Tag: Psychology

Healthy Reciprocity: Building Safety and Reward in Relationships

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.

Reciprocity is the backbone of trust, emotional safety, and attachment. It works because your brain and nervous system are wired to seek predictable, rewarding interactions. 1. The Neurochemistry of Reciprocity When someone consistently responds to your needs — emotionally, physically, or socially — your brain releases key neurochemicals: Neurochemical Role Effect on Relationships Oxytocin Bonding hormone Promotes… Read More Healthy Reciprocity: Building Safety and Reward in Relationships

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Neurochemistry of Secure Couples

1. Key Brain Regions Region Role in Secure Attachment Activation Effects Amygdala Threat detection, fear response Downregulated → reduced anxiety, fear of abandonment Prefrontal Cortex Decision-making, emotional regulation Active → logical problem-solving, calm response to conflict Anterior Cingulate Cortex Social pain, empathy Regulated → enhances empathy, attunement Insula Interoception, emotional awareness Active → reads own… Read More Neurochemistry of Secure Couples

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Reframing the Revelation: Transforming Truth into Growth and Freedom

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

When a hidden truth or secret is revealed, the natural reaction is often shock, anger, or grief. But reframing the experience can transform it from trauma into empowerment, insight, and personal growth. 1. The Gift of Awareness 2. An Opportunity for Growth 3. A Chance to Reclaim Your Life 4. Additional Deep Reframes Truth as a… Read More Reframing the Revelation: Transforming Truth into Growth and Freedom

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Sexual Compatibility vs. Emotional Compatibility Matrix

Axes 📊 The 4 Quadrants 🟥 Quadrant 1 — LOW Emotional / LOW Sexual Compatibility “The Draining Relationship” Characteristics Psychology Long-term outcome:❌ Not sustainable. This is where people feel trapped, invisible, or chronically unhappy. 🟧 Quadrant 2 — LOW Emotional / HIGH Sexual Compatibility “The Chemistry Trap” Characteristics Psychology Long-term outcome:⚠️ High drama, low stability.Great… Read More Sexual Compatibility vs. Emotional Compatibility Matrix

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Neuroscience Behind Reduced Mirror-Neuron Activity (Expanded)

©Linda C J Turner

Reduced mirror-neuron activation doesn’t mean someone is “bad” — it means their brain processes emotional signals differently.Below is a fuller breakdown of how this happens and why. 1. Avoidant Attachment Styles People with avoidant attachment learned early that emotional closeness felt unsafe or overwhelming. Brain mechanisms: Behavioural effects: Avoidance is a protective reflex, not a conscious decision.… Read More Neuroscience Behind Reduced Mirror-Neuron Activity (Expanded)

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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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