Seeing through the eyes of another
I recall many years ago watching a video of a social experiment... Many people got lined up for a race, but before that the host made a few statements that allowed some to take 2 steps forward if, for example:…
What's Your Story?
What's Your Story? Everyone has a story. Male clients who come to counselling come from different backgrounds, different ages, and different walks of life. Some know exactly what's wrong. Others just know that something doesn't feel right anymore. One of…
The importance of names
Hi! My name is ... My name, Rasa, in Lithuanian means “morning dew.” In Sanskrit, it means “essence” or “juice.” At the same time, mine or your name are not just its literal translation or what baby name books say…
I didn't know I was drowning
The vulnerable musings of a shameful man. On a chilly spring night, full moon, reflecting... Year 5 of opening the door to the art of self reflection, defences high, humour at full pelt, blissfully unaware of the pain that lies…
Finding a Therapist
Does this sound like your story? It was mine. It was some time ago that I needed to find my first therapist, yes I said first. I found the process rather daunting at the time, adding to my requirement or…
The Impact of Male Anger in Relationships: What's Really Happening Beneath the Surface
The Impact of Male Anger in Relationships: What’s Really Happening Beneath the Surface Anger is one of the most misunderstood emotions in relationships. Many couples arrive in therapy believing anger is the problem. However, in my experience, anger is rarely…
Toxic stress and Therapy Tips for SEN Parents and Carers
Toxic stress and Therapy Tips for SEN parents and carers By Charlotte Holden, Up For Air Counselling If you’ve ever been to Alton Towers and experienced the most terrifying but exhilarating rides there, you’ll have some idea what living the…
Mental Health & Anxiety After Covid: Why So Many People Still Feel Disconnected
For many people, life has resumed but internally, something still feels unsettled. Work has restarted. Social events have returned. The world appears to be moving forward. Yet many individuals report feeling more anxious, withdrawn, emotionally numb, or uncertain than they…
The Corners of Recovery
What do I mean by the corners of recovery? During emotional recovery there are several different stages; denial, guilt, anger, bargaining, sadness and acceptance. And these have been well documented. But what I hear in session again and again are…
The Key Components in a Therapeutic Relationship
Introduction This paper explains the key components in the therapeutic relationship and how they can facilitate or hinder the therapeutic process and demonstrates the importance the relationship has for the therapeutic work. Psychoanalysis and humanistic theories will inform, among other…
Essential Documentation Skills Every Therapist Needs to Master
Consider Sarah, a brilliant therapist who found herself drowning in paperwork just three months into her practice. Her notes were either novels that took hours to write or cryptic fragments she couldn't decipher weeks later. This scenario plays out in…
20 Points to Help Get the Most out of Therapy
To ensure you receive the best possible experience out of therapy, here are 20 points to consider: 1. What brings you to therapy? 2. You may not resonate with the first therapist you meet, like with anyone we meet for…