It goes without saying that, in the 21st Century, the majority of psychologists and psychotherapists believe that individuals are all capable of making positive changes to their lives, no matter how old they (or we) may be, that change is possible right up to the moment that we take our last breath.

(This was not always the case. Freud, for example, believed that human development was complete after adolescence).

The great news is that increasingly detailed knowledge of the structure and workings of the brain from the exciting and rapidly developing field of neuroscience seem to back up this view. Neuroscientists speak

about “neuroplasticity” of the brain, meaning that our brains are

“a work in progress”, no matter what how old we are and that we are capable of  by doing and thinking in different ways, people are able to change old, counterproductive patterns of behaviour and ways of relating to partners, children and the world in general.

How can this be achieved?

First, old, dysfunctional patterns need to be interrupted and changed. This invariably happens in all forms of successful psychotherapy.

Second, the person needs to be trained to focus their attention in a conscious, purposeful way

Third,  a psychotherapist will help the client identify and then start to practise, new , more positive and healthy habits and patterns of behaviour, forming new neural networks in the brain. (see Pat Ogden, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Susan Aposhyan:Body-Mind Psychotherapy).

I see it as most encouraging that the new findings coming fromthe field of  neuroscience  provide scientific support to our work as psychologists and psychotherapists, and that psychologists utilising many different approaches, from Positive Psychology to Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), all have the above, central elements in common!

Reference: Psychotherapy Networker, March/April 2011

As a psychologist based in the southern suburbs of Cape Town for the last seventeen years, the predominant problem that has brought, and continues to bring  both individuals and couples into therapy involves relationships. Even when clients contact me because they are suffering from depression and/or anxiety, the cause in seven out of ten cases relates to problems in their intimate relationships.

Our attachment bonds are so crucial to our sense of security and our emotional well-being, thus when they are threatened or severed, the individuals involved are often plunged into an crisis and often experience an emotional melt-down.

In order to keep our important relationships healthy and vital, we pay attention to them in the same way as a gardener tends a vegetable garden. Respect and goodwill need to be cultivated in order to strengthen and maintain the relationship bonds with the significant people in our lives.

Have a happy, loving and relaxing festive season!  

Finding the right psychologist can be a daunting prospect! How does one go about making such a decision?

Research on psychotherapy outcome has consistently found that the quality of the relationship between the psychologist and their client is the single most important factor predicting whether or not therapy is successful.

It is therefore essential that you choose a psychologist with whom you can relate.

Another factor to consider is the psychotherapeutic approach of a psychologist. Is he/she a psychoanalyst, cognitive-behavioural therapist, solutions-focused, emotion-focused, or eclectic? (There are over 500 approaches to psychotherapy being practised in the world today!)

It is important to ask a prospective psychologist whether they favour an interactive appoach (where they are very involved in the sessions) or a more “removed” style and whether they specialise in short versus longer term therapy.

You could also ask your intended psychologist about their particular registration as this will determine their scope of practice (the main categories of psychologists in South Africa include clinical, counselling, educational and industrial psychology, and new categories are forensic and neuropsychology) and their areas of specialization.

It is a good idea to ask a propective psychologist whether you could meet with them beforehand for a short 10 minute free introductory session to find out whether or not their is a mutual feeling that you could work together constructively.

When I popped into my local book shop a couple of days ago, one book immediately caught my eye. (The cover is very effective – see photo!).

The book: “Being Wrong”, by Kathryn Schultz.

I have got to the end of Chapter 1, and have been savouring every page – it is funny but also thought-provoking. For anyone who is interested in the psychology, philosophy and history of human error, and who also enjoys a good chuckle, I would recommend this book. Excerpts:

“Of all the things we are wrong about, the idea of error might well top the list” (pg 5), (the book) is built around stories of people screwing up, stories (about) illusions, magicians, comedians, drug trips, love affairs, misadventures on the high seas, bizarre neurological phenomena, medical catastrophes, legal fiascos, some possible consequences of marrying a prostitute, (and) the lamentable failure of the world to end (pg 17).
There is also mention of the disastrous impact of always needing to be right on our relationships and that “this applies equally to relationships among nations, communities, friends and relatives” (pg 9).
I am certainly looking forward to reading the rest of the book!