John Lanchester’s quote in Whoops! about the perils of relying on misleading information provides a compelling analogy for the dangers of being overly dependent on the Child Ego State in Transactional Analysis (TA). ‘You’re worse off relying on misleading information...
John Dray
The Danger of Relying on the Child Ego State in Transactional Analysis
Melanie Klein, Excessive Projection, and the Violent Splitting of the Self
Melanie Klein (1882–1960), a pioneering psychoanalyst, made significant contributions to the understanding of early psychic development, particularly through her work on object relations theory. Among her influential concepts is that of excessive projection and...
The Pros and Cons of Using the Dream Completion Technique for Trauma-Related Flashbacks
When it comes to managing the distressing impact of past trauma, many therapeutic approaches focus on transforming the relationship between an individual and their memories. One technique that has gained attention in this context is called dream completion. Rooted in...
Protecting Children Through Open Communication
In today’s complex world, many parents find themselves asking one crucial question: “How can I protect my child?” According to Dr. Amy Zabin, the central answer lies in a concept that might sound both simple and obvious—communication. Although parenting methods and...
Understanding Anxiety Through Zinker’s Lens: A Gestalt Approach to Energy Interruption
Anxiety is a pervasive issue in modern life, often characterised by feelings of restlessness, fear, and tension. In Gestalt therapy, anxiety is not merely a symptom to be alleviated but an energetic phenomenon that reveals profound insights into an individual’s...
The Spectrum of Narcissism: Shame, Rage, and the Value of Healthy Self-Love
Narcissism is sometimes viewed solely through a negative lens—a trait that conjures images of arrogance, self-absorption, and grandiose behaviour. Yet, psychoanalyst Heinz Kohut reminds us that narcissism exists on a spectrum and plays an important role in healthy...
An Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative psychotherapeutic approach that views the mind as a system of “parts” working together—much like a family. These parts represent different emotions, behaviours, and roles that form as a result of life experiences. By...
Healing Shame Through Relationship: A Relational Psychotherapy Perspective
Shame is a deeply painful emotion that arises when we feel we are fundamentally flawed or unworthy of acceptance, love, or belonging. It differs from guilt in that guilt often pertains to regret over a specific action—“I did something wrong”—while shame is a pervasive...
The Correspondence Between Shame, Guilt, and Trauma in Integrative Psychotherapy
In my work as an integrative psychotherapist, I frequently encounter the powerful interplay between shame, guilt, and trauma. These experiences are not just emotional states but profound forces that shape a person’s sense of self and their relationships with others....
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