Blog
Why Compliments Don’t Necessarily Boost Self-Esteem
When a loved one doesn't take a compliment, it very hard to know what to say. Those who suffer from low self-esteem have rigidly strong beliefs about themselves. For example, you know that your partner deserved that promotion they worked so hard to achieve. However,...
Five Tips for Dealing with an Adult Bully
Bullies portrayed in movies, and television often gets their comeuppance, with a happy ending and maybe even a lesson learnt. However, in real life, it is rarely straightforward. You are not alone, dealing with a bully as an adult. Dealing with such a person as an...
Three types of Sex – Which Are You Having?
Sex is a part of our relationship life. We have our individually unique understanding and relationship to our sexuality. But what do we understand about sex? Not the mechanisms of it, but the why of it. What makes us want to engage in the sexual part of ourselves? And...
Drug Abuse in Men: Reasons, Stigma and Treatment
Statistics suggest that men tend to suffer addiction at a much higher rate than women. Why this difference? One explanation might be that men partake in riskier behaviours. Men tend to be more likely to experiment with illicit drugs and drink more. Men often self...
Recovery From Infidelity
In my time as a relationship counsellor, there is probably one statement I have heard more than any other around healing from an affair: "I do not think I can ever get over this" The most second most common phrase I hear is: "I do not think I can ever trust again" The...
Emotional Challenges of Being a Stay at Home Parent
Being a stay-at-home parent can be very rewarding, but also incredibly challenging. There can be guilt about not bringing home a paycheck combined with significant loneliness and boredom. Below are three emotional challenges that can come along with being a parent...
Why Most People Misunderstand Depression
The word depression must be one of the most misunderstood words in the English language. Why is it's meaning so hard to grasp? It is because the word has two starkly contrasting implications, depending on who is using it. The term depression's clinical use describes a...
Communication Tips for Relationship Healing
We often do not have great role models for communication in our intimate relationships. If you find yourself struggling, hoping things will get better with your partner but not knowing what to do, the tips below might be an excellent place to start. A healthy...
Why Counselling for Caregivers is More Important Than Ever
Research suggests that family members provide 80% of long term care. Many caregivers have their own families to look after and may also be holding down at least one other job. Caregiver burnout is common and typically defined as a state of mental, physical exhaustion....
Are You A New Dad?
Fatherhood is more than providing food and shelter. Fatherhood is the presence of strength, wisdom and love in your child's life. Many dads struggle to be involved with their child's life for many reasons. Outdated ideas of specific parenting gender roles can conflict...
Tips for managing overwhelming anger around your family over the festive period
Spending time with family can be a soup of emotions. While there is often strong love and a comfortable feeling of familiarity, there can also be dynamics that may leave you feeling pretty overwhelmed. For example, it might be that your family treat you like the...
Navigating Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Understanding Emotional Distress and Strategies for Resilience Like many others, you're likely striving to maintain composure amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, the challenges can feel overwhelming. Concerns about loved ones' health, conflicting media reports, and...
Overcoming Addiction: How Loved Ones Can Help
For decades, individuals suffering from addiction have travelled the same route towards recovery, combining support such as rehab, anonymous groups with individual counselling and psychotherapy. The traditional route of psychotherapy, counselling and group support has...
How to Help Children Understand a Parent’s Depression
Many parents experience depression. As if living with depressive episodes was not enough, recognising its effect on your children can be very difficult. Studies have shown that children of depressed parents can be at risk of developing depression but also of poor...
Mental Health Therapy For Frontline Workers
Most of us were not emotionally prepared for the global pandemic. Doctor, nurses and other medical professionals have suddenly found themselves working double shifts with often a lack of resources to care for intensely poorly and dying patients. As most of us stayed...