PVS Counselling

22/01/2023

Do you know a specialist university mental health mentor colleague whose practice you consider to be effective, with both UK and international university student-mentees?

Are you a specialist mental health mentor willing to share your experiences of meaningful moments with mentees and approach to your 3+ years of mentoring practice?

If your response to either question is ‘yes’, I am conducting doctoral research through online interviews to understand what life and professional experiences mentors bring to their roles, experience of meaningful moments and practice interventions.

If you are willing to pass on a suggested colleague’s contact details for me to contact directly, or your own – please get in touch: Pablo.vanschravendyk@metanoia.ac.uk

Very little attention has been given to the contribution or work of mental-health-mentors in the field of student mental health. I previously undertook a pilot study (2020-21), which revealed some mentors felt their work was invisible, misunderstood and who experienced isolation from other colleagues. Some mentors expressed the want for more guidance to feel clearer, confident, and effective within their practice.

Through online interviews and a small survey, this doctoral research aims to gain insight into mentor practice, leading to publications that start to address these wants and issues. This research has been ethically approved by the Metanoia Institute, in partnership with Middlesex University.

18/07/2018

Owning your own 'voice' or worm (see the article) is key to taking ownership of your own perfectionism.

The pursuit of perfection, taken to extremes, can lead to OCD and depression – and the number of students reporting the problem has jumped by 33% since 1989

19/03/2018

One of the first things I have on my check list when asking a client about self support and what they do to nurture their wellbeing. Exercise/relaxation has proven benefits, and the actions we need to take to nurture our wellbeing is what we also need for our depressive selves.

Why wouldn't it work for you?

12/03/2018

I believe a colleague of mine was consulted for this article...particularly useful for those of us who are action oriented in our desire to help others....

You're not responsible for it and you can't make it go away.

12/03/2018

Love this - though it's one person's experience

You probably won't like their advice - but you need to hear it.

07/03/2018

So many of us live our lives with this enduring experience - in cycles, ever-present, higher then lower in intensity - but unaddressed. A first, helpful question might be: 'If depression is a response to an unsatisfied life, why am I not taking stock to understand what I need to address for myself?'

Everyday life is like wading through treacle.

26/02/2018

Does saturated conversation help or hinder the healing process?

31/01/2018

We need more than education on "resilience". Every emotion is important, and neglecting just one, especially anger, can have disastrous consequences. Emotional Intelligence training needs to be both compulsory and comprehensive. Do you feel your local school is having a positive effect in educating about anger?

31/01/2018

I recognise me. How about you?

12/01/2018

There are diverse views and experiences about identifying as 'Mentally unwell', having depression or a diagnosis. While helpful for some, it isn't for others.

It's shaped who I am in good ways as well as bad

12/01/2018

Here are some blogger's sharing their experiences of mental health.

'It's OK to be gentle on yourself'.