In counselling, we often approach our work from a place of trying to understanding and accept the here and now experience. But being truly present can be a lot harder than it sounds - what does it mean, and how do we know we are doing it? Last weekend, I spent 3 days walking in… Continue reading Being in the here and now; a bittersweet paradox
Being and nothingness Nothingness lies coiled in the heart of being - like a worm.- Jean-Paul Sartre, 'Being and Nothingness' Death Cafes are led by the group. There is no theme nor agenda, though events can be aimed at particular groups or audiences to ensure inclusivity and accessibility. This means that no two Death Cafes… Continue reading Duality: Death Cafes during a global pandemic
I read their movements as startled; accidentally ambling into the path of a towering unknown. I knelt. Assumed they would be assessing me as a threat. We looked at each other. I held back my curiosity - desire to be closer - excited eagerness. Silent knowing that I was walking through their field. The pace… Continue reading An encounter
The individual sacrifices and efforts for our collective wellbeing are bringing out some beautiful opportunities for creativity, compassion and solidarity. And hopefully a stronger, more fair, more cooperative society will result. Alongside that, there is also acute pain and trauma stemming from the disconnection. This includes being unable to be with the people we love… Continue reading Disconnection and desperation
In the therapy room, there are many ways we can use creativity to explore death and dying. If we take Irvin Yalom’s analogy of “staring at the sun” it can feel too painful, or even be impossible to directly look at or fully comprehend our own mortality. Viewing and exploring thoughts, feelings and meaning associated with death through a creative medium can be a way of reducing the glare and perhaps even providing opportunity for greater insight.
That's just what we did today at our first Faversham Death Café. Tea, cake and conversation In a cosy wooden cabin at the welcoming Abbey Physic Community Garden, with a plentiful supply of tea, delicious homemade vegan cake and an unexpected abundance of snacks, a group a strangers gathered and talked about death and dying.… Continue reading Let’s talk about death and dying
The counselling journey brings us to our own reflection. How do we see ourselves? What do we believe others' perception of us is? We are then invited to question that surface image and look deeper. What we see on the surface is made up from what is beneath and what is reflected from the world… Continue reading Our reflection and beneath
The first Wednesday in November is National Stress Awareness Day, a great reminder to think about what stress means to us and others. Understanding your own stress I wanted to share with you a short animation I found from Bill Cunningham which explains the "Stress Bucket" analogy - developed from an idea from Brabban and… Continue reading Stress; understanding yours
I often get asked why I became a counsellor. My answer is; authentic connection. The counselling relationship provides meaningful, authentic human connection, and the opportunity for the person in counselling to be truly heard and understood as they are, and as they are experiencing life in that moment. The therapeutic process works on enabling the… Continue reading Why I do what I do
For the past few days, whilst driving I've noticed the beautiful contrast of the clouds against bright blue sky. I wanted to photograph them to share with you, along with a mindfulness technique I was introduced to by Simone at Sati Yoga; a way of bringing your attention to how you are feeling right now,… Continue reading What’s your internal weather report?
