Donald Kalsched did not write a manual for therapeutic group work. His contribution is more indirect, and perhaps more clinically interesting. His writing gives psychotherapists a way of thinking about trauma, dissociation, archetypal defence and the inner protective...
Trauma
Kalsched, Trauma and the Inner World of Therapeutic Groups
Concerns About Gabor Maté’s Teachings Among People with ADHD
Gabor Maté continues to have a strong influence on trauma-informed psychotherapy. His work on addiction, attachment, trauma, stress, and emotional development has resonated deeply with many people seeking alternatives to purely biomedical explanations of psychological...
Therapy for the Overwhelmed – How to Begin When Everything Feels Too Much
When life feels unmanageable, even the thought of starting therapy can seem overwhelming. It can feel like justonemorething on top of a heap of things that are not getting done. So is not unusual for people to delay seeking help because they feel stuck in a cycle of...
Understanding the Window of Tolerance in Trauma Therapy
The concept of the Window of Tolerance, developed by Dr. Dan Siegel, has become an essential framework in trauma-informed psychotherapy. It describes the optimal zone of arousal in which a person can function effectively, think clearly, and engage socially. For those...
Panic in the Therapy Room: Grounding vs. Internal Family Systems
When someone experiences a panic attack during therapy, the typical response is to help them “ground” — reconnecting with the present moment through the five senses, breathwork, or body awareness. This somatic approach often offers vital immediate relief. However, the...
The Correspondence Between Shame, Guilt, and Trauma in Integrative Psychotherapy
In my work as an integrative psychotherapist, I frequently encounter the powerful interplay between shame, guilt, and trauma. These experiences are not just emotional states but profound forces that shape a person’s sense of self and their relationships with others....
The Long-Term Effects of Ignoring a Child’s Wants, Needs, Feelings, and Desires
Childhood is a critical period where emotional needs, feelings, and desires are nurtured to build a healthy sense of self. When a child’s emotional world is neglected—whether through outright dismissal or inadvertent ignorance—the repercussions can ripple far into...
Does the TV series ‘The Mentalist’ have anything to say about mental health?
A bit of fun this month. “The Mentalist,” a popular TV series that aired from 2008 to 2015, primarily focused on crime-solving and psychological manipulation. However, several aspects of the show touch on themes related to mental health, even if they are not...
Empowering Autistic and ADHD Clients: The Transformative Role of Neurodiverse Counselling
Here Liz Pilley, an Autistic Counsellor and friend, talks about her experience of working with Neurodivergent clients. Working with Neurodivergent (ND) Clients One of my favourite things about being an autistic counsellor for clients who are autistic or have ADHD is...
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