I think it’s fair to say that we’ve all experienced some form of emotional trauma in our lives; unless we’ve spent our entire childhood living under a rock, it’s difficult to avoid life’s inevitable growing pains. Some of us have specific traumatic events that we can recall instantly, ranging from a car accident, an assault, or being a victim of a crime. A memory whereby our fight or flight response was triggered and there was a full-on sensory experience that left us feelin

Flashbacks can be incredibly scary and disorienting for a person to deal with, whether they’re  emotional flashbacks  or related to...

Manipulating a narcissist can seem like a tempting solution when you're faced with their controlling behavior. The urge to protect yourself from their toxic actions is entirely understandable. However, resorting to manipulation often leads to significant challenges. Instead of finding a safer path, you may inadvertently create more problems for yourself and those around you. In this blog post, we'll explore the risks associated with manipulation, the ethical concerns it raise

Is emotional abuse the same as psychological abuse There is a significant distinction between emotional and psychological abuse. Some studies indicate that there are minor differences between them. Emotional abuse is generally seen as more encompassing, with psychological abuse often regarded as a subset of emotional abuse. Furthermore, psychological abuse includes using verbal and social strategies to manipulate someone’s thoughts, like "gaslighting," which may differ from o

Cognitive distortions or negative or irrational patterns of thinking are ways that our thoughts can become biased. As conscious beings we are always interpreting the world around us, trying to make sense of what is happening. Sometimes our brains take ‘shortcuts’ and generate results that are not completely accurate. Different cognitive short cuts result in different kinds of bias or distortions in our thinking. Sometimes we might jump to the worst possible conclusion, and a

Emotional literacy serves as the cornerstone of mental health and overall wellbeing, offering individuals the tools necessary to navigate...

Disorganised attachment is often overlooked, yet it can have a major impact on our emotional health and relationships. This attachment style poses a variety of challenges throughout life, highlighting the need to understand its origins, characteristics, and potential for healing. This guide delves into disorganised attachment by looking at its developmental origins, analysing its impact on adult relationships, and providing insights into effective healing methods. Attachment

When we hear the term narcissism, many people picture loud, flashy individuals who crave the spotlight. However, there is a more subtle form of narcissism that often goes unnoticed until it has caused serious emotional harm. Covert (or vulnerable) narcissism hides behind an appearance of victimhood, anxiety, and seeming humility. This makes it harder to detect and potentially more damaging to those impacted by it. The Hidden Face of Narcissism: Defining Covert Traits “The cov

Escaping domestic violence and abuse is a daunting journey, but it is one you have the right to embark on. You deserve to live free of fear and to reclaim your life. This blog post offers essential information to help you seek help, protect yourself, and safely leave an abusive relationship. Remember, you are not alone. Together, we can take the first steps toward regaining your freedom. Understanding Domestic Violence Domestic violence can manifest in various ways. It isn't

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 really 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 Bon

Trauma bonds are intense emotional attachments that are often seen in situations of abuse. They occur when a person forms a strong bond with someone who has caused them harm or trauma. These bonds can be potent and can create a sense of familiarity and connection, even in unhealthy or abusive relationships. Trauma bonds can develop as a result of past experiences and unresolved wounds. For example, if someone experienced a difficult or traumatic childhood, they may be drawn t

Passive-aggressive behavior is defined as behavior that is seemingly innocuous, accidental, or neutral but that indirectly displays an unconscious aggressive motive. Passive-aggressive people are indirectly aggressive rather than being directly aggressive. For instance, passive-aggressive behavior can appear in the form of resistance to another person's requests by procrastinating, expressing sullenness, or acting stubbornly. Someone who is passive-aggressive often lets other

Relationships can bring joy, support, and companionship. However, they can also hold hidden dangers that threaten our well-being. Recognizing red flags—warning signs of unhealthy behavior—early on is crucial for maintaining emotional health. In this post, we will look into various red flags, how to spot them, and what steps to take if you encounter them. What Are Red Flags? Red flags are specific behaviors or patterns that signal potential issues in a relationship. They can i