When Vulnerability Becomes an Opportunity: The Psychology of Mercenary Behaviour

There are moments in life when human beings are at their most vulnerable. Illness. Hospitalisation. Bereavement. Divorce. Financial crisis. Family emergencies. Exhaustion. Fear. These are the moments when we instinctively expect the people around us to become more compassionate, not less. We expect a friend, partner, relative or trusted person to say: “How can I help?”… Read More When Vulnerability Becomes an Opportunity: The Psychology of Mercenary Behaviour

And Then You Meet Someone Who Doesn’t Have to Perform Love

Sometimes you don’t fully understand what was missing from your previous relationship until you experience something completely different. You meet someone who doesn’t create theatre. They don’t need an audience. They don’t need to convince the world that they are loving. They simply are. The affection is there when nobody is watching. The respect is there… Read More And Then You Meet Someone Who Doesn’t Have to Perform Love

The Two Faces of Betrayal: When the Public Image Is Nothing Like the Private Reality

There is a particular kind of behaviour that can be deeply disturbing because what you see on the surface bears little resemblance to what is happening underneath. They smile at you. They tell you everything is fine. They may sit beside you, sleep beside you, share your home and accept your financial support — while… Read More The Two Faces of Betrayal: When the Public Image Is Nothing Like the Private Reality

The Two Faces of Betrayal: When Someone Smiles at You While Working Against You

There is a particular kind of behaviour that can be deeply unsettling because what you see on the surface bears little resemblance to what is happening underneath. They smile at you. They tell you everything is fine. They may sit beside you, sleep beside you, share your home, accept your money, depend upon you financially… Read More The Two Faces of Betrayal: When Someone Smiles at You While Working Against You

When You Finally Meet Someone Who Feels Different

When kindness no longer feels like an exception And then, sometimes, you meet someone who feels completely different. Someone who smiles when they see you. Someone who listens — really listens. Someone who jokes with you. Someone who makes you laugh. Someone who is playful and spontaneous. Someone who shares. Someone who sings. Someone who… Read More When You Finally Meet Someone Who Feels Different

When Trauma Lives in the Body: The Neuroscience of Prolonged Stress and Illness

Trauma is not only something you remember. Sometimes, it is something your body continues to respond to. When people talk about trauma, they often focus on the psychological consequences: Anxiety.Fear.Flashbacks.Nightmares.Hypervigilance.Emotional numbness.Depression.Anhedonia. But prolonged trauma can affect far more than how we think and feel. The brain, nervous system, endocrine system, immune system and cardiovascular system… Read More When Trauma Lives in the Body: The Neuroscience of Prolonged Stress and Illness

Protect Your Joy: You Don’t Have to Explain Happiness

Joy is contagious. But it cannot be forced. It arrives naturally. A moment of laughter.A beautiful morning.A kind word.Music that makes you want to dance.A spontaneous conversation.A new friendship.A feeling of freedom.The simple realisation that, somehow, you are happy again. After a period of prolonged stress, emotional abuse or control, the return of joy can feel… Read More Protect Your Joy: You Don’t Have to Explain Happiness

When the Pleasure Returns: Remembering What Kindness Feels Like

There may come a moment in recovery that you never expected. Something feels good. Not because you are trying to make it feel good. Not because you are telling yourself to be grateful. You simply notice that you are enjoying something again. A laugh comes naturally. Music touches you. You look forward to seeing someone. You… Read More When the Pleasure Returns: Remembering What Kindness Feels Like