Tag: Psychology

🧠 Understanding OCD: The Neuroscience and Psychology Behind It

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

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) isn’t about being “neat,” “organized,” or “a perfectionist.” It’s a complex neuropsychological condition involving intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that people feel driven to perform in order to reduce anxiety or prevent something bad from happening. 🧩 The Brain Circuits Involved Modern neuroscience shows that OCD involves dysregulation in specific brain circuits, particularly… Read More 🧠 Understanding OCD: The Neuroscience and Psychology Behind It

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One-sided or exploitative relationships

A classic pattern of one-sided or exploitative relationships, and both psychology and neuroscience give powerful insight into why these dynamics feel so draining and confusing. Here’s a breakdown that connects behaviour, brain science, and emotional impact 👇 ⚖️ 1. The Psychology of One-Sided Relationships People who make everything about what you can do for them often show traits linked to narcissistic or emotionally avoidant patterns:… Read More One-sided or exploitative relationships

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Tactical Guide: Presenting a Psychologist’s Report in Court

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

1️⃣ Structure the Report Clearly Executive Summary: Start with a short, neutral summary of the findings — objective and fact-based. Background: Include context: who was assessed, dates, sessions attended, and purpose of the evaluation. Methods: Clearly describe clinical tools, assessments, and observations used (standardized tests, structured interviews, behavioral observations). Findings: Stick to observable behaviors and measurable outcomes, not subjective opinions or labels.… Read More Tactical Guide: Presenting a Psychologist’s Report in Court

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1️⃣ Understand the Purpose of the Report

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

A psychologist’s report can serve multiple functions in a divorce: Child custody or parenting evaluations: Demonstrating the best interests of the child. Evidence of mental health issues or manipulation: Showing patterns of coercion, emotional abuse, or trauma. Supporting claims of abuse or misconduct: Providing professional, objective observations. Courts value objective, fact-based analysis over opinionated or emotional statements.… Read More 1️⃣ Understand the Purpose of the Report

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When They Threaten You with Court to Control You

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

The psychology behind false defamation claims and emotional manipulation Sometimes, the people who shout the loudest about “defamation” are the very ones who’ve been spreading rumours themselves. When someone makes damaging or unkind comments about their own family and then threatens to take you to court for simply repeating or acknowledging them, it’s rarely about truth —… Read More When They Threaten You with Court to Control You

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 Friendship differs from a romantic relationship

Let’s look at how friendship differs from a romantic relationship, both in the mind and in the brain. 🧠 Neuroscience Perspective 1. Shared biological systems Both friendship and romantic love activate the brain’s reward circuitry — especially areas like: Ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (dopamine reward system) Prefrontal cortex (decision-making, empathy, perspective-taking) Amygdala (emotional recognition and response) Oxytocin and vasopressin pathways (bonding and trust) The difference lies in intensity and neural… Read More  Friendship differs from a romantic relationship

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Friendship

Friendship, in its broadest sense, is a voluntary, reciprocal relationship based on trust, affection, shared interests, and mutual support. When we consider friendship between a man and a woman, both neuroscience and psychology provide insights into its nature, dynamics, and unique aspects. Let’s break it down carefully. 1. Psychological Perspective Core elements of friendship: Trust and… Read More Friendship

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🧠 1. The neuroscience of denial: fear and self-protection

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

Denial is not just psychological — it’s neurobiological.When the brain encounters something threatening to identity, reputation, or emotional safety, the amygdala (fear center) and anterior cingulate cortex (conflict detector) activate.This triggers avoidance circuits — the brain unconsciously blocks awareness or reshapes reality to reduce emotional pain. In other words: “If I don’t admit it, I don’t have to feel it.” The brain… Read More 🧠 1. The neuroscience of denial: fear and self-protection

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“The Psychology of Projection: When the Real Controller Says ‘They’re Trying to Control You’”

You heard it over and over:“They’re trying to control you.”Your family. Your friends. Anyone who cared about you —he cast them all as the enemy. But in truth, it was never them.It was him. Psychologically, this is a classic tactic of projection — one of the most common defense mechanisms in controlling or narcissistic personalities.Projection happens when a person… Read More “The Psychology of Projection: When the Real Controller Says ‘They’re Trying to Control You’”

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