Useful Articles by Counsellors and Psychotherapists

It is often reported that having animals around us can have a therapeutic effect, and encourage a sense of wellbeing. But what about a therapy session with Horses?

As an up and coming therapy in the UK, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) is becoming more and more popular as an alternative to traditional talking therapies. Alongside an equine professional and facilitated by a qualified therapist, clients are taken on a journey of exploration through their interactions with their chosen...

Introduction

Power is an implicit thread in the discourses that inform many aspects of our social and political life. Power relations are rarely equal or symmetrical. Indeed, it would seem to be an indisputable fact of social and political life that power relations are inherently asymmetrical, including, of course, the relationship between the therapist and the patient, notwithstanding the concept of mutual reciprocal influence (Aron, 1996). Frankel (2002) argues that the asymmetrical...

1. Identify and write down your major stressors
By taking time to find out what is causing you stress, you will be taking a big pro-active step towards managing your problem areas. Start by writing these down, no matter how trivial they may seem. Then, focus on the top 2 or 3 that cause you the most stress impact and work on a plan to deal with these one at a time. Never try to fix all the problems at once or in an unrealistic timescale. You should also now be able to let go of the trivial...

There has been very little research on how the concept of emotional intelligence could relate to some of the overarching issues currently debated in the field of therapeutic relationship. The relationship between the client and the therapist draws significantly from the concept of emotional intelligence as only with a high level of emotional intelligence of the therapist and client, any success of the therapeutic relationship is possible. The notion that the relationship between therapist and...

Telephone counselling is becoming more popular as an alternative to face to face work. In terms of practicality, it has the benefits of being cost effective due to having no travelling expenses attached. It's also generally cheaper than face to face counselling. It's also less time consuming so it's suitable for very busy people who just don't have time to spare. It's ideal for people who live in geographically isolated areas, those who don't have access to transport or have difficulty with...

So if we need to celebrate and by association we need to celebrate Christmas what can we do that relieves some of the stressors and make it more enjoyable for everyone? Well the first thing I will say, which may seem surprising is start as early in the year as you can. In fact, I would go as far as to say it would help if it was something you thought about occasionally throughout the year. If nothing else it would prevent that sudden moment when you think “Oh cripes, just another 4 weeks and I...

Based on my experience both as a previous anxiety sufferer and now as a professional anxiety counsellor, the most effective way to treat anxiety is with the combination of good self-help information and personal counselling. This combination produces a much higher rate of success when compared to other recovery strategies. It is also the only combination that ensures lasting results.

While many people can achieve some form of anxiety and symptom reduction on their own, the results may be...

In Client Centred Therapy (Rogers 1951) and On Becoming a Person (Rogers 1961) Rogers refers in the process of personality change to a move from rigidity to fluidity in a more fully functioning person.

When we are feeling guarded, defensive and closed down it's interesting how fixed and rigid we can become - routines can become oppressive and we dare not step outside and look at ourselves (counselling can help). In fluidity then we are more open to experience around us and of others. This...

Positive thinking can have a very powerful affect, it can bring inner peace, better health, improved relationships and happiness. Believe it or not, it is contagious. Other people pick up on your mood and their mood is affected. Here are some tips to help you to develop positive thoughts and in turn help to improve your life:

Use positive phrases, like ‘I can’ and ‘it is possible’
Try to ignore negative thoughts and consider meditation
Keep a record of things that have gone well...

Do we need to celebrate Christmas? Come to think of it do we need to celebrate anything at all? What does celebration mean? Literally the word comes from the latin celebrationem, noun of action celebrane meaning performance of a religious ceremony. In the online dictionary called Wiktionary, celebration is defined as the performance of a solemn rite. Observance of a holiday or feast day. The act of showing appreciation and gratitude. Gathering for entertainment, party.

The Thesaurus explains...