Practical CBT Professional Development for Therapists Research & Practice What Does the Latest Research Tell Us About Generalised Anxiety Disorder — and How We Treat It? GAD is one of the most common presentations in therapy — yet research in the past decade has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of what drives it. Here is what the evidence…
What’s New? We’ve all been there: putting off that report until the last minute, scrolling through our phones instead of starting the laundry, or telling ourselves we’ll “definitely” go to the gym… tomorrow. Procrastination isn’t just a quirky habit—it can really get in the way of our goals, our peace of mind, and even our…
Understanding the Foundation Core beliefs represent the deepest level of cognitive processing in CBT—the central, enduring ideas we hold about ourselves, others, and the world. Unlike automatic thoughts that flicker through consciousness moment-to-moment, core beliefs are global, rigid, and overgeneralized, typically developing during childhood or stressful periods. They act as powerful filters, shaping how we…
By Professor Patrick McGhee, FRSA, BABCP, C Psychol. National Teaching Fellow. Introduction Offering a complimentary initial conversation is a common marketing tactic for CBT practitioners. In theory, it lowers the barrier for prospective clients, showcases your expertise, and builds rapport before therapy begins. Yet many therapists find that these “free calls” rarely translate into booked…
What Might 2026 Hold for UK Therapists in Ireland and the UK? As we approach 2026, therapists across both the UK and Ireland find themselves at a fascinating crossroads. From long-awaited regulatory changes to the rapid emergence of AI tools, the landscape of therapeutic practice is shifting beneath our feet. For those of us who…
🎄 Festive Feeling Series Navigating the Festive Season with Resilience and Practical Strategies By Prof Patrick McGhee Christmas is a cultural phenomenon defined by images of connection, conviviality, and family warmth. For those experiencing loneliness or social isolation, this relentless, idealised portrayal creates a painful psychological phenomenon: The Expectation Gap. The gap between the media-fuelled…
Festive Feeling Series Navigating the Festive Season with Resilience and Practical Strategies By Prof Patrick McGhee The father-son relationship, often characterised by unspoken expectations, competition, and a unique form of ‘activation,’ takes on an intensified significance during the Christmas period. Unlike the traditionally expressive mother-daughter dyad, the dynamics between fathers and sons can be subtle,…
Festive Feeling Series Navigating the Festive Season with Resilience and Practical Strategies By Prof Patrick McGhee Christmas is often painted as a period of effortless harmony, warmth, and nostalgic connection. Yet, for many of us in the consulting room, the festive period amplifies the unique pressures inherent in the long-term, enduring relationship between a mother…
Festive Feeling Series Navigating the Festive Season with Resilience and Practical Strategies Christmas is often portrayed as a time of warmth, generosity, and family unity—but for many fathers, it can amplify underlying mental health pressures in ways that feel uniquely burdensome. As providers, protectors, and often the “fixers” in family dynamics, fathers may grapple with…
Navigating the Festive Season with Compassion and Practical Strategies Christmas can be a time of joy, connection, and celebration—but for many mothers, it brings unique pressures that can exacerbate mental health challenges. From the relentless demands of holiday preparations to the emotional weight of family dynamics, the season often amplifies feelings of overwhelm, guilt, and…
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Online Therapy – Tips from AI …
Plan ahead and prepare thoroughly. Make sure you have all the necessary technical equipment and materials ready well in advance of the webinar. This will help you avoid last-minute stress and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Test your equipment and connectivity. Before the webinar, make sure to test your microphone, camera, and internet connection to ensure that they are working properly.
Set clear objectives and structure. Determine the goals of your webinar and create a clear agenda and outline to help you stay focused and on track.
Engage your audience. Encourage participation and interaction during the webinar by asking questions, inviting feedback, and providing opportunities for discussion.
Use visual aids effectively. Use slides, videos, and other visual aids to help illustrate your points and keep your audience engaged.
Be flexible and adaptable. Be prepared to adjust your plans if necessary in response to technical issues or other unexpected events.
Stay organized and manage your time effectively. Keep track of time and make sure to allocate enough time for each topic.
Encourage networking and community building. Encourage attendees to connect with one another and foster a sense of community among participants.
Follow up after the webinar. After the webinar, follow up with attendees and provide any additional resources or materials that may be helpful.
Reflect and learn from your experiences. After each webinar, take some time to reflect on what went well and what you could improve upon for future events. This will help you continually improve and grow as a webinar host.
Practical Therapy 