Useful Articles by Counsellors and Psychotherapists

June 14th, 2013 by Maggie Lomax accredited Counsellor & Psychotherapist

There have been many attempts to regulate counselling and psychotherapy but they have not yet come to fruition. Statutory regulation of the "protected titles" of counsellor and psychotherapist was proposed in 2009, but a year later this was challenged in the High Court by the Alliance for Counsellors and Psychotherapists on the basis that such practitioners did not pose a "serious risk of harm" to the public, nor had the Health Professions Council (HPC) demonstrated that it...

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June 14th, 2013 by Barbara Boxhall BA Hons. Dip Couns. MBACP

People seeking Counselling nearly always find that their problems are accompanied by anxiety or worry to some degree or another. Reacting to problems with worry and anxiety is natural but can make the situation feel much worse. Anxiety itself can also be a difficult problem to try and manage on our own. By coming to Counselling and exploring the main problem, whatever that may be, together with the counsellor, we can develop new approaches and can come to terms with what is troubling us in...

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June 14th, 2013 by Owen Redahan, MBACP. 6.45am appointments available in west London.

In the last couple of years, some counsellors and therapists have noticed an increase in the number of clients who argue by text and email. This is an activity that definitely occurs amongst younger clients, but the over-50’s are also not immune. With the modern-day trend of communicating most things electronically, it is in some ways understandable that this would include arguing; but this, perhaps, is one trend that is not desirable. Sometimes it is important to communicate...

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June 13th, 2013 by Graeme Orr MBACP(Accred), UKRCP Reg. Ind. Counsellor

Okay - so you have a good job, 2.2 kids in a good school, food on the table, money in the bank...did you forget anything? What about the health of your relationship? When was the last time you did anything specifically with your partner? This is not uncommon; people meet and in the first flush of romance you can’t get enough of each other. You discuss everything; you talk about how you feel. Then, as time goes on, the relationship becomes part of who you are - it fits into your normal...

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June 13th, 2013 by Lorraine Green, BSc Psychology, PgDip Psychotherapy, MBACP

It feels like your heart is pumping out of your chest; you’re sweating and in danger of choking. You feel like you’re literally going to pass out at any moment. If you recognise these symptoms, you’re probably one of a growing number of panic attack sufferers in the UK. Although many of us experience moments of high anxiety - e.g. having to give a presentation or wedding speech - a panic attack takes that sensation to a whole different level. Anxiety attacks can last for 10...

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June 12th, 2013 by Elizabeth Turp. MBACP (Accredited); PGDip. (Couns); Cert. CBT.

Do you feel desperate, anxious, unreal, tearful, confused, overwhelmed, exhausted, short of breath? Is your sleep disrupted; are you having palpitations or frequent headaches; are you short tempered with loved ones? Are you getting ill more frequently? Stress is a commonly used word that fails to fully express the serious impact it can have on quality of life, self-confidence, mental state, relationships and physical health. Modern life is often busy and challenging and the effects of stress...

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June 11th, 2013 by Jan Slater Accredited BACP. UKRC (Reg) . AIP. PCC Dip. CSTD supervisor (Adv).

Many people nowadays are seeking therapeutic support after painful and disturbing online dating experiences. Based on this, I decided to write an article for those who may be considering embarking on this way of meeting a potential partner. So, what precautions does one need to take in order to keep safe and enjoy the experience of finding love? Just as with any new relationship, there's always a chance that disappointment, disillusionment or a broken heart may end up the result of your...

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June 10th, 2013 by Lin Travis MBACP(Accred)

The psychodynamic approach is well suited to a wide variety of issues, having a focus on the ways we relate to each other. A good therapeutic relationship is considered important, so that clients feel in a safe enough space to be able to talk about difficult issues. It is not a directive approach, but rather one that encourages clients to explore their difficulties with the help of the therapist, working collaboratively together. This can be an empowering experience, as well as helpful for self...

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June 10th, 2013 by Tina Radziszewicz MA, BSc (Hons), MBACP, UKCP Registered Psychotherapist

One of the most exciting developments in counselling comes from marrying traditional therapist skills with online technology: counselling via Skype online video link. "Skype" is free computer software that permits people to chat face-to-face, in real-time, through their computer screens. Skype is speedy to download, and so long as you have a web camera and microphone, you will be able to be seen and heard by anyone at any point in the world for free if they also have the programme and...

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June 9th, 2013 by Manu Bazzano UKCP MBACP

How to be How to be with a client – how to best tune the therapist’s self so that we can be more effective – is as important in counselling and psychotherapy trainings as what to do, i.e. on how to best respond to a particular form of distress in a client. Recent research (1) shows that developing therapeutic presence enhances the well being of the therapist, makes her more attuned and receptive, and increases spontaneity and creativity in the therapy room. In other words,...

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