In an alternate reality (where I have more money and time), I’d love to study more neuroscience. For sure, it hurts my brain learning about the brain, but it’s such an amazing piece of hardware. Fortunately, Edward Bullmore’s book – The Inflamed Mind (2018) – gives me just enough of a platform to understand...
Videos – How I work with…Anxiety
‘Anxiety’ has been the most searched term on the Counselling Directory each month this year so far. Here are some thoughts on why it may come about and what we can do about it. View this post on Instagram ‘Anxiety’ has been the most searched term on the Counselling Directory each month this year...
The importance of practising closing rituals in times of uncertainty
We are creatures of habits and stories, made up of beginnings and endings. Left in limbo, we suffer. Sometimes we make our endings and sometimes we await decisions from others. Technology allows us to delay endings – from lights that keep us awake, fridges that keep food for longer, to ever expanding storage and...
Videos – How I work with…Grief
New video series on how I work with different issues with clients.First up, Grief – the different stages that I tend to see clients going through during their grief process. View this post on Instagram A 5 minute video about the different stages that I tend to see clients going through during their grief...
Are we melting who we are when we spend too much time on our own?
I think it’s fair to say that most people are spending more time on their own, or at least more time with the same few people. There are less face-to-face interactions with a wider network of friends, colleagues, strangers on commutes or in shops. So what is this doing to us? We’re in a...
Will it ever stop hurting?
When every part of you denies reality, how do you cope? My greatest loss was when I was 17. I wished for an undo button, just a simple undo button, a rewind, like in a video game. For several years, over a decade really, I spoke about it and around it in a matter-of-fact...
What I know of loss
Loss is hot, not cold. Every molecule in our body burns for an undo button. In the absence of any action we can take, the only way to calm the agitation is engulfing it through tears. Loss is timeless. The passage of time gives us layers of memories to wrap this pit of sorrow,...
Finding closure through yourself alone
Whether the sudden end of a relationship, the unexpected end of a job, or even an expected ending, we can struggle to say all that we needed to. Especially with unexpected endings, the shock inhibits our ability to express our thoughts and feelings at the time, because they haven’t even fully formed. Anger and...
What happens in a counselling session
Seeking support for something very personal is a daunting task. Counselling is a unique experience. Each pairing of a counsellor and a client is dependent on their individual contributing factors. There are, however, some commonalities across all. Here are some to consider when you’re deciding on counselling. As a person-centred counsellor, some aspects may...
Counselling for understanding loss
How counselling can help you to look objectively, kindly, on your current feelings and needs The fact is we live in a connected world, with relationships, obligations and consequences. The key benefit of counselling is to be able to air out our fears and wishes to someone who has no connection to our bubble....