What is Solution focused brief therapy? Solution focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a goal-oriented form of therapy developed in the 1970s. It focuses on utilising (or developing) strengths, resources and possibilities available to the client in making improvements to mental health and life-problems. It is a collaborative approach, in which clients and therapists work together on promoting change, rather than getting stuck in problem analysis. SFBT typically works over 3-10 sessions and research shows that the approach was significantly effective in nine out of ten controlled trials. Solution foc ..read more

Negative thoughts and the mind Unhealthy thoughts come in many different forms: depressing thoughts, anxious thoughts, guilty thoughts, painful memories, dread of the future, self-judgments, obsessions and suicidal thoughts. Their variety is, in fact, endless. And this fact points to something important about the human mind: that it is a thought-generating machine (it is estimated that the average human brain generates over 6000 thoughts a day). This can sometimes feel overwhelming. As human beings our weakness (or flaw) is that we take too many of these thoughts at face value. Some thoughts a ..read more

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder that occurs during late autumn and winter. It is characterised by lethargy, low mood, anhedonia, fatigue, and (in some cases) impaired sleep. Due to low energy and the loss of interest in activities the individual may become socially isolated, and prone to over-eating and excess alcohol consumption. SAD is not the same as depression, although many of the symptoms are similar. Depression is either a long-term disorder related to chemical imbalance in the brain, or else a reaction to overwhelming life event ..read more

Understanding relationship breakdown Relationship breakdown can be a complex, distressing experience. This article explores the warning signals of breakdown, and what you can do about them. First understanding the three stages that precede separation or divorce; looking out for signs that your partnership is in trouble; then looking at ways in which you can repair your relationship – either on your own or in couple therapy. Stages of relationship breakdown In general there are three stages that precede break-up: Disenchantment Repetitive frustration Despair Disenchantment This should not be ..read more

What depression is This article explores the five most common signs of depression in its early stages. The advice given here relates to situational depression related to adverse life events. For advice on long-term depression please consult your medical doctor or a psychotherapist. Depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent low moods; thoughts related to helplessness, or the pointlessness of life; low motivation; feelings of dread; lethargy; insomnia; and daytime tiredness. Depression  can appear as mild, moderate or severe in scope. This article addresses mild or moderate ..read more

What is insecurity? Insecurity is a state of dread based on the premise that we are in some way inadequate, emerging whenever we struggle with life changes and setbacks. That could be at work, or in relationships, a break-up, redundancy, moving to a new town or country, the arrival of a child, or the stress of life in general. At such times thoughts might turn to the burden we are carrying, our aloneness, helplessness or inadequacy. Side by side with feelings of edginess, anxiety, depressed mood, restlessness and fear. We may also be plagued by worries: Will I be all right? Can I cope? Am I g ..read more

Understanding relationship breakdown Relationship breakdown can be a complex, distressing experience. This article explores the warning signals of breakdown, and what you can do about them. First understanding the three stages that precede separation or divorce; looking out for signs that your partnership is in trouble; then looking at ways in which you can repair your relationship – either on your own or in couple therapy. Stages of relationship breakdown In general there are three stages that precede break-up: Disenchantment Repetitive frustration Despair Disenchantment This should not be ..read more

What depression is This article explores the five most common signs of depression in its early stages. The advice given here relates to situational depression related to adverse life events. For advice on long-term depression please consult your medical doctor or a psychotherapist. Depression is a mood disorder characterised by persistent low moods; thoughts related to helplessness, or the pointlessness of life; low motivation; feelings of dread; lethargy; insomnia; and daytime tiredness. Depression  can appear as mild, moderate or severe in scope. This article addresses mild or moderate ..read more

What is insecurity? Insecurity is a state of dread based on the premise that we are in some way inadequate, emerging whenever we struggle with life changes and setbacks. That could be at work, or in relationships, a break-up, redundancy, moving to a new town or country, the arrival of a child, or the stress of life in general. At such times thoughts might turn to the burden we are carrying, our aloneness, helplessness or inadequacy. Side by side with feelings of edginess, anxiety, depressed mood, restlessness and fear. We may also be plagued by worries: Will I be all right? Can I cope? Am I g ..read more

30 Stress reduction methods Exercise mind control over negative thoughts. See previous articles on this subject. Physical exercise. Few things can help relax you more quickly than a bit of vigorous exercise. Whether you box, jog, cycle or play a game of tennis, aerobic exercise will release endorphins, thereby improving your mood and giving you a natural high.  Mindfulness. When you think you are getting overwhelmed take at least ten minutes out to clear your mind of worries, and practice mindfulness. If you have trouble doing it alone, try using a guided tape, or Binaural Beat track. Fo ..read more