Most of us would not have pursued a career in mental health helping (broadly including here counselling, psychotherapy, psychology, social work, and psychiatry) if we were not aware of and keen to extend to those in need the many benefits that the face-to-face therapeutic encounter brings. Accustomed to this format, we can easily dismiss online […]
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The Gut-Brain Connection
What if I offered you a holiday which either tasted good or during which you would look and feel good? Which would you choose? Would you rather eat and drink whatever you like from that laden holiday buffet or be in a good mood – and feel healthy – while you stand around it? The […]
- December 22, 2015
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- Neuroscience, Wellness
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The Social Value of Being an Active Listener
Every year my siblings look forward to the visit my husband and I make to my country of origin. They are very glad to see me, but they can’t wait to see him. Why? When he is with each one, it is as if that person is the only human being on the planet. My […]
- December 15, 2015
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- Personal Effectiveness, Relationship & Families
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Defining Psychology and Psychological Science
Psychology is the scientific study of thoughts, feelings and behaviour (Weiten, 2004). Compared to biology, chemistry or physics, psychology is a young scientific field. In 1879, William Wundt established the first psychology research lab at the University of Leipzig. In 1881, the first psychology journal was established, also by Wundt. Other important early contributors to […]
- December 1, 2015
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- Counselling Theory & Process
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Consider this Before “Friending” a Client
The same questions counsellors use to make wise decisions about dual or multiple relationships in the real world may be employed when considering the ethical consequences of engaging in an online dual relationship with a client: Is entering into a relationship in addition to the professional one necessary, or should I avoid it? Can the […]
- November 30, 2015
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- Ethics & Legal Issues, Technology & Social Media
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Tolerance and Social Inclusion: Calling All Individuals
November 16th is “International Day for Tolerance”, for which U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon declared: “I call on all people and governments to actively combat fear, hatred and extremism with dialogue, understanding and mutual respect. Let us advance against the forces of division and unite for our shared future.” November 21-29 is “Social Inclusion Week”, which […]
- November 9, 2015
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- LGBTI Issues, Multicultural Issues, Relationship & Families, Workplace Issues
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How to Deal with Disappointment
You miss out on that plum position you wanted. You lose the court case. Your best mate announces a move to another state. Life is rife with disappointments. Many of them are out of our control, so if we want to be happy, the only option is to learn how to deal with them. What […]
- November 5, 2015
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- Personal Effectiveness, Stress Management, Wellness
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A Guide to Overcoming the ‘Imposter Syndrome’
You hear the MC describing your achievements as you wait to speak. You feel sick, but it’s not just pre-performance jitters; you “know” that you do not deserve the praise you are receiving. “This is it,” you think. “Now they will find out that I am a fraud, that I don’t really know anything.” Sound […]
- October 20, 2015
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- Personal Effectiveness
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Getting Smart with Giving Feedback
“Your meals are disgusting!” she shouted. A look of deep hurt flashed across his face before anger kicked in. “You don’t need to be cooked for anyway,” he retorted. “Your bottom’s gone way beyond cute!” Does anything familiar echo here? What about in the following exchange? “Darling,” he said, repeating his familiar compliment, “You’re beautiful.” […]
- October 12, 2015
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- Counselling Theory & Process, Personal Effectiveness, Relationship & Families, Workplace Issues
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Psychologist Q&A: Counselling Indigenous Clients
Q. I am a non-Indigenous practitioner counselling Indigenous clients. Can I really do this effectively and what is the best way for a non-Indigenous therapist to counsel Indigenous clients? A. Many non-Indigenous practitioners “genuinely struggle” when working with Aboriginal people. They may lack the degree of cultural competence necessary to effectively counsel Indigenous clients (i.e. […]
- September 11, 2015
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- Counselling Theory & Process, Multicultural Issues, Relationship & Families
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Reconnecting by Disconnecting
At a local café yesterday the sign said: “No free Wi-Fi. Talk to each other like before the internet.” What? And be there just for the coffee and conversation? We are more connected today than ever before (Facebook, for example, has more than 1.28 billion active users), but experts warn that we are also lonelier […]
- September 7, 2015
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- Personal Effectiveness, Spirituality & Religion, Wellness
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Psychologist Q&A: Addressing Problem Behaviour in Students
Q. What is the most effective way to address problem behaviour in students? A. There are several things we can do to try to understand why problem behaviour occurs, or is maintained. It is important to make the effort to look deeper into the root cause of the behaviours, rather than just trying to address […]
- August 27, 2015
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- Children & Adolescents, Counselling Theory & Process, School Counselling
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Counselling Dilemma: A Client Who is Afraid of Flying
Robert has been referred to you for counselling. He has recently started a new role as an executive for a large international company. The role involves some travel and this was made very clear to Robert when he accepted the position. Robert has a fear of flying but really wanted to work for the company […]
- August 11, 2015
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- Career Development, Counselling Dilemmas, Counselling Theory & Process, Stress Management, Workplace Issues
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How to Understand Anger
Familiar with this scenario? The idiot cuts in front of you, causing you to nearly crash into him. Your pounding heart, flushed face, tight chest, and gritted teeth tell you: you are angry. Or, maybe someone you know violates you in a despicable way, steals from you or betrays you. You are a “nice” person, […]
- August 6, 2015
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- Personal Effectiveness, Relationship & Families, Stress Management
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How to Close the Chronic Pain Pathway
We’would like to introduce you to two people; in fact, more than introduce you. For the next several minutes, we’would like you to become these people. The first is a chronic pain patient, and the second is the family member caring for that patient. The patient We’ll call you Chris. You are of working age […]
- July 22, 2015
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- Ageing Issues, Disability Issues, Wellness
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