When I run training courses on Achieving Change, I introduce the importance of the Rehearsal for Change - I can see that delegates are comfortable about this, and comfortable too when I talk about the importance of identifying what needs to change; what difference it will make emotionally, … [Read more...]
Do you think you know your child best?
I was dismayed this week to read a pyschologist assessment that was full of assumptions, labels and in some parts, clearly absent of simple child behaviour knowledge. The Foster Carers of the four year old child, showed me the report as if they were showing me the gospel: "this is what the experts … [Read more...]
Solution Focused Therapy:The Silent Session
I heard a quote this morning from a 19th century French statesman: "When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice". It resonated with me. Whether consciously or sub-consciously, I think we are happiest when we are met with agreement. We don't have to think too hard then and we … [Read more...]
“In Recovery” a forever state of mind?
I met with a very interesting man this week whose name we have changed of course. "Callum" was struggling with his stress levels and is frightened of this as he considers that not managing them well could lead him back to his old habits of Class A Drug use of nine years earlier. During our … [Read more...]
Struggling to find a window for the euthanasia plan……
I couldn't help but think about Bill O'Hanlon (the founder of Solution Orientated thinking) when I read about the writer and director, Terry Pratchett's plan to sign up for Dignitas, the euthanasia clinic. Terry was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2008. The story Bill O'Hanlon tells about himself is … [Read more...]
“I’m not trying to make him happy – I’m trying to cure his depression”
I watched again my favourite Frasier episode on Channel 4 where the beautifully pompous but vulnerable Pyschiatrist, Frasier, played by the wonderful Kelsey Grammer, offers Kenny, the lonely and depressed Station Manager some therapy sessions. Frasier analyses Kenny's childhood, his relationship … [Read more...]
and the President of Kenya is…….
Watching Comic Relief - the first question always is "what''s the telephone number?" and the second is "exactly who is in charge of Kenya that allows this pitiful life for its citizens"?" Oh its President Kibaki who made the following speech in December 2010: "On the economic front, we have closed … [Read more...]
Asperger Syndrome – follow the exception
Asperger Syndrome (AS) is sometimes called 'mild autism' but there is nothing mild about being a teenager who finds it nigh on impossible to get things right with his peergroup. People with AS are at their most vulnerable at a time when the people they go to school with are at their least sensitive. … [Read more...]
It’s What’s Right With You That Will Fix What’s Wrong With You
I revisited this article that I wrote in 2008 and only had to take a few words out. If there are any Mental Health Unit staff out there who read this and think "what nonsense, she is out of date on this"! - please contact me and I will gladly edit each and every time. Eileen It's what's right … [Read more...]
Depressed? Your GP will tell you apparently
You know how sometimes you are just sitting there reading the paper and you read something that makes you sigh, well i had one of those this morning reading last Sunday's Observer (the only way I can get through the pile of Sunday papers I take is to eke them out through the week).It was just one … [Read more...]
