By Ruth Greenhalgh, Associate Couple Counsellor, Paisley Counselling Harville Hendrix first published ‘Getting the Love You Want’ in 1988 following the failure of a previous relationship. He applied his own research and therapeutic principles within his second marriage and continues to stand by the theories presented in the book. Hendrix proposes a hopeful approach to …
By Chantal, Psychodynamic Therapist Understanding silence Parents and carers often worry when a child becomes withdrawn, refuses to talk about their feelings, or seems overwhelmed by emotions they cannot explain. Silence can be confusing and even frightening for adults, especially when we sense that something is wrong but do not know how to help. From …
By Shaun Hotchkiss, CBT Psychotherapist Anxiety is a normal and adaptive human response. It evolved to help us detect and respond to threat. When functioning well, it sharpens attention, increases alertness and motivates preparation. However, for many people anxiety becomes persistent, excessive, and difficult to control. Rather than responding to immediate danger, the mind begins …
By Morag Hannah, trainee counsellor specialising in integrative therapies. Isn’t Counselling a Bit… Self‑Indulgent? It’s a question people often think but rarely say out loud. And honestly? A counsellor might smile and reply, “I don’t know — is it?” Because the idea of counselling as “self‑indulgent” usually comes from a deeper belief: that looking after ourselves …
Marketing and Office Administrator Location: Fully Remote (Practice: Paisley PA1 1TJ, Scotland) Hours: Part-time; possibility of future Full-time About Us Paisley Counselling offers professional mental health support with a focus on warmth, care, and open communication in a values-driven team. Role Summary We are looking for an organised, proactive Marketing & Office Administrator who is …
Why it can feel overwhelming — and why you don’t have to face it alone When people hear the word exposure in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), it often brings up images of being pushed into frightening situations before they feel ready. For many, this alone is enough to create anxiety about therapy itself. If that …
By Shaun Hotchkiss, Trainee CBT Psychotherapist Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is more common than many people realise and often misunderstood. PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. What I find most important, and hopeful, is that PTSD is highly treatable. As a …
by Laura Hendry Understanding Our Body’s Reactions and Pathways to Healing Polyvagal theory has become influential in the world of trauma therapy, giving counsellors new ways to understand and help people who have experienced trauma. Created by Dr Stephen Porges in the 1990s, this theory helps us see how our body’s automatic responses can shape …
Written by Vicki McLellan Self-destructive behaviours like self-harm, disordered eating and substance misuse naturally spark concern in loved ones and care providers. The risks and consequences of such behaviours can be far reaching. It makes sense then that motivation most often lies in ‘fixing’ the behaviour and eliminating the risks. Frequently, the question posed is ‘Why …
Written by Vicki McLellan The Window of Tolerance illustrates the state in which we best tolerate life’s every day demands and stresses. When we are within our own window of tolerance, we are present and alert. We can engage with others and respond in a calm and considered manner, with skills to self soothe and …
