Ahhh, the smell of a fresh new chapter hangs crisply in the air as we turn toward a new year of goal-setting, ambition-seeking, personal development, growth mindset, learning new skills, picking up a new language, chasing that promotion, studying for exams, investing in relationships, and taking care of ourselves with plenty of exercise, healthy eating, […]
Sandy Clarke
What can I do when my client focuses on everyone except themselves?
Question: I’ve been having a few sessions with a client who consistently directs their attention towards discussing other people in their life rather than focusing on their own experiences. It seems that they are more comfortable delving into the details of their relationships, family dynamics, and friends’ issues, but when it comes to exploring their […]
My client doesn’t talk much…what can I do?
Question: I have been working with a client who is currently struggling with depression, and I’d like to seek your guidance on how to best approach their situation. In our sessions, the client is extremely reserved, often finding it challenging to articulate their thoughts and feelings. Despite my efforts to create a safe and empathetic […]
Grateful reflections increase happiness and well-being. Here’s why…
As the year comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on the past year and express gratitude for ourselves and others. Year-end reflection and gratitude can have significant benefits for our mental health and well-being. While it can be tempting to think about where things went wrong and what could have gone better, thinking […]
How to cope with grief when others don’t recognise your loss
Grief is a complex and deeply personal experience, but not all forms of grieving are readily acknowledged or supported by society. Enter disenfranchised grief, a concept that sheds light on the unspoken sorrows many people endure without the recognition or validation they deserve. Disenfranchised grief refers to losses that, typically, aren’t supported by traditional perspectives […]
Why is self-compassion important?
Whenever we think about our shortcomings and mistakes we might have made, we often forget to extend the same kindness and compassion to ourselves that we readily offer to others. Self-compassion, a concept rooted in mindfulness and self-awareness, plays a crucial role in our overall well-being and mental health. It empowers us to navigate life’s […]