Depression and anxiety are the most common of all mental illnesses, the services for which continue to grow faster than the rate of population growth. Depression and anxiety can often be managed in the general practitioner’s office, and they are the fourth most common problems brought to general practitioners. People who have either condition are often dealing with physical problems as well. »
Most relaxation approaches understand that the main point is for the relaxation practitioner to attain a greater state of focus and concentration. What’s up for grabs with each technique is that which is focused on, and how. In this article, we explore techniques where the practitioner focuses in some way on the body, either just observing it, or in some cases, actively tensing and then relaxing i... »
Although only recently embraced by Western psychology, mindfulness practices and techniques have been part of many Eastern philosophies, such as Buddhism, Taoism, Tai Chi, Hinduism, and most martial arts, for thousands of years. The various definitions of it revolve around bringing non-judgmental consciousness to the present experience, so it can be considered the art of conscious living. Mindfuln... »
Curiosity might have killed the cat, but it helps to keep us human beings alive, brain-wise. The basic idea of mind/brain fitness is to give your brain the best workout possible (to keep it growing and developing) by continuing to challenge it. The moment you find something is second nature, that is the moment to change it, bringing in some novelty. You can create that by being curious about your ... »
Morrison, J. (2014). The first interview. (4th Ed). New York: The Guilford Press. The first interview by James Morrison is a step by step guide to the first interview in a therapeutic relationship. James Morrison is Affiliate Professor of Psychiatry at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland and has extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. He is well versed in the clin... »
You’ve diligently done your networking, found a dream company with an exciting job to offer, and spent several weekends re-doing and editing your resume. You wrote a brilliant cover letter and tomorrow you get the reward. You will be granted an interview to make your pitch for being offered the job. Are you ready for it? In this article we’ll discuss a range of pre-interview preparatio... »
Having a tough time learning new concepts? In this article, we boost your learning capacity with eleven bullet-proof techniques to improve your memory: chunking, transfer of learning, memory palace, funny imagery, peg system, eliminate unrelated associations, explain to others; study with others, put yourself in the picture, use mechanical aids, use your passion, and learn from the past. »
Have you ever wrestled with a problem, walked away from it for a period, and then ended up having an epiphany while you were officially “off duty” from the problem? Laurence Steinberg, an internationally renowned expert on psychological development during adolescence, talks about having such an experience leading to the development of his book on parenting. He says that he was reading ... »
How many times have you looked back on periods of your life and wondered, “How was it that I ever thought that was a priority?” Whether it was a hobby you no longer engage, an unworkable relationship you sacrificed healthy ones for, or a compulsion you no longer regard as urgent, most of us have to admit that at times we have made decisions about what to prioritise which defy logic. Th... »
Exercise should be uppermost in the minds of those looking to enhance their wellness. The quest for fitness, however, is so pervasive in developed cultures that some controversies are inevitable. We believe the best approach is for you to offer your client basic guidelines to help them (re-)shape their fitness regimens, but let them be the ultimate arbiters of what is right for their bodies, lifes... »
“Juggling is an illusion. … In reality, the balls are being independently caught and thrown in rapid succession. … It is actually task switching.” (Gary Keller) »
Wiseman, R. (2013). Masterminds and wingmen. New York: Harmony Books. Masterminds and Wingmen is Rosalind Wiseman’s follow up ‘male’ version to her bestseller Queen Bees and Wannabes. In Queen Bees and Wannabes, Wiseman provided insight into the theories that surround teenage girls and how they relate to one another. In Masterminds and Wingmen, she attempts to provide the same aw... »
You have started working as a counsellor for a new up and coming counselling organisation called “Comfort Within”. The therapeutic approaches adopted by this organisation are cognitive and behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness. You are well practiced in both therapeutic approaches and feel they complement each other well for most presentations. »
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