Counselling Articles

Do I Have a Gambling Problem?

The National Health Society estimates that there are as many as 250,000 individuals in the UK with a gambling addiction. When suffering from compulsive gambling it can feel impossible to control the impulse to gamble, and we continue despite the  problems it causes us and our loved ones. Like other forms of addiction, gambling can become all that we think about, or want to do, no matter what the consequences.

If you find yourself spending increasing amounts of time or money on betting, then you may have a gambling problem. If it is causing you to be secretive, if you are gambling when you do not have the money, if your friends and family are worried, or you are having problems controlling your impulses to bet, then it’s likely that your gambling has become an addiction. But you are not alone! (more…)

At some point in our lives  most of us will have experienced anger. Rush hour travel, computer crashes and problematic relationships are all aspects of modern day living that can tip us over the edge. Yet, this powerful emotion is perfectly normal, just like feelings of happiness, fear and sadness and in most cases it stays within a natural and controlled range. In fact, anger is an integral aspect of our evolutionary make-up helping us to instinctively detect and respond to threatening situations, as well as acting as a powerful motivating force to change aspects of our lives that we are dissatisfied with. Given its part in keeping both body and mind ready for action, a number of physiological changes characterise anger, including faster heart beat, breathing rate and increases in temperature and perspiration. (more…)

Why is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy becoming so popular with people seeking counselling? What are the limitations of this form of therapy, and is it suitable for everyone?

Factors behind the increasing popularity of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Accessibility

A major factor behind the popularity of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is its accessibility. There has been a big increase in the number of CBT therapists available on the NHS – in 2007, the government earmarked £173m to train an extra 3,600 therapists in the approach by 2010 (figures from The Independent, link at the end of the article) Furthermore, following the trend there has been an increase in health insurance providers who cover talking therapy as part of their healthcare policies.

(more…)

What is Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy, what are its benefits, and who is it suitable for?

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a relatively new form of therapy that takes features from both mindfulness techniques and cognitive therapy.

Mindfulness can be described as being in the present moment and being aware of one’s body, thoughts, surroundings and feelings. It has roots in Buddhist traditions and has increasingly been adapted for use in therapy. Mindfulness can increase concentration levels,
and can help both mental and physical conditions including obsessive compulsive disorders, anxiety, and prevention of relapse in depression and drug addiction. (more…)