Wrapping Christmas presents early, putting up decorations and being actively involved in Christmas has only become part of my life since I have had children. This year as I prepared for my children’s advent countdown activities, I noticed that I was becoming swept along with all the excitement and the commercialism. This made me stop […]
Depression at Christmas Read More »
In order for a counsellor to remain focused on the client, self-disclosure during a session is not encouraged. Self-disclosure is sharing information with your client that they would not know about you. It is generally felt that self-disclosure of a counsellor may get in the way of the client’s journey. The counsellor’s past and issues,
Self-disclosure of a counsellor Read More »
With the sad passing of Linda Bellingham this week we are reminded again of the heartache and destruction that cancer brings into people’s lives. Linda was remarkable in allowing us to get a glimpse of her cancer illness showing us her strength and determination to die with dignity. It feels as though she was trying not
Psychological effects of cancer Read More »
Anxiety often leads us to start thinking negatively. We react without thinking and before we know it we are more anxious and the negative thoughts start to flow through our mind. This can then affect our feelings, behaviour and body reactions. In our anxious state our thoughts tend to be exaggerated and contain some distortion.
Positive self-talk for coping with anxiety Read More »
It is often confusing hearing about different counselling models that counsellor’s use – Person-centred, psychodynamic, Transactional Analyse, integrative counselling etc. Which one will work and how do you choose? I personally feel each model has its own value and can work for all types of different problems. The important part is that the counsellor is
What is integrative counselling? Read More »
Mental stigma often stops people from admitting that they are receiving counselling or have had counselling. What about if the counsellor admits they had counselling? Is that self-disclosing or reassuring for clients to know that their counsellor has been through the counselling process and believes in his or her heart that counselling can help?
Counselling process and me Read More »
With the recent report of two therapists being abused by another counsellor in a counselling relationship, I can imagine it has made people wonder if they are safe with their present therapist. It could also make potential clients wonder how to ensure that their therapist will not take advantage of them. It was clear in this
Boundaries in counselling Read More »
Over the last few years I had noticed that counselling was changing and online counselling (e-therapy, e-counselling) was becoming more popular. I was curious of online counselling and as a private practitioner I thought it would be good to offer this service in addition to my face to face work. I carried out research and
CPD online – Online Counselling Skills Course Read More »
My last summer on Channel Four will be emotionally poignant to watch, but I will certainly tune in. I know it will be a challenging experience, as, like many others, I’ve witnessed a loved one succumb to a terminal illness. Nevertheless, I am determined to watch it, as I believe it’s crucial to openly discuss the
Let’s talk about dying and bereavement Read More »
Serious loss is something we will all experience at some point of time in our lives. This may be because of the death of a loved one or it may be circumstances such as miscarriage or loss of a job. Sometimes we do not experience loss or bereavement until later in life and have had
Dealing with loss or bereavment Read More »