In this post Alec talks through a handout that can help you to identify your own support network – a very useful exercise if you are struggling in life.

Rapport is one of our innate human resources – something we are born with. But how can we use it to improve our communication skills? Alec shares some ideas and stories about Rapport from his 17 years working as a psychotherapist.

Alec reflects upon our innate need for a sense of achievement. He shares the RIGAAR framework for productive meetings and how PAN goals make effective goals. Finally he shares a guided imagery session designed to help clients to achieve their goals.

We all have an innate need for a sense of Achievement – the warm glow that comes with being able to say “I’m glad I did that”. In this week’s blog post Alec considers those things that have given him that glow. He also shares the story of how he managed to get his degree despite not having done enough revision.

We cannot live well unless we experience a certain degree of safety. I lost my sense of security when I was burgled. In this short discussion I introduce the “Security” worksheet (which you are welcome to download, print and use in your work) and share the story of “The Death of El Cid”.

It is a basic human need to feel safe. If we feel unsafe, frightened or anxious we find it difficult to think clearly, to learn and the live. But what makes you feel safe? Is it money? relationships? family? having a home? being in control? having good health?

Imagination is one of our most powerful innate resources – whether we consider ourselves to be “creative” or not. But sometimes we need to set aside some time to really make the best use of this powerful tool. Creating a vision board can really help to get your creative juices going. Alec describes the process he uses whenever he wants to bring something new into his life.
Thanks to Estée Janssens for the image: https://unsplash.com/@esteejanssens

Our imagination is one of our most powerful innate resources. How deliberate are you in the way that you choose to use this powerful resource?

Alec discusses our innate need to give respect to others and to receive from others. But respect must begin with self-respect which implies that we must look inside to know ourselves before we can hope to use this idea effectively

Knowing that we are appreciated by others for our contribution, whatever form that might take, is essential for our innate sense of well-being. We get stressed when we are unappreciated or ignored. Respect is therefore a vital form of nutrition that we cannot thrive without. And of course it begins with a sense of respect for ourselves.