Why Having Abuse Recognised Matters: The Psychology and Neuroscience of Acknowledgement

For many survivors, divorce is one chapter. A financial settlement is another. Neither of those processes necessarily addresses what happened behind closed doors. Legal matters determine how assets are divided, where people live, and how finances are resolved. They do not automatically acknowledge years of coercive control, emotional abuse, psychological manipulation, intimidation, or violence. For many… Read More Why Having Abuse Recognised Matters: The Psychology and Neuroscience of Acknowledgement

Five Moves. One Pattern. The Neuroscience and Psychology of Carrying Everything Alone.

As I prepare for my fifth and final move, I’m struck by something I hadn’t fully appreciated before. I’ve spent decades moving homes. But more than that… I’ve spent decades moving almost entirely on my own. The first move was into his house. The second was into the home I bought myself. While I packed… Read More Five Moves. One Pattern. The Neuroscience and Psychology of Carrying Everything Alone.

Why Do Friends and Family Sometimes Notice a Vindictive Personality Before You Do? The Psychology and Neuroscience Behind Chronic Vindictiveness

One of the questions people often ask after leaving a difficult relationship is: “Why did everyone else seem to notice long before I did?” It is surprisingly common to hear family members, friends, colleagues or even previous partners say, “We saw it years ago.” While this can be painful to hear, psychology offers several explanations for why… Read More Why Do Friends and Family Sometimes Notice a Vindictive Personality Before You Do? The Psychology and Neuroscience Behind Chronic Vindictiveness

The Neuroscience and Psychology of Vindictive Personalities: Why Some People Become Consumed by Bitterness, Revenge and the Success of Others

“Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.” While this quote is often attributed to the Buddha, modern neuroscience suggests there is truth behind the sentiment. Chronic bitterness and vindictiveness affect not only relationships but also the brain and body of the person who carries them. Most people experience jealousy,… Read More The Neuroscience and Psychology of Vindictive Personalities: Why Some People Become Consumed by Bitterness, Revenge and the Success of Others

The Psychology and Neuroscience of Vindictive Personalities: Why Some People Seem to Thrive on Revenge, Bitterness, and Jealousy

Most people have experienced moments of anger, resentment, or envy. These emotions are part of being human. For most, they pass with time, reflection, or forgiveness. However, there are some individuals for whom resentment becomes a way of life. They appear to take satisfaction in revenge, celebrate another person’s misfortune, or become deeply distressed when… Read More The Psychology and Neuroscience of Vindictive Personalities: Why Some People Seem to Thrive on Revenge, Bitterness, and Jealousy

Onwards and Upwards: A Neuroscientific Guide to Escaping Chaos and Entering Your Peaceful Era

There comes a magical point in life when you look around and realise your biggest source of stress is deciding which café has the best cake. After years of navigating emotional plot twists, mystery messages, last-minute dramas, and people who treat deadlines as gentle suggestions rather than actual dates, the nervous system starts whispering: “Can… Read More Onwards and Upwards: A Neuroscientific Guide to Escaping Chaos and Entering Your Peaceful Era