Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a transformative psychotherapeutic approach developed by Dr Richard C. Schwartz in the 1980s. Rooted in systems theory, IFS views the mind as being composed of “parts,” each with its own unique perspectives, emotions, and...
Mental Health
An Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Exploring Petruska Clarkson’s Five Relationship Modalities
Petruska Clarkson proposed five distinct ways in which therapist and client connect. Each modality reflects a different facet of the therapeutic alliance, helping us understand the complexity and richness of effective therapy sessions. This article will explore each...
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 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...
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...
Thinking About What to Do in the New Year: Reflections on Training as a Psychotherapist
As the new year approaches, it’s a time for reflection—a chance to pause, recalibrate, and refocus on the journey ahead. For those of us already training as psychotherapists, the start of a new year offers an opportunity to think about where we are in our training,...
To view the full article, just click on the article title (in dark blue.)