The Dalai Lama often stresses that if you want others to be happy – focus on compassion; if you want to be happy yourself – focus on compassion (Dalai Lama 1995, 2001) Around the same time last year I wrote an article on a therapeutic approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In that article I focused on explaining … Read More
Making Mindfulness Meditation Habit By Shannon Moule, Clinical Psychologist, Zest Infusion
I come to write this article to share a struggle I and countless others find when they start to practice mindfulness meditation – making it habit. For the past 12 months I have wanted to make mindfulness meditation a regular practice. I am not quite where I want to be as yet, but I have made significant gains. Below are … Read More
Why Parents’ Self-Care Matters
On this day, when we celebrate all the mothers in the world for their hard work, I wanted to take the opportunity to talk about the importance of self-care. One of the most used metaphors in my work with clients is the ‘aeroplane metaphor’. When I use this metaphor, I talk about the flight attendant briefing the passengers pre take … Read More
The benefits of art therapy – by Angela Hall
Deep psychological work can be achieved with the use of expressive therapies such as art therapy. For example drawing a picture with pastels or painting a symbol with paint is all about communicating feelings and experiences in a non-verbal way (Dalley, 1984). Through this creative medium a person can express themselves consciously and unconsciously. The person, or client, is then … Read More
There is more to psychology than ‘just feeling a bit better’
People often associate psychology and psychological treatment with mental health issues, someone feeling unwell, “crazy people” and in particular with problems like depression and anxiety. However, this is not all there is to psychology. Yes, as psychologists we do want to help relief our clients suffering as best as we can, but most psychologists and specifically we at Zest Infusion, … Read More
Practicing Gratitude as a Bridge to Self-Compassion
And if I asked you to name all the things you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself? I found this quote on my Facebook page one day and it really made me sit up in my seat, stop for a moment and seriously ponder this question. Over the last few years I have started … Read More
Becoming attuned with yourself through mindfulness practice
As parents we pay very close attention to our children which helps us to attune to them. Being attuned then helps us to know what they need and provide for them appropriately. Practicing mindfulness can help to attune to yourself in a similar way. Helping you to be there for yourself in a caring and loving way. One of the … Read More