The electric toothbrush and the sleeping draft

Clinical research into such matters as the relative effectiveness of different types of toothbrush, and the habutuative effect of sleeping pills, cannot be interpreted as crudely as many people think. [...]

the different approaches to counselling 4 : think back

It may be worth seeking the help of someone who can help you review memories that are currently destructive. [...]

the different approaches to counselling 3 : do it yourself

We need to go beyond getting solutions to our problems from other people. [...]

The different approaches to counselling 2 : try this at home

Sometimes a counsellor will suggest trying something new which might help solve your problems. Some counsellors major on solution-focussed therapy. [...]

The different approaches to counselling 1 : the relationship is key

Carl Rogers founded ‘Person-Centred Counselling’, and his approach could usefully underpin every other form of counselling. [...]

The different approaches to counselling

Here’s a list of the approaches I’ve come across from the point of view of how the practitioner expects to achieve progress. [...]

“I need help. Tell me more about counselling.”

If you have a cliff to climb then a guide will probably help. Before leading people up this cliff I've explained a few basics to them. (Can you spot the climbers?)

I first experienced formal counselling in the seventies. Before then, influenced by TV and films, I thought it would involve lying down on a leather [...]

A momentary sense of suicide

If you sometimes feel suicidal…. [...]

Coming up: this counselling thing

Three photos of nothing special that cheered me up. [...]

Sorry, I’m hibernating

SAD makes my depression worse most winters. What does this feel like? How do I deal with it? [...]

No but realistically, how should depression affect a career?

A lot of the stigma associated with mentail illness is ignorant and unfair, but some discrimination is not just rational but necessary. [...]

“I’m so embarrassed that I’m depressed. I daren’t let anyone find out because mental illness carries such a stigma” ?

Some people are terrified of telling people they suffer depression. Others fear discrimination. What’s going on? [...]

If I keep pushing myself when depressed won’t I crack up? (Part 4)

I forget how many times in forty five years of chronic depression I’ve pushed too hard at the wrong time and crashed. Here is some of what I’ve learned. [...]

When I’m depressed HOW do I keep going? (Part 3)

It’s not easy to get going when depressed, but there are tricks and strategies worth trying. They work for me. [...]

When I’m depressed WHY should I try to keep going? (part 2)

Why should I bother? [...]