One of the difficulties that many counsellors face is trying to help clients balance different aspects of their life; perfectionism reflects a lack of balance e in life. Finding that balance is important. For example, we can argue that...

In this post, I will introduce an argument that fun is a wicked problem. For much of the discussion on fun in the posts so far, I have written about fun as an object to be desired, manufactured or weaponised....

With so many counsellors sitting in the room straight-laced and distant, it might sound like heresy to suggest counselling should be fun, but in this post, that is precisely what I will argue. Although ‘counselling’ and ‘fun’ may not be...

One issue seems to crop up repeatedly in discussions with clients; how to take back control and challenge negative thoughts. These thoughts could be about us or someone else; the connection is that the thoughts are negative and seem...

It is wrong to assume that one approach to counselling will fit each client. I have had male clients for whom a feminine approach to counselling helps them more and female clients for whom a masculine model works better....

Despite many global studies showing the benefits of counselling for men, a 'man-rules' culture dominates the male approach to mental health and fitness. In part, the counselling model, with its feminine bias, is a block for men. Developing a...

Counselling for men needs to engage our hearts (emotions), minds (intellect) and will – along with having a strong practical element. Many clients come to counsellors seeking something of a miracle. Immediate relief is preferred; if not, answers to all the...

A chapter in an edited book on grounded theory (Glaser, 1994) changed my perception of grounded theory and my development of the grounded counselling approach. The chapter was titled: "Grounded Therapy", written by Odis Simmons. I first read Simmons' work in the...

Coping with grief (human or pet) takes many different forms. Often, people feel that the dead person may walk through the door at any moment, feel guilty that they could or perhaps should have done, feel guilty that they...

Bereavement or losing someone we love is always difficult; however, if you have the chance, there are some things we can do that can help smooth out the troughs of despair we will face: Being prepared. If you know the...