Some people move through relationships with an exhausting sense that they must either fit in or fight. They may please others until they feel invisible, then pull away or push back once the pressure becomes too much. There can be little room for a simpler experience:...
Therapy
From Protecting Yourself to Feeling More Free
The Conforming Adaptive Child: Why We Learn to Please, Fit In, and Keep the Peace
Many people come to therapy with a painful question: “Why do I keep doing what other people want, even when it costs me?” It might show up as people-pleasing, avoiding disagreement, over-apologising, freezing in the face of authority, or feeling responsible for...
Why Do I Push Back When Someone Tries to Help? A Gentle Introduction to Transactional Analysis
Some people come to therapy because they are tired of pleasing everyone. Others come because they notice a different pattern: the moment someone advises, questions, expects, or tries to help, something in them pushes back. They may argue, withdraw, go blank, do the...
Why Do I Keep Pleasing People? A Gentle Introduction to Transactional Analysis
If you are just beginning therapy, some of the language can feel unfamiliar. It may sound like you are expected to understand a whole theory before you can talk about your life. You are not. Good therapy should help these ideas make sense in ordinary human terms....
Therapy for the Overwhelmed – How to Begin When Everything Feels Too Much
When life feels unmanageable, even the thought of starting therapy can seem overwhelming. It can feel like justonemorething on top of a heap of things that are not getting done. So is not unusual for people to delay seeking help because they feel stuck in a cycle of...
Understanding The Narcissist’s Prayer: A Tool for Insight and Healing
In the field of psychotherapy, one of the most challenging and complex dynamics we often encounter is the impact of narcissistic abuse. Such experiences can profoundly affect the lives of those involved, often leaving behind a trail of confusion, self-doubt, and...
What Is the Difference Between a Psychotherapist and a Counsellor?
When clients come to me for help, they often ask, “What is the difference between a psychotherapist and a counsellor?” It’s a common question, and the distinction can be quite important when seeking the right support. Both professionals are trained to help people...
Exploring the Link Between Anxiety and Anger
In my journey through therapy, I’ve often found myself grappling with two emotions that seem to be at odds with one another: anxiety and anger. At first glance, they may appear to be completely separate experiences, but I’ve discovered that they are more closely...
Painting Life with the Palette of Emotions: Exploring Happiness, Sadness, Anger, and Fear
As I navigate through life, I’ve come to see that emotions are like colours on a painter’s palette—each one adding depth and dimension to the canvas of my experiences. The four basic emotions—happiness, sadness, anger, and fear—are fundamental to who I am. Yet, I’ve...
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