Ever found yourself having the same kind of experiences you had with your ex, but with a new partner? It’s almost like dating the same person but with a different face. It often starts off so well, but it ends in the same way. Of course the common denominator is you, but when you met, you thought they were amazing and different and you might even have thought that maybe this time we have a chance. But then it ends up the same. This is an archetypal relationship.

As they say, ‘tis the season to be jolly, and as I often see people upset about their single status, I’d like to sprinkle some merry advice in the hope to chase any blues away.

You know all those books, courses, webinars, seminars, workshops and retreats that offer to help you with your confidence, self-doubt, not feeling good enough, poor body image, lack of self-love and self-compassion, self-sabotaging behaviours, negative mindset, and problems with your behaviour in any of your relationships, and as a parent? Well, they're each looking at only the consequences of the same deeper and unresolved underlying cause.

The festive season is a time of contrasting delights and emotions

We're anticipating a special family Christmas this year—the first since we married in 2009 with all of our five children (between us) and with two of their partners. But just as we suspect it's going to be a lovely one for us, I know this year will be a challenging Christmas for several friends. Christmas doesn't always turn up perfectly wrapped like a Westjet Christmas Commercial. Some years it's a bit tougher. Here are 7 types of Christmas (and I'm sure there are many more)...

Being single can be tough around Christmas. The parties you go to alone, your friends feel slightly sorry for you, but at least you don't have to smile through the in laws sprouts!

The season of goodwill can also be a season of personal struggle, and a chance to understand why.

Someone was telling me the other day about how vexed they had felt over being asked why they were ‘still’ single, as if there was something wrong with them, as if it was an undesirable status. I thought about some of my clients and looked at research on reasons why people are single. While I think having time to be single is extremely important, I also recognise that many prefer to be in a relationship and others still crave to be in one. With so many singles out there, what is the problem?

The relationship we have with our parents and caretakers is the most important emotional and psychological connection we will build - and it determines how we see ourselves and what we believe we deserve in life. You may aim to be a kind and loving parent, but there could be one child you've been neglecting to your detriment...your Inner Child.

Who is your Inner child and what mischief might they be creating between you and your partner or spouse?

The most important thing to remember is that not everyone is built of the same stuff when it comes to being able to create the necessary internal psychological structures – or mental 'grit' - to support themselves in times of great challenge, adversity and distress.

Next week I will be talking about 'confidence in dating' at a seminar in London. It is not uncommon to see seminars and workshops on confidence pop up time and time again. Why is confidence so important? and what if one doesn’t have any? Does that mean you are doomed?

After going to see HH Dalai Lama in London on International Peace Day, I'm reminded how important it is for us all to show patience and tolerance to others, as a way of also promoting compassion, care and happiness.

Have you ever met someone who was not as they appeared? Maybe they showed you a darker side that scared or drained you. Here's what's going on...

I was speaking to someone the other day about what I did and received a gasp "Dating Caching? I didn't even know that existed!" "Well there's a whole dating industry out there, look up ODA (Online Dating Association) or DIPN.UK (Dating Industry Professionals Network)" I replied. He nearly fell off his chair. Yes, it may seem alien that anyone would seek a dating coach, but when I explained who needs us and how we help people, he let out a sigh of relief "Well maybe you can help me."

The dramatic closure of Kids Company has sent shockwaves around the charity world and prompted some significant questions about how to best offer effective help and support for our young people.

Bullying happens not only in the playground or park, but in the dormitory, office, boardroom or prison too. Anywhere where one person has the need to dominate and oppress another. Bullying results in feelings of weakness, vulnerability, helplessness and shame in the victim. When we've put the bullying behaviour in its rightful place these heavy feelings melt away and a new perspective and resourcefulness can take their place.

There is an epidemic of women who are reaching that age and haven’t found someone to start a family with. This is the generation who decided to get degrees, travel, work overseas, gain life experience and have lovers, knowing all along that ‘one day’ they would settle down. Not wanting to have regret over not having lived before becoming a mum, they lived life to the full to be able to share more of themselves as a fuller person and a mother. There was an abundance of boys and first loves were thrilling. Then suddenly all those available guys were married off.

There are good dads and bad dads - and in their own way they can cast a shadow over our lives. When that shadow interferes with our relationships and success we need to learn how to become free of it.