In psychology, splitting refers to a defense mechanism in which a person tends to perceive people, situations, or experiences as either all good or all bad, with little room for nuance or shades of gray. It is a way of thinking that involves extreme and polarized evaluations, without considering the complexities or ambivalence that may… Read More Q & A – What is splitting in psychology?
Complex trauma refers to a specific type of trauma that involves prolonged and repeated exposure to traumatic events, typically starting in childhood and involving interpersonal relationships. It is different from a single traumatic event, such as a car accident or natural disaster. Complex trauma is often characterized by: Multiple Traumatic Experiences: Individuals with complex trauma… Read More What is complex trauma?
When someone engages in gaslighting, they manipulate another person’s perception of reality in order to make them doubt their own experiences, memory, and senses. Gaslighting tactics can include: Denying something happened: The abuser may deny that an event occurred or that they said something, even though the victim remembers it happening. Minimizing the victim’s experiences:… Read More Gaslighting
Setting boundaries with parents can be a difficult and complex process, but it is an important step in maintaining your own mental and emotional well-being. Here are some tips for setting boundaries with parents: Identify your needs and boundaries: Before setting boundaries, it’s important to identify what your needs and boundaries are. Think about what… Read More Setting Boundaries with Parents
Exploring narratives involves delving into the stories we tell ourselves about our lives, experiences, and identities. Narratives are the stories that we construct to make sense of our experiences and give meaning to our lives. They can shape how we see ourselves, how we interact with others, and how we understand the world around us.… Read More Q & A – What does “Exploring Narratives” mean in a therapy session?
Circularity in the context of feedback refers to the idea that feedback is an ongoing, iterative process that involves a continuous loop of communication and reflection. It is a cyclical process in which feedback is given, received, and acted upon, and then further feedback is given based on the response. In this sense, circular feedback… Read More Q & A – What is Circularity in Therapy?
Mentalizing and empathy can certainly alter fixed narratives. Mentalizing refers to the ability to understand and interpret the thoughts, feelings, and intentions of oneself and others, while empathy involves the ability to share and understand the emotions of others. When we engage in mentalizing and empathy, we may start to see things from a different… Read More Q & A – What is Mentalizing?
A movie about Mentalization-based treatment (MBT) featuring Anthony Bateman and Espen Folmo. MBT is a form of psychodynamic psychotherapy, developed and manualised by Peter Fonagy, Anthony Bateman and Sigmund Karterud. MBT was designed for individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD), who suffer from disorganised attachment and allegedly failed to develop a mentalization capacity within the… Read More What is Mentalizing
Erik Erikson was a developmental psychologist who proposed a psychosocial theory of human development. His theory includes eight stages of development that span the entire lifespan, from infancy to old age. According to Erikson, each stage is characterized by a specific developmental task or crisis that individuals must successfully navigate in order to develop a… Read More Erikson’s theory
It is not uncommon for people to mask their true character or hide their true feelings or intentions. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as fear of judgment or rejection, a desire to fit in or be liked, or a need to protect oneself from perceived threats. Here are some signs… Read More Masking True Character
