Therapeutic encounter

19/03/2026

So I as a therapist my measuring of my self is how I can maintain and hold a therapeutic space for my clients. When this alters in the the time my clients are in that space I am reflecting on how am I getting in the way or what has happened to alter this. My meditation in the mornings are my preparation as it allows attunement to my inner process, to be a mirror as clear as I can possibly be is always my commitment in the therapy room. My experience has always been that at some point in the space with me a the client therapy turns up. It s magical when it does.

14/03/2026

In my previous post I discussed how holding therapeutic space was important for clients to understand themselves better. This being a type of mirror held up to clients and how this brings understanding. Why is this important? It's because self insight is far more helpful when it comes understanding and dealing with distress. If the therapist can hold this and not get in the way the reward for the client is profound. I will talk about in the next post my ideas of how this is possible.

Psychotherapy, training and consultants

11/10/2025

This app for learning how to meditate is worth a look. I've always recommended meditation as it's done wonders for my mental health. It's also essential for my work as a therapist. The app is the Healthy Minds programme.

15/06/2022

Anxiety limits lives and is a painful place for people to find themselves in. You can help people by allowing them to talk what's going on. I suggest one golden rule, don't try and work it out. Anxiety will not make sense to you only the person who is anxious. Its about a hidden vulnerability and talking it through brings insight. So for the next couple of weeks I will post ways you can improve your listening. So the first:

Follow what your hearing and a acknowledge back to the person what you're heard. Then try and acknowledge what you're sensed how the person feels. You don't hold the destination, the person does not also; remember Anxiety is a hidden vulnerability. Allow this way of listening to reveal insight in its own way.

27/04/2021

The thing about psychological stress or distress is that its not just in the mind but the body too. Anxiety tells the body that it's in danger. Then survival systems kick in. You will often feel this in the stomach as a knott or sharp pain. Remember to breath into it by breathing in through the nose and then out of the mouth. With your focus on the physical sensation and the breath should allow for a reduction of panic. If you practice mindfulness or meditation everyday it will help with regulating your feelings and mood.

30/01/2021

Be mindful of posting when on social media during this time. For some it's there only outlet and it can bring them down.

04/11/2020

Most of what we experince from anxiety is generated from a sense of vulnerability that's a product of our self worth.

As a counselor really what my job is about is to help people have a better relationship with themselves. This is done through a none judgemental, accepting and empathic process. As this helps cultivate a positive self worth in people.

Therapist can't change what has happened but they help you reframe the way you feel about yourself in relationship to this.

You can do this too by reframing your relationship with yourself, this will help reduce levels of anxiety. I call this gifting yourself time to be with yourself each day to check in and listen.

This could be having a cup of tea without distractions, meditation or picking back up that lost hobby.

Life sometimes is too distracting so giving yourself time in your schedule will help cultivate a good relationship with yourself.

This lockdown will no doubt be difficult someone you know, you could extend this gifting by giving someone your time to listen. Science knows that compassion is good for the health of the body. Not only can you build in self compassion but compassion for others. This will support a positive self worth and reduce levels of anxiety during this time. Its a win win.

30/10/2020

School based counselling thats practice evidence based has to be a priority for the future of children's mental health

30/10/2020

It make sense to have a counselor in every school. Early intervention would save a lifetime of suffering. This is why I'm certain that evidenced based school counselling is a far better direction than a staff member having limited training, so they can be the answer to the rise of mental health problems in children and young people.

Anxiety, depression and other mental health difficulties create problems in all areas of life. With me you will be offered a safe and non-judgmental environment to work through things. My professional and ethical standards are central to your care.

23/01/2020

Don’t forget tomorrow starts the new Facebook rule where they can use your photos. Don't forget Deadline today!!! It can be used in court cases in litigation against you. Everything you've ever posted becomes public from today Even messages that have been deleted or the photos not allowed. It costs nothing for a simple copy and paste, better safe than sorry. Channel 13 News talked about the change in Facebook's privacy policy. I do not give Facebook or any entities associated with Facebook permission to use my pictures, information, messages or posts, both past and future. With this statement, I give notice to Facebook it is strictly forbidden to disclose, copy, distribute, or take any other action against me based on this profile and/or its contents. The content of this profile is private and confidential information. The violation of privacy can be punished by law NOTE: Facebook is now a public entity. All members must post a note like this. If you prefer, you can copy and paste this version. If you do not publish a statement at least once it will be tacitly allowing the use of your photos, as well as the information contained in the profile status updates. DO NOT SHARE. Copy and paste.
Their new algorithm chooses the same few people - about 25 - who will read your posts. Therefore,
Hold your finger down anywhere in this post and "copy" will pop up. Click "copy". Then go your page, start a new post and put your finger anywhere in the blank field. "Paste" will pop up and click paste
This will bypass the system.
I DO NOT GIVE FACEBOOK PERMISSION TO SHARE ANYTHING OF MINE., THAT I HAVE PUT ON THEIR SITE, . PICTURES, CURRENT OR PAST POSTS, PHONE NUMBERS OR EMAILS.. ABSOLUTELY NOTHING CAN YOU USE IN ANY DESIRED MANNER WITHOUT MY WRITTEN PERMISSION OR VERBAL CONSENT FROM ME.

06/01/2020

It's just to start of the new year and already the world looks crazy. We must remember to look after each other. This is not easy when your busy but it's essential for our health. We are social beings and rely on each other for optimal well-being. Taken time to speak to each other and if your struggling get help as soon as. if your feeling overwhelmed then place your hand on your heart and listen. What do you need right now? Often when i ask it's rest as I can make the mistake of being a workaholic. What's your heart telling you?

22/06/2019

Happy solstice everyone