The disquiet that many high achievers feel during the Christmas break is often mislabelled as simple "holiday stress". While it is easy to dismiss an inability to "switch off" as a byproduct of a demanding career, it is more accurately understood as a sophisticated psychological defence. For those who have built an identity around constant activity, the transition into a slower, domestic pace can feel less like a reprieve and more like a confrontation with an internal void. T

The Hidden Logic blog series offers a deep exploration into the psychology underpinning relationship patterns and behaviours, investigating their psychological functions and the potential root causes in childhood experience. Have you ever been in a disagreement with a partner, only to have them suddenly go completely silent? Not just needing a moment to cool down, but a deliberate, total withdrawal? Perhaps they stare blankly, walk out of the room, or give you nothing but mon

The Hidden Logic blog series offers a deep exploration into the psychology underpinning relationship patterns and behaviours, investigating their psychological functions and the potential root causes in childhood experience. In this second post, I am diving into the psychodynamics of emotional abuse by examining its most insidious and disorienting tactic: Gaslighting.   What is Gaslighting? Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where the perpetrator systematical

The Hidden Logic blog series offers a deep exploration into the psychology underpinning relationship patterns and behaviours, investigating their psychological functions and the potential root causes in childhood experience. In this first post, I’m diving into the psychodynamics of emotional abuse by examining its most seductive, yet destructive, opening move. Love Bombing. A Note on Terminology Throughout this series, I will use the term perpetrator instead of abuser. This c

You've done everything right; the degree, the career, the relationships, but you're still grappling with a persistent pressure to succeed that feels overwhelming. For many young professionals, this isn't "just stress", it's achievement anxiety. This constant drive leads to career burnout, chronic self-doubt, and the exhausting feeling of never being good enough despite your accomplishments. Exploring how these feelings connect to childhood experiences offers valuable insight.

Many people hold common misconceptions about what psychotherapy is and who it's for. These outdated ideas, often drawn from movies and...

In our modern world, the message is pervasive: we must be happy. Social media forces us to consume highlights of perfect lives whilst...

Whilst the phrase “office politics” often conjures up images of backstabbing, manipulation, and hidden agendas, the reality is that it is...

Leadership roles present numerous challenges, but what about the often-overlooked psychological pitfalls? I spent over 10 years in the...

From the outside, the corporate world can appear to be a cold, rational and objective place. However, as those inside it understand, it...

We’ve all heard the phrase, “New year, new you.” Yet, year after year, many of us find ourselves stuck in repetitive patterns with the...