counselling harolds cross

Why do people become counsellors/psychotherapists?

/ Talk Therapy Dublin / 2 Comments

This is a question I am often asked by people in general.   As can be seen from the below IACP video the reasons that bring people to train as a therapist are varied and tend to come on the back of previous work & life experiences.

Of course there are also those who work in the counselling/psychotherapy profession directly from training as psychologists having undergraduate and doctorate level training that can take nearly a decade.

Also see a second video below where IACP accredited therapists explain what they feel are the best things about the work of being a therapist.

 

“Going To Therapy For The First Time? Here’s What To Expect.

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Below is a recent promotional video the IACP  made at a recent conference explaining to prospective clients what they might expect from their first session of counselling/psychotherapy.

“Going To Therapy For The First Time? Here’s What To Expect.

“Perhaps you’re struggling with anxiety or depression. Or maybe you’re unhappy in your job, and need some guidance in figuring out what career will really make you happy. Or, it could be that you’re having relationship difficulties or simply not feeling fulfilled but you are not entirely sure what makes you feel this way… 

If any of the above situations applies to your life, counselling/ psychotherapy could be helpful.   So what is stopping you?

Some clients say it was fear of the unknown keeping them from seeing a counsellor  because they just didn’t know what to expect…

So what happens during the first session. Here is what some experienced therapists have to say.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=NJEh-8J3fz8

 

 

Abortion, Choice & Mental Health

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With a Yes vote now a reality for Ireland in terms of repealing the 8th amendment it is now important to reconsider how we support women no matter what choice they make when facing a decision around their pregnancy.

There are a multitude of studies which have provided results that look at both sides of the debate but what strikes me as most concrete is that it is a big life decision which carries a mental health risk for some women no matter what the choice.

My experience working with women who have made difficult choices around their pregnancy is that even when it seems clear cut it is often not a simple “yes” or “no” answer especially when explored on a more emotional level.

Talk Therapy Dublin aspires to help any client wishing to process a difficult life decision and views the process of counselling/psychotherapy as a useful resource that can help clients move forward with their lives after experiencing distress. .

Below are three links from the USA & UK that look as the topic of mental health & abortion.

http://time.com/4599806/abortion-doesnt-negatively-affect-womens-mental-health-study/

https://www.nhs.uk/news/pregnancy-and-child/abortion-and-mental-health/

 

 

Coming off medication – can counselling help?

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The below article by Ceire Sadlier describes her experience involving both Doctors and Counsellors as she gradually decided to come off medication for anxiety & depression.

She describes something that many clients can feel namely the pressure to “come off” medication which can be unhelpful and in some cases dangerous if not managed correctly.

The article also describes an initial negative (and expensive) experience when looking for counselling support.  This is something many clients describe which underlines the need for clients to research their therapists and to look around until they find one which fits and where a therapeutic relationship can develop.

What may work for one client in terms of a therapist may not necessarily work for another.  Therapists have been trained in different modalities and also often have specific specialties and post qualification training in specific areas.  All questions to ask about when making contact.

https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/it-is-three-months-since-i-took-the-last-anti-depressant-1.3275077

Economic Boom & Bust – The “business cycle” and mental health

/ Talk Therapy Dublin / 1 Comment

Over the past seven years my community based work as a therapist and in advocacy roles has put me face to face with the harsh effects of economic recession.

I have worked with many individuals & families experiencing first hand the effects of sudden homelessness,  unexpected unemployment and serious accommodation issues to name but a few.

These experiences have repeatedly brought home to me how economic recession and the “boom bust” nature of the business cycle has serious implications for the nations mental health.

As we experience a new part of this cycle,  it is worth pausing to think about whether our current approach to areas like health, housing and employment has evolved at all in light of recent experiences.

This becomes more urgent when considering impending changes to global corporate tax policy, Brexit and our growing/ageing population are all likely to figure in the next phase of this cycle.

This article highlights results of research led by Trinity College Dublin (based on the Growing Up in Ireland study)  and puts some data and context behind the discussion.