SUSSEX COUNSELLING & PSYCHOTHERAPY NEWS Autumn 2014 www.sussex-counselling.co.uk
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How the internet can support your practice
Mind matters Mindfulness in action
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The Rock Clinic Association has been providing a range of affordable therapies to the community of Brighton, Hove and Sussex since 1990.
The Rock is a co-operative association of psychotherapists and counsellors, yoga teachers and complementary therapists based at two sites across the city. With disabled access, facilities for individual psychological and physical therapy and space for group work, both Clinics offer low cost counselling and specialist therapeutic yoga. The Rock also provides training placements counselling and psychotherapy.
Registered charity No. 105732
Rock East 270 Eastern Road, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 5TA 01273 621 841 Rock West 8 Western Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN1 2PG. reception@rockclinic.org.uk 01273 326 826
www.rockclinic.org.uk
/rockclinicbrighton
@rockclinic
Autumn 2014 Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy (SCAP) News is the quarterly newsletter for counsellors and psychotherapists working in and around Sussex who are registered members of SCAP. Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy Newsletter is the official journal of Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy. Views expressed in the journal and signed by a writer are the views of the writer and not necessarily those of Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy. Publication in this journal does not imply endorsement of the writer’s views. Similarly publication of adverts does not constitute endorsement by Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy. Contributions are welcome with a £20 book voucher for original material. Please email items for news, diary, feature or review.
Deadline: October 24 for Winter 2014 issue. Advertise in SCAP Newsletter Full page back page – £84 Full page inside – £78 Half page – £48 Quarter page – £36 Contact: advertising@sussex-counselling.co.uk
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4 Regulation: Bill for counsellors and psychotherapists
to your new look magazine which we think will make it easier for you to carry about and have at hand when you need it. Small but mighty, it packs a great deal of news and information plus details on where you can find out more. We have lots of news to share with you and we always welcome your ideas, reviews and suggestions. In this issue we focus on mindfulness with reports on a SCAP seminar on the subject, a workshop as well as details of forthcoming courses on this increasingly popular discipline. Our AGM was held in July with a new committee elected and plans set out for the coming year. Find out more on page 8. We also look at new technology and discover which apps and websites are helping counsellors and therapists in their ongoing work. Plus we talk to a counsellor about how it’s helping inform her practice. New technology allows us to keep busy on Twitter and Facebook so do keep in touch with us this way between publications and help us share and spread the news, views and thoughts of the counselling community throughout Sussex. On page 9 you’ll find out how to join Sussex Counselling. So if you are not yet a member, see how it can benefit you. Whether you have been at home or away for the summer I hope it has been a rewarding time for you and that you are now prepared for the Autumn....
5 England football fiasco Beating failure fears 6 Treating sex and porn addiction 8 SCAP AGM All the news from our AGM 10 Trauma Treatment SCAP seminar review 13 Sensory processing SCAP seminar 14, 15, 16 Embracing the new Technology to enhance your practice
Astrid
Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy (SCAP) News
Contact Us 17 Transactional Analysis News from the TA annual conference 20 Mindfulness In practice 22 Diary 24 Reviews
Sussex Counselling and Psychotherapy PO Box 308, Brighton BN2 0WA Editor: Astrid Stubbs Email: newsletter@sussex-counselling.co.uk Advertising : advertising@sussex-counselling.co.uk Web: www.sussex-counselling.co.uk Twitter: @SussexCAP Facebook: www.facebook.com/ SussexCounsellingAndPsychotherapy Printed in the UK www.sussex-print.com
4 Bill to regulate counsellors A Bill to regulate counsellors will return to Parliament in November. Labour MP Geraint Davies presented a Bill calling for the statutory regulation of counsellors and psychotherapists for the second time in July. The Private Members Bill is supported by seven other MPs from across all parties, and seeks to bring counsellors and
psychotherapists under the regulation of the Health and Care Professionals Council. It also seeks a ban on gay to straight conversion therapy. Geraint Davies’ previous Bill ran out of time in the last parliamentary session. The new Bill will be debated in the House of Commons at its second reading on Friday 7 November.
Fear only a heartbeat away, say researchers Imagine what might be possible if you can turn fear on and off? In exploring how our bodies influence our emotions, Professor Hugo Critchley and Dr Sarah Garfinkel of Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS), a partnership between the universities of Brighton and Sussex, have discovered that the brain’s processing of threatening stimuli, and therefore how a person responds, is dependent on the timing of the heartbeat. If the person sees something just after the heartbeat, it is processed more effectively and increases the emotional impact. See the full report at http://tinyurl.com/lmra9xp
Depression and mood swings course A new course focussing on depression and mood swings starts at Brighton Therapy Centre weekly from September. The course will run weekly on Wednesdays from 12- 1.45pm. More details at www.brightontherapycentre.org.uk
We need a new treasurer Sussex Counselling (SCAP) treasurer Doug Ingram is stepping down after six years. Doug has done a sterling job for the organisation and now we need someone to fill his post. You don’t need huge financial experience, just good book keeping and Excel spreadsheet knowledge. Contact us at info@sussex-counselling.co.uk if you can take on the role. New committee member Lisa Martucci is setting up a SCAP group offering support for newly-qualified counsellors. Find out about this and other AGM news on page 10.
Free online course Psychology and Mental Health: Beyond Nature and Nurture is a free six week online course from the University of Liverpool starting on September 8. The course examines how a psychological understanding of our emotions and behaviour can give us new ways to improve mental health and well-being. The course is one of a large number offered by Future Learn, which uses university providers to offer free online learning. For more details visit www.futurelearn.com/ courses/mental-health-andwell-being
Managing anger A small group of Offington Counselling Service counsellors gathered for a three hour workshop entitled Managing Anger. OCS counsellor Denise, with the aid of Dian (Head of Training), led participants through a programme of strategies and techniques for managing this useful, but often frightening emotion. It is intended to run this very worthwhile workshop again, sometime in the future. Stay in touch at http://ocscounselling.org.uk/2014/05/ workshop-managing-anger/
NEWS & VIEWS Fears mark England football fiasco Sussex psychologist Will Thomas says there is nothing new about England’s failing to live up to their billing in getting knocked out at group stage in the recent World Cup. The Sussex PhD researcher has offered a psychological explanation as to why England so often underachieves and what could be done to fix it. He says the explanation that the team with the best players wins is simply not true. In comparison to some teams in the World Cup, England actually have a pretty decent crop of players. So what is going on? One explanation is that England players are terrified of failure. They feel isolated and anxious about what could go wrong, rather than a sense of cohesion and team spirit. This was typified when Roy Hodgson asked Stephen Gerrard to give the team talk after the defeat to Italy. When asked what the speech was on, Gerrard proudly recalled:
“Basically, to realise it could be a terrible, long, frustrating summer if we don’t get it right against Uruguay. There is no hiding place for a player when you go out of a tournament earlier than you expect.” Is it any surprise that England players look so stifled and fearful when they play? They are so terrified of the reaction from the media and fans that they are unable to enjoy their football, and play with the freedom so often seen by them in the Premier League, says Will. In stark contrast, Costa Rica coach, Jorge Luis Pinto, said: “We will play without fear. We face three world champions and we can take them all on. What we feel is joy and motivation.” To overcome this fear and build resilience the team needs to foster a strong sense of identity, where team members view themselves as part of the team, rather than a group of individuals.
Identification Research has demonstrated that a strong identification with a team or group increases both resilience and performance. Will’s research focuses on how to increase this identification, examining six key ingredients:Identity motives – that may encourage individuals to identify with a team: * Continuity * Distinctiveness * Meaning * Belonging * Efficacy * Self-esteem. Will says the research is just beginning to understand which of these six motives are the most influential in building a strong team identity. More at www.sussex.ac.uk/ newsandevents/?id=25284
Mindfulness for health course to include practical guidance Mindfulness for Health is an eight week course on Wednesdays starting on October 1. The course at The Wilbury Clinic in Hove runs from 10.15am - 12.15pm and will include practical guidance to relieve pain, reduce stress and restore wellbeing. Using simple methods, and meditation, it will teach participants to notice
actions, thoughts and feelings in the present moment. It aims to help you learn to notice your unhelpful patterns and how you tend to repeat them, leading to more pain and suffering. Mindfulness helps you see this and offers the choice to change these patterns and the potential new way forward.
“I am passionate about teaching these Mindfulnessbaed approaches to pain, illness and stress management,” says course leader Ratnadakini. More details at www.thewilburyclinic.co.uk/ wilbury/ Workshops_Courses.html See pages 18 and 20 for more on mindfulness.
6 Sex and porn addiction CPD Understanding and recognising sex addiction is the theme of a two day CPD course in Brighton on September 23 and November 25. Run by Paula Hall and Nick Turner, the course will look at essential assessment criteria, understanding the neuroscience of addiction, recognising the impact of attachment, trauma and social constructs and developing treatment strategies and referral options. The course will also focus on working with couples and sex addiction: the impact on couple relationships, establishing the couple’s therapeutic needs, knowing how to conduct a therapeutic disclosure and developing accountability and trust-building techniques. For more details and to book with a 10 per cent discount before August 31 email info@paulahall.co.uk
OCD pilot to be extended A new OCD Clinic being piloted in Health in Mind, the primary care adult mental health service in East Sussex, is proving such a success that a new clinic is due to open in Brighton and Hove in September. The OCD Clinic is a unique venture as it brings together clinical and research services. The clinic is funded through a collaboration between Health in Mind (a partnership between Turning Point and Sussex Partnership) and the Research and Development Department in Sussex Partnership. In its first four months the clinic has had over 100 referrals and three therapy groups are up and running. A number of people are also being supported to use self-help materials. In a new approach everyone attending the clinic is offered the opportunity to join the Research Network to develop more effective treatments. An example of a study that is currently recruiting in the OCD Clinic is BeMind, an evaluation of mindfulness-based behaviour therapy for OCD. The OCD Clinic is led by Clara Strauss and staffed by six CBT therapists. Read more at www.sussexpartnership.nhs.uk/services/ ocdclinic
Flexibility Mental Health Charity Mind has welcomed the extension to request flexible working to all employees. Up until now the right has only been available for carers or people who look after children. “This is great news for the British workforce as flexible working helps employees to manage their work-life balance which is good for their mental wellbeing,” said a spokeswoman.
Knock on effect The amount of antidepressants dispensed in the community between 1998 and 2012 rose by 25 million each year – from 15 million items in 1998, to 40 million in 2012. Almost half of that increase occurred in the four years between the 2008 financial crisis and 2012, says a new report by The Heatlh Foundation. Download the report at http://tinyurl.com/ngv5afe
Name change The New Road Consultancy in Brighton has changed its name and logo to New Road Psychotherapy Centre. The centre is now also offering low cost counselling. Details: www.newroadpsychotherapy .com
NEWS & VIEWS E-learning support Counselling MindEd, a project to develop e-learning to support counsellors working with children and young people, is publishing a series of eight scoping reports. The reports were commissioned to inform the development of the Counselling MindEd programme; and provide some of the most detailed reviews to date of counselling for children and young people. Each of the reports, carried out by a leading academic in the field, focuses on a particular area of CYP counselling or training. Find out more and see the reports at counsellingminded.com.
CBT with Heart? A seven day foundation training in CBT for counsellors and psychotherapists already trained within a non CBT modality will take place near Lewes starting October 17. The course is aimed at teaching relevant CBT skills in a way that respects the thinking and practice of other therapeutic orientations. The course runs over seven Fridays starting on October 17 with Dr Adrian Hemmings, a chartered psychologist and psychotherapist. For more information visit www.hemfipsych.com/ page8.htm
Depression and sick leave link Depression is one of the biggest causes of people going on sick leave. Both the human and economic costs of depression are terrible. A recent study analysing the findings of nine research studies already carried out in the area is very helpful. The authors conclude that: “There is good quality evidence that universally delivered workplace interventions can reduce the level of depression symptoms among workers. There is more evidence for the effectiveness of CBT-based programmes than other interventions.” Read more details at http://tinyurl.com/qyxn7l4
Power of play A seminar on the art and science of play takes place on Saturday 13 September. This creative workshop explores the positive power of play, humour and laughter at all stages in our lives but particularly the impact on the therapeutic relationship in support of good treatment outcomes. Play is considered on a broad continuum from interactive games, to stereotyped activity through to spontaneous, rough and tumble and verbal banter as in jokes, repartee, wit and humour. Details at www.brightontherapypartnership.org.uk
Spreading the word with the directory A copy of our paper directory is enclosed with this newsletter. If you have an entry, please use your copy as an advertising tool – take it to your GP surgery, family centre, clinic or wherever you feel appropriate to advertise your practice. Further copies are available from sheila.pope1@btinternet.com or SCAP at info@sussexcounselling.co.uk. SCAP committee member Sheila Pope is seeking three or four members throughout the county who would be willing to hold a stock of directories and act as a collection point for other members who need further copies. Contact Sheila on the email address above if you can help.
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Meet the SCAP chair Terry Woodhouse is a familiar face, looking to new and exciting changes Terry was elected chair of SCAP at the AGM in July but he is a familiar face, having been chair for three years from 2005 to 2008. A practicing therapist for 14 years as well as a trainer and supervisor, Terry has huge experience of the profession and has witnessed vast changes in the way it operates. “We live in changing, exciting and challenging times,” he says.
Terry says there is now more emphasis on registration. “It is important I think for the profession and us doing the work, because it is a recognition of us being seen as professionals.” He adds that an influx of new theories offers an exciting time for counsellors and therapists. “So many books are being written about different methods of working with
people. With many more counsellors available it will be challenging but if you believe you have the gift of insight and awareness treasure it.” Terry looks forward to a year ahead with a broad mix of SCAP events. “I am sure we will have a wide mix of seminars and training this year. We are not expensive but I believe we offer the best.”
SCAP marks the past and sets its sights on the future SCAP’s committee has worked hard over the A membership drive will be held this Autumn, last year to improve and build the service to working to boost numbers from training counsellors in Sussex. colleges. Thanks to Biddy Harling, membership has The past year has also seen the return of the increased. The organisation has a healthy bank paper directory, thanks to the hard work of account, outgoing treasurer Doug Ingram Sheila Pope, who was warmly thanked. reported, and, under the guiding hand of Improvements to the website continue and an Adrienne Hirschfeld, the website is improving. email information line has been set up, with The committee apologised for the unforseen queries to committee member Jo Moore, who circumstances which led to the newsletter not reports a steadily increasing number of being produced in May, but reported that a new enquiries. editor, Astrid Stubbs, has now been appointed. There has been an increase in income The last 12 months has seen SCAP host a (£11,968.31) over expenditure (£9533.02), range of affordable seminars, achieved once again by reducing including working with running costs with a lot of the Who’s who suicidal clients; the here and financial administration being now; trauma (see the report on SCAP officers were taken in-house. Subscriptions to page 10); and on mindfulness unanimously re-elected: Terry membership have increased. (see page 18). Woodhouse (Chair), Adrienne In addition newsletter These varied and wellHirschfeld (Deputy Chair), Jan advertising revenue increased, attended events have helped Irwin (Secretary), Pat Smale the AGM heard. Bank charges SCAP’s finances, and gained (Seminars) Biddy Harling were lower and print costs new members. Suggestions for (Membershjp), Jo Moore dropped. At present the balance forthcoming seminars include (General Member), Lisa of funds at April 1, 2014 stood the difference between EMDR Martucci, (New Counsellor at £16,375.20. and Clinical Hypnotherapy Support), Beverley Nolan, A full copy of the minutes and and another on using social General Committee. accounts is available to view at media. www.sussex-counselling.co.uk
AGM
Group to support new counsellors
Doug bows out
Newly-elected SCAP committee member Lisa Martucci is the driving force behind a new support group for counsellors who have completed their studies. Lisa, who has just finished the advanced Diploma in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at Northbrook College, Worthing, says the group will offer support for newlyqualified counsellors of all theoretical backgrounds, giving them the opportunity to meet and discuss the stage at which they find themselves, replacing the structured college group with peer support. This could include further study, as well as discussions around issues such as the pros and cons of employment versus self employment and ideas for gaining employment; building a CV and a portfolio for your website; reviewing initial placement options and making them work to gain the spread of work experience you need, she explains. Lisa has placements at Mid Sussex Counselling Centre in Hassocks, which has a psychodynamic supervision structure and offers general open ended contracts, as well as at Surrey Addictions Advisory Service (SADAS), which is integrative and time limited. “I am also involved in a positive placement mentoring scheme, which allows me to work alongside young people at the local YMCA,” she adds. Lisa says she is hoping existing SCAP members will be able to offer ongoing support to the group with issues such as information on website providers, insurance and accreditation. Get in touch with Lisa if you’d like to be involved with the group either as a member or a supporter. Email her at lisamartucci@btinternet.com or Tel: 07789 058603.
Doug Ingram has been SCAP treasurer for the past six years, witnessing a time of change and embracing new ideas and technology. “Committee meetings have been thought-provoking and fun,” he says. “Members have offered their homes for meetings and been welcoming. The workload has been varied and it’s interesting to maintain SCAP as a supportive organisation to its members.” Doug praised the voluntary efforts of colleagues committed to providing for counsellors in Sussex. “There are a lot of unsung heroes who give their time, skills and effort and I am amazed at their interest. It has been a good experience. For future committee members I wish you a fruitful experience that you will find worthwhile,” he adds.
Join Sussex Counselling If you’re reading this and are not yet a member why not sign up to Sussex Counselling? Membership includes a free printed copy of this newsletter delivered to your home four times a year, as well as great savings on a range of CPD events throughout the year. You’ll also have the chance to shape the course of local counselling at the annual AGM and other events when we set out out strategic plans for the year to come. We’ll keep you up to date with all the news, views, courses and online media support you need to keep you in touch between issues- through the print magazine and via Twitter, Facebook and our website. Keep posted and have your say on all that’s happening in the world of counselling and psychotherapy throughout Sussex. Membership costs £70 for full members with a web directory entry; £40 without a web entry and just £30 for student members. Join today at www.sussex-counselling.co.uk
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Treating the traumatised Biddy Harling reports on how to fix the past to ensure the future Treating Traumatised Clients – Do’s and Don’ts – Joanna Beazley Richards In this workshop Joanna gave an overview of how to treat traumatised clients. She began by defining trauma as involving fear for life, or physical/ mental integrity, and pointed out this is unique to the individual, when their ability to deal with the event is overwhelmed.
PTSD results from severe trauma and its symptoms include intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of stimuli associated with the traumatic event (“triggers”), and being in a constant state of alert. Untreated childhood trauma affects survivors throughout life and there may also be effects on development, problems with social attachments, and/or sexual responses, difficulty with concentration, or dissociation. Joanna used Berne’s analogy that a pile of pennies not stacked properly is unstable and needs to be taken down and reassembled;
psychotherapy aims to “fix the past in the present to ensure the future”. There are recognised stages of treatment and therapists need specialist trauma training to undertake it.
STAGE ONE First we need to understand something of the neurological/physiological effects of trauma. The older parts of the brain in evolutionary terms are the reptilian brain (or brainstem) and the old mammalian brain, surrounded by the neocortex the primate/or human brain. Within the old brain are various structures forming the limbic system, which react to any perceived threat or danger, causing a state of high arousal. We need this increased energy to deal with emergency, and there will be an instant decision on how to respond to threat - fight, flight or freeze – at an instinctive rather than conscious level. This is a survival mechanism – there is no time to think through options – “stop and think and you’re lunch!” Joanna explained that the area called the amygdala
Don’t get clients to tell their past experiences immediately, try to stop them doing so until you have established a sense of safety
mediates emotions and releases chemicals to stimulate adrenalin production.
If traumatic memories from the past are triggered you need to bring them back into the present and into the room These stress hormones suppress neocortex functioning so thinking processes are cut off in a high arousal state, and we are emotional not rational. In this state the client is unable to think about or process traumatic memories, and may be retraumatised. The therapist needs to help the client to find a ‘window of tolerance’ within which they can work, where memories arouse a medium level of stress without causing hyperarousal. If traumatic memories from the past are triggered you need to bring them back into the present and into the room, into awareness of their physical surroundings now. For example you could get them to feel their feet on the ground, to walk round the room, to count the number of blue things in the room, count their breathing, go to a safe place in the mind. Joanna emphasised that it is important to build trust
SCAP SEMINAR
In the final stage of resolution and integration, therapy involves helping the client to achieve a sense of resolution about what has happened between client and therapist, and imperative in stage one of trauma counselling to spend as much time as necessary establishing safety and empowerment, until the client can talk about their experiences without falling apart or dissociating. You may negotiate how the client wishes to sit, lighting in the room, distance between you, so as to give the client a sense of empowerment. They need to be able to regulate emotional arousal and return to present awareness, staying within the ‘window of tolerance’. Only when this has been achieved is it safe to proceed to stage two of reporting and retelling.
STAGE TWO The client may be asked to recount their traumatic experience, having set up a special method - called the running technique - which ensures an escape route if they start to re-experience the trauma. The client is at first listened to while they recount as much as they can recall, then asked to repeat until it loses its emotional charge.
STAGE THREE This involves mourning and grieving, looking at the effects of trauma and facilitating them to process the loss of their lives before the event.
STAGE FOUR In the final stage of resolution and integration, therapy involves helping the client to achieve a sense of resolution about what has happened to them, and integrate it into their current lives, reconnecting with the present. Joanna’s vivid presentation used humour and practical illustrations to engage our interest, enabling us to grasp the main concepts, so all those present enjoyed her talk and felt more confident at how to approach this difficult area of therapy. Biddy Harling is an integrative counsellor working in Plumpton Green and Haywards Heath See our Diary Section on page 22 for details of the next course. See our Review section on page 24 for details of a new publication on treating trauma survivors.
Trauma Workshop The 'UnBelonging' Relational Perspectives on Trans-Generational Trauma is a conference organised by Chichester Counselling on September 20. The workshop is presented by Maya Jacobs-Wallfisch and Dr. Helena Hargaden with a presentation of two papers in which they will explore the implications and impact of trans-generational trauma, which is frequently 'inherited' unconsciously. For many, intergenerational trauma remains unconscious and therefore unmetabolised until it begins to emerge and impact in personal life, and in turn the therapy relationship through countertransferential responses, enactments and use of language. The workshop also aims to provide an experiential, reflective and open space in which to raise awareness of our cultural and transgenerational selves and to explore how the personal is implicated in the professional. Clinical implications will be discussed with reference to the ‘domains of transference’ (Hargaden and Sills, 2002). The conference takes place at Friends Meeting House, Chichester from 10am-4pm. Further details at www.ccscounselling.org.uk/ workshopsdayconf.html
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The Institute is receiving more and more referrals for Animal Assisted Therapy, and greater interest in its programme of workshops on the topic which take place at its organic, therapeutic farm just a few minutes from the centre of Crowborough. To gain the Wealden Institute Introductory Certificate in Animal Assisted Therapy, participants must attend five workshops at the Institute. These can be attended in any order, because they address different concepts each time, and are all designed for all levels and can lead to a Diploma. The institute also runs a research programme, and the analysis of results is showing a significant positive relationship between time spent with animals and a positive emotional experience.
Wealden College of Counselling and Psychotherapy is a department of Wealden Psychology Institute, established in East Sussex in 1986. The institute has been training counsellors and psychotherapists since the 80s, and had the first BACP Accredited Diploma in Counselling in the area, accredited in 1993. The course has remained very popular since then; running on a one day a week basis for two years. The college set up its internationally-recognised Transactional Analysis Psychotherapy training in 1990, and is proud to continue to have a good intake on its TA Foundation course, which runs at weekends and also on Mondays, as well as its TA Advanced training leading to UKCP Psychotherapist registration. The Wealden College Certificate in Counselling skills continues to be very popular, with a good intake again this year for the block weekends course, as well as the Tuesday evenings one. It is the course that many people take to see if training as a counsellor or psychotherapist is really for them. Most go on to professional training from this course. The college is also offering a number of Introductory Certificates, for example: Working with Children and The institute has Adolescents, Working with Families, Working with been training Couples, Trauma Therapy, counsellors and Mindfulness and Stress psychotherapists Reduction (an evening class), Working with LGBT clients, since the 80s Forensic Therapy, Coaching, CBT, and Animal Assisted Therapy (see box right). It also offers the long-established Wealden College Diploma in Supervision. The college’s training in Trauma Therapy is another expanding programme, with the Introductory Certificate consisting of five workshops, followed by Diploma-level training for those who wish to become specialist trauma therapists. The Wealden Institute Short Course Programme continues to thrive, offering one and two day workshops on a variety of topics.
* See our Diary section for next workshop dates.
Wealden Institute International Seminar TA, Faiths and Beyond Saturday & Sunday 4th & 5th October 2014 Find out more www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk
SCAP SEMINAR
Sensory processing sensitivity Facts, myths and mysteries at the next SCAP seminar being misunderstood or This workshop will refer to misinterpreted by important the renowned work of Dr. professionals or family Elaine N Aron and trainer members, leading to failure to Barbara Allen Williams’ reach potential or even failure extensive experience in SPS. to thrive. The seminar will explore, At this workshop you will through information and find out what SPS is and what discussion, how we identify it is not and why it really and work with sensitive matters that highly sensitive people, plus common myths, children are understood and misdiagnoses and how to identify and support highly sensitive assumptions. At least 15 per cent of Barbara Allen any population are born adults and Williams is the with the trait of sensory children. We will explore founder of processing sensitivity, ways in which you Growing being highly sensitive could improve Unlimited your practice. Therapeutic Above all else, Consultancy 2002. you will come away with According to Dr Elaine knowledge and inspiration, Aron, at least 15% of any knowing you really can make population are born with the a difference to the wellbeing, trait of sensory processing education and support of sensitivity, being highly highly sensitive adults or sensitive. children who have so much Talking to highly sensitive potential. adults, they often point to
Why not join us and gain from low-cost CPD?
Partners is a group of practising counsellors who meet in Storrington one Thursday evening a month to discuss relevant books. We offer each other support and keep abreast of developments within the world of counselling.
Contact: claire@csec.fsnet.co.uk
Sensory Processing Sensitivity: Facts, Myths and Mysteries Barbara Allen Williams DATE: Saturday 30 August 2014, 10 am - 1 pm. VENUE: Community Base, Queens Road, Brighton. COST: SCAP members £20, non-members £25. Refreshments. CPD certificates provided. To book contact Pat Smale: seminars@sussexcounselling.co.uk Tel: 01273 844315. Book online at www.sussexcounselling.co.uk.
Working with Autistic Spectrum Conditions A training day is being held on 27 September at Brighton Therapy Centre for counsellors and psychotherapists who want to develop their knowledge and understanding of Autism Spectrum Conditions, including Aspergers Syndrome. Details: www.brightontherapycentre. org,uk
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Technology in practice Harnessing the power of the internet can support your practice Massive changes in information technology has allowed counsellors to engage with a raft of websites, apps and other software to publicise and enhance their practice. The array of information can seem bewildering which is why we have drawn together a list of some available, which may be of interest to you and/ or your clients. The list is by no means exhaustive and changes are constant, so do let us know if you have tried any of the technologies and your experiences or if there are any that you would recommend. We’ll keep you posted in future issues. Insight Notes is an iPad app designed for simple, secure, and fast note taking. It offers record keeping and notes for therapists, evaluators, and other service professionals And it offers seamless backup and encrypted notes exporting. www.insightnotes.com Safenotes.me.uk offers an encrypted online client record system for counsellors, psychotherapists and all those offering confidential psychological services. It works on any platform eg Windows, Mac, tablets etc. It offers a free 14 day trial.
The Private Practice Hub is a site dedicated to therapists and their needs. As well as lots of other resources it contains a page devoted to private practice management software. www.privatepracticehub.co. uk/review.php? ref=1#sthash. 7NSErELC.dpufwww.privat epracticehub.co.uk/ review.php?ref=1 Siario allows clients to work on CBT exercises between therapy sessions using their mobile device or PC. www.siario.com Right Here works with Innovation Labs to provide apps and sites for young people’s mental health: www.innovationlabs.org.uk/ the-seven-apps-websites.
The NHS’ apps library. offers free or cheap apps available on Apple and Android devices. http:// apps.nhs.uk/apps/ mental_health/?paged=all. Previdence is an Apple tool that allows people to assess themselves or others for depression, anxiety, drug & suicidal issues and to monitor progress https://itunes.apple.com/gb/ app/previdence/ id506167832?mt=8 Mental Health Advice is an android app developed to provide you with helpful suggestions in dealing with a variety of psychological challenges and symptoms. https://play.google.com/ store/apps/details? id=com.mlsdev.mentalhealt happ Toxic Thinking is an android app which offers simple way to improve mental health and recognise people at risk of developing mental health problems. https:// play.google.com/store/apps/ details? id=com.mhatexas.askabouts uicide&hl=en_GB id=info.toxicthinking.androi d Personal Zen is a game based on a cognitive approach to treating anxiety known as attention-bias modification training (ABMT). https:// itunes.apple.com/us/app/ personal-zen/id689013447
TECHNOLOGY
Breathe2Relax is a portable stress management tool which provides detailed information on the effects of stress on the body and instructions and practice exercises to help users learn stress management skills. https://itunes.apple.com/ gb/app/breathe2relax/ id425720246?mt=8&ignmpt=uo%3D4 Panic is an Apple app which provides videos describing what happens in your body when you feel nervous and anxious, and what you can do to change this. https:// itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ panic-attacks-learn-howto/id520496221?mt=8&ignmpt=uo%3D4. IReminisce is a journal/ diary app designed to keep you focussed on your thoughts and preserve your memories.https:// itunes.apple.com/us/app/ ireminisce/id475179427? mt=12 Moodlytics is a graphical mood tracker app, which allows users to log, track and analyse moods. It helps raise awareness of how different moods are related to different people and circumstances, helping set goals for happiness. https:// itunes.apple.com/gb/app/ moodlytics-pro-smartmood/id589403111? mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4 Headspace is a meditation app for use on your mobile and tablet. Listen on the go
and download sessions to use offline. www.headspace.com Emotion Sense is an Android app that lets you explore how moods relate to the data that smartphones can invisibly capture throughout the day. https:// play.google.com/store/apps/ details? id=com.ubhave.emotionsen se Taylor and Francis Online offers free access to a collection of 85 articles from counselling, therapy, addiction, aging, and its mental health journals’ portfolio. Click on each article title to view and download the full text. http:// explore.tandfonline.com/ content/beh/counse Big White Wall can help those feeling low or stressed www.bigwhitewall.com Facebook is a great way to give your practice a free profile and share details of what is happening locally. Find Sussex Counselling at www.facebook.com/ SussexCounsellingAndPsyc hotherapy Twitter.com is a must for the small business. It’s free, quick and easy to keep in touch and build up a contact list. Linkedin is also a usefiul way to connect, find and be found. https:// www.linkedin.com
Twitter talk Matt Fox @foxtherapy Infographic on the impact of #anxiety - helpful explanation of the physiology of feeling anxious http://ow.ly/zXNMG #counselling... Sonia Dixon @SoniaCounsellor THT Brighton - looking for qualified, male counsellor to join their team of volunteer counsellors. VC Brighton and Hove @volunteeringBH BACP qualified volunteer counsellors wanted by Age UK Brighton and Hove Place2Be _@Place2Be Over half of our Volunteer Counsellors move in to paid work for us! Volunteer now! http://ow.ly/zuNNA boing boing @bb_resilience Would you like to meet others interested in building #resilience? Join our Resilience Forum mailing list info@boingboing.org.uk @mark_head #sussexhour West Sussex Safeguarding Children Board launches a new safeguarding website for parents & professionals. buff.ly/ VKceiA Follow Sussex Counselling on Twitter @SussexCAP
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TECHNOLOGY
Embracing the digital world Shelley Holland says her practice has gained from technology I definitely have technojoy! I don’t always understand what I’m doing but I do love the way that technology has helped me to improve my working life. I have two businesses – my private practice (Counselling 4 Brighton) and my CPD & training business (Brighton Therapy Partnership). I couldn’t run either successfully without a website. My BTP website was launched in April this year and includes an event management system which allows bookings to be taken online (even if the delegate wants to pay offline, by cheque or bank transfer). This function has revolutionised my life – it now takes a fraction of the time to process each booking.
I use Google Adwords to promote both websites and have had some good results with these. I also use Mailchimp to manage mailing lists and advertising campaigns. Keeping up with online
We have been slow to embrace digital technology and there may be some therapeutic reasons for this; it can be very anti-relationship for example technology does take time and effort. Google seem to continually change their search criteria which means that anyone with a website has to work quite hard to
make sure that Google likes it enough to place it on the first page of a search. As a profession counselling and psychotherapy seem to be still quite ‘old school’; most of us are so-called ‘digital immigrants’, having had to learn to use computers as adults. We have been slow to embrace digital technology and there may be some therapeutic reasons for this; it can be very anti-relationship for example. I do believe that as the profession becomes increasingly populated by younger therapists (and clients!) who are ‘digital natives’ (brought up with digital technology) that more and more we will need to embrace and adapt to different technological forms.
How to advertise your practice for free If you need a website to advertise your practice but are daunted by the prospect of setting one up without great cost, help is at hand with free web building services. Wordpress.com is a powerful tool, which allows you to build a site – all you need is access to the internet. There are numerous free templates to choose from as well as lots of support videos to help you build your site. Weebly.com is a bright and breezy free web builder, which is probably even easier to use than Wordpress and also has lots of templates – many of them free – for your site. It also has lots of videos and walkthroughs to get you going. Again, all you need is internet access. Mailchimp.com is very user-friendly and lets you send out free newsletters and other campaigns to up to 2,000 clients with lots of templates to choose from. No software, just internet access required. Lots of help too in the form of videos and other support tools.
TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS
New transaction Sheila Pope is stimulated and stretched at her first TA conference Despite being a member of a number of organisations since qualifying over 10 years ago, I have never been to a large national event, so I booked for the UK Association for Transactional Analysis annual conference and AGM with enthusiasm but also trepidation. Those who had not been to a conference before or who were attending the event on their own could connect with other members in a similar position in a group organised through a Facebook page; however, I was with three fellow students from the Link Centre (where we are in the first clinical year of training towards a Diploma). I was plunged into the conference experience immediately as I was just in time for my first workshop, run by Robin Hobbes; drawing on Heidegger's work. We were looking at what it means to be a human being, living life knowing that it will end. I was fascinated by Robin's exploration of what it means to "be", what is the being that is and the essence of beingness, although it was quite a lot to take on board, however, I shall follow up some of the suggested reading about existential phenomenology. My next workshop was also about how to live with the knowledge of death, but Frances Townsend took a
rather different approach to Robin Hobbes. Discussions with fellow participants, looking at Yalom's Human Givens and games with string (representing the length of our lives) made this workshop my favourite of the whole weekend, very interesting and full of ideas (which I hope to pinch for my own purposes...) Lunch was followed by a
We were looking at what it means to be a human being, living life knowing that it will end workshop led by Jim Davis which raised the question "What is an individual?" I was particularly impacted by an amazing exercise we performed in pairs, testing our responses to being in relationship with another. There were other, more practical workshops available and my colleagues attended ones on bullying in the workplace and on contracting. Others included looking at DSM-5, using creative experiences in therapy, an introduction to psychosexual issues and running a therapeutic group. I found the whole conference experience quite intense, verging on the
overwhelming: there was so much to do, so many great workshops and speakers on offer to choose four was extremely hard. My final workshop session on Sunday morning was with Marion Umney and we explored our shadow selves, taking a Jungian view of unconscious aspects of our personalities and owning our murderous rage. The final session of the conference was lead by Julie Hay, with delegates exhorted to take learning away and implement it within a set timescale. Although my practice will certainly be impacted by some of the activities and discussions, I think the learning for me was primarily personal and experiential: I enjoyed being among likeminded people, having my mind stimulated and stretched and seeing how TA can be applied across so many fields of activity (in education, organisational settings, psychotherapy and counselling). I would recommend similar events - it won't be another ten years before I go to another conference! Sheila Pope, is an integrative counsellor working in private practice in Mid Sussex.
SCAP SEMINAR
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Hearts and minds Mindfulness was the focus of a timely SCAP seminar, reports Jan Irwin Mindfulness, the Brain and Therapy Mark Head The seminar was an interesting mix of experiential exercises, talks, and questions and answers. After an initial opportunity for each of us to describe what we knew of mindfulness, and what we were hoping for from the seminar, Mark took the group through a ‘body scan’ – a guided exercise, with Mark suggesting a slow process of focussing on every part of our body, while noticing without judgement where our thoughts went. Some of us found we varied between staying with the exercise, and moving our attention outside to external noises from the traffic or the parade band that was passing, and again into the room and back inside ourselves. Mark described the work of Jon Kabat-Zinn, who found that meditation techniques helped patients with chronic pain who had not experienced relief from other sources. He developed these techniques into mindfulness. Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as ‘paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” The group noted the similarity between
this, and our work as therapists. Mark showed us a diagram of the brain, and summarised what is now known about the ‘tri-brain’ and the functions of the different parts. He described our human ‘stress response’ in which all parts of the brain come sequentially into play, releasing the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This puts us into a state of high arousal. If we
Developing a mindful awareness can be especially helpful for clients overwhelmed by the waterfall of direct experience or memory are unable to calm ourselves, the hormones can be reactivated and we become locked in a self-reinforcing loop of anxiety and stress. Our stress reaction can be triggered by our own negative thinking, not just by external threat. It takes the body 3-5 minutes to re-absorb cortisol, so a mindfulness exercise called the ‘three minute breathing space’ can be useful. This involves spending a minute on each of the following: Acknowledging: observing what is going on for you.
Gathering: bringing your attention to a different focus e.g. your breath or your feet. Expanding: enlarging your awareness outwards from the breath, to the surrounding environment. The purpose of this exercise is to bring the pre-frontal cortex, the more cognitive part of the brain, into line with the rest of the brain, so that you can think rationally about the situation. Mark described the growing scientific evidence that mindfulness impacts the physical brain. The implication is that the physical interrelates with the psychological. Developing a mindful awareness can be especially helpful for clients overwhelmed by the waterfall of direct experience or memory. Mark proved a calm and undefensive seminar leader, open to questions and welcoming others’ insights. Mark Head, is a director of the Link Centre, Newick, and a qualified psychotherapist and MCBT trainer. Jan Irwin is an integrative counsellor and supervisor practicing in Horsham
Wealden Psychology Institute Established in Crowborough, East Sussex since 1986
www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk For over 25 years Wealden Institute has been a centre of excellence for specialized and advanced learning for counsellors, psychotherapist and supervisors, offering courses accredited by the BACP and recognized by the UKCP and EATA. The Institute has many years’ experience in providing the highest levels of practice through our Trauma Clinic, Supervision Service, Forensic Psychology Division and Animal Facilitated Therapy at our organic farm in High Hurstwood. We offer popular and acclaimed training in each of these fields through the highly respected Wealden College of Counselling and Psychotherapy. ! ! ! ! ! ! Counselling and Psychotherapy for children and adults, individuals and couples At a range of prices to suit all needs. Wealden Trauma Clinic Our clinic offers TA, EMDR, Mindfulness and Animal Facilitated Therapy for child and adult survivors of abuse, violence and trauma. Supervision of Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Supervisors Face to face or by Skype, for trainees and qualified practitioners. Foundation Certificate in Transactional Analysis Counselling & Psychotherapy. Ten weekend modules or 20 fortnightly Monday modules. Advanced Transactional Analysis Counselling & Psychotherapy (leading to UKCP registration). Ten weekend modules per year over three years. Diploma in Counselling 40 days per year for two years – BACP Accredited course Fully recognised EMDR training For accredited Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychologists.
We have a full programme of one and two day short courses and workshops – see our web site for details. If you would like to get further information or arrange to come in for a chat, please contact the head office in Crowborough. You will receive a warm welcome. ! ! ! ! ! ! Wealden Psychology Institute, 2 Quarry View, Whitehill Road, Crowborough, TN6 1JT
www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk Email: info@wealdeninstitute.co.uk Telephone: 01892 655 195
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The key to satisfaction Charles Baines on a practice which teaches appreciation of life Being in the moment is possibly the main key to appreciating life and feeling satisfied, and yet most human beings spend most of their lives either thinking about the future or reflecting on the past. Our active minds find it very hard to stay in the present moment and we are distracted by the ‘voice in our heads’ that talks to us from the moment we wake up to the moment we fall asleep.
immediacy to focus on the now by encouraging the client to focus on how they are feeling and to look at what is going on in the relationship between the client and the counsellor. Irvin Yalom illustrates very well his own use of working in the here and how this immediacy brings benefits to counselling relationships (‘The Gift of Therapy’ 2003).
Humanistic counselling
is a practice which has taken on a life of its own recently often combining it with other therapies such as Mindfulness CBT. Mindlefulness courses are everywhere and are recognised by the NHS as a treatment for depression. It is even provided to MPs in the House of Commons and marines in the USA.
has a central belief in the importance of being in the present. One of the hallmarks of Carl Roger’s PersonCentred Therapy is not living in the past or the future. He placed emphasis on the person's current perception and how we live in the hereand-now. "To open one's spirit to what is going on now.’ (Rogers ‘On Becoming a Person’ 1961).
Gestalt therapy works mainly on the hereand-now, building the client’s self awareness about their own sensations, perceptions, emotions, thoughts, behaviour and bodily sensations in the present moment. The goal of Gestalt therapy is to move into owning our experience and developing into a healthy gestalt (whole). Many counsellors of different modalities use the skill of
Mindfulness
Mindlefulness is inherited from the Buddhist tradition, and is now used in counselling and therapy to alleviate a wide range of mental conditions, including OCD, anxiety and depression. One of its goal is to bring us back to the present moment by making us conscious of our breathing, body sensation and thoughts, In addition, one goal of Mindlefulness is to accept whatever you’re experiencing now, to train us to be with negative experiences as well as positive ones, and not always seeks to escape the negative thoughts and feelings. Eckhart Tolle’s book The Power of Now (1997) tells us of the importance of being in the moment. Tolle says dwelling on our misfortunes in
Mindfulness in practice In my private practice, I sometimes start a session with a three-minute mindlefulness activity so my client gets present to how they’re feeling and what they’re thinking before the body of the session. It also introduces them to the concept of mindlefulness and being in the now, letting experiences unfold and not judging them. It seems to me that half the battle of therapy is when our clients can accept where they are now, and accepting the negative thoughts and feelings. On another level, there may be no tomorrow. Who knows what might happen to us? So the question is: are we ready to live now, appreciating the magic of being alive and fully experiencing the world around us?
MINDFULNESS
the past or future causes us suffering, pain and depression. It prevents us from appreciating the present moment, from appreciating nature, from appreciating the people around us and being alive. The book describes methods of relaxation and meditation which can bring is back to the present. Tolle suggests avoiding multi tasking, spending time in nature and letting go of worries about the future. He
When we’re experiencing difficult thoughts and feelings, the first reaction is to get away and find some escape believes when you become aware that you’re not present, that will bring you back to the now. When people’s lives are cut short by illness it can have a dramatic effect on their relationship to life. There are cases of people who have terminal cancer that their experience of life intensifies and becomes more enjoyable for a period because their future disappears and their experience of life becomes focused on the present. Not being in the moment has implications in all areas of people’s lives. For example, people who play sport can lose matches or
competitions because their focus strays from the now for a few seconds. As counsellors in our therapeutic sessions, we start thinking about our next intervention or reflecting on something our client said. We might even stop listening to our client for a brief moment while we’re processing our own thoughts. Parents’ relationships with their children deteriorate because they don’t listen to the children and their minds are elsewhere. It’s easy to understand about the importance of being in the now, but putting it into practice is another matter. It takes constant practice to be in the now, noticing when our minds stray and bringing us back to the now. Personally, I have my built my own awareness about when I am not in the moment, and am constantly having to bring myself back to the now. It takes a conscious decision to leave my personal thoughts and really focus one hundred percent on what my client is saying.
Charles Baines is an integrative counsellor working in private practice in Brighton, He also teaches introduction courses to counselling at Varndean College.
More training Counselling Plus, the new name for Hastings and Rother Counselling Service is running a Mindfulness for Therapists course on September 13. Helen Carter is a qualified humanistic therapist, who offers therapeutic counselling and life coaching as well as holding weekly classes and weekend workshops on mindfulness. This training will help therapists understand the benefits of meditation: both as a method for self-care and as a way to deepen relational connection with the client. Aims of the course: * To understand what mindfulness is, and how meditation enhances it * To present the benefits of meditation on psychoemotional well-being * To introduce the latest research in neuroscience as to how meditation alters brain structure and function * To demonstrate how meditation can enhance the therapeutic work through heightened presence and ultimately relational depth * To provide practical ways in which meditation can be used before, during, and between sessions. More details at www.counsellingplus.org/ cp-event/mindfulness-fortherapists/
22 SATURDAY 30 August Sensory Processing Sensitivity: Myths and Mysteries. SCAP Seminar. Community Base, Brighton. For details see page 13. MONDAY 1 September Dharma, Dialogue and Meditation. Eight week course.6-8pm.New Road Consultancy, Brighton. http:// newroad.eventalpha.com/ beyond-coping--wedsep-2014 FRIDAY 5 September Still Mind-Open Heart. Six week course.10am-1pm.New Road Consultancy, Brighton. http:// newroad.eventalpha.com/ still-mind---open-heart--satsep2014 SATURDAY 6 September The Erotic Transference and Countertransference. 10am-4.30pm. Brighton. www.brightontherapypartners hip.org.uk/?event=the-erotictransference-andcountertransference SATURDAY 13 September Mindfulness for Therapists. Hastings. www.counsellingplus.org/cpevent/mindfulness-fortherapists/ WEDNESDAY 17 September Ecotherapy - Health, Wellbeing and Resilience. University of Brighton.
1.30-3pm. Free. Details www.boingboing.org.uk/ index.php/resilience-forum
www.brightontherapycentre.o rg.uk/training/practitionersreading-group/
SATURDAY 20 September The ‘Unbelonging’ Relational Perspectives on Transgenerational Trauma. 10am-4pm Friends Meeting House, Chichester. www.ccscounselling.org.uk/ workshopsdayconf.html
SATURDAY 27 September Working with Autistic Spectrum Conditions including Asbergers Syndrome. 10am-4pm. Brighton Therapy Centre. www.brightontherapycentre.o rg.uk/training/specialistexperiential-workshops-fortherapists/
TUESDAY 23 September The Science of the Art of Psychotherapy 9am-5pm. Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton. www.emotionaldevelopment. co.uk/events/current-events FRIDAY 26 September Animal Assisted Therapy . Wealden Institute Farm, Crowborough. Download the CPD and short course prograamme at www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk/ Wealden_College/ index.xalter FRIDAY 26 September Reading Group for Practitioners: Parallel Process in Clinical Supervision Glitches and Pertubations. 3-5pm.www.brightontherapy centre.org.uk/training/ practitioners-reading-group/ FRIDAY 26 September CBT and Psychodynamic Approaches. Reading Group. 3-5pm. Brighton Therapy Centre.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY 26/27 September Therapy Marathon. The Link Centre, Brighton. www.thelinkcentre.co.uk/ cpd-workshops.html MONDAY 29 September Trauma and Recovery One day foundation for the Introductory Certificate in Trauma Therapy. www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk WEDNESDAY 1 October Mindfulness for health. Living well with pain, illness, stress. Eight week course. 10.15am-12.15pm. The Wilbury Clinic, Hove. www.thewilburyclinic.co.uk/ wilbury/ Workshops_Courses.html SATURDAY 4 October Setting up Private Practice. Hastings. www.counsellingplus.org/cpevent/setting-up-privatepractice/
DIARY SATURDAY 4 October To Engage in Therapy is to Risk Falling in Love. Community Base, 113 Queens Road, Brighton. 10am-4pm. http://brightonbapca.co.uk/ Workshops--2014 SATURDAY/SUNDAY 4/5 October TA Faiths and Beyond. International Seminar. Wealden Institute, Crowborough. www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk/ Seminars/faiths-andbeyond.xalter MONDAY 6 October Engaging with the networks around the young person. 5.30-7.30m. Jurys Inn, Brighton.www.emotionaldeve lopment.co.uk/events/eventsarchive? task=view_event&event_id=4 8 TUESDAY 7 October . Sandplay. Using sandplay to access and work with the child ego state. www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk FRIDAY 10 October Mindfulness based stress reduction. 6-8pm. Eight week course. Wealden Institute. www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk/ Seminars/faiths-andbeyond.xalter SATURDAY 11 October Headless Day with Richard Lang. Seeing who you really are. 10.30am-4.30pm The Wilbury Clinic, Hove.
www.thewilburyclinic.co.uk/ wilbury/ Workshops_Courses.html SATURDAY 11 October Focusing-oriented therapy:Attending to bodily awareness moment to moment 10.am-5pm Brighton Counselling Training Centre, Hove. http://bctrainingcentre.com/? p=courses SATURDAY/SUNDAY 11/12 October The Beginning of Couple Relationship www. 360bcounsellingservice.co.uk /Training.html SATURDAY 18 October Assessment of Clients for Counselling. 9.15am-5pm Chichester. And on 22 November. www.ccs-counselling.org.uk/ workshopsdayconf.html SATURDAY 18 October Wellbeing for physical symptoms: promoting the body/mind relationship. 10am-5pm Hove. http:// bctrainingcentre.com/? p=course&c=44 FRIDAY 24 October Introduction to Resilience Hastings. www.boingboing.org.uk/ index.php/training/resilienceconference/10-static-content/ static-pages/160-1dayworkshop-oct14
SATURDAY 1 November Working with Teenagers. Eastbourne. www.counsellingplus.org/cpevent/working-with-teenager/ SATURDAY/SUNDAY 8/9 November The Middle of the Couple Relationship www. 360bcounsellingservice.co.uk /Training.html TUESDAY 25 November Sexual relationships. What can go wrong. www.wealdeninstitute.co.uk FRIDAY 5 December Accreditation workshop offering support and information to those looking for help and guidance regarding BACP accreditation.Brighton www.thewilburyclinic.co.uk/ wilbury/ Workshops_Courses.html SATURDAY 6 December Exploration - Understanding Action. A structure for counsellors. Hastings. www.counsellingplus.org/cpevent/informationexploration-action/
Contact us at newsletter@sussexcounselling.co.uk with details of your forthcoming events for the Diary
24
Trauma talk
Hearts and minds
Treating the Trauma Survivor An Essential Guide to TraumaInformed Care – Carrie Clark, Catherine Classen Anne Fourt, Maithili Shetty
Mindfulness for Therapists: Practice for the Heart – Eric McCollum
A practical guide to assist mental health, health care, and social service providers in providing trauma-informed care. This resource provides essential information in order to understand the impacts of trauma by summarizing key literature in an easily accessible and user-friendly format. Providers will be able to identify common pitfalls and avoid re- traumatizing survivors during interactions. Based on the authors’ extensive experience and interactions with trauma survivors, the book provides a trauma-informed framework and offers practical tools to enhance collaboration with survivors and promote a safer helping environment. Mental health providers in health care, community, and addictions settings will find the framework and the practical suggestions in this book informative and useful.
This book encourages therapists to embrace mindfulness practice to create presence and depth in their work with clients. Mindfulness helps therapists cultivate compassion, relieve stress, and weather the often emotionally difficult work of providing therapy. In addition, the therapist's own meditation practice is a necessary foundation for teaching mindfulness to clients. Through a variety of exercises and stories from his own clinical experience, McCollum helps therapists understand the usefulness of mindfulness, and develop their own practice.
PREVIEW Do you know what normal looks like? What the **** is Normal?! is the title of Francesca Martinez’ book – a funny, moving celebration and exploration of learning to be happy with who you are. Martinez speaks about normality and her book at an evening at the Ropetackle in Shoreham on Wednesday September 24. She looks at why, whatever body you’re born into, the pressure to be ‘normal’ is everywhere. But, she ask, have you ever met a normal person? What do they look like? Where do they live? What do they eat for breakfast? And what the **** does normal mean anyway? Neither an autobiography nor a self-help book, it’s a powerful and political call-to-arms that rails against the relentless media bombardment of what is culturally perceived as ‘normal’. Martinez has equipped herself with the tools to stick two shaky fingers up to society’s unrealistic and damaging expectations, and with this book, she hopes to help more people do the same. Tickets, price £8, are available from The Ropetackle at http://ropetacklecentre.co.uk/event/shorehamwordfest-2014-what-the-is-normal/ or from City Books in Brighton. Tel 01273 725306 www.city-books.co.uk
REVIEWS
Tree of life
The children in charge
Far From The Tree: Parents, Children and the Search for Identity – Andrew Solomon
Wounded Leaders (British Elitism & The Entitlement Illusion) – Nick Duffell
The saying goes that the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. But what happens when it does? Drawing on interviews with over 300 families, including those whose children have deafness, Down's Syndrome, Autism, Schizophrenia, disability, prodigies, children born of rape, children convicted of crime and transgender people, Andrew Solomon documents ordinary people making courageous choices. Difference is potentially isolating, but Far from the Tree celebrates repeated triumphs of human love and compassion to show that the shared experience of difference is what unites us. The backdrop to the book is Solomon’s own experience as a child, who was miserable about being gay and as an adult who has found joy with his husband and children. Email newsletter@sussexcounselling.co.uk if you would like to review any books for us or suggest books to review
The timely follow-up to Duffell’s first book The Making Of Them: The British Attitude to Children and the Boarding School System sets out compelling evidence that intellectually and emotionally challenges the abilities of the current (wounded) political leadership in the UK. In 2010 the US elected it’s first Black President and Middle Eastern countries were rising up against dictatorships, yet the UK chose the traditional, familiar and old-fashioned elite, claims Duffell. He argues that at a time when we need collaborative, communally-minded decision-makers, we are being led predominantly by men who were sent away to school to grow up in a competitive environment where healthy attachments and the possibilities of experiencing familial love, touch and compassion were sacrificed. Twenty years’ of neuroscience research shows that growing up in these type of institutions impedes children’s ability later in life to make healthy, holistic decisions when they engage in the working world and in personal relationships with friends and lovers. The book, launched at a workshop during the Brighton Festival at the Dialogue Centre, is a psychohistory full of well-argued links to our imperial past, psychological insight, examples from world politics, literary references and anecdotes from Duffell’s 25 year career in psychotherapy. One of the most striking metaphors he employs is of DH Lawrence’s character, Sir Clifford Chatterley, as a member of an upper-class ruling elite who is paralysed both externally and internally – utterly incapable of giving and receiving love or of achieving any authentic intimacy in relationships. This book presents the argument for greater cultural, social and political understanding in the UK while making the therapeutic offer that ‘the boys in the men who run things’ may finally be allowed to come home again. Further information: www.boardingschoolsurvivors.co.uk Gordon Knott Gordon Knott is Senior Manager at Dialogue Therapeutic Services and in private practice in Haywards Heath
and challenging as well as supportive and fun!�
and the people I have met come from all walks of life, which adds to the richness of the learning experience.� At The Link Centre we take pride in offering quality training, resulting in professional, ethical and competent practitioners. If you are interested in further developing your skills and experience, join us for some of our CPD Workshops and introductory courses. We run a are some that we have coming up:
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
Therapy Marathon
October to December - 8 Tues evenings + 1 day Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful approach to working with the mind and body that can help us live our lives more fully and manage the range of life's challenges. more effectively. Through paying attention to thoughts, feelings and body sensations, mindfulness brings clarity, enables wise decision-making and enhances our enjoyment of living. Course Tutor: Mark Head BSc (Hons), MSc (Psych) CTA(P), UKCP Reg. Psychotherapist, TSTA(P).
23rd January (evening) + 24th January Autonomy, spontaneity and intimacy: these capacities are the goals that Transactional Analysis and Body Psychotherapy alike pursue. In this therapy marathon the insights and approaches from both traditions will be combined within a framework that emphasises both fundamental safety and the opportunity to take risks and meet challenges. Course Tutor: Michael Gavin
Networking Evenings Wednesday 10th September, 22nd October, 3rd December Come along and join us for one of our informal networking evenings. They provide an opportunity to meet with like-minded people, to network, get support and exchange ideas.
Diploma in Supervision January to July 2015 - 6 weekends This course is for those who already have considerable experience as a practitioner who want to further their career and qualify as a supervisor. Course Tutor: Mark Head BSc (Hons), MSc (Psych) CTA(P), UKCP Reg. Psychotherapist, TSTA(P).
SIGN UP NOW!
For further details, please contact Leilani Mitchell or Mark Head on
01892 652 487 www.thelinkcentre.co.uk email: leilani@thelinkcentre.co.uk The Link Centre training rooms are at Newick, Sussex.
Starting 11th October 2014 Foundation Certificate in TA - 10 weekends Oct-Jul If you, or anyone you know, would like to start a career in counselling, then this course is for them.
Autumn 2014 CPD Training for Counsellors/Psychotherapists Hosted and Administrated by 360B Counselling, Supervision and Training Service.
Led by Cathy Davey
£180
Effective Time Limited Counselling
(inc. materials &refreshments)
27th & 28th September 2014
Volunteers & those working in charitable organisations
(12 hours CPD Certificate)
£130
Many Counselling Providers and Counselling Services offer Counselling contracts of e.g. 5, 6, 8 or 12 sessions, with little or no opportunity to extend. When clients with complex needs/presenting issues engage in Time Limited settings assessment, focus and containment are necessary if the client is to experience a safe and positive relational environment in which to effect desired change. ‘Beginning’, ‘Middle’ and ‘End’ therapeutic management is vital. The training will respect and reflect different core models and approaches, and offer a balanced delivery of theoretical and experiential learning. Emphasis will be on ‘theory and skills into practice’.
Introducing Creativity into Therapeutic Group and Family Work Saturday 18th October 2014
£90
(6 hours CPD Certificate) A creative and informative introduction to working with groups this training offers participants experiential learning and understanding of group theory, and group process. Using the training ‘group’ as an experiential stage, group theory and effective group work facilitation skills will be processed and implemented into practice.
COUPLES & RELATIONSHIP COUNSELLING October 11th/12th November 8th/9th, December 6th/7th 2014 (total 36 hrs CPD certificate) Weekend 1 – The Beginning of the relationship - £180 Weekend 2 – Change, Adjustment, Conflict - £180 Weekend 3 – Endings, transformation, new beginnings. - £180 (NB* All three weekends can be booked for £450 - 36hrs CPD)
12hrs CPD 12hrs CPD 12hrs CPD
The training is experiential and skills based, enabling participants to introduce theoretically underpinned creative exercises and interventions skilfully into their practice as couple/relationship therapists – competently, and with confidence.
Diploma in Supervision Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Allied Health Care Practitioners
2015
(Applications now being taken.)
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) Supporting Effective Clinical Supervision information and guidelines (July 2013) states the importance of the application of Clinical/Professional Supervision for legally responsible registered providers, registered staff and the staff they supervise, in relation to to regulatory requirements. This independent course addresses the reality of introducing effective clinical supervision to front line Allied Health and Social Care practitioners as well as Counsellors, Psychotherapists and Psychologists. 0ne weekend a month, January – October 2015 (excluding August), £1,850inc. (payment plan available) For dates, application criteria, course content and requirements please email or telephone the contacts below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND BOOKING FORMS FOR ALL COURSES CONTACT: .
Counsellingservice360B@hotmail.co.uk or call 01273 509412
“Astonishingly good CPD!” “You provide the best workshops for therapists in the South East!”
CPD Workshops Autumn 2014 Saturday 13th September Tony Buckley: “The Art and Science of Play: Using Play, Humour and Laughter in Therapy” Saturday 4th October Michael Soth: “How to Work When Therapy Isn’t Working?” Saturday 11th October Anne Power: “Thinking about couples: One day training for individual therapists who want to understand couple dynamics” Saturday 8th November Professor Julia Buckroyd: “Does My Bum Look Big In This? – Working with clients who have poor Body Esteem” Saturday 22nd November Dr Maggie Turp: “The Skin around the Self” Saturday 29th November Professor Andrew Samuels: “Men’s Issues in Psychotherapy and Counselling”
Visit our website: www.brightontherapypartnership.org.uk