A heart-shaped cookie broken into pieces, symbolizing the impact of betrayal and the challenge of rebuilding trust.

Understanding the Mistrust/Abuse Schema

The ability to trust shapes how we connect, love, and feel safe in the world. But for some, trust doesn’t come easily. Instead, there’s a deep fear that others will let them down, take advantage, or cause harm. Even when kindness is shown, doubts creep in: What’s their real motive? When will they hurt me?

Close-up of a woman's face with a shadow of two fingers across her cheek, symbolizing emotional tension or trauma healing.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a powerful tool for processing trauma. But sometimes, emotional blocks can make it feel like you’re stuck, unable to move forward. One concept that can help make sense of these blocks is the difference between dirty pain and clean pain – a distinction that can make all the

A woman’s hands forming a heart shape, symbolizing emotional connection and well-being.

We all know how important it is to take care of our physical needs – things like food, water, and shelter are essential for survival. But just as we need physical nourishment, we also require emotional nourishment to truly thrive. From the moment we are born, we begin seeking emotional support – first from our

Hand holding a black pen writing on a notepad, symbolizing the creation of a Mental Health Care Plan referral.

At Qualia Psychology, we understand that navigating the mental health care system can sometimes feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you better understand what a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) is, how it works, and how it can support your journey toward better mental health.   What is a Mental Health

Benefits of sleep

“Sleep is the best meditation.” – Dalai Lama Getting a good night’s sleep can feel like one of life’s simple pleasures, yet it’s one that often feels out of reach. Whether it’s work stress, endless to-do lists, or even just the occasional sleepless night, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of tired mornings and

What is Self-Care? Self-care is essential for maintaining our mental, emotional, and physical health. It refers to the attitudes and actions we take to nourish ourselves. Although simple in theory, self-care is often overlooked in our busy lives. Self-care is both an act of love and a personal responsibility. It acts as armor, protecting the