Blog
Understanding grief and loss
Long before the conception of counselling, for many thousands of years human beings have experienced the feeling of loss. After the passing of a loved one most people expe[...]
Eating Disorders & Emotional Invalidation
Eating disorders are complex conditions and most commonly refer to anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Anorexia typically involves intense fears of weight gain, disturbed menstruation, refusal to maintain normal weight, distorted body shape perception and denial of extremely low weight. Bulimia typically involves [...]
Age differences in major depressive disorder symptoms
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder commonly noted by mental health clinicians. The DSM-IV TR diagnosis involves two weeks of either depressed mood or anhedonia and four symptoms concerning altered sleep, appetite, energy, weight and movement and disturbed thoughts involving guilt, worthlessn[...]
Mindfulness Meditation In Buddhist Psychotherapy And Psychoanalysis
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. One of the commonly acceptable definitions of Mindfulness Meditation to date is that it is a training of mind through the delib[...]
End our love affair with psychological labels
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. One output of this seems to me an ever popular, tempt[...]
What is the best method of counselling and psychotherapy?
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. Arguments about personal taste are essent[...]
Binge Eating Counselling, Psychotherapy and Hypnotherapy
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. Thus, the pseudo-relationship with food exists a[...]
Stop Panic Attacks In A Highett Melbourne Clinic
If bouts of anxiety and panic are making you feel out of control, then this may be the most important website you ever find. Here's Why: Fear is a normal and valid feeling. Imagine life without any fear. If you were confronted with a tiger, you might stop and ask yourself what to do, and in the thought process become his or her next meal! On the other hand, behind panic attacks is a normal mind body experience known as the fight or flight response, during which you can immediately choose to flee or defend yoursel[...]