In Dialogue blog
Cognitive analytic therapy values working collaboratively with people, understanding their story and how it fits with how one sees themselves in the present world. We all have past stories that describe who we are and where we come from, stories that we want people to know or ones that we would rather forget, shake off.
This blog shares articles and stories that may resonate with you and how you see yourself in the world, in relation to others and may help you see yourself and others in a different way.
Useful links
Cognitive Analytic Therapy
- The Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ACAT)
- The Australian and New Zealand Association for Cognitive Analytic Therapy (ANZACAT)
- International Cognitive Analytic Therapy Association (ICATA)
For carers and supporters
For young people
Additional links
The poetry of therapy
Of course we at In Dialogue are sold on the power and poetry of words – how putting words to experiences, feelings, thoughts with someone else can be liberating, and of course, at times frustrating and painful. It is in relationship we find the words to be able to express ourselves. Cognitive Analytic Therapy provides
A self compassion exercise from the School of Life
Lets listen to the good and loving voices we have heard. We all need a break from self criticism. Check out this clip from the school of life on a self compassion exercise.
Tips for when you find you are in the role of caring
It’s hard to know the right term as “carer” can seem like one is doing all the caring for someone who is not able to give back, but we all take on the caring role of loved ones. These are some good tips if you do feel like you are in this caring role a
Writing can help “pull the demons out” so one can get on with the day
Some tips in writing just for you Why I write
Talking mental health at work
Reading this in The Guardian highlights how hard it is for people to disclose mental health issues affecting work. I hope there are more employers out there like this one – one who is genuine and doesn’t get it all perfect from the beginning but isn’t scared to try. Read The Guardian article here.
More on self compassion – can we ever have too much?
I am interested in how we can start to notice the self critic without getting back into criticising ourselves for it. This is an interesting look at how we can be bullies to ourselves from headspace Are you your own bully?
Mindfulness for children
Mindfulness is good for anyone and the sooner you start I assume the easier it is to incorporate it into your life. Kidsmatter is a great resource for schools, professionals and families. Read more here.
Grief and loss
Managing grief – there is no right or wrong way to grieve. The Australian centre for grief and bereavement have created some resources about how we are all different in our responses to loss.
Book resource for the transgender community
A great book I borrowed from the library – “Trans Bodies, Trans Selves. A Resource for the Transgender Community” Edited by Laura Erickson-Schroth. Read more about this book on their website.
Conquering loneliness
Lots of us struggle with loneliness. This article has some practices to help conquer loneliness.
Relating to others
A story about Buddha and the snake on how best to express your anger. Hiss, not bite.
What is spirituality?
Its easy to think of religion as spirituality. This is a good page from ReachOut that defines both.
Belonging and feeling connected
An oldie but a goodie on Ted talks. Brene talks well about shame – she describes it simply as fear of disconnection. We are born wanting to connect with others.
Sexuality and mental health
Sound advice from young people themselves about sexuality and mental health in this Orygen article.
