Introduction In Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz, healing doesn’t come from analysing or overpowering parts—it comes from being present with them from the core of our being. This core is known as the Self. The Self in IFS is not...
Mental Health and Wellbeing Articles
The ‘C’s of the Self in IFS: Cultivating Compassionate Presence
Understanding Erskine’s 8 Relational Needs: A Guide to Healthier Connections
Human relationships are at the core of our emotional well-being. Whether it’s with family, friends, or romantic partners, the quality of our connections profoundly impacts our mental health and sense of fulfillment. Psychologist Richard G. Erskine, a pioneer in...
The Danger of Relying on the Child Ego State in Transactional Analysis
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...
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...
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...
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...
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