Well I've finally passed a milestone of sorts in this journey we call "therapy” (yes I'm still getting used to saying the word outloud) by finishing my tenth session. All in all it's been an interesting and very enlightening experience. Educational too, if you want to call it that I suppose, though I'm not sure ... [Read more now]
Have you ever wondered why you can't be happy? There are many people who struggle with this problem, but few who seek help or even acknowledge the obstacle because of how society perceives the concept of happiness. In a lot of today's pop culture psychology (for lack of a better term) you often see a ... [Read more now]
I almost did not go to New York as planned this past January. There was this wonderful opportunity of a speaking tour in Los Angeles and New York, and yet I felt like backing out. Why? Because of fear. My fear was a reaction to my previous trip. In January 2015, I returned from an ... [Read more now]
We all look forward to our holidays. By November of each year (in the Southern Hemisphere) we are counting the days till summer holidays are upon us. In fact, many people report that they feel energised all year until November when suddenly fatigue hits and desperation for a holiday break becomes paramount. With the best ... [Read more now]
As part of its commitment to promoting community mental health awareness and psychological well-being, the APS commissioned a stress and well-being survey of Australians. This survey provided the opportunity to examine five years of data to gain a half-decade snapshot revealing the state of Australians' mental health and well-being as well as insights into the ... [Read more now]
Most parents care deeply about their children. Literally, they work 24/7 to provide for their children’s physical and emotional needs. One area of difficulty for parents is to be calm and loving when their child is anxious or afraid. Common mistakes parents often make Here are some common responses that I have witnessed when a ... [Read more now]
Anxiety is not a one size, fits all mental health issue. It is as diverse as the people who suffer from it. Therefore, do not jump in with stereotypic solutions such as “I heard that all anxious people get better with mindfulness practice”. It is best to listen rather than talk. Then ask what the ... [Read more now]
Before the 1970’s, mental health issues were not spoken about by the general public. If an individual required help for conditions like anxiety, depression or schizophrenia they consulted a psychiatrist. The doctor was seen as the all-knowing guru who understood how to diagnose and treat. Before the 1970’s, patients did not readily share their stories. ... [Read more now]
A major trigger for anxiety is feeling helpless. The hostage situation on Monday 15th December 2014, in Sydney, was the kind of event that exacerbates feelings of anxiety and depression. Differing reactions to a tragedy After the hostage taking, many of my clients spent their sessions talking about the incident. Each one had a different ... [Read more now]
Psychoanalytic theories go a long way to explaining the roots of anxiety. For example, attachment theorists explain that it is essential for a mother to attach to her baby from birth. If a mother does not attach to her newborn, that baby may develop an insecure attachment which will manifest later in life as anxiety, ... [Read more now]
