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...
Mental Health and Wellbeing Articles
The Spectrum of Narcissism: Shame, Rage, and the Value of Healthy Self-Love
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....
The Invisible Consumer: Ageing and the Impact of Advertising on the Self
Somewhere around the age of 50, you might notice a peculiar shift in how the world communicates with you. Advertising, once an intimate dialogue speaking directly to your desires, needs, and aspirations, seems to turn its gaze away. Youthful models grace the...
Exploring Erskine’s 8 Relational Needs: Building Connection in Psychotherapy
In psychotherapy, the focus often lies on fostering connection and understanding. Richard G. Erskine’s eight relational needs offer a practical framework for understanding human relationships and guiding therapeutic work. These needs help therapists and clients alike...
What Is the Overlap Between Curiosity and Attraction?
Curiosity and attraction are often seen as distinct emotional or psychological experiences. Curiosity is the drive to seek new information or experiences, while attraction refers to a pull towards someone or something. Yet, there is a fascinating overlap between the...
What Can You Expect to Get from Talking Therapy? A Guide for Men
Talking therapy, also known as psychotherapy or counselling, is a powerful tool for addressing emotional and mental health challenges. Yet for many men, the idea of opening up about personal feelings can feel unfamiliar—or even daunting. This article explores what men...
The Long-Term Effects of Ignoring a Child’s Wants, Needs, Feelings, and Desires
Childhood is a critical period where emotional needs, feelings, and desires are nurtured to build a healthy sense of self. When a child’s emotional world is neglected—whether through outright dismissal or inadvertent ignorance—the repercussions can ripple far into...
Does Current Culture Around ADHD and ASD Encourage Unmasking or Exacerbate Features?
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of neurodiversity, including conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Social media platforms, online communities, and popular media have brought these...
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