Woman holding a book in front of her face, symbolizing emotional processing and healing.

Will EMDR Be Too Intense for Me?

If you’re considering Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy but feel uncertain about how intense it might be, you’re not alone. It’s a common question for those thinking about starting trauma-focused therapy. Many people worry that reliving painful memories might be overwhelming or too intense. This blog will help you understand how EMDR works,

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Can I Do EMDR on Myself? Exploring Self-Guided EMDR at Home

Can I Do EMDR Therapy on Myself? Exploring the Benefits, Risks, and Safe Alternatives When it comes to therapy for trauma, anxiety, or PTSD, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) often comes up as a highly effective option. Many people are curious about whether they can try it on their own, especially with its focus

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Minimalist squiggle drawing of a brain on a beige aesthetic background, symbolizing trauma processing and EMDR therapy.

The Science Behind EMDR: How Eye Movements Support Trauma Recovery

As a Clinical Psychologist, I often work with clients who have experienced trauma, and one of the most effective therapy approach I use is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).  Developed by Dr. Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s, EMDR is a structured therapy that helps people process and heal from distressing memories. But how

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

Healing Through EMDR: Understanding the Emotional Blocks of Clean Pain Vs Dirty Pain

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

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Understanding Core Emotional Needs and Schema Therapy

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

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Woman holding her face in her hands, expressing anxiety and overwhelm.

Living Beyond Constant Worry and Catastrophizing: Understanding the Vulnerability to Harm Schema

Do you often find yourself fearing the worst, even in everyday situations? Are you constantly on edge, anticipating something bad is going to happen? This persistent worry could be linked to the Vulnerability to Harm Schema, a common pattern that leaves individuals feeling chronically unsafe. Here, we’ll explore what the Vulnerability to Harm Schema is,

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Schema Therapy vs Traditional CBT: What Sets Them Apart?

As a Clinical Psychologist, one of the questions I often get from clients is how Schema Therapy differs from traditional Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). While both approaches aim to help individuals overcome challenges and lead more fulfilling lives, their methods and focus vary significantly. Let’s delve into these two therapeutic modalities to uncover the differences

Understanding Maladaptive Schemas: How Core Beliefs Shape Our Emotional and Behavioral Patterns

What Are Schemas and How Do They Form?

Maladaptive schemas are deeply ingrained, negative patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that often develop during childhood and affect adult behaviour. These schemas influence how we view ourselves, others, and the world around us. Understanding maladaptive schemas is a cornerstone of Schema Therapy, a valuable therapeutic approach that helps unpack and address long-standing emotional struggles.

Nurturing Your Progress: Strategies to Sustain Therapy Gains and Prevent Relapse

Introduction: The Garden of Your Mind Imagine your mind as a garden. In therapy, you’ve learned to recognise, understand, and tackle the “weeds” – negative thoughts, unhelpful behaviours, and distressing emotions. With time and care, you’ve cultivated “flowers” — positive habits, self-compassion, and resilience. But, just like in any garden, weeds have a tendency to