Psychotherapy

A soft watercolour image suggesting distance and gentle connection, representing the schizoid process

Why Questions Feel Like Criticism in the Schizoid Process

People whose internal world is organised around a schizoid process [this is jargon for people who need a lot of safety in their life] often experience ordinary questions as criticism. This reaction is not about being ‘overly sensitive’, nor is it a sign of...

Watercolour abstract suggesting divergent attention pathways, evoking ADHD without text or symbols

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Self-Identifying as ADHD

Self-identifying as having Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) means recognising in yourself a pattern of symptoms that seems to fit ADHD and using that label personally—often before (or instead of) a formal clinical diagnosis. In the UK, formal diagnosis...

A softly painted watercolour of a person sitting at a desk, gazing out the window, sunlight spilling onto scattered papers.

Another Thought about Why We Put Things Off

Often when I really need to get something done I find that I don’t. Having spoken with many people, I find that there is a familiar set of circumstances: the creeping delay, the mental circling, the sudden urge to tidy the kitchen instead of starting the task that...

A watercolour painting of a woman knitting with her translucent double hovering above, symbolising an out-of-body experience.

Is the Flow State a Form of Dissociation?

The flow state, described by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi as “being completely involved in an activity for its own sake,” is often hailed as the pinnacle of human productivity and creativity. But from a psychotherapeutic perspective, it prompts a deeper question: is flow a...

A watercolour painting of a tangled knot gradually unravelling into flowing lines, symbolising the release of anxiety patterns.

Addicted to Anxiety by Owen O’Kane – A Balanced Review

Owen O’Kane’s Addicted to Anxiety: How to Break the Habit (2025) proposes that anxiety functions like an addiction. Behaviours and thought patterns that initially feel protective become cyclical habits that reinforce fear and avoidance. His framework is structured...

Watercolour illustration of a programmer deeply immersed in code, suggesting both creativity and detachment from the outside world, without overlaid text.

Is Computer Programming a Form of Dissociation or Avoidance?

Computer programming is often celebrated for its creativity, logic, and problem-solving elegance. But what happens when our immersion in code becomes so complete that it detaches us from our emotional or relational lives? Could it be that programming is, at times,...

Watercolour illustration of a therapist and client in a warm consulting room, symbolising different approaches to psychotherapy.

Choosing the Right Psychotherapy Modality

Psychotherapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. With a range of modalities available—from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to psychodynamic, humanistic, integrative and relational approaches—selecting the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you understand...

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