Category archive: Blog category 1

Is doing a good thing always the right thing to do? On the surface they both look the same. It can look and feel like doing a good thing is what’s right. Is it always best to tell the truth? Is it always best to step in to help others? What do we do when…

Anger When we think of anger we often think of raised voices and aggressive behaviour. There are however different styles of anger, therefore different ways in which we experience and communicate our anger. If we don’t understand our anger or communicate and deal with it appropriately we will either explode or implode. Neither can be…

It is world suicide prevention day. In the UK and Ireland approximately 18 people a day die by suicide. Although talking about suicide can feel frightening, and there can never really be a good time for a difficult conversation, if you are concerned about someone certainly find the time to talk to them. Remember you don’t…

“Guilt is what I feel when I think about the consequences of what I’ve done. Shame is what I feel when others think about the consequences of what I’ve done.” Darren Magee The Power of Shame Shame is a very powerful and at the same time an uncomfortable emotion. It is something we experience when…

The power of validating and being validated can’t be understated. As human beings we all have a need to feel heard. To have others reflect and mirror us. We have a need to feel empathy from others. Even if at times it’s just for the sake of feeling sane we have a need to feel…

Learned Behaviour Learned behaviour is often a result to an external stimulus. For example a child may learn that they will get burnt if they touch something hot. Therefore they learn to avoid touching hot things. As the child grows they learn new things and new behaviours. For instance adults generally don’t be on their…

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often associated with physical causes like circulatory problems. However there are also emotional and psychological problems associated with the condition. The dysfunction can not only cause emotional distress, but emotional factors can contribute to the dysfunction when the penis is capable of erection. The fear of ‘failing’ leads to an embarrassment…

Narcissism When we hear the term narcissist we tend to think of a lack of empathy and extroverted grandiosity. We imagine overt control, manipulation and the abuse of others. However, like most characteristics there is a range of different shades and types, and narcissism is no different. The covert narcissist can be difficult to spot…

Following on from last time here are some more defence mechanisms. Undoing Undoing is an attempt at taking back a thought, feeling or behaviour that is hurtful or unacceptable. An example would be offending someone then pouring out lots of flattery and praise in the hope of undoing the original offence. Intellectualization Intellectualization occurs when…