Going through life, many people don’t give a second thought about getting sick or being diagnosed with a life-altering disease or medical disorder. Many people think they are healthy, doing everything right, so why would they be part of the world population that is classified as ill? At some point, they go for a
Childhood is often associated with fond memories of delight, purity and joy. It is a period that is often identified by safety, feeling cherished and shielded by one’s family (parents). These connections often form the baseline for establishing secure and strong bonds within the future. On the other hand, many children experience a childhood
Self-awareness entails the ability to recognize one's thoughts, emotions, self-perceptions, and physiological responses and comprehend their influence on one's behaviour. Additionally, it involves the capacity to identify one's strengths, weaknesses, and approach life with confidence and a growth mindset. The significance of personal growth and self-awareness should always be recognised as essential in the field
Mindfulness is a useful addition or alternative to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) when treating depression and is largely based on Buddhist and other religious practices. It was introduced by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1990, and there is currently a lot of evidence to support the efficacy of the use of mindfulness, among other third-wave approaches to
As an adult, I can agree that it is challenging to find time to relax after a long day of work commitments, house admin and perhaps other obligations such as having a family, taking care of your pets, or social engagements. Or perhaps your day is filled with all these things and then on top
Asking a child to share their thoughts and feelings at the best of times can be difficult, particularly when they lack the vocabulary and cognitive abilities to articulate their emotions and experiences in a manner that an adult can understand. Herein lies the power of play. In counselling, Play therapy transcends mere entertainment; it is
Cannabis remains one of the most widely used psychoactive substances globally, with adolescents being one of the most susceptible demographics. In South Africa, cannabis is particularly prevalent, where it is commonly known as "dagga." Given the recent legislative changes decriminalizing personal cannabis use and cultivation for adults, there is a growing need to examine the
Do you ever feel like life is too much for you to bear? Is something weighing you down, but you just don’t know who to share it with? Have you thought about reaching out to a counsellor? While it could be scary, difficult and maybe even painful at times, starting personal counselling can be
Anger is a natural human emotion, and experiencing it from time to time is a common part of life. However, when anger becomes uncontrollable, frequent, and disrupts daily functioning, it may indicate an anger issue that needs attention. Children and teenagers, in particular, can struggle with managing their anger due to the challenges of emotional
In my counselling journey so far, I have noticed that a lot of the people that I see are still holding on to a lot of the painful experiences they had in their childhood. These past childhood experiences can have very destructive effects on peoples’ present lives. The inner child is seen as “the core