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Recent Press and Articles

 

The Independent (June 2009) on 'Revenge'

For the most shining example of the latter, consider Nelson Mandela. As a politician he was no great shakes, but it didn't matter, for he had already committed perhaps the single most important act in his nation's history, rescuing his country from bloodshed and inspiring the world: he forgave his enemies.

But for those of us who lack the Mandela spirit, how are we to satisfy our bloodlust and burning need for justice without ending up looking just as bad as the person who wronged us? It's a tough one, but there is a practical alternative. I got it from a rather brilliant lifestyle coach I know called Steve Wichett, who has found it especially useful when treating obsessive compulsives and sociopaths. (sic)

First, he stresses, it's absolutely essential to get the bitterness out of your system: "Resenting someone is like drinking poison yourself and hoping they die." But actually punishing them often makes you feel worse. So, the way you deal with it is this: in your imagination you construct a form of vengeance every bit as dire and elaborate as that enacted by Titus Andronicus or my friend X, adding all the necessary swear words, sound effects, gougings and weaponry. Then, once you have relished your revenge in all its full hideousness, you let the feeling go and forget all about it.

Natural Health Magazine (May 2009) on 'Depression'

7 ways to tackle depression
Try these tips from NLP master practitioner Steve Wichett

1 Talk to someone else
Being stuck in your own world of worry, and putting on a brave face for the rest of the world, helps sustain a good level of depression for most people. So talk to your healthcare professional, counsellor, friend or relative - you’ll be surprised how helpful this is in releasing fears and getting some good help.

2 Mind your language
Listen to how you express yourself to others. Are you horribly negative about anything positive they may offer? Do you negate, undermine or sabotage any helpful interventions? Notice how often you seem to agree, but then follow this with a phrase like “Still, I’m not really sure...”

3 Sit up straight
Most people having a spell of depression will sit looking down, with their arms folded, chest drawn in, breathing quite shallow and an expressionless face. Become aware of this, and make a real effort to sit up straight, look around with an animated expression and breathe slowly and deeply. Things will begin to look different.

4 Check your self-talk
If your self-talk is in a miserable, mournful, resigned tone, and quite negative, then it’s no wonder you feel down. Change the voice. Try talking to yourself in a warm, supportive, positive encouraging voice and say things that make you feel better straight away.

5 Get out of here
Many depressives have a favourite spot in which to practise their unhappiness - a chair or bed, a room, or even a corner of a room. Seldom do they choose walking in nature, running for fun, partying with friends, helping others charitably, or enjoying an evening class. Change your location and activity - and change your state of mind.

6 Watch out for the “Yes, but...”
Whenever we say the word “but” in the middle of a sentence, that cancels out the first part, which is often the most positive. (“I want to be happy, but I’ve been depressed for a long time.”) Change the order round and you’re left with the positive. (“I’ve been depressed for a long time, but I want to be happy.”)

7 Smile for a change
The muscles at the corner of the mouth that work when we smile are controlled by a part of the brain near the serotonin-release gland. So when you smile, you release more feel-good hormones directly into your bloodstream. And life looks brighter straight away!
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