The Pros and Cons of Using Touch in Psychotherapy
Touch is one of the most primal forms of communication, and its potential role in psychotherapy is both powerful and controversial. While some clinicians find therapeutic touch helpful for building rapport and promoting healing (e.g. Yalom), others warn against its...
Understanding Erskine’s 8 Relational Needs: A Guide to Healthier Connections
Human relationships are at the core of our emotional well-being. Whether it’s with family, friends, or romantic partners, the quality of our connections profoundly impacts our mental health and sense of fulfillment. Psychologist Richard G. Erskine, a pioneer in...
An Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. Rooted in systems theory, IFS views the mind as being composed of “parts,” each with its own unique perspectives, emotions, and...
The Search for Truth: Embracing the Journey Over the Destination
In a world captivated by answers and certainties, the phrase “search for truth” invites us into something far more enduring and rewarding: the quest itself. Whether in philosophy, science, psychotherapy or daily life, it is often the act of searching — the...
How Mearns’ Concept of Relational Depth Informs a Relational Model of Counselling
Mearns’ work on relational depth has been influential in shaping how practitioners understand and develop meaningful connections with their clients. At its core, relational depth refers to moments of profound contact and mutual understanding. By integrating these...
Exploring Petruska Clarkson’s Five Relationship Modalities
Petruska Clarkson proposed five distinct ways in which therapist and client connect. Each modality reflects a different facet of the therapeutic alliance, helping us understand the complexity and richness of effective therapy sessions. This article will explore each...
The Danger of Relying on the Child Ego State in Transactional Analysis
John Lanchester’s quote in Whoops! about the perils of relying on misleading information provides a compelling analogy for the dangers of being overly dependent on the Child Ego State in Transactional Analysis (TA). ‘You’re worse off relying on misleading information...
Melanie Klein, Excessive Projection, and the Violent Splitting of the Self
Melanie Klein (1882–1960), a pioneering psychoanalyst, made significant contributions to the understanding of early psychic development, particularly through her work on object relations theory. Among her influential concepts is that of excessive projection and...
The Pros and Cons of Using the Dream Completion Technique for Trauma-Related Flashbacks
When it comes to managing the distressing impact of past trauma, many therapeutic approaches focus on transforming the relationship between an individual and their memories. One technique that has gained attention in this context is called dream completion. Rooted in...
Protecting Children Through Open Communication
In today’s complex world, many parents find themselves asking one crucial question: “How can I protect my child?” According to Dr. Amy Zabin, the central answer lies in a concept that might sound both simple and obvious—communication. Although parenting methods and...Recent Posts
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