We are proud to present a new article by Debbie Hegarty.

Self-esteem is closely associated with our identity. Our identity is developed within the dynamics of group. A group can consist of any number of participants or members and can be as small as two people (a dyad) or three people (a triad). The first significant group an individual will belong to is the family system. All family systems have sub-systemic groups that influence the development of the individuals sense of  ‘self’.

Please click here to read the full article.

Pleased to meet you, and we hope you are pleased to meet us!

We have updated our website to include the pictures and experience descriptions of most of our staff members. We are still working on this page, so please bear with us while we have everybody’s profiles accessible to you.

Please click here to view our Team’s profiles.

We are very pleased to announce that the Cork Counselling panel of professionals has been recently joined by clinical psychologist Margaret Bednarska M. Sc. Clinical Ps. MPSI, MAPS.

Margaret is a highly qualified psychologist who has her own private practice in Cork. She works with children of all ages, and had vast experience both in assessment and therapy.

To read more about Margaret, please click here.

Breakdown of communication in a relationship is the key problem which inhibits any solutions to all the other problems or issues a couple may experience. Resentment, guilt, suppressed anger and tendency to blame either oneself or one’s partner – all those things arise when we feel we are not expressing ourselves or when our feelings are not known or acknowledged by the other half.

While issues of any relationship can only be solved by ongoing commitment and dedication from both partners, there are still certain things to be aware of. Often we involuntarily contribute to the break-down in communication, even when what we are trying to do is to find a solution to a problem.

If you are interested to find out more about the possible ways to express yourself better, or at least to keep the communication more open on your part, you may be interesting these Top Tips provided by the Marriage & Relationship Counselling Services website.

• Respond to the other person’s feelings in what they are trying to say. In arguments people often dwell on facts rather than feelings. Don’t interrupt and not listen to your partner.
• Keep to the issue in hand – don’t change the topic / drag up previous disagreements or bring in other people’s opinions to back you up.
• Don’t make generalizing complaints: you always – you never… Replace blame / criticism with wishes e.g. ‘You never do the ironing’ to ‘I wish you would share the ironing’
• If you’re angry about something, recognise and admit it. Identify its source e.g. have you brought anger home from work and taken it out on your partner? Understand why you are angry – differentiate between what is reasonable and what is not – don’t assume the person affecting your anger is doing it on purpose.

Please click here to read the full article.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is a condition that may put your life through a lot of stress unless you recognize that you are suffering from it and seek help.

Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) is characterised by an uncontrollable and unrealistic worry about everyday situations such as school, work, relationships or health. This worrying has to occur on the majority of days for at least six months for a diagnosis of GAD.

This worry is uncontrollable and can be accompanied by at least three additional symptoms which include:

• feeling restless
• getting tired easily
• difficulty concentrating
• feeling cranky
• tense muscles
• disturbed sleep.

GAD may affect parts of your life and you might find you’re not able to enjoy the things you normally would. It is possible that you might also feel more likely to misuse alcohol and drugs as a way to escape or numb overwhelming feelings.

Click here to read the article on the REACH OUT website.

[REACH OUT have an excellent website, filled with very interesting and relevant articles, mostly concerning the challenges and concerns faced by young adults today.]

We are now gathering a group for the new Understanding Depression Course, due to start at the end of April. This course goes will benefit those who want to learn about the causes and treatments techniques. It will be of use both if you are suffering from depression yourself, or if you are close to someone who does.

Please click here to access the course page.