A trauma bond is a psychological reaction to abuse commonly seen in specific interpersonal relationships. It develops from a recurring cycle of harmful behavior interspersed with periods of affection. As reported, this cyclical pattern forms a strong attachment between the victim and the abuser. For example, a person may endure verbal abuse on one day but receive affectionate gestures, such as compliments or gifts, a few days later. This stark contrast creates a perplexing em

CBT is a n effective therapeutic approach for addressing co-dependence. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours, replacing them with healthier, more balanced ways of thinking and acting. CBT can empower individuals to set boundaries, assert their needs, and build self-esteem. Co-dependence is a complex and often misunderstood condition marked by an excessive emotional or psychological reliance on a partner, usually one who needs su

Traumatic experiences can have a profound impact on the human psyche, often leading to the development of fears and phobias that can significantly affect an individual's daily life. The process by which the brain rewrites these traumatic memories is complex, involving various neurological and psychological mechanisms. Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on the Brain When a person experiences a traumatic event, the brain's response is immediate and intense. The amygdala, whic

In recent years, the term “trauma bond” has gained traction, drawing attention on social media and beyond. While more conversations about mental health are a positive step, they often simplify complex ideas. This oversimplification can lead to misunderstandings about what trauma bonds are. Trauma bonds aren't just shared experiences of hardship; they encompass intricate emotional and psychological responses shaped by cycles of abuse and dependence. Defining Trauma Bonds A tr

Trauma affects many individuals, often rooted in damaging relationships. It creates strong but unhealthy bonds between victims and abusers. This article explores trauma's complexity in personal relationships and offers insights into the recovery journey. The Cyclic Nature of Trauma Trauma often follows a cycle of emotional or physical abuse, punctuated by periods of reconciliation. Victims may feel stuck in an emotional tug-of-war, wrestling with feelings of love and fear. 7

In the realm of therapy, the establishment of boundaries is a crucial aspect that can significantly influence the therapeutic relationship. Boundaries serve as a framework that helps both the therapist and the client navigate their interactions safely and respectfully. This blog post will explore the importance of developing healthy boundaries in therapeutic practice, the challenges therapists may face, and practical strategies for maintaining these boundaries. Boundaries in

Here’s the thing about love that nobody really talks about. Somewhere along the way, many of us start believing that loving someone means slowly chipping away at who we are. You know the drill: more time, more energy, more sacrifice. Cue the whispers of an inner voice telling you,  If you love them enough, you’ll give more…and more. Before you know it, you’re not just giving a little extra; you’re giving yourself right out of the equation. But here’s the question we need to a

How Trauma Distorts Perception of TimeTrauma profoundly impacts our lives, often leaving lingering psychological effects that can shape our everyday experiences. One particularly fascinating aspect of trauma is its impact on our perception of time. Many individuals report feeling as if time has either slowed down or sped up after experiencing trauma. This post explores the connection between trauma and time perception, shedding light on the mechanisms behind this phenomenon a

People pleasers are kind, caring individuals who always put others before themselves, often driven by a strong desire to make others happy and gain their approval. This can be a positive trait, as it often leads people pleasers to be helpful and supportive friends, family members, and coworkers. However, their eagerness to please can sometimes become excessive, leading them to neglect their needs, boundaries, and well-being. Characteristics of People Pleasers Eager to please

Almost everyone has felt the discomfort that comes when their actions don’t match their inner values. This feeling is common but often goes unspoken. It can show up in many ways—addiction, losing patience, or giving in to habits we want to break. This gap between what we do and who we want to be can affect our mental health, relationships, and overall happiness. Understanding the Gap Between Actions and Values We all have an ideal version of ourselves. This version reflects o

Today, hate is almost pervasive, permeating different forms of media, creating a sense of division and coldness. People express hate for various reasons, often hiding behind their screens to lash out at those who disagree with them. It’s challenging not to absorb their anger and rage. However, understanding is a potent tool that can bring warmth and clarity to the chaos. While we can’t eradicate hate, with understanding and empathy, we can diminish its intensity, take it less

Attraction goes beyond the desire sparked by someone’s appearance. It is a blend of various factors that, when combined, trigger the release of chemicals and hormones in our brains, creating a sense of intoxication with the other person. How self-perception shapes attraction The initial and perhaps most evident factor is physical appearance. It is the first thing we notice, even in online dating, and we quickly decide if we find it appealing. This judgment is based on two mai

Whatever your work demands, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the damaging effects of stress, improve your job satisfaction, and bolster your well-being on and off the job. Stress isn’t always bad. A little bit of stress can help you stay focused, energetic, and able to meet new The challenges we face in the workplace are what keep us alert and engaged, but in today’s fast-paced world, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. However, we are not powerless in difficu

Emotions shape every aspect of our lives, influencing how we think, behave, and interact with others. Understanding the neuroscience behind feelings provides insights that can enhance emotional intelligence and overall happiness. Let's explore the fascinating world of emotions and the brain, unraveling how they impact our daily lives! The Brain’s Emotional Landscape Emotions stem from several brain regions, including the limbic system. This ancient part of our brain includes

Breakups can feel overwhelming like you are caught in a storm where emotions are high and the way forward is unclear. Whether your relationship ended amicably or dramatically, moving on presents one of life's biggest challenges. If you’ve recently gone through a breakup, remember that your feelings are valid. Mourning the end of a relationship is a process, just like grieving the loss of someone you love. By acknowledging and embracing your emotions, you can take steps towa

Passive-aggressive behavior can be frustrating for many. Instead of expressing anger directly, some people use indirect methods that leave others feeling confused and hurt. In this post, we will explore what passive aggression is, what causes it, and healthier ways to address it in your personal and professional relationships. Passive aggression is a behavior where individuals indirectly resist the demands or expectations of others. Common signs include procrastination, stubb

Understanding human behavior and emotional relationships often leads us down intriguing paths, especially when we explore psychological theories. One such theory, trauma bonding, uncovers its complexity when intertwined with our experiences. Trauma bonds reveal how emotional attachments can develop in the aftermath of adverse circumstances. The Essence of Trauma Bonding At its core, trauma bonding describes strong emotional connections that can form between an abuser and thei

Traumatic experiences can have a profound impact on the human psyche, often leading to the development of fears and phobias that can significantly affect an individual's daily life. The process by which the brain rewrites these traumatic memories is complex, involving various neurological and psychological mechanisms. Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on the Brain When a person experiences a traumatic event, the brain's response is immediate and intense. The amygdala, which

Social Anxiety Disorder is often overlooked. It is essential to distinguish it from simple shyness or being introverted. Shyness may cause temporary discomfort in social situations, but social anxiety involves a lasting and intense fear of being judged or embarrassed. This fear can result in episodes of severe anxiety, leading to panic attacks, difficulty concentrating, and even depression. For many individuals, these overwhelming symptoms can lead to a complete withdrawal f

Hypnotherapy and psychotherapy offer a successful way to identify and understand confidence, fear response patterns and behavioural traits that might be causing and maintaining the client's confidence and anxious thought process. Cognitive Hypnotherapy identify negative thinking patterns and provides important management tools and skills. Through hypnotherapy, we help individuals manage unhelpful patterns and stressful situations more calmly. ​ Cognitive therapy and behaviora

​ Trauma impacts many individuals, often leaving deep emotional wounds that can be difficult to understand and heal. As a hypnotherapist and psychotherapist, I specialise in trauma and post-traumatic stress, applying evidence-based treatments that have shown impressive outcomes. Many clients experience significant relief after just a few sessions, allowing them to reclaim their lives from past hardships. In this article, we will examine the essence of trauma, its effects on m

I don’t mean “water in your basement” kind of flooding… I mean emotional flooding. It’s when your emotions take over and overwhelm you. Flooding makes it difficult to think, process your emotions, and take appropriate action. It’s common to become emotionally flooded when you are dealing with stressors without the skills it would take to manage them. Perhaps you experience something that takes you back to a traumatic  event (in other words, you are triggered). Or perhaps you

For the vast majority of people, life is hectic, stressful, and exhausting. With the pressures of working a regular job, caring for kids or parents, keeping up with household chores, and juggling community commitments, it’s no surprise that so many people are experiencing burnout. Burnout in the mental health sense is a serious and significant condition that can leave a person chronically drained of energy, lacking motivation to do nearly anything, unable to sleep soundly, ap

Many people define stress as either good or bad when, in reality, it is neither strictly positive nor negative. Stress is fundamentally an event or situation that you perceive as being beyond your control, often arising from circumstances that disrupt your normal daily routines and expectations. It can manifest in various forms, such as work-related pressures, personal relationships, or unforeseen life changes. The key factor in defining stress lies in your perception of the

With in today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an almost constant companion for many. Whether it’s the pressure of work, demands, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the damaging effects of stress, improve your job satisfaction, and bolster your well-being on and off the job. Stress isn’t always bad. A little bit of stress can help you stay focused, energetic, and able to meet new The challenges we face in the workplace are what keep us alert and enga

Perfectionism can be defined as an intense and often debilitating need to meet extraordinarily high standards, which can manifest in various aspects of life, including academic performance, professional endeavors, and personal relationships. This psychological trait is characterised by an individual's relentless pursuit of flawlessness, which often leads to self-imposed pressures and unrealistic expectations. Individuals who identify as perfectionists may find themselves cons

Feeling tired even after sleeping for hours? You’re not alone. Many people struggle with feeling alert and energized throughout the day. This is often linked to our circadian rhythm, which is our body’s internal clock. It governs when we feel awake, when we feel sleepy, and even influences our energy levels. When our rhythm is in sync, sleep usually comes easy. However, disruptions caused by late nights, stress, or irregular schedules can throw everything off. The good news?

For years, we’ve been told that losing weight is a simple equation: calories in vs. calories out. Move more, eat less, and you’ll see results. But if it were that simple, why do many people feel stuck and frustrated by the ongoing math of food tracking? The problem lies in the assumption that our bodies work like machines when they don’t. Let’s explore why calorie counting often leads to more harm than good and discover healthier approaches to sustainable weight loss. Calorie

Self esteem is the way you value yourself. It’s not about being perfect or always succeeding. Instead, it’s about recognising your own worth and treating yourself with kindness and respect. When self esteem is low, you might focus on your flaws or mistakes and ignore your strengths. This can lead to feelings of insecurity and self-doubt. Recognising this is the first step. You don’t have to believe every negative thought you have about yourself. Those thoughts are often disto

Many individuals face a personal battle with their relationship to food and body image. This struggle can be overwhelming. At its core are various eating disorders—complex mental health conditions that impact people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. You may wonder why someone can’t just “eat” or “stop eating so much.” Such thoughts often overlook the deep emotional struggles that contribute to these disorders. Educating ourselves about the different types of eating disor

For individuals who struggle with addictions, it is important to be able to identify compulsions, anxiety patterns and triggers, to understand the full effects addiction might have on a person and their family.   Boosting self-confidence can completely change personal and professional lives for the better. An individual may note this shift by seeing positive changes in their behaviour, body language, voice, and how they react to certain situations, trusting more in their abil

In the fast-paced lives, balancing work, relationships, and societal expectations can feel overwhelming. For many, anxiety sneaks in silently, starting as a slight pressure that builds into a more significant weight over time. This gradual onset often makes it difficult to recognize anxiety for what it is until it has already taken a firm hold on our daily lives. The constant demands of modern living, coupled with the relentless pursuit of success and validation, create a bre

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder and psychological condition characterised by extreme self-starvation resulting from a distorted body image. Individuals with anorexia perceive themselves as overweight, regardless of their actual weight, and become obsessed with tracking their weight and food intake. They may consistently refuse to eat or consume only minimal amounts of food. Despite the health dangers of being severely underweight, those with anorexia do not recognise i