Therapy

Buddhist Psychotherapy is becoming more accepted and desired by people seeking mental health treatment. However it is noteworthy that Buddhist Psychotherapy is not just intended for Buddhists. Even Buddha never referred to himself as a Buddhist, nor even purported to practice Buddhism! In any event, one of the many gems arising from the past 2500 year history of Buddhist Eastern Psychology is Mindfulness Meditation.

First off. Have you ever wondered, what is the difference between psychology and psychotherapy? The differences are huge. They are miles apart. We need to define what is psychology and psychotherapy. Let us limit our thinking to the clinical setting, for our purposes here, where both terms are broad and have varying definitions. Psychology comprises certain psychologists who have been trying to position their profession within the domain of science for some time, close to that of medicine.

Given method or approach accounts for barely 10% of clinical efficacy (the psychotherapy relationship accounts for most) this isn’t a very interesting question. But I post it because so many clients to be (and therapists) are understandably confused by the mass of (some 400+!) counselling styles around, all purporting in their own way to be the best. But arguing about what psychotherapy method is the best is like debating if oranges taste better than apples, or if Beethoven sounds better than Mozart.

Compulsive lying or pathological lying. Yes, people do seek professional help to overcome lying problems. In fact, it's far more common than you may think. Really, I probably get at least one new enquiry every two weeks or so requesting help with their compulsive lying problem. Compulsive lying can destroy individual self-esteem and close relationships.

In my experience as a counsellor and hypnotherapist, chronic pain patients are amongst the most difficult population to work with.

Binge Eating Disorder is so common in our consumer driven, narcissistic, Western society. And no, I'm not just referring to Bulimia, but specifically binge eating, as opposed over eating. Eating as much as possible very quickly, specifically.. There are a variety of causes for this problem. In my experience it usually arises from an attachment disorder such as anxious ambivalenct, anxious avoidant or anxious disorganised.

This is an important topic. So many people rightfully wonder, what is in fact the difference between having a heart to heart with a close friend, or speaking to a professional psychotherapist or counsellor. Really, this is so important, in fact, that the topic just can't be overstated or overdone. Firstly, many clients initially assume that professional counselling and psychotherapy is just talking. And how can they be expected to know any different?

Marijuana addiction or cannabis addiction is common, but can become extremely debilitating for users and their partners and families etc. Cannabis is a toxic substance and especially these days involves often non pure and potentially more dangerous chemicals being mixed in even from so-called trusted sources. Cannabis use can contribute to paranoia, distorted view of self and others, and even anxiety disorders and depression.

That's right. The liberating sense of freedom and feelings of confidence that arise from stopping addictive behaviour can bring renewed self worth and a joyful life. Not in some passing self-help fleeting kind of way, but in a genuine feeling of this is how life is meant to feel way. Addictions arise in many guises. There are countless addictions. Addictions to sex, materialism, drugs, gambling, body image, and countless other general addictions plague our materialistic, narcissistic society.

There are hundreds of specific phobias. Phobias are amongst the most intensive anxiety disorders. But because they are so specific, i.e., that you don't ever forget to have a phobia, for example when you're confronted with a spider or even the thought of a spider (if for example you have arachnophobia). Until you live with a phobia, and it's very difficult to appreciate just how debilitating and terrifying specific phobia can be on an individual's quality of life.