During the rush of everyday life, we often neglect our own basic needs. It’s common for parents, in particular, to feel exhausted or burnt out, and when we raise this issue with friends we often hear “don’t neglect your self-care” or “have you tried meditation or yoga?”. That’s fair advice, but the problem remains: there’s simply no time.
Parenting
7 Powerful Strategies to Help Your Child Balance Their Brain Budget
This article has been republished with the permission of Superpower Kids. Superpower Kids develop fun, engaging social and emotional learning programs for children aged 5 to 10 years. You can find more informative articles like this at Superpower Kids Blog It never feels good to blow your budget and go into overdraft. Yet, going into […]
- January 5, 2021
- 1
- 3394
- Children & Adolescents, Neuroscience, Relationship & Families
- Read More
The Dangers of Teen Sexting (And How to Help Their Parents Help Them)
You may have faced this scenario before: anguished parents turn up in your rooms and plead with you for help: their cherished teenager, they find, is now sending and/or receiving sexually explicit text messages, photos, or videos. Oh, what to do? Unfortunately, this phenomenon is now common and increasing in frequency, even as the average […]
- February 22, 2018
- 0
- 16251
- Children & Adolescents, Ethics & Legal Issues, Multicultural Issues, Relationship & Families, School Counselling, Technology & Social Media
- Read More
Counselling Dilemma: Parenting Decisions
James is a 13 year old teenager in Grade 7 at school. His parents have recently divorced and share custody of James. His father Brett has noticed a shift in James’s behaviour over the last few weeks. During conversations, James is abrupt, curt and tries to avoid conversation. Most recently, James’s English teacher at school […]
- August 9, 2017
- 7
- 24818
- Children & Adolescents, Counselling Dilemmas, Ethics & Legal Issues
- Read More
Counsellor Tips: Principles of Good Parenting
Have you ever wrestled with a problem, walked away from it for a period, and then ended up having an epiphany while you were officially “off duty” from the problem? Laurence Steinberg, an internationally renowned expert on psychological development during adolescence, talks about having such an experience leading to the development of his book on […]
- March 24, 2017
- 1
- 12546
- Children & Adolescents, Lifespan Development, Relationship & Families, School Counselling
- Read More
A Counselling Case Study Exploring Loss
Sue and Tom lost their child Jill to leukaemia approximately one year ago. Tom suggested that Sue attend Professional Counselling because she still doesn’t seem to be able to cope with everyday living. For ease of writing the Professional Counsellor is abbreviated to C. A précis of the session is as follows In the first […]
- September 17, 2010
- 6
- 85693
- Case Studies, Relationship & Families
- Read More
Children and Emotional Development
A child’s earliest experiences with emotion most often occurs in the family setting. Consequently, the family plays an important role in the development of emotional understanding, particularly interactions between parents and children. For example, children who possess secure attachments with their parents show greater emotional understanding than those children who do not possess secure attachments […]
- August 23, 2010
- 0
- 44110
- Children & Adolescents, Lifespan Development, Relationship & Families
- Read More
Counselling Dilemma: Supporting an Anxious Child
Charlotte is 11. She has been brought along to counselling by her mother, Fran. According to Fran, Charlotte has always been a “quiet and shy” girl. Fran remarks that she is not surprised by this as she too was a reserved and anxious child. In recent weeks however, Fran has noticed that Charlotte has become […]
- August 9, 2010
- 17
- 19299
- Children & Adolescents, Counselling Dilemmas, Relationship & Families
- Read More
How to Build Rapport with Parents
Parents can play the key role in initiating and generating behaviour change in their children. Parents have the potential to inspire their children directly (by applying reinforcers and other behaviour modification strategies) and indirectly (by providing a safe, supportive and encouraging environment). As counsellors, working with parents can enhance our potential to promote successful outcomes […]
- January 22, 2010
- 0
- 13796
- Children & Adolescents, Counselling Theory & Process, Relationship & Families
- Read More
Parenting Styles in Counselling
Many parents who have come to the counselling session are prepared to speak with the counsellor to gain some insight into an issue or problem. But some parents do not understand why they need to be involved in the counselling sessions, and others know why, but do not want to be involved. Silent Some parents […]
- January 8, 2010
- 0
- 3188
- Children & Adolescents, Relationship & Families
- Read More
Counselling Case Study: Using REBT
Thomas is a 33 year old married man, who has recently become a father. He explains that he feels his self-esteem has been gradually deteriorating ever since he was married. He says that he can’t find reasons to enjoy life with his wife due to feelings of inadequacy as a husband. In his new role […]
- September 7, 2009
- 14
- 95556
- Case Studies, Relationship & Families
- Read More
Overcoming Problems with Step Children
We have previously talked about preventative measures such as scheduling family meetings, formulating rules and rituals, and how to discipline and communicate with our children and step-children. But what happens when we have done all these things, and problems still occur? Sometimes the route of all evil can be jealousy. There are many players in […]
- August 14, 2009
- 4
- 19457
- Children & Adolescents, Loss & Grief, Relationship & Families
- Read More
Building Relationships with Step Children
One of the most common reasons for not-so-good step-family relationships is lack of communication. It is important to include the children in family processes such as formulating rules and new rituals. This is a great start! The next thing to do is to encourage communication. Talking is the best way to strengthen relationships, understand emotions […]
- August 13, 2009
- 0
- 2751
- Children & Adolescents, Relationship & Families
- Read More
Discipline with Step Children
As a step-parent, sooner or later you will be reminded by your step-child that you are not their parent. One very important item to discuss between your partner and yourself is “who disciplines who?” In coming to a decision on discipline it is helpful to look at nuclear families who equally share this role. In […]
- August 10, 2009
- 1
- 3054
- Children & Adolescents, Relationship & Families
- Read More
Counselling Dilemma: A Family “Break-Up”
The client, Helen, is 56 years old. She has been happily married for 32 years to Barry, who works for the local council. Helen and Barry’s first child, a boy, was stillborn. Helen fell pregnant again very quickly to help get over the loss. They now have two adult daughters, Vicky and Sharon. Vicky, the […]
- May 28, 2009
- 3
- 4120
- Counselling Dilemmas, Relationship & Families
- Read More