I recently had the opportunity to hear Dr Gabor Maté speak at the Barbican centre, London. I wanted to share, some of the key take-aways from the talk Dr Maté gave, as I heard them (text in bold are direct quotes):

I recently had the good fortune to be able to attend a CPD event hosted by James Davies - author of Sedated and Cracked. This was hosted by the Therapists and Social Change Network (which I subscribe to, as a Counsellor & Psychotherapist).

I recently contributed an article to Happiful Magazine about Mindfulness: you can read the article in full by clicking on this link.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a yoga retreat – which is definitely a new experience for me. I’ve dabbled in yoga practice over the years, but never really been ‘into’ it. But, I decided I wanted to experience something new and also try out another form of mindfulness – and self-care. Something I strongly advocate in my work with clients.

‘I’ve loved some very sad people in my life and hurt myself trying to get them to change. They didn’t, and I have no business being surprised by it. People tell you who they are.’

The concept of self-care is one of those ideas which is being talked about more than ever as an idea. It’s something I’ve been thinking a lot about myself.

Sometimes clients ask me what made me want to be a counsellor. The short answer is – I believe I can help people.

I recently had a problem with my car. I took it to the garage to be repaired and I went off to a local café that I’ve walked past many times but never been in, armed with my laptop and books, to do some work. It was quiet. I ordered a large coffee [my own personal vice] and fired up my laptop.

Do you remember reading the children’s book – Dr Xargle’s Book of Earth Hounds? It’s a famous children’s book featuring an alien – Dr Xargle.  In this book Dr Xargle studies dogs and attempts to teach alien children about what exactly they are. I wonder what Dr Xargle might have said about counselling, had he attempted to describe it. If he had peeped into the window of the counselling room during a session, he might simply see two people, having a conversation. Traditionally, that’s what counselling tends to look like. Of course – that’s not all it is.