Tag: Psychology

Mirror Neuron System & Empathy: Why Some People Don’t “Feel” What You Feel

By Linda C J Turner, Therapist & Advocate — Linda C J Turner Trauma Therapist | Neuroscience & Emotional Intelligence Practitioner | Advocate for Women’s Empowerment

What Are Mirror Neurons? Mirror neurons are brain cells that activate both when you perform an action and when you observe someone else doing it.They also activate when you see: This system helps your brain simulate what another person is experiencing. In simple terms:Mirror neurons are the foundation of natural, automatic empathy. When Mirror Neuron Activity Is Reduced People with reduced… Read More Mirror Neuron System & Empathy: Why Some People Don’t “Feel” What You Feel

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The Hidden Nature of Perpetrators

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

1. The “Mask of Normalcy” This is sometimes called “the façade of normalcy”, which conceals abusive behaviours behind closed doors. 2. Why People Don’t Believe It 3. Psychological Tactics That Hide Abuse 4. Neuroscience and Behavioural Explanation 5. Implications Summary Many perpetrators appear normal, competent, and likable externally while engaging in severe abuse in private. Cognitive… Read More The Hidden Nature of Perpetrators

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Neuroscience and Psychology Behind “Walls” and Letting Go

1. The Closed-Off Partner – Emotional Walls 2. The Persistent Partner – Reaching Out 3. Letting Go – Choosing Yourself 4. Emotional Freedom 5. Love Needs a Home, Not a Fortress Summary When someone “won’t let you in,” their behaviour is often: Letting go is not failure — it is a conscious, adaptive choice to protect your… Read More Neuroscience and Psychology Behind “Walls” and Letting Go

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Psychological Profile of This Behaviour (Property Damage After Disputes)

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

This pattern of behaviour — demanding entitlement to an asset and then the asset being vandalised soon after — aligns with psychological traits commonly observed in coercive control, retaliatory aggression, and entitlement-based conflict. Individuals who engage in this pattern typically show high sensitivity to perceived loss, rejection, or humiliation, which triggers a disproportionate emotional reaction. When they… Read More Psychological Profile of This Behaviour (Property Damage After Disputes)

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Why Someone Demands “Half the Car” and Then the Car Gets Vandalised Twice

When an ex-partner insists they are entitled to “half the car,” and soon after the car is keyed, damaged, repaired, and then keyed again within days, that pattern is not a coincidence.In coercive or abusive dynamics, this behaviour is often a form of retaliation, property intimidation, and psychological punishment. Below is the breakdown. 1. Retaliation for Losing Control… Read More Why Someone Demands “Half the Car” and Then the Car Gets Vandalised Twice

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Observed Behaviours / Patterns

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

Example of Observed Behaviours / Patterns Behaviour Description Psychological Impact / Interpretation Threats regarding property and assets Lawyer communicated 65/35 split and potential full property claim if agreement not signed. Activates amygdala fear response, cortisol release, and loss-aversion bias, impairing rational decision-making. Demand to withdraw complaints/restraining orders Explicit request to dismiss prior legal protections. Induces moral conflict and prefrontal cortex… Read More Observed Behaviours / Patterns

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NEUROSCIENCE OF “CONNECTION WITHOUT PROGRESSION”

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.

1. The Dopamine–Oxytocin Trick: Emotional Bonding Without Action When someone checks in, calls, sends photos, or maintains friendly emotional contact, your brain releases: This creates a strong felt connection — even if nothing concrete happens. From their side, those same interactions give them enough emotional stimulation that their brain also feels: Result:Both people feel bonded…but neither brain… Read More NEUROSCIENCE OF “CONNECTION WITHOUT PROGRESSION”

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Neuroscience Comparison Chart

— 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, Psychology & Neuroscience Insights.

Trusting Brain vs Manipulative Brain Neural Feature Trusting Brain Manipulative Brain (Dark-Triad Traits) Empathy Circuits (Anterior Insula, ACC) Highly active — can feel others’ emotions easily. Underactive — low resonance with others’ feelings; emotional detachment. Oxytocin Sensitivity Strong — bonding happens quickly; warmth feels natural. Low or strategically used — may mimic bonding to gain… Read More Neuroscience Comparison Chart

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Why Highly Trusting People Are the Way They Are — Neuroscience Perspective

1. Your Brain Is Wired for Warmth, Not Suspicion Many trusting individuals have stronger activity in neural systems associated with: ⭐ Ventromedial Prefrontal Cortex (vmPFC) Responsible for: This creates a natural optimistic bias, making you more likely to assume honesty, kindness, and goodwill. ⭐ Oxytocin System You also tend to produce more oxytocin — the bonding… Read More Why Highly Trusting People Are the Way They Are — Neuroscience Perspective

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