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Compassion and empathy

Two women talking in front of a poster depicting men reading newspapers, with a construction worker nearby.

Communication and language

guide

How to have more meaningful conversations

Be brave enough to share, kind enough to listen, and you can escape the shallows of small talk to dive deep with another

by Lucy Foulkes

Painting of two women at a table; one looks down and the other glances sideways, holding a small red object.

Friendship

guide

How to support a struggling friend

Sometimes it’s hard to know what to say or do. Use these five strategies for providing effective emotional support

by Elise Kalokerinos

Abstract painting with bold colours depicting a man in a striped robe holding a paintbrush and palette, next to a woman person in light clothing.

Conflict and conflict resolution

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How to have a difficult conversation

Avoidance will only foster more conflict. Aim for a shared understanding with these techniques from an expert mediator

by Adar Cohen

A painting of a young woman with blonde hair and a white scarf, looking sad against a mountainous landscape with a church spire in the distance.

Shame and guilt

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How to forgive yourself

Finding it hard to move past a hurtful mistake? With these steps toward repair and renewal, you can do and feel better

by Nathaniel Wade & Marilyn Cornish

Person wearing colourful striped socks, laying next to a sleeping cat on a cosy blanket, with a window in the background.

Change and self-development

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How to be kinder to yourself

Self-compassion techniques aren’t self-indulgent – they’ll tame your inner critic while helping you change for the better

by Brooke Schwartz

Black and white photo of a woman leaning out of an open window with shutters in an old building.

Focus and attention

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How to wait well

Instead of fuming in subjugated irritation, turn wait times into chances to connect, muse and think big about the future

by Jason Farman

A steep road with a 1:4 gradient warning sign, flanked by greenery and hills under a clear blue sky.

Emotion regulation

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How to take the high road

When someone provokes you, it’s easy to react without thinking. Learn to slow down and respond in ways you’ll be proud of

by Alissa Hebbeln & Russell Kolts

Cherry blossom branches with white flowers and small green leaves against a plain white background.

Pain

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How to live well with persistent pain

Tools from acceptance and commitment therapy can help you sidestep the struggle against pain – and thrive, in spite of it

by Whitney Scott

Photo of a museum exhibition with three tall, thin sculptures on pedestals and people observing them, with white shadows of the figures painted on the background wall.

Compassion and empathy

guide

How to see the humanity in anyone

Practising a form of ‘deep curiosity’ can help you connect with yourself and others, even if they’re on the ‘other side’

by Scott Shigeoka

Abstract illustration of two people hugging while sitting by a window with gentle light coming through.

Self-harm and suicide

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How to support someone who is self-harming

A person harming themselves is not attention-seeking but attention-needing. Reach in and show them you’re listening

by Rory O’Connor & Ellen Townsend

A young teenage girl wearing a trilby hat sits on the steps leading up to a yellow front door

Childhood and adolescence

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How to support kids to be brave

The desire to protect kids from uncomfortable situations is natural. But they need your help to grow into the unknown

by Sarah Rose Cavanagh

Painting of a man in a brown hat and coat, leaning on a table with a bottle and fruit, hand resting on his chin in contemplative pose.

Addiction

guide

How to talk about someone’s substance use

Worried about someone’s drinking or drug use, but not sure what to say? There’s a counselling approach that can help

by K Michelle Peavy