The Impact of Patriarchy on Mother Daughter Relationships
Understanding Intergenerational Trauma and Mother-Daughter Attachment Patterns in Patriarchal Society Therapeutic Insights by Turiya Martyn Gough Historical Foundations A century ago, psychoanalyst Karen Horney¹ identified the distinct relationship between mothers and daughters, and shortly after, Murray Bowen² discovered multigenerational family-of-origin patterns. Horney challenged the male-dominated theoretical approach, while Bowen emphasised transgenerational family patterns. However, these […]
What to Expect in Your First Counselling Session:
A Guide to Easing Pre-Session Anxiety Article authored by ISPC You’ve made the decision. You’ve searched for therapists, checked their credentials, and finally booked that first appointment. And now, the anxiety has kicked in. What exactly happens in a first counselling session? Will you be forced to talk about things you’re not ready to discuss? […]
Signs You May Need Therapy
Recognising When to Seek Professional Help Article authored by ISPC As we navigate the complexities of mid-2026, the conversation surrounding mental health has never been more open, yet the threshold for seeking professional help remains confusing for many. Between the lingering effects of global uncertainties, the ongoing cost-of-living pressures, and the pervasive fatigue of our […]
A Therapist’s Perspective on Self-Care
Nurturing Your Well-being as an ISPC Member Article authored by the ISPC Introduction: Why Self-Care is Non-Negotiable for ISPC Members In the demanding world of counselling and psychotherapy, where ISPC members dedicate themselves to supporting others through their most challenging times, the concept of self-care is not merely a luxury; it is a professional imperative. As counsellors, student counsellors, and other […]
When Clients Cancel Last Minute—Again
How Private Practising Counsellors Can Respond with Clarity and Care (Balancing compassion with boundaries in private counselling practice—without resentment or burnout) Article authored by the ISPC If you’re a private practising counsellor in the UK—whether you’re based in Manchester, Lincoln, London, or supporting clients online—you’ve likely faced this: the text that arrives 20 minutes before […]
Interview with a Psychologist and Integrative Psychotherapist
ISPC Interview: Guest: Dr. Ben Allenden, Counselling Psychologist, Integrative Psychotherapist, and Clinical Supervisor (SA) Article authored by the ISPC Introducing Our Conversation with Dr. Ben Allenden In an era when mental health discourse often oscillates between oversimplification and abstraction, it is vital to return to the grounded, thoughtful heart of therapeutic practice. In this exclusive […]
Engage, Share and Co-Create
The ISPC isn’t just a membership—it’s a living community. And it grows when you step in, speak up, and collaborate. Article authored by the ISPC Engage, Share and Co-Create When therapists join a Membership body they often expect a receipt, a membership certificate, and maybe a few resources. What they don’t always anticipate is an […]
Walk and Talk Therapy in the 21st Century
What Is Walk and Talk Therapy? Article authored by the ISPC Walk and talk therapy is a simple yet powerful approach that’s gaining momentum across the UK. Instead of sitting face-to-face in a traditional counselling room, client and therapist walk side-by-side through a park, woodland path, or quiet urban trail while talking. This gentle movement, […]
The Cost of Living and Counselling Fees
The UK’s cost of living crisis, defined by escalating inflation and economic instability, has profoundly impacted mental health and the accessibility of vital support services like counselling. Article authored by the ISPC For many already facing mental health challenges, the crisis has intensified anxieties and financial strain, creating a vicious cycle where the very support […]
All You Need Is Love
The phenomenon of unconditional love, its transpersonal nature and its role in healing within the therapeutic relationship Article authored by the Turiya Martyn Gough FISPC Despite a mountain of well-researched evidence confirming that as little as one per cent of beneficial outcomes from psychotherapeutic counselling are attributable to a specific theoretical technique1, and that untrained […]
Why Private Practice Counsellors Are Choosing ISPC
Ethics, Affordability & Real Support – You’re definitely not alone Article authored by the ISPC If you run a private counselling practice in the UK or abroad, you know the reality: you’re not just a therapist — you’re also your own admin team, marketeer, compliance officer, web designer and business strategist. You need a professional […]
Why Great Counselling Doesn’t Need Bureaucracy
For too long, the narrative in the UK counselling world has been narrow: Article authored by the ISPC To be legitimate, you must join one of the main counselling bodies. To be ethical, you must follow their rules. To succeed in private practice, you must wear their badge. But what if that’s not true? What […]
The Future of UK Counselling and Psychotherapy
Navigating Technology, Demand, and Integration Article authored by James Durdan The field of counselling and psychotherapy in the UK is in a state of dynamic evolution. Shaped by global events, technological innovation, and shifting societal attitudes, the profession is moving towards a future that is both more accessible and more complex. The conversation is no […]
Beyond the Bubble Bath
A Therapist’s Guide to Authentic Self-Care Article authored by the ISPC The term “self-care” has become a popular buzzword in recent years, often conjuring images of fluffy bathrobes, scented candles, and luxurious weekends away. While these activities can certainly be part of a healthy routine, a therapist’s perspective on self-care runs much deeper. It’s not […]
Hitting the Nail on the Head
An Introduction to understanding psychological therapies through the integration of quantum physics, counselling theories, and the science and philosophy of Yoga Article authored by Turiya Martyn Gough FISPC Around the turn of this century my schoolboy understanding of modern physics was shattered when a yoga student of mine, herself a quantum scientist, explained to me […]
Embracing the Journey
Recognising Milestones in a Counselling Career Article authored by Cathy Stones This is a discussion about something often overlooked: the milestones in a counselling career. Becoming a counsellor, and remaining one, involves a long and complex path. It includes moments of learning, personal growth, and stress. Pausing to reflect and celebrate achievements is important. Initially, […]
Cost of Living, Mental Health, and Accessible Therapy in the UK
Navigating the Storm: The UK has been wrestling with a tempest of rising costs and economic uncertainty in recent years. While inflation rates may have dipped from their 2022 peak, the cumulative impact of these pressures continues to reverberate through households across the nation. This constant strain on finances is not simply an economic concern; […]
Supporting Parents and Carers
Beyond the blueprint: What a counsellor sees when supporting parents and carers. In the world of parenting, we are often presented with a polished blueprint for success. Social media overflows with images of flawless family life, and parenting books promise step-by-step instructions for raising well-adjusted children. But in my counselling room, the reality is far […]
How members can submit their work to ISPC News:
Calling All ISPC Members: Share Your Expertise on ISPC News! As members of the International Society for Psychotherapy and Counselling (ISPC), you have a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer. The ISPC News page is a great platform to share your insights, research, and reflections on the world of therapy and counselling with a […]
Counselling and Addiction Recovery in the UK:
Statistics, Strategies, and the Environment That Heals Introduction Addiction is a word that carries weight—heavy with stigma, pain, but also hope. In the UK, the journey through addiction and into recovery is shaped by more than statistics and strategies; it is defined by the stories of real people, the policies that guide services, and the […]