Jean came to a drug and alcohol unit in her 50s, seeking help after many years of alcoholism, and was assigned as a client to me (Monique). She reported drinking three bottles of wine a night and blacking out. I was becoming disheartened and began to doubt that she would ever give up drinking after … Continue reading Traumatic Attachment Induction Procedure (TAIP)
Bereavement
This can be such an emotive subject that as individuals and as a society we find the thought of so uncomfortable. Bereavement can be defined as a state of sadness or shock due to the loss of a very meaningful and valued object or person. The main characteristic of bereavement is grief. Grief is the … Continue reading Bereavement
Guilt
Guilt is a difficult feeling or concept to define. The easiest way, in my mind would be to say it is when you feel badly about having done something wrong. It is also the state of not being innocent, having committed a crime, a sin, fault or an offence. The word has emotional, legal … Continue reading Guilt
ADDICTION
An addiction is a compulsive physiological or psychological need for a habit-forming substance or behaviour. Addictions come in two main forms i.e. substances and behaviours. Addictions to substances include drugs and alcohol, addiction to behaviours include, sex, gambling or other repetitive behaviours that might be problematic for an individual and their family. How an Individual … Continue reading ADDICTION
Empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand what another person is experiencing from that person’s frame of reference. This ability is also a vital component of successful relationships. It is important to note that it is from the other persons point of reference that makes it a meaningful and beneficial way of relating. It … Continue reading Empathy
EXISTENTIALISM
There seem to be many definitions of existentialism. I prefer to go by the definition that is associated with psychotherapy. Therefore, I see existentialism as a philosophy that is to do with finding self and the meaning or purpose of life through free will, choice and responsibility. Existentialism considers the reality that as humans we … Continue reading EXISTENTIALISM
Presence vs Presents
In today’s very commercialised world it is really easy as parents to get carried away with giving children presents instead of our valuable presence. It is often the easiest thing when parents are feeling guilty for their absence, for whatever reason to buy a child a present. But can that really compensate for their … Continue reading Presence vs Presents
Coping with Depression in our Modern World
Depression is typically prolonged feelings of despondency and dejection, cessation of interest in the outside world, loss of the capacity to love and possibly feelings of worthlessness. It is usually characterised by severe feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy, typically accompanied by a lack of energy and interest in life. Depression ranges from mild to severe. … Continue reading Coping with Depression in our Modern World
Anxiety
Most commonly we think of anxiety as an experience of being worried, or nervous or a feeling of unease about something with an uncertain outcome Anxiety takes. It includes feelings of concern, apprehension fear and many more uncomfortable sensations. Many people will become anxious at one point or another. This can be usually in situations … Continue reading Anxiety
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is often referred to as talking therapy. It involves a therapist helping a person to understand their difficulties better and this in turn can facilitate a change in future thinking and behaviour. Psychotherapy involves reflecting on how a person experiences their emotions. We could say that the practise of psychotherapy is influenced by the … Continue reading Psychotherapy
Monique Notice - Psychotherapist in Bishops Stortford 