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

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that can significantly disrupt the lives of those affected by it. It is an anxiety disorder characterised by intrusive or insistent thoughts that lead to repetitive behaviors. These behaviors can range from mild to extreme and can include intrusive and recurrent thoughts, as well as compulsive actions aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by these thoughts. Common compulsions include excessive washing, cleaning,

Trauma affects many individuals, often leaving deep emotional wounds that can be difficult to understand and heal. As a hypnotherapist and psychotherapist, I specialize 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 men

Experiencing sudden and intense fear or anxiety, accompanied by a racing heartbeat, sweating, or shortness of breath, may indicate a panic attack. This can be a distressing experience, disrupting daily life. While the exact cause of panic attacks is not fully understood, they are believed to be influenced by biological and environmental factors. A family history of anxiety or panic disorders can increase the likelihood of experiencing panic attacks, as can certain life events

Do you feel anxious about going in lifts, tube trains, aeroplanes or other places? Does the thought of being in an MRI scanner send you into a panic? Do you worry about not being able to get out when you want? If you answered yes to any of the above you may be Claustrophobic. Claustrophobia is a common problem that affects many people. The first thing you need to know is, Claustrophobia can be successfully treated . What Is Claustrophobia? Claustrophobia is typically defined

Shame is a powerful and complex emotion. It hides in the corners of our minds, making us think our authentic self is not acceptable. This deeply rooted fear of not being liked or accepted then causes the real you to hide, resulting in self-imposed exile. But here's the truth: you are not alone in feeling this way. I spent the first half of my life struggling with shame. Only when I owned, faced, and worked through it did I overcome it. It’s what has made me passionate about h

Your mental health influences how you think, feel, and behave in daily life. It also affects your ability to cope with stress, overcome challenges, build relationships, and recover from life’s setbacks and hardships. Strong mental health isn’t just the absence of mental health problems. Being mentally or emotionally healthy is much more than being free of depression, anxiety, or other psychological issues. Rather than the absence of mental illness, mental health refers to the

The critical inner voice is a well-integrated pattern of destructive thoughts toward ourselves and others. The nagging “voices,” or...

Passive-aggressive behavior can be puzzling and 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. What is Passive Aggression Passive aggression is a behavior where individuals indirectly resist the demands or expectations of others. Com

The relentless pursuit of perfectionism undermines your productivity and diminishes your chances of success. It's a rough path leading to nowhere. So why do we do it? Perfectionism can be a healthy trait but not when taken to extremes Perfectionism can be linked with control. We feel we control our lives if everything is just right. So, if you are anything like me, spending hours fretting over the smallest details, tweaking, amending, starting again, corrections and more corr

Stress is the body's natural response to environmental changes that can have physical, emotional, and mental impacts. While it's a normal part of life, the inability to manage stress can have serious consequences on health and well-being. When a person faces a stressful event, the body releases hormones that prepare it for the fight-or-flight response, resulting in increased blood flow to the brain and major muscles. This leads to heightened senses, release of energy-providin