The significance of the mental health crisis among autistic individuals cannot be overstated. A 2019 meta-analysis reviewing 96 studies found that psychiatric conditions are considerably more prevalent among autistic individuals compared to the general population (Lai et al., 2019). This crisis highlights the importance of shifting to a neurodiversity-affirming approach in mental health practices. »
Grief theories provide a conceptual base for understanding grief and loss as a process involving many common characteristics and phases. A general understanding of these will help you understand and anticipate the process that people may go through. This will help you to identify and normalise reactions to loss, and to identify where further help may be needed. »
Positive self-esteem is crucial for a child’s overall well-being and success throughout their lifetime. It serves as the foundation for healthy relationships, academic achievement, and emotional resilience. However, many children struggle with low self-esteem, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and self-confidence. While self-esteem can naturally fluctuate during chil... »
To note or not to note? That is the question. Note taking can be a contentious issue in therapy, with some experts advocating not taking notes at all during sessions (because it may break the rapport between a counsellor and client) others take notes sparingly and still others make copious notes. Incredulously, there have even hear stories of newly trained psychologists typing continuously on a la... »
If you’ve ever been stressed, anxious, or just feeling a little blue, you know that it can be tough to find the motivation to get out of the house and into nature. But check this out: several studies have found that being in nature for even short periods of time can have a positive effect on our mental health. For example, one study found that women who looked at pictures of nature for two m... »
How accurately can you predict how you come across? Are you good at picking up how you are feeling and how this affects those around you? How well do you consciously know and understand yourself including your feelings, wants, goals, desires and motivations? Self-awareness is paramount to Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Emotional Regulation (ER) and is commonly defined as the understanding of our ... »
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic approach combining elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with mindfulness and dialectics. Developed by Marsha Linehan, DBT was initially designed to treat individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, it has since been considered effective in addressing a range of other emotional and behavioural challenges. »
I have previously written about Self Determination theory (SDT) concerning understanding client motivation (Simper, 2023). Here, we consider the potential benefits of applying SDT within counselling interactions and focus primarily on clients with work issues. Self-determination theory (SDT) is a psychological framework developed by Edward L. Deci and Richard M. Ryan that focuses on human mo... »
The Chimp Paradox, authored by Steve Peters (2013), presents a compelling exploration of the Human mind and its intricate workings. Peters, a psychiatrist most renowned for his work in elite sports psychology, introduces readers to a captivating model that delves into the complexities of the brain and its impact on emotions, behaviour, and decision-making. »
Unlike other therapeutic approaches that may primarily target surface-level symptoms, Schema Therapy delves into the root causes of emotional and psychological difficulties. It emphasises understanding the origins of maladaptive schemas, often rooted in unmet core emotional needs and early negative experiences. The therapy aims to foster a therapeutic relationship that provides the emotional suppo... »
Loneliness is often cited as merely being a state of being alone – this is perhaps not accurate, however. Loneliness is not a situation as much as it is a “state of mind characterized by negative emotions regarding the perception of being alone” (Tiwari, 2013). This definition points to one fundamental and overlooked fact about loneliness: it is not a circumstance; it is a feelin... »
REBT was developed by American psychologist Albert Ellis in the 1950’s and although it is clearly a close relative of CBT, was developed prior to the most popular form of therapy delivered today. It is in fact the first cognitive behaviour therapy developed. Ellis’s theory suggests that humans have both rational (constructive, meaningful, socially promoting) thoughts and behaviours but also irrati... »
In order to understand trauma, we must first consider, what does trauma mean? Nowadays, the term ‘trauma’ is often used loosely to refer to an event or experience that is emotionally upsetting or distressing. For example, you may hear someone discussing a ‘hair trauma’ when they are having a ‘bad hair day’. On the other hand, you may have come across deeply distressing trauma narratives that ... »
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