Changing old patterns
When it comes to discussing chronic illness, disability, or mental health, finding the right words can be a challenge. One metaphor that has resonated deeply with many people navigating these experiences is Spoon Theory. Originally created to describe the challenges of living with chronic illness, Spoon Theory has since become a powerful framework for understanding …
Continue reading “Understanding Spoon Theory: A Powerful Metaphor for Mental Health”
Are You Confusing Codependency with Love? At the beginning of a relationship, it’s easy to mistake emotional intensity for genuine connection, or constant reassurance for affection. But what if those overwhelming feelings aren’t love at all—what if they’re symptoms of codependency and a deep-seated fear of abandonment? Why Codependency Feels Like Love—But Isn’t 1. Emotional …
Addiction is a complex, multifaceted issue that impacts millions of individuals and families worldwide. While genetics, environment, trauma, and peer influence all play a role, one often under-discussed yet critical factor is parenting. The way a child is raised—the emotional tone of the household, the boundaries set (or not set), the way love is …
Continue reading “How Bad Parenting Can Contribute to Addiction: A Hard Look at Root Causes”
In classrooms, homes, and countless parenting books throughout history, fear has often been used as a tool to shape behaviour. Threats, punishments, raised voices, and harsh consequences are tactics many adults have relied on—often with the best intentions—to “teach a lesson.” But modern neuroscience and child psychology have made one truth increasingly clear: fear …
Not all toxic people come across as cruel or uncaring. Some genuinely love us and may even mean well. But that doesn’t mean their presence in our lives is healthy. Sometimes, it’s not about malice—it’s about misalignment. The way they live, what they ask of us, or what they take from us can force us …
Do you often find yourself obsessing over someone new? Are your thoughts constantly consumed by the idea of them noticing you or returning your affection? If so, you may not be in love—you might be experiencing limerence. Though limerence and love can feel similar at first, they are fundamentally different emotional experiences. Understanding the difference …
Continue reading “Limerence vs. Love: How to Tell the Difference and Why It Matters”
When we hear the word “addict,” we often picture someone in a dark alley with a needle in their arm. But the truth is, addiction comes in many forms—and most of us are hooked on something, whether it’s food, work, exercise, social media, shopping, or a person! At its core, addiction is about losing control. …
According to most psychological estimates, around 90-95% of our mental activity is considered subconscious, meaning only a small percentage (5-10%) is consciously accessible. Most of our daily decisions, habits, feelings, emotions and behaviours are driven by our subconscious mind. The subconscious stores a vast amount of information, including memories, beliefs, and learned patterns. Which is …
Continue reading “How Is Your Attachment Style Affecting Your Relationship?”
From the perspectives of psychologists like Jung and Freud, our choice of a life partner is significantly influenced by the formative experiences of our earliest years. As completely dependent children, our primary caregivers – and their inherent imperfections or strengths – left an indelible mark. Whether they were distant, overbearing, or even unkind, or consistently …
Continue reading “The Three Stages Of A Loving Relationship”
Are certain people more likely to develop addictions in their lifetime, including to alcohol or drugs? Is there a definitive addictive personality or a set of characteristics that all addicts share? Many people believe they have an addictive personality, but at its core, what they often struggle with is an inability to self-regulate. Self-soothing/regulating means …