There is a whole industry these days that is forever telling us to be mindful of what we eat and of the impact of food on our general well-being. Indeed blogs such as this one will also advocate the role of talking therapy in maintaining effective mental health. However, there is now good research […]
The role of nutrition in mental health Read More »
I have always thought that we are all a little obsessive and compulsive to a greater or lesser extent whether it is the checking and rechecking we do in our every day lives or the occasional intrusive thought that cause us anxiety. However, for some people the incidence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can destroy their lives
The treatment of OCD and BDD in the NHS Read More »
I have often wondered about the impact of role models in my life whether it be the role played by my parents, siblings, teachers, friends or other significant others. I have benefited from the insightful work of Alfred Adler, and his ideas about the birth order, especially since I am from a large family. My personal family constellations
Emulate those you admire but look at yourself when you starting resenting others Read More »
This week’s lecture was the concluding one on Transactional Analysis. Dr Eric Berne’s seminar group from the 1950s developed the term transactional analysis (TA) which described therapies based upon his work. This expanded into the International Transactional Analysis Association. While still largely ignored by the psychoanalytic community, many therapists have put his ideas into practice and swear by the effectiveness of
The only theory paper worth writing is how to cure patients Read More »
I have been continuing with my placement in an NHS Mental Health Trust and it seems that with every visit I learn something new. I had been familiar with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) before the start of my placement through my lectures and my own prior knowledge. However, this week I attended a team meeting
Therapy in the NHS Read More »
This week’s very interesting lecture was on Transactional Analysis (TA). When it comes to TA we have a lot to thank Eric Berne. TA is observational and is to do with time structuring. How do clients spend their time? What script are clients using? Berne believed that our script personality was established by age 7. TA is most researched
Transactional Analysis: I’m ok you’re ok Read More »
My extended interview with systemic psychotherapist, social worker and researcher Dr Marie Keenan, author of Child Sexual Abuse and the Catholic Church Gender, Power, and Organizational Culture. The interview was conducted at UCD in November 2011. Specialising in the area of crime, sexual abuse and sexual offending, Dr. Keenan’s most recent research involves a study of
I have been enjoying my psychiatric observational placement and have had a rich environment in which to observe an NHS mental health care setting. I have been shadowing the consultant psychiatrist in outpatient clinics and in (locked) ward rounds as well as attending team meetings of a community mental health team (CMHT). I have also attended a Mental
The different initiations in a relationship was part of the alchemy of relationships weekend. What happens when you first fall in love? You see something of the ideal or you project your ideal. So what is the ideal, what are you projecting? Your own higher self is being projected onto that person. You are idolising
Different initiations in a relationship Read More »
Are you in a balanced relationship? Attraction between two people can be seen through the lens of the elements (air, fire, water and earth) although the shadow can emerge following the get together (which emerges around our limitations). For instance, you might be a balanced fire type, in that you are confident and direct but perhaps get attracted to
The alchemy of Relationships Read More »