I want to be a more empathic person. But when I try to give empathy, I don’t really know how. I end up giving sympathy. Or I ask questions and give suggestions, leading to conflict. How do I give empathy to my partner or my children without ending up in an argument or feeling rather disconnected and helpless? I need some tips….
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“People talk about forgiveness, but I am too full of hurt and resentment. Since doing couples counselling, we are better at communicating. I want to work it out, but I haven’t forgiven him yet. How do I let go of the past and forgive?” So, start by asking yourself what happens when you don’t forgive. If it’s only good things, then don’t forgive! But, more likely, you are asking this because you want out of the mental suffering that non-forgiveness creates…
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In a closed Facebook group for Psychologists recently, a colleague asked members to share funny questions they have been asked. These are real questions people have asked Psychologists. Our job can be very challenging, but it can be funny too!
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Last Saturday I ran a short but successful workshop at the Solstice Festival at Northey Street City Farm on Nonviolent Communication or NVC. I got lots of messages afterwards and I was reminded that lots of people have lots of interest in this topic. So, I thought I would compile a bunch of links for you for future reference to NVC courses and resources (online + face-to-face).
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If you have no plans this Saturday June 23, come down to Northey Street City Farm in Windsor to the Winter Solstice Festival and join this free workshop with Dr Rachel Hannam from 2pm-3pm at the FairShare Tent to learn about nonviolent communication or NVC.
NVC helps us to bypass blame and judgement, and connect with feelings and needs. Here is a link to the…
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Many of us are guilty of procrastination. Have you ever sat down to a complex, time-consuming task and ended up surfing Facebook or playing solitaire? Clients often mention that they struggle with procrastination and want to know why and what they can do. While there are many theories about why we procrastinate, there may be a range of reasons we procrastinate. The more important question is: What can we do? Here are a few ideas to keep in mind.
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For many people, lack of self-confidence comes form having a harsh inner critic. How do you manage a harsh inner critic? Or harsh critics around you? Working on your own life and mind is the key to accepting yourself as you are and letting go of those criticisms.
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The Unexamined Life is Not Worth Living – Socrates We humans have a unique ability that rarely gets talked about in this culture. It’s the ability to observe our own inner experiences as if an internal witness was privy to them. In other words, to engage the ‘observing self’. Most children and young people are not […]
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I was on ABC radio last Sunday afternoon with Ashwyn again, alongside comedian Sam Bowden, talking about family conflict. Sam is a funny one! Take a listen. Quite entertaining! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sej0GJXYxzg&t=2s
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What do you do about negative friends? First ask, “Does this relationship support your life or enrich it somehow, or does it detract from your life?” In other words, does the person drag you up or down? Getting clear on your answer can help. Also, you may need to be honest and tell your friend about the impact her self-focused, negative communication has on you. It might seem astounding, but it could be that she does not even realise how you are affected.
Read more...This morning, Jan 6 2018, Dr Rachel Hannam was on ABC Radio Brisbane talking with Ashwin Segkar on the Weekends Program about finding purpose at work and dealing with workplace bullies. Take a listen below.
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My husband has been told he’ll die soon if he doesn’t give up smoking. He has tried but he doesn’t really want to give up. I can’t stop myself using emotional blackmail and checking up on him. Now he sees me as the enemy rather than cigarettes. You are perfectly right. You have made yourself […]
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Trevor Jackson and I played pool on the Evenings show on 15/11/17 on 612 ABC Radio Brisbane and I said way more about my own life than I normally would. Interviewers have that knack! I was asked to be on the show for National Psychology Week (November 12-18, 2017). Take a listen if you are […]
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I am a nicotine addict. I have given up smoking several times but I always take it up again during a period of stress. I know it is no good for me so how do I get the will power to give it up for good‘ You need to learn new ways to cope with […]
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Therapy: What Are You Paying For? (Guest Blog from Martha Crawford) Every few years, I encounter a certain kind of wounded, fearful client who – in order to wiggle out of any vulnerability – attempts to hang onto a false sense of power or privilege by insisting that the therapeutic fee makes therapy the equivalent of […]
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