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How to Get the Most Our of Couples Therapy
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You are likely to get the most from couples therapy if you embrace the idea that change is possible. Couples therapy is an opportunity to explore your roles and expectations in relationships. So your willingness to self-reflect and be open to feedback will be important in this process. Here are some ideas to get the most…
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Pave the Way to Self-compassion
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Self-compassion means being kind to ourselves especially when the going gets tough. It is about relating to ourselves with understanding when we make mistakes or experience shortcomings. According to Prof. Kristin Neff (an educational psychologist and researcher), when we have self-compassion, ‘we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend’. When…
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4 Tips to improve your communication in your relationship
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In a healthy relationship, we express our thoughts and feelings in an open way without worrying about being judged or criticised. We accept that we all have different perspectives and our partner’s perspective is as valid as ours. We feel a sense of equality (we don’t need to over-power or feel controlled). We feel…
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Understanding and Regulating Our Nervous System from the Perspective of Polyvagal Theory
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Polyvagal Theory is a theory developed by Stephen Porges (first introduced in 1990s) that explains how our autonomic nervous system works. Although there has been some criticism of this theory, many people including professionals find it useful. According to Polyvagal theory, our autonomic nervous system has three states: social and safe, fight-or-flight (mobilisation) and…
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What is the difference between counselling and psychotherapy?
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Although counselling and psychotherapy are sometimes used interchangeably and they both fall under the umbrella of ‘talking therapies’, there are also some differences. Counselling usually focuses on an issue or a stressor that is current. It could be that you have been bereaved or are going through a life transition such as divorce, becoming…
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What happens in your first session?
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The first session is an introduction and opportunity to decide whether you and your therapist can work together. Your therapist will usually give you brief information regarding confidentiality, cancellations and payments. This will form part of how you will work together. Your therapist will usually ask you some questions to begin to get to…