During Dying Matters Awareness Week, I hope more people feel able to talk about their experience of grief. Talk can help us process painful feelings. Sharing our feelings can be a great way to offer and receive the help and support we need. Grief has figured quite...
The last funeral I attended took all of 45 minutes from start to interment, less than 30 seconds for each year of a wonderful life lived by the deceased. When it comes to death, my culture (white, working class British) doesn’t like to waste its time. “Why do I feel...
I suspect that the phrase most guaranteed to make those living with cancer cringe is, ‘You’re so brave!’ Of course, when people say this, I smile sweetly and receive the compliment graciously. But it’s odd the effect the phrase has on me. I feel at once elevated – and...
The start of the new year can prompt reflections about our life and relationships and what we might do to address our difficulties. If you have visited this page in the hope of finding a counsellor, I’m sorry, I am not seeing clients at present and don’t expect to in...
At this time of year, some of us suffer a depressive state that doctors call ‘seasonal affective disorder’ (SAD). I suspect I’m one of them, though I prefer to see my sluggishness and low mood as hibernation. Do I need 'treatment' - or an appreciation of a powerful...
Compassion is essential for the survival of our species. So why are we so reluctant to be compassionate with ourselves? Counsellors often talk about the importance of self-compassion, of being kind to yourself. Many of us struggle on through life encumbered by a...
When have you felt lonely? Standing with leaden feet in a primary school playground while watching the other kids form companionable little friendships. Trying very hard not to look like you care as you fail to be selected for the team. Keeping a low profile so...
Depression is a deeply painful experience so no wonder we want to fix it. But sometimes, maybe it helps to understand why it seems to slow us down and confine our attention to our troubled self.
From the end of October, I will be re-opening my therapy room for clients who prefer counselling sessions to be delivered in-person. I expect that most of my clients will continue to prefer the convenience and cost benefits of working either via Zoom or telephone. But...
Change in counselling comes about when we thoroughly accept who we are. One of the things I enjoy about this time of year is noticing the change of colour of the deciduous hedge that borders the park opposite my home. As I look out of my kitchen window each morning,...