Blog about counselling and psychotherapy in Ireland.

Mindfulness: a beginner’s guide

January 8, 2014 by neal

This article first appeared in the Guardian newspaper: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2014/jan/07/mindfulness-beginners-guide-meditation-technique-treatment-depression Mindfulness: a beginner’s guide The meditation technique aimed at focusing the mind on the present moment is an effective treatment for depression, according to a new report. So what is mindfulness and how do you do it? Mindfulness techniques involve sitting in a quiet place, … Read more

Starting your ‘New Year’s Resolution’ (tomorrow)

January 6, 2014 by neal

Many people will have made a New Year’s resolution to ‘go on a diet’, ‘to lose those extra Christmas pounds’ or make some other change in their life or lifestyle . We all can get a bit down on ourselves for not starting that diet or that big change we said we are going to … Read more

Life’s too short to leave any enemies.

January 2, 2014 by neal

It is not intended that our blog be just a re-posting of other people’s work but this short message from Sir Richard Branson contains a nice message that may be worth considering if you have had a ‘falling out’ with someone. At times the thoughts of that argument or falling out can leave us feeling … Read more

A thought for a New Year.

December 31, 2013 by neal

Thoughts for the New Year – Tuesday, New Year’s eve. “In this new year, may you have a deep understanding of your true value and worth, an absolute faith in your unlimited potential, peace of mind in the midst of uncertainty, the confidence to let go when you need to, acceptance to replace your … Read more

Happy Stressmas!

December 13, 2013 by neal

I was going to write about the stresses of Christmas when I saw that someone had written a piece far better than I could have. Though aimed at a ‘younger’ audience it hits the main points of stress, anxiety, loneliness and at times isolation, loss and grief that we can feel at this time of … Read more

A lesson learned from Nelson Mandela

December 7, 2013 by neal

There are few that would argue that Nelson Mandela was an exceptional man, an inspiring man. Many may ask ‘how did he do it; how did he emerge after 27 years in jail to become the president of South Africa and be strong and forgiving enough to invite the prison guards who watched over him … Read more

Drifting through life.

November 22, 2013 by neal

Quite often we pass our day by just going through the motions, never asking ourselves where we are heading or checking in with ourselves to see if where we are heading is actually where it is we want to be going. If you have no idea where you are going in life then it is … Read more

Conflict with siblings

November 19, 2013 by neal

Everyone disagrees with each other at times, and occasional arguments are part of living in a family. But constant fights with your siblings can be stressful and unnecessary.