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First off. Have you ever wondered, what is the difference between psychology and psychotherapy? The differences are huge. They are miles apart. We need to define what is psychology and psychotherapy. Let us limit our thinking to the clinical setting, for our purposes here, where both terms are broad and have varying definitions. Psychology comprises certain psychologists who have been trying to position their profession within the domain of science for some time, close to that of medicine. One output of this seems to me an ever popular, tempt[...]

Given method or approach accounts for barely 10% of clinical efficacy (the psychotherapy relationship accounts for most) this isn’t a very interesting question. But I post it because so many clients to be (and therapists) are understandably confused by the mass of (some 400+!) counselling styles around, all purporting in their own way to be the best. But arguing about what psychotherapy method is the best is like debating if oranges taste better than apples, or if Beethoven sounds better than Mozart. Arguments about personal taste are essent[...]

Binge Eating Disorder is so common in our consumer driven, narcissistic, Western society. And no, I'm not just referring to Bulimia, but specifically binge eating, as opposed over eating. Eating as much as possible very quickly, specifically.. There are a variety of causes for this problem. In my experience it usually arises from an attachment disorder such as anxious ambivalenct, anxious avoidant or anxious disorganised. Thus, the pseudo-relationship with food exists a[...]

If bouts of anxiety and panic are making you feel out of control, then this may be the most important website you ever find. Here's Why: Fear is a normal and valid feeling. Imagine life without any fear. If you were confronted with a tiger, you might stop and ask yourself what to do, and in the thought process become his or her next meal! On the other hand, behind panic attacks is a normal mind body experience known as the fight or flight response, during which you can immediately choose to flee or defend yoursel[...]

The following article is intended as an educational resource for new counselling students and educators of various persuasions. You may link to this article as a resource and share on social media, but in terms of reproducing anything herein please See our Copyright Policy. "There are a broad range of counselling micro skills that can be utilized effectively in therapy sessions. Within the[...]

MINDFULNESS THERAPY Mindfulness is a relatively modern phenomena in the world of psychotherapy, emerging from the Eastern contemplative traditions. While most commonly associated with mindfulness meditation, mindfulness therapy involves an acute perception of moment by moment experience (Shapiro, Carlson, Astin & Freedman, 2005). Epstein (2005) proposed an intense and obsessive desire for change in external or internal circumstances creates suffering rather than the desired goal state. Gilligan (1997) argues this strong and impatient yea[...]

I saw a client for help with overcoming IBS, let’s call her Kathy. Kathy was in her early 40’s and had received a diagnosis of IBS some years previously. She had oscillating symptoms of diarrhoea and constipation numerous times per day. She was so angry that she had done every kind of medical test suggested by her GI specialist but they always found nothing. She had been seeing a naturopath and nutritionist which helped with a small amount of symptom reduction. But she would still bloat and have daily constipation and diarrhoea. She was [...]