Recently Dr Simon Cassar interviewed integrative psychotherapist and co-founder of Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy Mark Vahrmeyer on the question of 'What is Integrative Psychotherapy. This is the second in a three-part interview where Mark explains the difference between integration and … [Read more...]
What is Integrative Psychotherapy? – An interview with Mark Vahrmeyer (Part 1) – VLOG
Recently Dr Simon Cassar interviewed integrative psychotherapist and co-founder of Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy Mark Vahrmeyer on the question of 'What is Integrative Psychotherapy. This is the first in a three-part interview where Mark explains the difference between integration and … [Read more...]
What is Object Relations Theory?
Object relations theory describes the development, structure and functioning of the human psyche. Although evolved from ideas earlier in the 1900’s, it came to fruition with British psychoanalytic thinking and practice in the 1940s and 50s. Its most notable proponent was Child Psychotherapist … [Read more...]
What is Sibling Rivalry? – Part 2
Over two blogs I have focussed on one area of sibling relationships, namely rivalry. In part 1, I looked at some aspects of sibling rivalry as they can surface in childhood. In part 2, I will suggest how these might impact on ongoing struggles in adult life, before suggesting ways in which … [Read more...]
What is Sibling Rivalry? – Part 1
The importance and role of sibling rivalry Siblings are the longest standing relationships in most of our lives. As we grow older they increasingly serve to keep a connection to our families of origin, reminding us of our parents and our younger selves. Most of us share genetic material and family … [Read more...]
What is a Psychotherapy Group?
Most of us, at one time or another, have avoided groups. Whether it was not attending a party, preferring to stay at home and watch TV after a long week or finding a reason not to go to that meeting at work because it always makes us feel uncomfortable. When I suggest to a client that group … [Read more...]
What does Integration mean in Psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is many things, but on a fundamental level it is about the integration of split-off parts of ourselves.This cannot be achieved without the integration of psyche and soma (body), which is the function of the mind. We need the mind of another to grow a mind and this is what happens … [Read more...]
On rushing towards answers
Take the following situation: a client seeks psychotherapy to deal with anxiety and other related physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, ABS, stomach pains, etc.They are used to a solution-focused approach and can want quick answers from me.I feel rushed and pulled to meet them in … [Read more...]
On the Importance of Recognising Emotional Injury
If we could take a child’s logic and apply it to the arena of psychological injury we may be better equipped to deal with the emotional pain and suffering that is an inescapable part of being human.None of us is immune to heart ache. We are relational beings and cannot help but be touched by the … [Read more...]
How do Transactional Analysts work with Anxiety?
In this blog I share my view on how to work with a fictitious client. The “client” James, is a high achieving barrister in his mid-thirties presents with severe anxiety. He has recently started a new relationship and they are thinking of moving in together. Client background The “client” James, is … [Read more...]
How to Stop a Panic Attack. Step-by-step instructions and guidance from Mark Vahrmeyer – VLOG
Panic attacks can be terrifying. When experiencing a panic attack we feel out of control and at the mercy of what is happening in our bodies. We are overwhelmed and unable to 'think our way out' of what is happening to us; indeed, it is not uncommon to imagine that we may be dying.As an … [Read more...]
What is Existential Psychotherapy? An interview with Dr. Simon Cassar – VLOG
Recently Mark Vahrmeyer interviewed Dr. Simon Cassar on the topic of Existential Psychotherapy. This is the first in a series of interviews and VLOGS into the topic of psychotherapy generally. So, please check out the interview and we would welcome any feedback or suggestions for … [Read more...]
What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder, previously known and manic depression, is a mood disorder that is thought to effect about 1% of the UK population. Typically, the onset of Bipolar disorder is at around 15-19 years, although some may develop it later on.What are the symptoms of bipolar disorder? The … [Read more...]
Is Psychotherapy about Questions or Answers?
People often arrive in therapy looking for answers to life's difficulties. This might seem like a reasonable proposition. However, it pre-supposes that there might be such a thing as a simple answer to any of the thorny challenges life presents, and, indeed, that the therapist is an “expert” on … [Read more...]
Can Mindfulness Replace Psychotherapy?
There is a lot of hype surrounding mindfulness at present. The NHS now sees it as a psychological intervention, and large corporations recognise that calm, happy employees are more productive. But how realistic is mindfulness, a secularised and stripped-down version of the Buddhist practice of … [Read more...]