When it comes to mental health and mental illness, we seem to love labels and averages. As soon as we think we fit a box of descriptions, we can then label ourselves that way. For instance: if we fit 5 or more criteria in the DSM5, we can say we're suffering from "Major Depressive Disorder".
This video discusses an article by Steven Hayes on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. He shares that labelling people according to factors that describe AVERAGES is troublesome. Most individuals don't fall under "the average".
Average, and therefore labelling, are often a myth. We're unique. Wouldn't we be better off treating people as unique and finding unique tools that work for them, rather than 'shoving' them in a category of averages, with tools that work for the average -not necessarily for the unique individual.
I'm interested in your thoughts on this!
The link to Todd Rose's TED Talk, mentioned in my video: youtu.be/4eBmyttcfU4?si=Vv6pGBJWIiVuSUDy
youtu.be/KzB67v0-7cA
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I discussed top-down and bottom-up approaches to counselling in the March group supervision sessions.
A few attendees (and people who couldn't make it) requested a summary video of our discussion.
In this -fairly high-level- overview, I discuss the origins of these approaches; what they entail; how we could use them in our work with clients; and in what way we could integrate both into our work simultaneously.
I'd love to hear your take, opinion or question, so feel free to comment!
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For this blog post, I thought I’d share highlights of a very interesting book a client recommended to me: 4,000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman. I got it on Audible, and ‘read’ it at lightning speed. I loved it, and think it’s a good one for us counsellors to read, specifically 😉
Here’s the summary:
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
Oliver Burkeman’s Four Thousand Weeks (find it here) explores the concept of time through the lens of human finitude, offering a refreshing and philosophical take on productivity and life management. The book draws its title from the rough calculation that the average human lifespan spans around 4,000 weeks. Burkeman argues that recognising and embracing the limits of our time can help us live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Key Themes
The Paradox of Productivity
Modern productivity culture often traps people in a cycle of attempting to “do it all.” Burkeman challenges this approach, arguing that striving to maximise efficiency can lead to more stress and less satisfaction.
True productivity lies in choosing what really matters and allowing some tasks or ambitions to remain unfinished.
Embracing Finitude
Human beings have limited time and resources, and acknowledging this is liberating rather than limiting.
Accepting mortality and the impossibility of achieving everything enables us to focus on what genuinely aligns with our values and priorities.
Reframing Time Management
Traditional time management tools and strategies often treat time as an infinite resource to be controlled and optimised.
Burkeman suggests an alternative approach: treat time as a finite resource to be savoured and invested in the things that bring meaning.
The Illusion of Control
Much of life is uncertain, and attempting to control every aspect of it is both futile and exhausting.
Instead of resisting this uncertainty, Burkeman advocates for accepting and working with it.
Living in the Present
Many people defer happiness and fulfilment to some future moment, believing they’ll “arrive” once they achieve a goal or finish a project.
Burkeman highlights the importance of being fully present and appreciating the “now,” rather than living for a hypothetical future.
Practical Takeaways
Prioritise Deeply: Identify the few things that truly matter to you and commit your energy to them. Let go of the rest.
Let Go of Perfection: Accept imperfection in your work and life, recognising that some goals will remain unmet—and that’s okay.
Focus on Relationships: Cultivate meaningful connections with others, as relationships often provide the deepest sense of purpose.
Say No: Be selective with your commitments to preserve time for what you value most.
Slow Down: Resist the urge to rush through life. Embrace slowness and mindfulness to appreciate the moments that make up your 4,000 weeks.
Overall Message
Burkeman’s book is less about achieving more and more about shifting our mindset toward time. By embracing our limitations and focusing on what truly matters, we can lead richer, more intentional lives. Four Thousand Weeks is an antidote to the anxiety of modern productivity culture, offering a path to peace and purpose in the face of life’s brevity.
If you have read it, or will soon, let me know what you think! I’d be curious to hear your viewpoints.
Here’s to your counselling success!
Cheers,
Marc
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A client of mine sent this in (as we were discussing this very topic).
An Aussie take on guilt and resentment.
And forgiveness!
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So much yes to this 👌🏻
I like this take!
Life is full of dishwasher moments.
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That's when we practise mindfulness and gratefulness, appreciating the dishwasher, power, water, food, and especially the great time we have making those dishes dirty in the first place 💕
Sometimes unloading the dishwasher is the mindful moment you need plus a bonus facial if you open the door at the right moment
Sometimes unloading the dishwasher IS the highlight
