For many people — especially men who attended boarding school — adulthood can bring a confusing mix of strengths and struggles. On the surface, they may appear resilient, independent, and highly capable. Yet beneath that exterior, they may experience low mood, difficulties with intimacy, a lack of motivation, or a persistent sense of pointlessness. What makes this even more complex is that many former boarders see their education as a privilege. They credit it with giving the

When you imagine a brain at rest, you might picture it switching off – like a computer in sleep mode. For much of the early 20th century, scientists thought the same: that the brain was mostly quiet when it wasn’t actively solving a problem. But in 1924, German psychiatrist Hans Berger discovered brain waves using one of the first EEG machines. He found that the brain was still buzzing with electrical activity even when people were just sitting with their eyes closed. Fast fo

Returning Home as a Young Adult: A Counsellor in North Dorset Reflects In my last blog, I reflected on how unsettling it can feel for young adults to return home after a time of growth, when they’ve developed greater independence and a stronger sense of self. Coming back can sometimes feel suffocating or claustrophobic. It’s common to experience a tangle of emotions—safety and fear, comfort and frustration, sadness and joy. With more young adults spending extended periods in

When working as an integrative counsellor based in North Dorset , I have found that many young clients come to me feeling low and frustrated when they return home after a period away. Moving back home, or living nearby parents, can be very difficult for young adults who have developed their own sense of identity and autonomy. They may have been away studying at University, travelling the world on a gap year, or living independently with a partner, only for that to fall throug

Often, when people come to counselling—especially at first—the issue they bring can feel straightforward, even obvious. But as the sessions unfold, what initially seemed like the main concern often reveals deeper layers. This is something I frequently witness in my practice as an integrative counsellor in North Dorset . A person might arrive with a vague sense of unease or restlessness, unsure of what’s wrong, only to discover a whole network of underlying patterns, habits, a

Everyone everywhere experiences emotions, feelings and moods. When working with clients as a person centred integrative counsellor at my practice in North Dorset, I frequently meet people whose emotions are an issue for them. Some clients do realise that their emotions are at the heart of their distress and from the word go want to focus on how to express them more fully. However, for many clients emotions, and their related feelings and moods lie in a murky, hidden area ju

In today’s world, we’re often encouraged to be open and vulnerable about our emotions. The media celebrates the idea of lowering our defences, removing our masks, and letting others see our true selves. While this openness can foster connection and growth, it also raises an important question: could our tendency to overthink and dwell on our feelings contribute to mental health challenges, such as depression? The Trap of Overthinking Imagine waking up one day feeling a bit lo

Counselling with Rich – East Meets West, North Dorset Many years ago, when I first began practising Yoga, I was intrigued by the concept of prana. My teacher at the time was a petite woman who, at the age of 60, could effortlessly perform headstands and handstands. She radiated a spiritual presence and extraordinary vitality. Her sparkling eyes made her a true inspiration. Her approach to Yoga was unique because she integrated postures with the acupuncture meridians—the chann

Nurturing Positive States of Mind: A Gentle Effort Towards Change To improve our mental health, we first need to cultivate an awareness of what’s happening in our minds. Through mindful presence, we can step back and observe the flow of our thoughts and emotions. This gentle practice helps us notice when negative states arise and opens the door to choosing a different path. In my practice as a person-centred counsellor in North Dorset, I often work with clients to help them d

Many of you may have come across the idea of Self-Compassion and its importance in nurturing a healthy mind. It’s a concept that has been championed by Kristin Neff, a leading author in this field, and her colleague Chris Germer, who skillfully weaves Self-Compassion with Mindfulness in his work. These ideas resonate deeply with the integrative approach I take at Counselling with Rich, where Eastern philosophies like mindfulness and self-compassion meet the Western traditions

In person-centred counselling, the relationship is central, emphasizing a balance between acceptance and effort. Acceptance is the cornerstone of this therapeutic approach. It involves meeting clients exactly as they are, without judgment, and fostering an environment where they can explore their thoughts and feelings freely. Acceptance is also about letting go of our intense desire for circumstances to be different from what they are right now. In North Dorset, where time aw

One of the challenges we all have in life is how to fit it all in. At the moment, I am guilty of burning the candle at both ends. There is so much I am enthused about and yet how do I find time for it all? Is it better to focus on some things and complete them as well I can? Or is it OK to spread myself more thinly and accept that from time to time, even though I am keeping the plates spinning, one or two may come tumbling to the ground. Mindfulness can be so helpful whe