Nel Tuo Tempo…….In Your YimeThe artist Olafur Eliasson’s exhibition 'Nel Tuo Tempo' was described as addressing the ‘subjective perception and shared experience’ of a Florentine building.He did this using light, colour and shadow. Some of the twenty exhibits were complex structures, others … [Read more...]
Are we becoming more narcissistic?
We are living in the age of narcissism - or so the media would like us to believe. People in The West seem to be focussed largely on themselves and the pursuit of happiness - the answer to which for increasing numbers of the populace is to be found in the soundbites of TikTok celebrities or from the … [Read more...]
The psychological impact on children who grow up in cults
I have just watched the latest Netflix docu series “How to Become a Cult Leader?” and was pleased to see that images of the cult I grew up in appear in it with frequency, because it means it is undoubtedly and widely recognised as a cult. Familiar images of the cult leader doing “energy darshans” … [Read more...]
What psychological processes make us ‘choke under pressure’?
It is a process whereby our bodies experience environmental stressors as a threat to our physical survival, thereby releasing stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. This is an essential part of all mammal’s fear or threat response, which has become maladaptive in the modern world, as the … [Read more...]
Having healthy conversations with men about the menopause
The menopause is an important life transition for women. In more recent years there has been more awareness about the menopause, meaning women are more willing to talk about it with each other and their partners. The question is what is the best way to talk about the menopause with your partner, … [Read more...]
What is narcissism?
Since the time of Sigmund Freud, clinical terms around psychology have made their way into everyday language. Narcissism is no exception to this and yet it stands in a category of its own for both how ubiquitous it has become in popular culture, alongside also being so misunderstood.Frequently … [Read more...]
Finding contentment in the age of discontent
The official definition of contentment is “freedom from worry or restlessness: peaceful satisfaction”. I would define contentment as a state of inner quiet and peace, and a satisfaction with oneself and with life. This is not linked to material satisfaction, which is usually temporary and … [Read more...]
The medicalisation of mental distress
The foundation of the paradigm shift in how we now view mental health, or as I prefer to consider to consider my field, emotional distress, is one where the problem is increasingly located in the individual as a disorder, rather than in the environment that the individual finds themselves.The … [Read more...]
What causes low self-esteem?
Low self-esteem stems from beliefs that we have about ourselves, a negative self-evaluation which is usually rooted in childhood experiences. The way we were spoken to, treated, and made to feel as children has a significant impact on how we see and therefore relate to ourselves later in life. Some … [Read more...]
Is spirituality an escape from reality?
Spirituality is an important part of our existence. It can provide meaning and purpose, give us a sense of well-being and peace, and provide a philosophical way of being that gives us an ethical code and a way of dealing with adversity. Additionally, it is an important part of personal development … [Read more...]
Is desire spontaneous?
“Dr Meades asks Daphne how she can help. ‘It’s rather personal dear.’ Dr Meades smiles encouragingly, … ‘You see I’m about to embark on a love affair. It hasn’t quite begun yet, but it will be … well, frankly, quite a passionate business.’ Dr Meades’s face retained its amiable smile. Only her … [Read more...]
Does your life story make sense?
Why are stories so important to us humans?Human beings are the story species. From the earliest mythic hunts retold around tribal fires to the modern-day family evenings spent bingeing on the latest Netflix series, stories have captivated us. And yet, when it comes to our own life story, we are … [Read more...]
What is belonging and why does it matter?
I was recently invited onto the Podcast ‘Conversations with Annalisa Barbieri’ to talk about the topic of 'Belonging'.The discussion centred around our mutual experience of growing up in cultures that were not of our families of origin. Annalisa is technically a ‘second culture kid’, and I am a … [Read more...]
What are the benefits of a twice Weekly therapy group?
Most therapy groups run once a week. In our practice at Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy, we also offer a twice weekly group, but how does having a second session in the week help?Emotional bonds An essential aspect of any group therapy is building emotional relationships between group members, … [Read more...]
Practical examples for ‘food and mood’
This blog follows on from my previous one called 'Food and Mood' and provides you with food examples.Wholegrain cereals, peas, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables are rich in a range of vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function well. They also digest slowly, helping … [Read more...]