2018
2018 · 20. December 2018
Suicide rates drop over Christmas but spike on New Year's Day. Why? And what can you do if you're concerned about a loved one?
2018 · 20. December 2018
It’s commonly assumed that suicide rates rise at Christmas. In fact, the opposite is the case, but suicide rates do tend to spike on New Year’s Day. My column in this week's Southern Star explores why it's important to know the facts around suicidality and offers some advice for people who may be concerned about a loved one. As always, the column will be published on this blog next week.
2018 · 13. December 2018
Last week's Southern Star column examined the 'spotlight effect' - the tendency of people to think all eyes are upon them, even when others may be paying little or no attention. The column is reproduced below. All of can think of times when we’ve experienced socially embarrassing moments – spilling your drink on someone you’re trying to impress, your voice breaking when making a speech, tripping over your feet in a busy place and keeping your head down to avoid seeing the smirks from all...
2018 · 06. December 2018
Would you be self-conscious if you were asked to wear a yellow Barry Manilow T-shirt in front of a room full of students? Do you think everyone would take notice of your cheesy T-shirt? Or is it possible people won't take much. if any, notice? My column in this week's Southern Star explores what psychologists call the spotlight effect - the tendency of people to think that "the social spotlight shines more brightly on them than it really does". As always, the column will be reproduced on this...
2018 · 29. November 2018
In last week's Southern Star, I explored some frequently asked questions (FAQ) in relation to CBT. The column is reproduced below. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been around for over half a century and there’s more awareness than ever before about its benefits. Still, when I mention I’m a CBT therapist, I’m often asked the same questions. What is CBT exactly? Is it about thinking positive? What makes it different to other psychological therapies? So here goes – CBT in 700...
2018 · 22. November 2018
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) has been around for over half a century and there’s more awareness than ever before about its benefits. Still, when I mention I’m a CBT therapist, I’m often asked the same questions. What is CBT exactly? Is it about thinking positive? What makes it different to other psychological therapies? My column in this week's Southern Star examines these and other questions. As always, I'll reproduce the column on this blog next week.
2018 · 15. November 2018
Last week's Southern Star column explored how to manage the problem of school-refusal behaviour in children and teenagers. The column is reproduced below. All children and teenagers feel some anxiety about school – that’s normal. Refusing to attend school, on the other hand, is a serious matter that can have damaging long-term consequences. How should parents manage school-refusal behaviour? The first and most important thing to do is understand why the problem has arisen. Psychological...
2018 · 08. November 2018
All children and teenagers feel some anxiety about school – that’s normal. Refusing to attend school, on the other hand, is a serious matter that can have damaging long-term consequences. How should parents manage school-refusal behaviour? In this week's Southern Star, I offer evidence-based advice on how to manage school-refusal behaviour. As always, the column will be reproduced on this blog next week.
2018 · 01. November 2018
In last week's Southern Star, I noted that while it's only right and proper to complain when you've been wronged, complaining can also become a bad habit, negatively impacting on your mood and on the moods of others. The column is now online. Lots of people really like to complain – about the weather, about the boss, about the politicians, about the neighbour up the road who borrowed your corkscrew and who has yet to return it. How much complaining is too much? Now, there are many good...
2018 · 25. October 2018
Lots of people really like to complain – about the weather, about the boss, about the politicians, about the neighbour up the road who borrowed your corkscrew and who has yet to return it. While there are many good reasons to complain, my column in this week's Southern Star notes there are also obvious downsides to what can become an ingrained and negative habit. As always, the column will be reproduced on this blog next week.