Following on from my last blog post - What do we mean by "Nature"? - I wanted to explore the relatedness of nature and my therapeutic approach. I describe my counselling approach as "nature-inspired". I draw inspiration from the cycles and systems and ways of being that I observe in nature, and integrate this with… Continue reading Nature as co-therapist
I've been drawn to spirals, to kin that open and close lately. To ferns that coil themselves tightly when it's dark, and unfurl and bask in the light. To snail shells that spiral and protect, that enable the mollusc to reach out when it is safe to do so, and retract back when there is… Continue reading Spiralling; the ebb and flow of living
"Nature" is a central thread to my therapeutic work, and my therapeutic work aims to tend to the health of our psyche, our way of being, our mental world, our emotional experience and how we navigate life. So, approaching Mental Health Awareness Week (10th - 16th May) with this year's theme being 'Nature', rustled my… Continue reading What do we mean by “Nature”?
This year, I set off in the direction of deepening my relationship with nature. I phrase it like that because, as I have got to know myself, I have realised that intentions and goal setting are rarely fruitful for me. I like the freedom that heading in a direction brings, the unknown able to unfold… Continue reading How we experience our journey
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
Louise Allen - Fern Counselling 