We are proud to present a new article by Debbie Hegarty.

Self-esteem is closely associated with our identity. Our identity is developed within the dynamics of group. A group can consist of any number of participants or members and can be as small as two people (a dyad) or three people (a triad). The first significant group an individual will belong to is the family system. All family systems have sub-systemic groups that influence the development of the individuals sense of  ‘self’.

Please click here to read the full article.

Breakdown of communication in a relationship is the key problem which inhibits any solutions to all the other problems or issues a couple may experience. Resentment, guilt, suppressed anger and tendency to blame either oneself or one’s partner – all those things arise when we feel we are not expressing ourselves or when our feelings are not known or acknowledged by the other half.

While issues of any relationship can only be solved by ongoing commitment and dedication from both partners, there are still certain things to be aware of. Often we involuntarily contribute to the break-down in communication, even when what we are trying to do is to find a solution to a problem.

If you are interested to find out more about the possible ways to express yourself better, or at least to keep the communication more open on your part, you may be interesting these Top Tips provided by the Marriage & Relationship Counselling Services website.

• Respond to the other person’s feelings in what they are trying to say. In arguments people often dwell on facts rather than feelings. Don’t interrupt and not listen to your partner.
• Keep to the issue in hand – don’t change the topic / drag up previous disagreements or bring in other people’s opinions to back you up.
• Don’t make generalizing complaints: you always – you never… Replace blame / criticism with wishes e.g. ‘You never do the ironing’ to ‘I wish you would share the ironing’
• If you’re angry about something, recognise and admit it. Identify its source e.g. have you brought anger home from work and taken it out on your partner? Understand why you are angry – differentiate between what is reasonable and what is not – don’t assume the person affecting your anger is doing it on purpose.

Please click here to read the full article.

www.helpguide.org has an excellent article about depression symptoms and causes, as well as ways of treatment and receiving help.

If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression.

• you can’t sleep or you sleep too much
• you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now difficult
• you feel hopeless and helpless
• you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you try
• you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating
• you are much more irritable and short-tempered than usual
• you have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help immediately if this is the case)

Please read the full article here.

Can you confidently answer that you know the answer to this question? The very fact that you are reading this post means that either you have interest in mental health and ways of its treatment, or you are seeking such treatment for yourself or someone you are worried about.

Everyone seems to know what psychotherapy is, and yet very few people know what to expect when they first come to the therapist’s office. All they know is that they have an ongoing problem which makes their life unpleasant, difficult, or even unbearable, and they want to be helped.

How does psychotherapy provide this help? Here is an article by the Mayo Clinic, which lays out in very simple terms what psychotherapy is, what different types of therapy is out there, what to expect from it and how to prepare for it.

During psychotherapy

For most types of psychotherapy, you and your therapist generally sit facing each other during sessions. Your therapist encourages you to talk about your thoughts and feelings and what’s troubling you. Don’t worry if you find it hard to open up about your feelings. Your therapist can help you gain more confidence and comfort.

Sometimes a therapist may ask you to do “homework” — activities or practices that build on what you learn during your regular therapy sessions. Over time, discussing your issues can help improve your mood, change the way you think and feel about yourself, and improve your ability to cope with problems.

Because psychotherapy sometimes involves intense emotional discussions, you may find yourself crying, upset or having an angry outburst during a session. You may also feel physically exhausted after a session. Your therapist is there to help you cope with such feelings and emotions.

How long you have psychotherapy depends on your situation. In some cases, you may need therapy for only a few months. In other cases, you may continue therapy for a year or even more.

Please click here to read the full article.

New purpose-built counselling counselling centre has been opened today at the Hazelton Clinic, Ardfallen Medical Centre, Douglas Road, Cork.  We are starting off with 8 counsellors, specializing in:

• marriage & relationship counselling;
• anxiety, stress & panic attacks;
• drugs, alcohol, food addictions;
• grief & bereavement;
• self-esteem & confidence;
• career problems & loss of employment;
• eating disorders;
• depression counselling;
• anger management;
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy);
• Reality Therapy.

Our lines are open 9 am to 9 pm. Appointments as quickly as within 24 hours. All our suites are sound-proofed and we are open 7 days per week.