there” starts to make sense.

In true synchronistic style, I was awoken at 6:06. For me, this number is highly symbolic — I see the Lovers card (6) and when you add 6+6 you get 12 → 1+2 = 3. In many Tarot systems 3 is the Empress (creation, nurturing, new beginnings). That morning I also came across a video by Diana Cooper, a woman who has long inspired me and whose work in angelic/ascension realm felt like confirmation. Her words: “Your heart is becoming the bridge between your human self and your higher self.”

Later again I saw 8:08 on the clock. The number eight speaks of infinity, flow, abundance — two 8s doubling that energy. Then came stories surfacing about Mary Magdalene and her sacred blood‑line, divine feminine connection, and hidden spiritual truths. To me, all of this is part of the same wake‑up: the heart changing, the old forms dissolving, the new love‑based way of being emerging.

The Death Card & the Heart of Rebirth
In the classic Rider–Waite Tarot Deck (RWS) the Death card (XIII) is not about literal death, but about endings and new beginnings. On the card the skeletal figure holds a black standard emblazoned with a white rose. The white rose symbol has deep meaning: it stands for purity, immortality, renewal and transformation.

To quote one source: “Death carries a black flag decorated with a white, five‑petal rose … reflecting beauty, purification, and immortality … the number five representing change.” (Biddy Tarot)

 

And another: “The black banner signifies the end, but the white rose on it symbolizes purity, clarity, and the promise of new beginnings.” (Eye of Heaven) For me, this card resonates strongly with what I’ve been sensing: the heart is being invited to die (in old ways) and to be reborn (in new ways) — the old fear, separation, ego‑driven heart gives way to love, unity, service. While I haven’t found definitive evidence that the emblem is directly the “Mary Magdalene emblem”, it is clearly rich in feminine/rebirth symbolism and aligns beautifully with my Magdalene‑feminine heart themes.

So in my blog I invite you to see this: the Death card isn’t a death sentence — it’s an awakening, a rebirth of the heart, the soul, the collective.

Today’s Date & The Hermit Card
26 October 2025 → 2 + 6 + 1 + 0 + 2 + 0 + 2 + 5 = 18 → 1 + 8 = 9. In Tarot the number 9 is associated with the card The Hermit (IX).

The Hermit stands for introspection, wisdom, spiritual guidance, retreating inward to listen to your inner light. So today, with the numerology of ‘9’, I feel the message is particularly strong: yes there is heart‑awakening, yes there is rebirth (Death card), and there is the calling to turn inward, reflect, listen, receive (Hermit card). It’s a journey from opening heart → letting go of what no longer serves → stepping into the wise heart‑self.

When Time Itself Turns Back
And as if on cue, this very day — 26 October 2025 — the clocks go back. What perfect timing for this reflection.
When the clocks turn back, we symbolically reclaim time. We revisit the past, slow down, and receive an extra hour to rest, reflect, and realign. In spiritual terms, this mirrors The Hermit’s message: step inward, pause, look within the lantern’s light, and rediscover your own rhythm.

For me, it’s a gentle reminder that even as the world races forward, awakening isn’t always about speeding up — it’s about tuning in. Just as the clock resets, so too can the heart, allowing us to enter a new cycle with clarity and grace.

The Bigger Picture
When our hearts open, our world‑view changes. We start to care more about others, nature, our communities. We forgive more easily. We live more presently. That’s why I believe this heart shift isn’t just personal — it’s planetary. Humanity is being asked to move from competition to compassion, from fear to love.

How to Support Your Heart During Ascension
If you’re feeling the changes:
– Ground daily: walk barefoot, breathe deeply, connect to the Earth.
– Do heart‑breathing: imagine light moving in and out of your heart space.
– Let yourself feel: tears, laughter, love — it’s all part of healing.
– Eat and rest well: the body supports the soul; don’t neglect it.
– Share love freely: kindness is the best medicine for an expanding heart.
– Retreat inward: take a moment for silence, reflection, listening. (Hermit‑style)

Final Thoughts
Whether you believe the rumours of our “hearts changing” or simply see it as emotional growth, the message is the same: we are being guided back to love.

Our hearts are not breaking — they are opening.

These synchronicities — from interviews resurfacing to numbers aligning, from the Death card to the Hermit card, and even the clocks turning back — are not coincidences. They are reminders: your heart is awakening to its true frequency, and that frequency is love.

Stay tuned on my YouTube channel @ahappymediumderek and remember:
Your heart already knows the truth.

Source List
1. “The Sacred Symbolism of the Death Card” – Arcane Alchemy.
2. “Death Tarot Card Meanings” – Biddy Tarot.
3. “Rose Symbolism in Tarot” – TarotTeachings.
4. “Death XIII – Symbols & Meaning” – Eye of Heaven.
5. “The Hermit Tarot Card” – Numerologist PRO.
6. “The Hermit – Major Arcana IX” – Labyrinthos.
7. “Tarot Card for 2025” – Teen Vogue.
8. “Color Symbolism in Tarot” – The Tarot Professor.

www.ahappymedium.co.uk | derek@ahappymedium.co.uk | #AHappyMedium #HeartAwakening #SpiritualShift #LoveIsTheKey
Book a private session with me today:

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights, meditations, and spiritual guidance: @ahappymediumderek

Together, we can turn anger into peace, and forgiveness into freedom.

Death is Not The End

Death is Not The End

by | Sep 13, 2025 | Body, Mind, Soul

Death is not the end

Death Is Not the End: Healing Your Heart After Loss

By Derek McGillivray – A Happy Medium

Grief is something none of us are ever truly prepared for.
One moment life feels steady… and the next, it can be turned upside down by the loss of someone we love.

Recently, one of my clients lost her husband. She described feeling like she was walking through fog — broken-hearted, numb, and unsure how to move forward.

I wrote the following poem for her — and for anyone going through loss — as a reminder that death is not the end… and love never leaves us.

 A Healing Poem

When love is deep, it never dies,
It lingers softly, like the skies.
Though hands let go, and voices fade,
The bond you shared will never fray.

He walks beside you, day by day,
In whispered winds, in sunlit ray.
In quiet moments, when tears fall,
His love will gently hear your call.

Grief may ache, but time will show,
The seeds of love still bloom and grow.
Though paths divide, hearts intertwine,
His soul is yours, and yours is mine.

So take each step with gentle grace,
He shines through every sacred space.
Not gone, just moved—his spirit near,
Forever loved, forever here.

Understanding Grief

Grief can show up in so many ways — sadness, anger, guilt, numbness, or even laughter at old memories.
It’s not linear. Some days you may feel strong; others you may crumble. And that’s okay.

Here are a few gentle truths to hold onto:

  •  There is no “right” way to grieve. Everyone’s journey is unique.

  • There is no time limit on grief. Healing takes as long as it takes.

  •  It’s okay to ask for help — grief is heavy, and you don’t have to carry it alone.

  • Your loved one’s spirit and love remain — even if their physical presence is gone.

Holistic Ways to Support Your Healing

When you’re grieving, your mind, body, and soul are all affected. Holistic therapies can gently help you cope and find moments of peace as you move forward:

  • Reiki & Energy Healing — releases emotional blockages and brings deep relaxation

  • Reflexology or Foot Whispering — grounds your energy and calms your nervous system

  • Mindfulness & Meditation — creates safe spaces to feel and process emotions

  • Massage & Aromatherapy — nurtures the body when words aren’t enough

Holistic healing doesn’t erase grief… but it can bring balance back to your system, helping you find your feet again as you gently rebuild your life.

You Are Not Alone

Grief can feel isolating — but you are not alone, and support is out there whenever you need it.

Here are some wonderful organisations offering free bereavement help:

Moving Forward, Gently

Death is not the end.
It is simply a change of form.
The love you shared still lives within you — always.

If you would like gentle support, or to explore healing therapies to help you through this time, I am here for you.

derek@ahappymedium.co.uk
www.ahappymedium.co.uk
Upcoming events & sessions
Subscribe to YouTube: @ahappymediumderek

You don’t have to walk this path alone.
Take your time.
Breathe.
And remember — love never leaves. 

Book a private session with me today:

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights, meditations, and spiritual guidance: @ahappymediumderek

Together, we can turn anger into peace, and forgiveness into freedom.

999 portals

999 portals

by | Sep 9, 2025 | Body, Mind, News, Soul

The 999 Portal: Spirit’s Awakening Messages for Humanity

The 999 Portal: Spirit’s Awakening Messages for Humanity 

On the 9th of September 2025, we entered a 999 portal — a moment of profound spiritual significance. In numerology, 999 represents completion, endings, and the opening of a new chapter. It is also the vibration of awakening, global change, and stepping into higher service.

Over the past weeks, Spirit has been giving me visions — and today, they feel more connected than ever. I want to share them with you in full, because what’s unfolding in the world right now echoes them in uncanny ways.

Visions from Spirit

Rombo Quartz and Free Energy
I was shown crystals I call rombo quartz, filled with geometric codes. The message was clear: these are carriers of stored energy — a form of free energy that humanity will one day harness.

Med Beds and Healing
I saw healing chambers, often called med beds. They are real. They work with our natural energy fields, restoring balance, vitality, and harmony. Spirit says they will be rolled out when humanity is ready to use them responsibly.

Guardians of Ancient Knowledge
My visions took me to the Terracotta Army in China. But instead of statues guarding an emperor, I felt them as guardians of ancient wisdom and hidden technologies. They are protecting this knowledge until humanity can approach it with love, not greed.

Ships at Sea – Nations United
One night I saw fleets from every navy at sea, moving together — not for war, but for unity. It was a vision of nations coming together for the greater good. Spirit told me: even long-debated questions, like the nature of the Earth, will soon be answered in ways that unite us instead of divide us.

1789 – History Repeats
I kept being pulled to the year 1789. In France, that was the Revolution — people rising against corruption. In America, it was the beginning of the Constitution and Washington’s presidency — the foundation of democracy and liberty.

And now? In perfect synchronicity, the French government has collapsed, echoing that revolutionary cycle. Spirit is showing us: history is repeating, and we are at the cusp of another global reset.

The USA and Big Pharma
I was shown truths around vaccines and Big Pharma. Spirit’s message was: do not meet this with fear. Humanity has been deceived, yes, but the “good ones” knew, and much harm was prevented. The truth will surface, and when it does, it will awaken us further.

Antarctica & the Oceans
The flat Earth debate is a distraction. The real mysteries lie beyond Antarctica and beneath the seas. These are the glue — the hidden truths that will one day bring unity. I sense structures, crystalline energies, and technologies preserved under the oceans, waiting to return.

The Aquarian Age
And through it all, one word echoes: Aquarian. The Age of Aquarius. This is the time of collective awakening, higher consciousness, and unity. Earth is a special planet, and it will not be allowed to be destroyed.

The 999 Portal Meaning

Today’s 999 portal confirms everything Spirit has shown me:

  • Old cycles are ending.

  • Corruption and deception are collapsing.

  • Truths are surfacing.

  • Humanity is being called into its higher awakening.

Spirit’s reminder is simple: Conserve your energy. Don’t get lost in fear, anger, or drama. Rest, align with love, and trust the process.

A Collective Reading – 9 Cards for the 9th

To mark this 999 portal, I pulled 9 cards:

  • 5 Tarot cards — messages of cycles ending, awakening, and new opportunities rising.

  • 3 “What’s the Craic?” oracle cards — a reminder of our roots, humour, and resilience as we face change.

  • 1 final card — Spirit’s seal of confirmation.

 I’ll share the full meanings of these cards at the end of my YouTube video, so make sure you watch right through to the finish.

 Final Message

The Earth is awakening. Guardians are watching. Hidden truths are stirring. We are in the middle of a global reset — just as in 1789, but on a higher, spiritual scale.

The 999 portal is our reminder: the old is ending, and a new chapter is being written.

 If you’d like to explore your own gifts, join me at my Spiritual Development Course in Elgin on Saturday 14th September.
Full details: www.ahappymedium.co.uk/events

I also have Zoom sessions available this week if you’d like to begin your journey from home. Stay awake. Stay aligned. The signs are everywhere.

Book a private session with me today:

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights, meditations, and spiritual guidance: @ahappymediumderek

Dealing with Anger using forgiveness

Dealing with Anger using forgiveness

by | Sep 8, 2025 | Mind, Soul

Dealing with Anger, Using Forgiveness.

Anger, Forgiveness, and the Power of Letting Go

Someone once said, “Holding on to anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
It’s a powerful image — and one that speaks to how many of us live our lives.

Anger itself isn’t “bad.” It’s a natural human emotion. In fact, it can even be useful. If someone cuts you off in traffic, or if a boundary has been crossed, anger alerts you that something’s wrong. But the real danger comes when we hold on to it.

When anger lingers for days, weeks, or even years, it doesn’t punish the other person. It punishes us.

How Anger Affects Us

  • Physically: Anger raises blood pressure, disrupts sleep, affects digestion, and weakens the immune system. Over time, it can contribute to serious health issues like heart disease and anxiety disorders.

  • Emotionally: It clouds judgment, fuels regret, and creates a constant sense of heaviness.

  • Relationally: Angry words said in the moment can damage trust and relationships for far longer than the outburst itself.

The truth is, your body keeps the score. Anger doesn’t just live in your head — it shows up in your chest, your gut, your heart, and your spirit.

The Cure: Forgiveness

Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened was okay. It doesn’t excuse the action or let someone off the hook.

Forgiveness simply means: “I will not let this control me anymore.”

You can forgive the person, but not always the action. The only one who can forgive the action is them. But by forgiving, you free yourself. Forgiveness lowers stress, improves sleep, strengthens relationships, and brings peace back into your life.

A Simple Beach Meditation

Here’s a practice you can try right now to release anger and find forgiveness:

  1. Close your eyes and picture yourself standing on a beach — maybe Hopeman, here in Moray. The tide is out, the sun is shining, and you’ve got a stick in your hand.

  2. Draw a big circle in the sand. Inside that circle, imagine placing all the people, places, and situations that have made you angry. Add misunderstandings, regrets, or even harsh words you’ve said to yourself. Mark each one with a simple X or symbol.

  3. Step back and watch the tide rolling in. Wave by wave, the water sweeps over your circle. The marks fade, the circle vanishes, and the sand becomes smooth and clear again.

  4. Breathe deeply. Notice how much lighter and freer you feel.

This is forgiveness in action. The events may still have happened, but they no longer weigh you down.

Final Thought

Carrying anger is like carrying a hot coal, hoping to throw it at someone else. But the one who gets burned first… is always you.

Forgiveness is how we finally put that coal down.

So next time anger rises, pause, breathe, and remember the beach. Let the tide do its work, and give yourself permission to feel lighter.

Ready to Go Deeper?

If anger, stress, or past hurts are holding you back, I can help. Through coaching, healing, and intuitive guidance, I work with clients to release what no longer serves them and step into a lighter, freer life.

Book a private session with me today:

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more insights, meditations, and spiritual guidance: @ahappymediumderek

Together, we can turn anger into peace, and forgiveness into freedom. 

September insights 2025

September insights 2025

by | Sep 1, 2025 | Mind, News

September insights from Derek

Anger, Forgiveness, and the Bigger Picture

Over the last few months, I’ve shared several channeled insights and predictions. Looking back now, many of those messages are starting to unfold in the world around us. I don’t share this to boast — but to encourage you to listen, reflect, and notice how these pieces connect.

Right now, between the conflicts across the globe, the political drama with leaders like Putin and Trump, and the endless debates over what is “normal” and what isn’t, it can feel as though humanity is losing its sense of direction. The energy of the Lionsgate portal stirred things up even more.

But here’s the truth I’ve been shown: it’s like watching a movie.

When we sit back in the cinema, we don’t climb into the screen and fight the actors — we watch, we learn, and we let the story unfold. Life is the same. If we get caught up in every scene with anger and frustration, we lose sight of the bigger picture.

The Danger of Anger

Anger is a natural emotion, but when we hold on to it, it becomes poison. It raises blood pressure, damages relationships, and blinds us to solutions. In truth, anger doesn’t punish the person we’re angry with — it punishes us.

That’s why forgiveness is so important. Forgiveness isn’t saying what happened was okay. It’s saying, I will not let this control me any longer. It sets us free, clears our hearts, and makes space for healing.

The Alien Connection

Many people are sensing something else too — the alien or dimensional connection. This isn’t about fear. It may not even be about classic UFO sightings. It can be as subtle as a shift in energy, a wave of heat or cold, or a gut feeling that something “other” is present. These beings are not here to frighten us, but to guide us, support us, and remind us that we are part of a vast, loving universe.

Remember Love

At the core of it all, the reminder is simple: we all come from the same source — unconditional love. If we choose love over anger, forgiveness over bitterness, and trust over fear, we will navigate these challenging times with far more ease.

Yes, difficult scenes are playing out on the world stage. But remember — it’s a movie. And like all good stories, light comes after the darkness. Good things are ahead.

So take a breath. Step back. Forgive. Love. And watch the story unfold.

Ketamine

Ketamine

by | Jul 10, 2025 | Body, Mind, News

Ketamine, Addiction & Finding Your Way Back

Breaking the Cycle: Ketamine, Addiction & Finding Your Way Back

Ketamine.
It starts out as a way to escape. A bit of fun. A coping tool.

But before you know it, the substance that numbed the pain becomes a source of it. You feel disconnected, low, stuck — and sometimes, ashamed. And if that’s where you are now, I want you to know: you are not alone.

Ketamine is addictive — let’s be real about it

There’s no point sugar-coating it. While ketamine has clinical use in pain relief and mental health treatment, outside a controlled environment, it can lead to:

  • Mental fog

  • Bladder and physical health issues

  • Emotional numbness and dissociation

  • Dependency and withdrawal

  • Loss of motivation, relationships, and identity

It becomes a cycle. You chase relief… but feel worse in the long run.

Addiction isn’t the problem — it’s the symptom

What I’ve found in my work is this: addiction is rarely about the substance.
It’s about what’s underneath — unprocessed trauma, stress, anxiety, loneliness, a deep unmet need for calm or control.

That’s why I don’t just work on “stopping the drug.”
I work with people to help them understand why they reached for it in the first place.

Using hypnotherapy, I guide clients into a relaxed state where we can access the subconscious mind — where the roots of addictive patterns often lie.
Then, through deep life coaching, we begin to gently build new behaviours, healthier coping tools, and a sense of purpose again.

How I can help

I offer:

  • Safe, non-judgmental 1-to-1 sessions (in person or online)

  • Hypnotherapy to break mental and emotional patterns

  • Deep life coaching to rebuild confidence, purpose and daily structure

  • Collaboration with other support services and local agencies

  • Step-by-step guidance without pressure or unrealistic promises

I won’t guarantee you’ll get off the drugs overnight — but I will help you help yourself.

Local support in Elgin, Moray & Scotland

Alongside my support, here are some local and national services that can help:

Elgin & Moray:

  • Arrows (Moray Wellbeing Hub – Substance Misuse Support)
    6 North Guildry Street, Elgin, IV30 1JR
    Tel: 01343 544 344
    www.moraywellbeinghub.org.uk

  • Quarriers Elgin Recovery Support Service
    Support with drug/alcohol recovery plans
    Tel: 01343 559900
    www.quarriers.org.uk

  • Turning Point Scotland – Elgin Services
    Substance misuse & mental health services in Moray
    Tel: 01343 552240
    www.turningpointscotland.com

Scotland-wide:

You don’t have to hit rock bottom — just take the first step

Addiction tells you you’re weak. But I’ve seen how wrong that is.

You’re not broken — you’re in pain.
And there’s a way back.

If you’re ready to make that change, or just want to have a conversation with someone who understands — I’m here.

Derek McGillivray – A Happy Medium
Based in Elgin, Moray | Online sessions available
www.ahappymedium.co.uk
derek@ahappymedium.co.uk
07468 119635

Holds Diplomas in Life Coaching, Mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) advanced, Past life & this life regression, Hypnotherapy, also hold certificates in Reiki spiritual healing, Addvanced counselling. Is fully insured and follows national operational and ethical guidelines with in the laws of the UK.

Derek is often asked to do Motivational & Spiritual Workshops, Psychic shows and events with music from the past present & future.

His motto is ” Enlightening others to succeed through life’s challenges ”

DEPRESSION Kills

DEPRESSION Kills

by | May 15, 2025 | Body, Mind, Soul

DEPRESSION Kills

 

DEPRESSION Kills

We hear reports around the globe of the many souls that suffer depression, because of overwhelming stress. With wars, poverty, and violence going on around us is it any wonder that depression is an issue? Statistics has proven that depression links to increased heart attacks and heart disease.

Researchers have not proved that depression is the cause of heart disease, but they do feel it is a contribution. Depression is also the root for suicidal increase. Yet the fatal mistake that doctors make is over medicating the patient.

Medications not only suppress the problem, but it contributes to medical issues. The result, the problem is still there. Everyday studies are finding new information and yet the information is often tossed to the backseat while traditional treatments continue.

New studies reveal that in contrast, intellectual and in depth, research coupled with insight helps scientist understand depression. After study the mental illness, closely they concluded in one study that depression is possibly linked to existing heart diseases.

With premature death-related to heart disease caused by premature changes in women. In other words, postmenopausal issues were said to be linked. After careful research, it was shown that antidepressant drugs might cause more harm to patients.

Observers that watched these women claimed that women were at higher risk of heart attacks while inducing antidepressants. The Archives of Internal Medicines after conducting surveys claimed that more than 90,000 women over the age of fifty and out of 16 percent suffered major depression.

This was half the women, and this half was taking antidepressants. The researchers continued their studies and found that postmenopausal women suffered depression, and because of taking antidepressants, over half the women were at risk of death related to heart diseases.

In 2003, new researchers concluded that the percentage of women at risk would also be subject to fractured bones, and that more than 8,000 women over 65 were prescribed medications and the medicines had affected the central nervous system. Researchers deduced that after taking prescribed drugs for five years the women were noticeably showing risks of fracturing bones, and those that did not take the drugs lived healthier lives.

After careful studies researchers concluded that, the prescribed drugs were the linking cause of psychical symptoms.

To reduce depression, one must exercise, eat healthy, write in journals, and use self-induced analytic profiling and evaluation of self. It is extremely important that a person come to understand their handicap and deal with it.

More studies have shown that when the spine is out of alignment, or injured that it links to depression, which is often caused by stress. Often when we visit our Chiropractor, he/she can help us to get our spine back in alignment, which has proven to relieve stress and depression.

Despite the studies that concluded that antidepressants could put a patient at risk, doctors around the globe, still take out their prescription pads and start writing. Often the problem is ignored, and blame is placed on the patients, while the doctors continue prescribing.

Now you must ask the question, are you at risk? If so, you need to take care that you consult with the proper physician. Ask him to monitor your issues carefully and sway him away from prescribing antidepressants.

Stay alert to your mental health and avoid floundering, as this contributes to depression. There are solutions to any problems that will work for you. Get out of the house and socialize. Take up a sport that you may enjoy. Read a damn good book or write one yourself. Writing is a gift, an art, and a contribution to Freedom of Speech; let the words flow.

As I analysed this distraction, I concluded, that depression is a mask of broken memories backed with links to medical issues formed and ignored. The spinal and nervous system are remarkably relative if not constituting the main cause of this distraction. What happens is people that suffer fail to exercise, sit straight, bend appropriately, and so forth. The result, the spine is dislocated. When the spine is out of line, problems will arise.

Having suffered myself from back issues I know that if my back is out of alignment, I do get grumpy, moody, and frustrated. I know some of the pain killers I was on were having effect on my mental health and I was not really moving forward, it was not till I took a more holistic approach all these years ago, that I started moving forward.

Depression can kill only if you let it!

However, you should know that medication may be only one part of the treatment puzzle.  You may also need to engage in talk therapy or join a support group in order to alleviate your symptoms.  The good news is that the prognosis is good for those who’ve been diagnosed with depression.

There are of course the holistic approaches, that can work with your drugs or can be used as an alternative, I have always believed, we need to work with the NHS and doctors and together we can help our clients to deal with anxiety.

There are many services we offer from Reiki healing, counselling, life coaching, Access Bars, NLP, Hypnotherapy, regression, TFT and many more..

Instead of just popping a pill why not come for a session and see how we can help you over come your challenges and find the root cause of your issues or the negative learnt behaviours you have created, yes you! As the only person that can help you is yourself, but we can give you the tools to succeed.

Book a session now and get back on that road to recovery!
Schedule Appointment

I Hold Diplomas in Life Coaching, Mindfulness based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) advanced, Past life & this life regression, Hypnotherapy, also hold certificates in Reiki spiritual healing, advanced counselling. I am fully insured and follow national operational and ethical guidelines with in the laws of the UK.

Derek is often asked to do Motivational & Spiritual Workshops, Psychic shows and events with music from the past present & future.

His motto is ” Enlightening others to succeed through life’s challenges “

Dealing with a failure to lose weight.

Dealing with a failure to lose weight.

by | May 13, 2025 | Body, Mind

 

We all want to change something about ourselves. There is always something that we want to change in our life.  Dealing with something that we want to make different is not always easy, but we must figure out the best method to make it happen.  Many people are trying to change the way that they look and their weight.  This is going to be a very challenging idea and something that takes a lot of will power.

How many times have you tried a diet and failed?  This can be very disappointing.  It is hard to realize that you are not losing the weight that you want and be the size that you have dreamed about.  However, with the right state of mind and a little bit of help you can make your dreams a reality.

The one thing that you can do is make sure that you keep a positive mind and always keeps telling yourself that you are better than someone that quits.  You are someone that is important and that should give your diet the best possible try that you can. Being positive is all part of making a diet work for you.

Make sure that you are serious about your weight loss plan. You need to know that there is no room for failure and that you are going to make this happen for you.  Sometimes we may not be able to succeed at a diet because there is something else going on in our life.  Maybe we have a problem that lies deep beneath that we are having a hard time dealing with.  If this happens, we need to seek help for it and get started on a good method of healing.

Staying focused is something that is very important too.  There are many reasons why we need to be sincere and realize that this is something that we really want to do.  Being disciplined is something that is must when we want to lose weight and make ourselves feel better.  We need to know what we have to do to make our goal a reality and be the weight that we want to be.

Take some time to listen to your heart and what you want to be.  Are you ready for the challenges that come along with dieting and not being a failure?  Is this something that you are physically and emotionally ready to do?  Make sure that you are strong and able to handle this type of process.  Being ready for the challenge is something that you should realize so that you are not losing site of what the impertinence is.

If things are not going your way you need to figure out a plan to make it right.  Make sure that you are checking out the options that you have and all that is going on.  Give yourself plenty of time to make your weight loss dreams a goal that is going to happen for you.  There is no need to pressure yourself into something that you are not ready for.

Remember you are not a failure you are a success story.  If you have dreams and goals set for yourself, you are going to make it all happen.  Giving your best shot and keeping sight of what is important will give you the help and the reinforcement that you need.  Just be positive and never give up on yourself.  You are not a failure, if you give it your all.

I can help you achieve your goals by booking a life coaching session with access to our Mindfulness weight loss program with Gastric band hypnotherapy. 

 
Derek McGillivray.
 
 
 
Combating Anxiety

Combating Anxiety

by | Jan 9, 2025 | Body, Mind, Soul

Combating Anxiety:  Will a Pill Do the Trick?

At certain points in your life, you might have been plagued with worry.  It might have been in the wake of beginning a marriage, starting a new career, or caring for a sick child.  The worry might have affected you not only emotionally but physically as well.  You might have experienced feelings of uneasiness, faintness, or breathing troubles.

There are degrees of severity when it comes to anxiety.  For instance, it can be mild, lasting only a day or two, or severe, lasting an entire month.  You might experience generalized anxiety disorder or something more specific such as phobias, panic, or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Anxiety might be treated with an anti-depressant or an anti-anxiety medication.  Generally speaking, there are three categories of anti-depressants:  selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs; tricyclics; and monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs.   SSRIs include Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft.

These anti-depressants often have fewer side-effects than the older generation of anti-depressants.  Initially, you might feel nervous taking SSRIs, but the feeling often disappears after a few weeks.  One of the most important side-effects of these drugs is sexual dysfunction, which can often be corrected by changing the dosage.

Tricyclics tend to have side effects such as sleepiness, dizziness, and weight gain.  They are older than the SSRIs, so there has been more research conducted on them.  Meanwhile, MAOIs can cause a reaction if mixed with certain foods and drinks, such as cheese and wine.  These reactions can include increased blood pressure and other life-threatening problems.

Side-effects of anti-anxiety medications include fatigue, confusion, or drowsiness.    The medications may be taken two or three times a day or just when needed.  Dosage starts low then increases until symptoms disappear.  The amount of medication prescribed varies according to symptoms and a person’s body chemistry.   Doctors generally believe that you should not drink alcohol while taking anti-anxiety medication because the combination can create a life-threatening situation.

Because the medication can lead to dependence, the drugs are usually prescribed for only days or weeks at a time.  In fact, a user might be directed to take the medication only when symptoms of anxiety occur.  In some cases, individuals suffering from anxiety may need treatment for an extended period.

If you begin taking anti-anxiety medication, it is important that you stay on it until the doctor recommends that you stop taking it.  If you stop abruptly, you may experience anxiety, dizziness, or loss of appetite.  Common forms of anxiety medication include Valium, Ativan, and Xanax.

At times, physicians may prescribe beta-blockers to combat anxiety.  While beta-blockers such as propanolol may be used to deal with heart damage, they have also emerged as an effective treatment for social anxiety.  If you face a stressful situation, such as a job interview, your physician may give you a beta-blocker that can keep your palms from sweating, your head from swelling, and treat other symptoms of anxiety.

There are certain steps you should take before you begin a drug regimen for anxiety.  For instance, you should do your homework on the drug.  Find out what side-effects it causes, and determine whether you can live with those side-effects.  Also, you’ll need to inform your doctor of any over-the-counter medications you are using.  Be sure to find out how long you will have to take the drug.  You should realize that if you decide to stop taking the drug, you could find symptoms of anxiety reappearing.

If you’ve been diagnosed with anxiety, it can be a daunting experience.  You may not know where to go or who to turn to.  However, it’s best if you begin your search for treatment with your family physician, who can refer you to a psychiatrist if need be.  While any type of anxiety medication can lead to side-effects, many people report good experiences, particularly with SSRIs.  By working closely with your physician, you can find the medication that’s appropriate for you.

However, you should know that medication may be only one part of the treatment puzzle.  You may also need to engage in talk therapy or join a support group in order to alleviate your symptoms.  The good news is that the prognosis is good for those who’ve been diagnosed with anxiety.

There are of course the holistic approaches, that can work with your drugs or can be used as an alternative, I have always believed, we need to work with the NHS and doctors and together we can help our clients to deal with anxiety.

There are many services we offer from Reiki healing, counselling, life coaching, Access Bars, NLP, Hypnotherapy, regression, TFT and many more..

Instead of just popping a pill why not come for a session and see how we can help you over come your challenges and find the root cause of your issues or the negative learnt behaviours you have created, yes you! As the only person that can help you is yourself, but we can give you the tools to succeed.

Book a session now and get back on that road to recovery!
Schedule Appointment