Expert articles by counsellors and psychotherapists

As competent, experienced counsellors, we fully understand what it means to be a psychotherapist. But do all people really have a true understanding of what counselling or indeed what therapy is all about – especially if they or their closest family members have never had any dealings with therapy or, more specifically, if their culture shies away from it?To us who work within therapy, we understand therapy to be about helping people who are experiencing distress of whatever kind (from...

The concept of transpersonal counselling can seem confusing or cloudy. What is meant by the term 'transpersonal?' Is it the same as being 'religious?' As being 'spiritual?' Are you supposed to believe in 'a higher power' to engage in transpersonal counselling?The short answer to all of the above is 'no.' You might be religious, or spiritual, or believe in a higher power, yet these are not prerequisites for working in a transpersonal way....

So let's call this fictional person Steve. It could equally be 'Clare', or 'John'. But let's call him 'Steve'.Steve is a bit of a puzzle. He seems like a really nice guy, always cheerful, always smiling. Yet, if you watched him go about his daily life, something wouldn't add up. You'll see times when other people are really getting under his skin, or times when he's been asked to do something he clearly doesn't want to do. And at those times you'll see him smile.You'll watch him smile in lots...

If you, like many people, have reached a point in your life that you feel you need some help to handle your problems, or you want to understand yourself, your mind and actions better, you might be looking for a therapist. Some of you might be suffering from debilitating mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, or other mental health issues that stop you from coping with your lives. Others might be in unhappy relationships or jobs, have suffered abuse or serious life events, or...

There is a distinction between 'mind' and 'body', but when considering mental health and physical health, the two are closely connected. Mental Health Foundation highlights that poor physical health can lead to an increased risk of developing mental health problems, and poor mental health can negatively impact on physical health, leading to an increased risk of some conditions. Often times, talking about our mental health can feel like a taboo subject or something we feel embarrassed or...