The Hospital Experience - Control versus letting go

The Hospital Experience - Control versus letting go March 14th, 2012 by Michele Joffe Dip Couns. MBACP Share this:         There is nothing like requiring hospital intervention and a stay overnight to really awaken our awareness about the amount of control that we really have.  There is, I believe a fine balance between controlling and letting go of the outcome of our care - be it mental or physical health. It is evident  how much control we give to doctors who play an almost Godly role in the process.  Without questioning or understanding fully what is required from us, we accept their diagnosis and follow their recommendations, however far fetched they might seem.  From the moment we are admitted into their care, we feel safe,...

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Empathy is not Sympathy

Empathy is not Sympathy March 14th, 2012 by Michele Joffe Dip Couns. MBACP Share this:         As a Therapist when confronted with a situation where empathy is needed it is important to be aware of how we use empathy, which can at times be confused with sympathy.  In actual fact, the definition of empathy  is 'Gaining a clear sense of how the client sees the world and their experience in it'.  The core condition of empathy is used in Person Centred Practice and although this sounds simplistic , it is in fact one of the most difficult practices to incorporate into a therapeutic session.  This is simply because the therapist has to use themselves to facilitate the process with the client.  The responses from the therapist have...

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Men and isolation

Men and isolation March 27th, 2012 by Patrick McCurry MBACP, UKCP Reg Share this:         A common issue for men entering therapy is a sense of isolation – from other people but also from their deeper selves. The issue they come to therapy for may be something different, such as depression, anxiety, anger issues or relationship problems. But usually underlying these symptoms is a feeling of loneliness. This male isolation is something that many women are unaware of. Women are (usually) brought up to be in relationship with others. How much of many women’s relatedness is innate and how much conditioned is debatable – it’s probably a mix of the two. But the reality for many men is that, when a crisis occurs, they find themselves without support. The...

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Whats is behind your mask?

Whats is behind your mask? March 28th, 2012 by Graeme Orr MBACP(Accred), UKRCP Reg. Ind. Counsellor Share this:         ...

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Unemployment Stress

Unemployment Stress March 22nd, 2012 by Christine Elvin MBACP Coun's Dip Share this:         You are not alone if you are suffering from unemployment stress, signing on at a job centre and applying for job after job can have a huge effect on your mental health. The media do not help with unemployment issues as they seem to put unemployed people in the same bracket. Yes of course there are some people who are happy with their situation and have no intention of changing it, but for others it can be a depressing place to be. Money worries can be demoralising and your self esteem will suffer if you allow it to get you down.  The job applications can be daunting and time consuming for what seems like a waste of time, energy and effort when you don’t...

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What is Counselling?

What is Counselling? March 20th, 2012 by Janet Greenwood UKRCP MBACP Accred Senior Counsellor/Supervisor Share this:         The nature and purpose of counselling is to provide a non-judgemental, confidential, pressure free space in which people can freely explore their thoughts and feelings. Every individual has an actualising tendency, which gives them the capacity to develop and reach their full potential.Sometimes in our lives we lose sight of our direction and experience inner unrest or we may experience something traumatic that rocks our foundations. Counselling can provide the right facilitative climate and framework for people to safely visit their own turmoil. Counselling operates through conversation and discussion, it focusses...

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What is Empathy?

What is Empathy? March 22nd, 2012 by Gerard Della Marta MBACP qualified counsellor Share this:         Empathy has been described in different ways: walking in another's shoes, entering into another person's frame of reference or having the ability to experience life as the other person does by entering the person's world of thoughts, feelings, emotions and meanings.In counselling, empathy is an expression of the regard and respect the counsellor holds for the client whose experiences maybe quite different from that of the counsellor.The client needs to feel "held", understood as well as respected. To hold a client therapeutically means the counsellor is capable to accept and support the client through any issues, concerns, problems she/he can b...

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Counselling: WHO ARE YOU?

Counselling: WHO ARE YOU? March 28th, 2012 by Joanna Warwick: MBACP(Accred), UKRCP Reg Ind, Adv Dip, Couples Cert Share this:         Often the fears that can arise when thinking about going to see a counsellor is about *who are they*what will they be like*will they tell me what to do*will they judge meWhat is hard to understand that a good relationship in counselling is based on the counsellor being many things to you, many people and exactly what you need at that moment.The counsellor is a person and has a life of their own and thoughts of their own, but they are trained to put themselves to one side and be truly accepting of you as a person and offer you;* Unconditional Positive Regard* Empathy* Congruence* A safe confidential space And we are bound...

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Ten Steps to Better Sleep

Ten Steps to Better Sleep April 2nd, 2012 by David Seddon MA (Couns), BA (Philosophy), MBACP - Individuals and Couples Share this:         “Sleeplessness is a desert without vegetation or inhabitants.”  Jessamyn West Many of the clients who come to me with a variety of issues also suffer from poor sleep.  I therefore nearly always ask new clients how their sleep is in the very first session that we have together.  If their sleep is poor, then even if they wish to outline a large range of worrying issues, at some point near the start of therapy, I ask them if we can spend the last 5 or 10 minutes of a session looking at that.  It is often good to send them off with something practical that will allow them to go home on a positive...

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Men and therapy

Men and therapy April 2nd, 2012 by Graeme Orr MBACP(Accred), UKRCP Reg. Ind. Counsellor Share this:         Men are much more reluctant than women to look for help for their problems. Studies have shown that today’s man is more likely to be suffering from anxiety, depression, alcohol or drug abuse yet the ‘stiff upper lip’ culture continues to apply.  Is it because men see counselling as a female activity, is it because most counsellors are women, is it perhaps because it is a sign of weakness to admit to a flaw or perhaps there is some other gender specific reason. It would be wrong to say that men never seek help, but often they leave it till the last moment, till the situation is in crisis. They may end up with a broken marriage or a serious...

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Lengthening your fuse. A simple guide to anger management

Lengthening your fuse. A simple guide to anger management April 2nd, 2012 by Nick McCubbin MBACP MBPsS Share this:         “Anyone can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person at the right time, and for the right purpose and in the right way - that is not within everyone's power and that is not easy.” - AristotleAristotle presents us with a difficult challenge in is quote above. Of course, we all become angry at one time or another, indeed anger is a part of being human and at times is an appropriate and functional response. However, there can be times when our tempers get the better of us, when our anger is ignited too quickly and our explosions can cause damage that we later regre...

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How do I know if your the right counsellor for me?

How do I know if your the right counsellor for me? April 2nd, 2012 by Beverley Hynes -BACP Accredited Counsellor UKRCP Share this:         Counsellors are plentiful but how do you choose one that's right for you. Well there's all the information on The Counselling Directory that lists the counsellors Theoretical orientation/s. In other words what methods they will use to help you. You can also decide if you want your counsellor to be accredited or not. This is where the counsellor has had to submit written work and proof that they reach a minimum criteria and standard set by a number of the professional bodies.Then there is the counsellors experience to consider. How long have they been working in this field? Do they have any  specialist knowledge...

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Dealing with your inner critic

Dealing with your inner critic April 3rd, 2012 by Patrick McCurry MBACP, UKCP Reg Share this:         We all have an ‘inner critic’ – the part of us that tells us we’re not good enough. In many people it can be a fierce, even bullying, voice. It’s the voice that says:  ‘Why did you make that mistake – you always get things wrong!’  ‘Of course he’s not interested in you – you’ve put on too much weight.’  ‘Why even bother applying for that job, they’ll be looking for someone much more interesting than you.’ When we’re not aware of this part of ourselves the constant self-criticism takes place unconsciously and we can end up feeling depressed and lacking energy without knowing why. But once we have recognized our inner critic we have...

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Mind Yourself

Mind Yourself April 3rd, 2012 by Christina Holland, MBACP (Accred) - Sapphire Counselling Share this:         Ever wondered why you do the things you do?  Have you ever thought that perhaps some reactions have been over-the-top, but it felt like you had no control over how you behaved? The latest developments in understanding how the mind works are being revealed by huge advances in neuroscientific research and are exciting and encouraging.  In learning how the brain functions we can discover more about our reactions, and find different ways to respond in difficult situations that leave us feeling much better and more in control. Simply put, our brains have 3 distinct areas with specific functions. The brain stem, or the reptilian brain,...

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Strategic Counselling

Useful Articles » Strategic Counselling Strategic Counselling April 11th, 2012 by Keith Abrahams Dip.HG.P Share this:         A therapist working from a strategic counselling perspective, like that of the Human Givens approach, will seek to help their client to quickly deal with their problems, identify solutions, set and agree therapy goals and design interventions to facilitate fast, effective change, that suit the client and meet their needs. The therapist will help the client became aware, and begin to engage all of the clients resources in the interventions. The client may be helped to develop and acquire new resources, but more often than not, the client simply needs to recognise and engage their already existing, perhaps...

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21 ways to lift your mood

21 ways to lift your mood April 12th, 2012 by Rachel Shattock Dawson BA (Hons), MA, MBACP Share this:         Here’s a few of my favourite ways to beat the blues. Pick the ones that chime with you: Phone a friend – catch up and have a gossip. Or better still arrange to meet. Spending time with good friends is very good for you. Just dance! In the kitchen, in your bedroom…wherever. Put on some music and move to the rhythm. Reach out and touch someone – a hug or a held hand is calming and comforting. Do a favour – helping someone else, or supporting a good cause makes you feel good too. Eat (a little) chocolate – the N-acyclethanoloamines in chocolate stimulate the brain to release endorphins. Try therapy – increased self-awareness and...

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What is the difference between Jealousy and Envy?

What is the difference between Jealousy and Envy? April 19th, 2012 by ANDREA HARRN MA MBACP (Accred) UKRCP, UKRF, DCH Share this:         Jealousy and envy are quite often the subject of a therapy room and can cause untold pain and damage to relationships between people. The terms are often used interchangeably but there are differences between them. The first difference to be aware of is that envy involves two people. One person being envious of another. Jealousy is about more than two people and involves the preservation of special friendships because of the involvement of others. It is possible to experience both jealousy and envy at the same time. For example you could be jealous of the attention your boyfriend is getting from a female who you...

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Why won't your therapist talk more about themselves?

Why won't your therapist talk more about themselves? April 20th, 2012 by Patrick McCurry MBACP, UKCP Reg Share this:         It’s become a cliché – you ask your therapist a question and they reply with another question. For many new clients the lack of self-disclosure by the therapist can be unsettling, as the relationship can feel very one way. The therapist gets to know the most personal details of the client’s life, while the client knows very little about the therapist’s. While the lack of self-disclosure may feel frustrating, at times, for the client, there are several reasons for it. These include: The therapist’s issues can dominate: the therapy is for the benefit of the client not the therapist, so a therapist talking a lot about their own...

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Ways to Find Peace in Our Hectic Lives

Ways to Find Peace in Our Hectic Lives April 23rd, 2012 by David Seddon MA (Couns), BA (Philosophy), MBACP - Individuals and Couples Share this:         Sometimes everyone feels like they could do with more peace. Our world is increasingly full of excitement but peace is a much rarer commodity. It often starts and follows from what we feel and so I’ve put together a few ideas to about how we might find it: 1. Reduce Expectations Shakespeare said that “expectation was the root of all heartache“ and there is much in what Dennis Wholey said – “expecting the world to treat you fairly because you are a good person is a little like expecting the bull not to attack you because you are a vegetarian.” If we expect others to behave in a certain way and do certain...

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Counselling and the Unsuccessful Dieter - How Dieting Can Help You To Regain Control of Your Eating

Counselling and the Unsuccessful Dieter - How Dieting Can Help You To Regain Control of Your Eating April 24th, 2012 by Annie Newbury Share this:         I guess that we all know people who have lost weight with a particular diet club or method only to have all the weight slowly creep back on again. “I don’t understand it” they say,” I lost so much but it all comes piling back, why don’t my diets work?” Sounds familiar? Most diets are based on strict rules, they have ‘points’ ‘bars’ ‘shakes’ and ‘sins’. Food is restricted, choices are few, rules must be followed and calorific intake is usually very low so if the diet is followed it’s not surprising that weight is lost....

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Can Our Lives Find Meaning in the Modern World?

Can Our Lives Find Meaning in the Modern World? May 3rd, 2012 by David Seddon MA (Couns), BA (Philosophy), MBACP - Individuals and Couples Share this:         “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.”  Viktor Frankl We are meaning seeking creatures that cannot truly be at peace unless we have something we consider as significant in our lives – something that gives us purpose and a sense of fulfilment.  Finding a meaning to life is perhaps the ultimate question for any of us.  One of the things that often happens in therapy is that clients begin to search for and find meaning.  There is little in the therapy room that I enjoy more than helping them to find (or re-find) it – simply because I view...

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7 secrets of good relationships

7 secrets of good relationships April 24th, 2012 by Rachel Shattock Dawson BA (Hons), MA, MBACP Share this:         1. Communication This is the biggest ‘secret’: Keep talking and keep listening. When couples stop talking to each other the relationship is all but over. It’s good if you can share thoughts and feelings honestly, and know that criticising, shouting or nagging damages self-esteem and ultimately the relationship. Good communicators are better at resolving conflict and are able to apologise when necessary. 2. SupportGood couples are like a team, joined at the hip and stronger facing the world together. You’ll both have career, money, life and death lows in your lifetime – be there for the downs and you’ll still be there together to share...

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Parenting in the Teen Zone - Helping Young People Through Exams

Parenting in the Teen Zone - Helping Young People Through Exams April 29th, 2012 by Katie Leatham M.Phil, MBACP Accredited Share this:         Tearful one minute furious the next. Teenagers are changeable at the best of times, but at this time of year levels of emotions can really peak due to the pressure of exams. Even though assessments and exams are often spread through the year, for the majority of young people this is the time when the focus is really on them to achieve. Not only that, they have to make decisions about what they will do next. They need to make A -level choices and might be leaving their school to go to a new institution in September. Older teens are planning the transition to work or university and leaving home. For many who are...

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The links between sleep and depression

The links between sleep and depression May 3rd, 2012 by David Waters MA, MBACP Accredited UKRCP Share this:         Ever found yourself counting sheep in the middle of night while watching the interminable second hand skulk around the face of your alarm clock?  It’s not only frustrating, but it’s can be stressful as well as exhausting. About 30 per cent of us report having difficulties with our sleep according to latest research. We might be waking up too early, have trouble getting to sleep in the first place or - frustratingly - find ourselves wide-awake in the middle of the night for no obvious reason at all. For those of us who suffer from depression and anxiety these symptoms are usually acute and felt as particularly troublin...

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Are you familiar with SMART goals?

Are you familiar with SMART goals? May 3rd, 2012 by Gerard Della Marta MBACP qualified counsellor Share this:         ...

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Counselling. Helping you to take control.

Counselling. Helping you to take control. May 5th, 2012 by Craig Draper Diploma in Counselling (MBACP) Share this:         Counselling is not like a drug, it will not simply take your problems away, it is not a magic wand.Counselling is an opportunity to be really heard and understood.  It enables you to gain a greater understanding of issues/problems your experiencing. Enabling you to take control of your lif...

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Can Counselling Support the Resilience of Children and Young People to the Impact of Domestic Violen

Can Counselling Support the Resilience of Children and Young People to the Impact of Domestic Violen May 7th, 2012 Share this:         Introduction Question: Can counselling support the resilience of vulnerable children and young people to the impact of adverse events, such as domestic violence and abuse, early in their lives?In our society we recognise that there are many children who are exposed to adverse factors such as experiencing or witnessing domestic violence and abuse. This may impact on their ability to reach their full potential in life, or render them so scarred that they later become incapable of functioning as adults, without additional support. Yet some children, whom we refer to as resilient, appear to overcome difficulties experienced...

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Beating Addiction – The Human Givens way

Beating Addiction – The Human Givens way May 8th, 2012 by Keith Abrahams Dip.HG.P Share this:         Paraphrased, substance dependence [1] is defined by the DSM as fulfillment of any three of the following: Preoccupation with the substance – obtaining it, using it and recovering from it Unintentional over use – repeatedly taking more than was intended Tolerance – increasing amounts are needed for the same effect Withdrawal – certain levels are needed to function normally Relief substance use – to counteract withdrawal Persistent desire to control the abuse – repeated quitting relapse Impaired performance - in social and work situations Abandoning important events – social, work or recreational Continued use of the substance despite health...

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The Power and Protection of our Intuition

The Power and Protection of our Intuition May 9th, 2012 by Richard Gosling Assoc. UKAHPP Share this:         Recently I was given cause to consider our intuition and how we can often ignore it even though it is our truest, wisest and most loyal friend. A close friend relayed to me the distressing experiences she had after inviting a colleague to stay in her home whilst the man was attending a seminar, he had told her that the only available accommodation he had been offered was to sleep on somebody’s floor. She felt he deserved better and offered him her son’s bedroom. It resulted in a trail of destruction to her home and possessions followed by a litany of ingratitude and denial....

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Infidelity – The Triangle of Betrayal: Will You still Love me tomorrow? (Part 1)

Infidelity – The Triangle of Betrayal: Will You still Love me tomorrow? (Part 1) May 9th, 2012 by Claudia Anderson PG Dipl Psych, MBACP Qualified Careers Counsellor Share this:       Since the passage of time, men and women have been having affairs. The reasons are multi-layered and often intertwined, from sexual boredom and frustration with a partner to a person sabotaging relationships based on unresolved issues from the past within another relationship. The issues generated around infidelity are complex. In some cases a therapist identifies, the internal reasons, such as the effects of pregnancy, child development, menopause, addiction, illness etc. but there are also external causes such as loss of employment, death of a loved one, or financial...

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Are you compelled to repeat behaviour you’d rather ditch?

Are you compelled to repeat behaviour you’d rather ditch? May 10th, 2012 by Tina Radziszewicz BSc (Hons), MA, UKCP Registered Psychotherapist Share this:         If so, you’re not alone! From dating ‘bad boys’ or ‘psycho women’ repeatedly despite vows of “never again” after the misery they cause, to making yet another friend who proceeds to boss you around, or finding yourself in a job where you feel undervalued again, many of us seem unable to stop ourselves repeating experiences that hurt us. Why should this be? Sigmund Freud recognised this common human phenomenon, which he called the Repetition Compulsion. Freud believed that we re-enact old, painful traumas or relationships, the nature of which we’ve usually forgotten, in the present in an attempt...

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MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL… Or how to survive the influences of your narcissistic mother

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL… Or how to survive the influences of your narcissistic mother May 11th, 2012 by Carmen Von Haenisch BA (Hons) Counselling , MBACP (Accred), Supervisor Share this:         ...

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Betrayal - the death of a relationship?

Betrayal - the death of a relationship? May 14th, 2012 by Graeme Orr MBACP(Accred), UKRCP Reg. Ind. Counsellor Share this:         A subject that comes up often when couples go to counselling is that of betrayal. It is not what was done but rather how it was done. The definition most often used in the context of a relationship is: “To be false or disloyal”. This undermines the trust and one partner is left wondering if they know the other at all, because all they thought they were has been proved wrong. Often is it like a bereavement, the betrayed person is likely to be very angry at what has happened, perhaps they will even try to deny it happened. In fact it is often common on suspecting an affair to question yourself and even feel guilty for thinking...

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How an affair can be a catalyst for change

How an affair can be a catalyst for change May 14th, 2012 by Patrick McCurry MBACP, UKCP Reg Share this:       Affairs are generally regarded as extremely destructive to any intimate relationship. They cause hurt, distress, anger and affect trust in a major way. Despite this, if the affair leads to a couple seeking therapy it can actually force them to address deeper issues in the relationship. When a couple arrives at their therapist’s office to talk about the effects of an affair there will always be extremely strong emotions expressed. The ‘victim’ partner may feel devastated, sad and very angry. The partner who has had the affair may have more mixed feelings – there may well be guilt about the hurt caused and, possibly, remorse. But there may also...

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Seeking counselling is not a weakness

Seeking counselling is not a weakness May 15th, 2012 by Craig Draper Diploma in Counselling (MBACP) Share this:         Through the counselling process clients may have to face some really difficult challenges.  It could be that in the introspection it may be necessary to examine painful experiences or events.  This can at the time be a painful experience in itself. The individual may have to examine parts of themselves that they may know before counselling that they will have to explore or may not know until faced with the prospect during counselling. I believe it is the role of a counsellor to identify and explore these difficult aspects and to support the client in finding answers and resolution...

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Music and well-being

Music and well-being May 15th, 2012 by Peter Baikie MBACP BA (hons) Share this:         How much does music affect us and our environment? We know that certain pieces of music can make us feel sad, cheerful and on occasion euphoric, but does music have any deeper therapeutic value? Here are five research conclusions that not only confirm what you may have already thought, but also throw up some surprising (and at times amusing) findings. 1.   Music relieves stress. The entire human energetic system is extremely influenced by sounds, and neuroscientists have proved that music slows down and equalises brain waves. The slower the brain waves, the more relaxed and peaceful we fee...

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Traumatic Bereavement

Traumatic Bereavement May 17th, 2012 by Jackie Rogers Adv Dip Couns. (Serenity Counselling) Share this:         It is always difficult if you lose a loved one and traumatic sudden death can take longer to recover from. Before you can grieve you may need to accept the way your loved one was taken.With traumatic sudden bereavement, your loved one may have been taken by someone else's actions e.g.road death or murder. How can someone contemplate how a human can kill another human? You may experience split and confusing loyalties, e.g in a case of domestic violence where a family member has killed another. There may be delays in procedural process e.g. releasing the body, the added upset of a post mortem, waiting for a Coroner's Report, ongoing investigation,...

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12 Step Treatment and Group Therapy for People with Addictions

12 Step Treatment and Group Therapy for People with Addictions May 18th, 2012 by Special & Different Addiction Services Share this:       The Group Imagine a group of 12 recovering addicts/alcoholics, one peer supporter and two facilitators, sitting in a circle.  Most of the clients have been in contact with the criminal justice system at some point, with convictions ranging from drink driving to GBH and attempted murder.  Some have served time.  About half have had a social services caseworker at some time in their lives.  More than half are divorced.  Most of the others are single.  Some are also estranged from their children. These are people who have exhibited extreme anti-social behaviour and seem unable to conform...

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“All you need is love!”

“All you need is love!” May 20th, 2012 by Claire Thomson BSc Msc (Human Communication) PG Dip (Counselling) MBACP Share this:         I believe that being in loving relationships is what we need to be happy.  The kind of happy that is a feeling of security and contentment that allows us to relax to be who we truly are. But what is love and why does it make us feel happy?  Love is a caring bond that attaches us to our significant others at many levels but mainly emotionally, physically and intellectually. We human beings are social creatures and as such we are born ready to engage and interact with those close to us who are caring for us. Research now shows that these important first emotional experiences produce the “feel good” hormones in...

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It’s good to talk – but it’s also good to be alone

It’s good to talk – but it’s also good to be alone May 21st, 2012 by Tina Radziszewicz BSc (Hons), MA, UKCP Registered Psychotherapist Share this:         Intimate relationships, we’re told, are what life is all about, what keeps us happy and healthy. And it’s true there’s no substitute for the strength we draw and the pleasure we get from friends and loved ones. But rushing from our jobs to pick up the kids and tend to homes, friends and partners, it’s easy to neglect the most important person in our lives – ourselves. Time on our own for relaxation and reflection is vital for recharging our batteries. Far from being selfish, if you’re rested and refreshed, you can then give your best to the people in your life without feeling resentful...

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Counselling Men

Counselling Men May 21st, 2012 by David Seddon MA (Couns), BA (Philosophy), MBACP - Individuals and Couples Share this:         It is often commented that “men find it harder to come to counselling than women.” As a generalisation, this may be true, but generalisations are not useful because they tend to strip away at individuality.  It’s not helpful to stick labels on people, especially if they are labels generated by an over-view of humanity which takes no account of them as a person.  Kierkegaard said that “once you label me, you negate me”.  I think that is profoundly true and yet psychology and the health professions are continually diagnosing and labelling, and I know that, to a point, counsellors have to operate within that system. ...

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Mystery Murders, String Theory and Psychotherapy

Mystery Murders, String Theory and Psychotherapy May 23rd, 2012 by Geoff Boutle MBACP (Accred) UKRC Reg Share this:         The search for a single answer to complex issues is a recurrent feature within the western world. From religion to physics and to popular culture there is a sense that there must always be an answer and that once found, that solution should provide a consistent and universal explanation. That approach is present wherever we look. Two millennia ago a rather sombre monotheism replaced the squabbling family of classical Greek and Roman gods. Darwinism and evolution provided an explanation as to the process of development of life on earth and the discovery of penicillin hailed the emergence of the first wonder drug to cure all....

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What Clients Don’t Tell Their Therapists

What Clients Don’t Tell Their Therapists May 24th, 2012 Share this:         ... and what therapists can learn from that I am in the fortunate position of speaking to many students of psychotherapy and counselling in my role as tutor and supervisor and I am always interested in their perspectives. What I have come to hear very often is how, as clients in therapy, these students often choose not to say the things that are foremost on their minds in their own therapy. This has been a real eye-opener. The biggest deterrents are: The therapist will not like them if they disclose “bad” aspects of themselvesIf they say for example: “I really wanted to strangle my dog after he chewed my best shoes up.” The therapist will not deem them fit to be therapists...

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Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour

Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour May 25th, 2012 by John Donlon, The Therapy Centre, Challenges into Successes Share this:         ...

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Relationships and how to survive them

Relationships and how to survive them May 25th, 2012 by Graeme Orr MBACP(Accred), UKRCP Reg. Ind. Counsellor Share this:         Is your relationship under pressure? Then you are not alone, as the economic realities hit, couples in the UK find their relationship under increasing pressure. How do you stay successful in your relationship or rescue it if problems have started to appear. There are some easy steps that you can work at to improve your partnership. If there is a single key to good relationship it is communication.  It is the only way you can understand your partner and they can know you. Keep in mind what Steven Covey said “Seek first to understand, then to be understood”. That is make sure that you understand the others point of view...

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Anger management – 10 ways to keep a lid on it

Anger management – 10 ways to keep a lid on it May 25th, 2012 by Rachel Shattock Dawson BA (Hons), MA, MBACP Share this:         Anger is a natural, normal human emotion, even babies feel it and express it. As an adult, anger helps you respond to threatening situations with a surge of passion and energy when necessary. In pre-civilised times it was a useful part of the survival instinct as it is an automatic defence mechanism, helping people rise to defend themselves and their families when under attack. It is an adrenaline-fuelled response, and when uncontrolled, it will lead you to want to fight – whether with your fists or your voice – or both. In modern times, of course, it is usually not appropriate to let rip, whether you’re at work, at home...

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Not just second best- Giving due regard to online counselling

Not just second best- Giving due regard to online counselling May 29th, 2012 by Satori Integrative Therapy - Ms. Surabhi Chaturvedi (MBACP) Share this:         In recent years, counselling/therapy* via the internet, either through type chat or video conferencing is gaining momentum and popularity. When I share the fact of being an online practitioner with colleagues and friends I receive reactions ranging from surprise ("Oh, I didn't know there was such a thing!") to doubt ("Surely it can't work as well as face to face counselling!"). Because of it being a relatively new wave in the therapy profession, there may be a tendency to be suspicious of it or assume that it is a last resort, only for those who are unable to access face to face therapy in person. It...

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