The voice that criticises us is not something we are born with. It develops over time, shaped by our experiences and the messages we receive about how we should be. When this voice becomes too demanding, it can leave us feeling as though we are never enough, even when we are doing our very best. Although this is a critical voice, it is often trying to protect us from something, such as the possibility of being rejected or disappointed. The problem is that, when this protectio

Procrastination is often seen as a lack of motivation or organisation. However, it is often a response to difficult emotions that arise when facing certain tasks or decisions. Anxiety, fear of failure, insecurity, perfectionism or even fear of success can lie behind postponement. In therapy, we seek to understand what lies behind procrastination, rather than simply trying to develop more discipline. Instead of criticising ourselves for procrastinating, it can be more helpful

Depression is a complex condition and is often misunderstood. It goes far beyond feeling temporarily sad. It affects how we feel, think and live our day-to-day lives. Some signs may include: • persistent sadness • loss of interest in activities that once brought pleasure • changes in appetite and sleep patterns • fatigue • difficulty concentrating It can be a deeply difficult and isolating experience, but you do not have to go through it alone. Seeking help is an important st

Our earliest relationships can leave deep and lasting marks. From a very young age, we learn what it means to love, trust, ask for what we need, draw close, or keep our distance. Without realising it, we may repeat these attachment patterns in our adult relationships: in the partners we choose, how we react when someone comes closer or withdraws, and in the intensity with which we feel secure or fearful. Understanding our attachment patterns helps us become more self-aware. C

Sometimes it isn’t hunger. It’s tiredness, loneliness, anxiety, sadness, or emptiness. Often, we turn to food to try to soothe our emotions, rather than responding to a physical need. This is an experience often associated with emotional eating. Eating can bring comfort for a moment, but when it becomes the main way of coping with difficult emotions, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of overeating, guilt and shame. Learning to listen to what we feel, recognise our triggers and f

The fear of death is a universal experience because it touches one of the greatest human uncertainties: life's finitude. When this fear is present, it activates an internal protective mechanism that seeks to reduce the threat, and this can cause anxiety, hypervigilance, and affect the way we live. It can lead us to try to control the uncontrollable, avoid the unknown, and choose “safer” paths. It can also influence relationships: drawing closer out of fear of being alone, or

We are not born afraid of making mistakes. In early life, within a safe enough environment, a baby’s natural impulse is curiosity, and mistakes are simply part of the learning process. There is no self-judgment, no shame, no questioning of self-worth. The fear of failing, disappointing others or not being enough, emerges later, when errors begin to be associated with disapproval, criticism, punishment or the loss of love, attention and belonging. Gradually, this fear settles

When we talk about anxiety and emotional balance, we refer to how anxiety shapes emotions, thoughts and responses to stress, and how, little by little, we can come to understand it better, develop emotional regulation strategies and build a healthier relationship with it. Anxiety is a natural response to a variety of situations, which can include anything from periods of change and uncertainty, to the feeling of a lack of control, to experiencing traumatic events, deep-seated

Feeling lost can be a deeply unsettling experience. It often comes with a sense of uncertainty, lack of direction and inner confusion, as if the path ahead is unclear or completely invisible. In these moments, it is common to experience anxiety, fear, and vulnerability, especially when facing the unknown and questioning our life path, identity, or sense of purpose. Being in this place can be emotionally demanding. It requires introspection, patience, and self-compassion, qual

Limiting beliefs are the negative thoughts and stories we tell ourselves about who we are, what we are capable of and what we deserve. Examples of limiting beliefs include feeling that you do not deserve love or success, believing that you are a bad person, feeling that everything is your fault, or thinking that you are not capable or good enough. These beliefs may originate from criticism, comparisons, childhood experiences and other negative experiences from the past. They

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