“I honestly feel like Butler will kill me if further action is not taken. I am constantly afraid of leaving my house.”

The story of 48-year-old Plymouth nurse and lecturer Claire Chick is one of the clearest and most devastating examples of the dangers of stalking, coercive control, and domestic abuse escalation. Claire repeatedly sought help. Court proceedings heard that she contacted police six times in the months before her death, reporting harassment, stalking, threats, unwanted contact,… Read More “I honestly feel like Butler will kill me if further action is not taken. I am constantly afraid of leaving my house.”

Living the Dream at Last: Eighteen Months of Letting Go and Moving Forward

There are moments in life when you look around and realise that, despite everything that has happened, you have made it through. This week was one of those moments for me. It was a week filled with simple pleasures and meaningful connections. Meals out at some wonderful restaurants, long conversations with friends, neighbours and special… Read More Living the Dream at Last: Eighteen Months of Letting Go and Moving Forward

Reporting Teachers in England

In the United Kingdom, concerns about teachers, safeguarding staff, social workers, or professionals working with children can be reported through several official channels depending on the role and seriousness of the allegations. Reporting Teachers in England The main professional body is the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA). They investigate serious professional misconduct including: You can report concerns… Read More Reporting Teachers in England

Involving Children and Grandchildren

When family members involve children or grandchildren in denying, minimizing, or covering up abusive behaviour, it places enormous psychological pressure on everyone involved — especially the younger generations. From a neuroscience and psychology perspective, several dynamics often overlap: For the people witnessing this, the impact can be profound: One of the hardest parts is that… Read More Involving Children and Grandchildren

Deep neurochemical and emotional bonding.

Some of the strongest human connections are formed when attraction is not primarily driven by money, status, appearance, or social gain, but by deep neurochemical and emotional bonding. Neuroscience shows that humans are biologically wired for attachment. In genuinely intense connections, the brain’s reward, safety, and bonding systems can become highly synchronized between two people.… Read More Deep neurochemical and emotional bonding.

Limerence

The psychological term most often linked to “love at first sight” is “instant attraction” or “limerence” when the feelings become intense, obsessive, and emotionally consuming. In neuroscience and psychology, researchers also talk about rapid romantic attachment or thin-slice attraction — where the brain forms powerful impressions within seconds. From a neuroscience perspective, something very real does happen, although scientists debate whether it is truly “love”… Read More Limerence

Complicated Grief

Complicated Grief refers to a persistent, intense, and often disabling form of grief where the natural healing process becomes stuck or delayed. The emotional pain remains acute for a long time and can interfere with daily functioning, identity, sleep, and emotional regulation. It is different from normal grief in that the intensity does not gradually… Read More Complicated Grief