Brain Health
Category: LINDA C J TURNER – Trauma Therapist
Guidelines for a New Relationship
In a new relationship, how often you see each other can make a big difference in building a healthy connection without overwhelming the bond. Neuroscience and psychology give us some insight into pacing. 1. The Science Behind Early Connection Dopamine & Reward: Seeing each other releases dopamine, making interactions exciting and reinforcing. But too much too soon can… Read More Guidelines for a New Relationship
Neuroscience of Real Love
Real love is more than just butterflies or excitement—it’s a mix of neuroscience, psychology, and deep emotional patterns. Understanding it through both fields can help you distinguish authentic love from infatuation or temporary attachment. Here’s a detailed breakdown: 1. Neuroscience of Real Love Brain Regions Involved Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) – the “reward center.” Releases dopamine when you feel connection… Read More Neuroscience of Real Love
Neuroscience of Feeling Unloved
Attachment and the Brain: Early attachment experiences (from childhood with caregivers) shape your brain’s social and emotional circuits. The amygdala (emotional threat detection) and prefrontal cortex (emotional regulation) are central here. If early attachments were inconsistent or untrustworthy, your brain can stay hypervigilant for rejection, making it harder to feel secure in love later. Oxytocin and Connection: Oxytocin is often called… Read More Neuroscience of Feeling Unloved
Intensity triggers the brain’s fear system
In the early stage of a relationship it is very common for someone to feel a strong connection and then suddenly pull back. Psychology and neuroscience show several reasons why this happens. 1. Intensity triggers the brain’s fear system At the beginning of attraction, the brain releases dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline. These chemicals create excitement, passion, and the… Read More Intensity triggers the brain’s fear system
The healthy balance
Here are 5 subtle signs someone may have weak or unhealthy boundaries in relationships, based on findings in relationship psychology and behavioural neuroscience. 1. Difficulty saying “no” One of the clearest signs of weak boundaries is the inability to refuse requests. People with this pattern often: Say yes when they feel uncomfortable Agree to things out… Read More The healthy balance
Seven types of boundaries
Boundaries are a cornerstone of healthy relationships and emotional wellbeing. In psychology, boundaries are understood as the limits we set to protect our emotional, physical, and mental space while still allowing connection with others. They are not about pushing people away—they are about creating safe and respectful ways to relate to each other. Here is a deeper… Read More Seven types of boundaries
Getting to know you?
Misunderstandings are very common in new relationships. When two people are just getting to know each other, their brains are still learning each other’s communication style, emotional needs, and boundaries. Both psychology and neuroscience help explain why this happens. 1. The brain is filling in the gaps In the early stages of a relationship, we don’t yet have… Read More Getting to know you?
The Energy We Give Is Often the Energy We Receive
In relationships, human behaviour often works like a mirror. What we project outward frequently comes back to us in similar form. If we communicate with warmth, openness and respect, those qualities tend to invite the same response. But when we project coldness, distance or hostility, it is not surprising when the response we receive feels… Read More The Energy We Give Is Often the Energy We Receive
Gratitude and support
That sense of gratitude and support is incredibly powerful for healing, and both neuroscience and psychology show why having male and female friends along with family can make such a profound difference. 1. Social Support Reduces Stress Neuroscience: Supportive relationships lower cortisol, the stress hormone elevated by trauma. They reduce amygdala hyperactivity, meaning your nervous system feels safer and calmer. Psychology: Feeling… Read More Gratitude and support
