Tag: #health

When Illness Becomes a Source of Sympathy: Be Careful What You Wish For

There is a very human instinct to feel compassion when someone tells us they are seriously unwell. Cancer, chronic illness and serious health difficulties naturally evoke concern, empathy and a desire to help. But what happens when illness becomes repeatedly used to gain sympathy, attention, forgiveness, financial assistance or exemption from accountability? This is where… Read More When Illness Becomes a Source of Sympathy: Be Careful What You Wish For

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What can happen in the abuser’s brain during abusive behaviour?

From a neuroscience perspective, abuse involves changes in the brain and nervous system of both the person being abused and, potentially, the person carrying out the abuse—but we have to be careful not to suggest that there is a single “abuser brain.” People become abusive through complex interactions among learning, personality, emotion regulation, beliefs, environment and… Read More What can happen in the abuser’s brain during abusive behaviour?

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Research-based typologies of people who sexually abuse children

The central finding is that child sexual offenders are a heterogeneous population. There is no single psychological or personality profile that identifies a child sexual abuser. A major review of the literature specifically concludes that existing typologies have useful descriptive value but also significant methodological limitations.  1. Groth’s typology — early motivational model Groth’s work was… Read More Research-based typologies of people who sexually abuse children

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When Your Sleep Changes: A Quiet Sign Your Nervous System Is Healing

For years, I didn’t realise how deeply trauma had affected my sleep. I could fall asleep exhausted, yet wake feeling as though I hadn’t rested at all. My body slept, but my nervous system remained on guard, never quite believing it was safe enough to switch off completely. Many survivors of prolonged stress, domestic abuse,… Read More When Your Sleep Changes: A Quiet Sign Your Nervous System Is Healing

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The Neuroscience and Psychology of Sadistic Behaviour: Why Cruelty Can Become Addictive

One of the most difficult questions survivors ask is: “How could someone enjoy causing another person so much pain?” For those who have never experienced coercive control, emotional abuse, or psychological manipulation, the idea that another human being could derive satisfaction from another person’s suffering seems incomprehensible. Yet psychology and neuroscience provide important insights into… Read More The Neuroscience and Psychology of Sadistic Behaviour: Why Cruelty Can Become Addictive

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“You Look Different”: The Neuroscience of Finally Feeling Safe

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment ©Linda C J Turner © 2025 Linda Carol Turner. Content protected by copyright.
Reproduction or redistribution in any form requires prior written permission from the author.
When quoting or referencing, please cite: Linda Carol Turner, Psychology & Neuroscience Insights.

One of the most unexpected parts of healing has not been what I see in myself, but what other people see in me. Recently, friends, family, and even people I haven’t seen for a while have been making similar comments. “You look so much more relaxed.” “You seem more confident.” “You’re glowing.” “You smile so… Read More “You Look Different”: The Neuroscience of Finally Feeling Safe

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Power, control, security, identity, or status.

When money becomes more important than a relationship or family, psychology and neuroscience suggest that the money itself is rarely the true priority. More often, money represents something much deeper: power, control, security, identity, or status. The Psychology Behind It In healthy relationships, money is viewed as a shared resource that supports the family. In abusive or… Read More Power, control, security, identity, or status.

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Envy, Insecurity and Control:

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment ©Linda C J Turner © 2025 Linda Carol Turner. Content protected by copyright.
Reproduction or redistribution in any form requires prior written permission from the author.
When quoting or referencing, please cite: Linda Carol Turner, Psychology & Neuroscience Insights.

The Psychology and Neuroscience Behind Why Some Abusive Individuals Struggle With Another Person’s Happiness One of the most confusing experiences for many survivors is realising that their partner seemed unable to genuinely celebrate their happiness, achievements or independence. Whether it was a promotion at work, financial success, new friendships, growing confidence or simply enjoying life,… Read More Envy, Insecurity and Control:

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