No one ever wants to be on the receiving end of romantic betrayal. The emotional pain of discovering that someone you love and trust has been cheating and lying to you can be overwhelming. When you are the victim of massive deception and betrayal, it...
Discovering that your partner has been unfaithful can feel devastating. On top of the unspeakable pain from the sexual betrayal are the lies they have told – either through words or by their silence. It is common for people to feel completely lost once they...
We all believe we know what narcissism looks like. After all, aren’t a majority of politicians and Hollywood A-listers narcissists, projecting their massive egos onto the world? While that may be true, narcissists come in all shapes and sizes. They walk among us, some of...
These days, many of us find it hard to find the time to have a decent and satisfactory sex life with our partner. We’re either too busy, too tired or too stressed much of the time. While we may not like it, this is pretty...
Narcissistic personality disorder—a mental health condition characterised by an excessive need to feel important and impress others—often causes narcissists to have an inflated sense of self-worth, lack empathy, and fantasise about possessing success, power, intelligence, and beauty. Narcissism differs from self-confidence in that it causes...
Many people throw around the term “narcissist” very casually, using it to describe an individual with high self-esteem rather than one who actually has narcissistic personality disorder. Below, we explain what narcissism is and how it differs from self-confidence. What Is Narcissism? Narcissistic personality disorder...
Experiencing sexual dysfunction can be a challenging and isolating journey, but luckily, therapy offers an effective path toward resolution. Specialised therapy for sexual dysfunction at Alinda Small BPsychSc., MScMedSH in Sydney, NSW, provides individuals and couples with the tools to navigate these issues in a...
Getting married is one of the most significant milestones in life, and while the excitement of planning a wedding can take centre stage, it’s equally important to invest in building a solid foundation for your future together. Premarital counselling is a powerful tool for couples...
“I do.” Two simple enough words. And when you say them on your wedding day, you really mean them. But “I do” can quickly turn into, “I thought I could” when you don’t know exactly who or what you are committing to. Let’s face it,...
You might have heard that happiness is a choice and wondered if that’s actually true. Unfortunately, for some individuals, mental health conditions like depression and bipolar disorder make it difficult for them to feel happy. There can also be several factors outside someone’s control—such as...
Seeking help from a relationship counsellor is not unlike seeking help from a mechanic. It makes little sense to take your car into the shop a month after it started making a horrific noise. By that time, too much damage may have been done and...
You may have heard about the benefits of setting boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers—by communicating your needs and wants, you can boost your self-esteem, prioritize your mental and emotional health, and improve your overall well-being. In the long run, boundaries can also enhance the...
In my time as a Relationship Therapist, there is probably one statement I have heard more than any other, and that is, “I just don’t think I will ever get over this.” This statement is often said by my clients who have recently learned their...
Co-parenting can present obstacles at any time of the year, but it tends to be especially difficult on birthdays, special occasions , and other special celebrations Here are a few tips for how to approach your next big event: Decide on a schedule ahead of...
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a type of mental disorder that can cause excessive movement and make it difficult for someone to focus and control their impulses. For many people, ADHD can also make it hard to stay organised—deadlines are missed, projects are started but not...
Codependency is a term that describes an unhealthy or unbalanced relationship where one person’s needs are met while the others aren’t. Codependent people are said to “enable” the bad behaviour of a loved one by supporting them, no matter if it negatively affects their own...
As young people, we learn to interact with others based on how our family members interact with each other. Once these communication patterns become established in our young minds, it’s hard to change them as adults. This means that any relational patterns that include angry...
Divorce is often one of the most difficult experiences that a person can go through. In many cases, it requires you to leave your family home, lose contact with couple friends, and miss out on time with your children. And it almost always involves losing...
Rumination involves obsessively thinking about negative experiences and feelings. Some people replay events that occurred in the past, while others worry about situations that could potentially occur in the future. Rumination tends to have a snowball effect—certain mental health conditions (including generalized anxiety disorder and...
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that focuses on identifying inaccurate or negative thinking, viewing difficult situations more clearly, and responding to those situations more effectively. CBT can be administered on an individual basis or in a group setting, and in...
If you’ve been researching self-care practices, you may have come across something known as journaling. But what is journaling, exactly, and what can it do to improve your mental, emotional, and even physical health? Journaling, at its core, is the regular practice of writing down...
When we fall in love with our spouses or partners, we never imagine that someday the honeymoon phase might end. We want to believe those Hollywood romantic comedies that make us believe we will “live happily ever after.” The truth is, all couples have their...
Do you have a friend or family member who regularly experiences panic attacks? If so, you may be looking for ways to recognize when these attacks are taking place and offer your support. We’ve got the answers you need below. How to Recognize a Panic...
There’s nothing better than the refreshed feeling you have when you wake up from a restful night of sleep. But did you know that sleep can do much more than just alleviate fatigue? It’s true! Getting a sufficient amount of sleep can: Improve your cardiovascular...
So, you’ve decided that it’s time to set some boundaries in your life. Good for you! Boundaries are essential to maintaining relationships with friends, family members, and coworkers, as they can help build trust and respect. Once you’ve decided what your boundaries are, the next...
Social media offers a number of benefits. It can help us feel more connected to our loved ones, introduce us to like-minded individuals who have similar interests, keep us updated on news and current events, and inspire us to try new things, just to name...
If you’ve gone through a divorce, you’re not alone. According to statistics published by Forbes, about half of first marriages end in divorce, and divorce rates are even higher in second and third marriages. It’s important to not rush back into dating after a divorce....
Same-sex couples, like all couples, may encounter challenges in their relationships. These challenges can range from communication issues and conflicts to intimacy concerns. Fortunately, there's a therapy approach that has proven to be highly effective in helping couples navigate these issues and strengthen their bonds...
Infidelity is a wound that cuts deep, leaving a trail of heartache and shattered trust in its wake. The journey of recovering from an affair is one filled with challenges, but amidst the pain, there is hope for healing and renewal. In this blog, we'll...
Human sexuality is diverse, encompassing a range of desires, preferences, and fantasies. Two terms often used are "kink" and "fetish." While similar, they hold distinct meanings, crucial for understanding sexual expression. Kinks Defined: Kinks are unconventional sexual interests, deviating from societal norms. They include activities...
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common yet often misunderstood condition that affects millions of men worldwide. While physical factors such as age and health play a role, the interplay between ED and psychological factors, particularly anxiety, is profound. In this blog, we delve into the...
Attachment theory, introduced by psychologist John Bowlby, revolutionises our understanding of human connections. In this blog, we explore its key concepts and how they shape healthy relationships. Key Concepts: Attachment Styles: Secure: Trusting and comfortable with intimacy and independence. Anxious-Preoccupied: Craving closeness but fearing rejection....
Going Through A Divorce? Divorce is one of life's toughest challenges, stirring a whirlwind of emotions. In these trying times, divorce counselling emerges as a beacon of support. Let's explore how counselling aids individuals through this tumultuous journey. Understanding Divorce Counselling: Divorce counselling, a specialised...
People often have various questions when it comes to sex therapists. Here are some common things people like to know: Qualifications and Training: People often want to know about the educational background and training of sex therapists. They may inquire about the specific certifications, licenses,...
Relationships are intricate and complex, often filled with both joys and challenges. Whether you've been together for a few months or several decades, it's not uncommon to face difficulties and conflicts. These struggles can be emotionally draining and, if not addressed, may jeopardize the health...
Some of the concerns that lead people to seek the service of a sex therapist are outlined below. 1. Erectile Dysfunction: This is a common issue in men where they have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual activity. 2. Premature Ejaculation: Premature ejaculation...
Understanding and Managing Erectile Dysfunction in Men Performance anxiety and erectile dysfunction (ED) can be distressing issues for men, impacting both their physical and emotional well-being. These concerns are more common than you might think, affecting men of all ages. In this blog, we'll delve...
Enhancing Same-Sex Relationships with Gottman Therapy Same-sex couples, like all couples, may encounter challenges in their relationships. These challenges can range from communication issues and conflicts to intimacy concerns. Fortunately, there’s a therapy approach that has proven to be highly effective in helping couples navigate...
What Does A Sex Therapist Actually Do?? Ever wondered what a Sex Therapist does? Below are some of the areas a sex therapist can assist with. Erectile Dysfunction: This is a common issue in men where they have difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during...
Therapy After Infidelity Infidelity can be a profoundly distressing and emotionally shattering experience for couples. When trust is broken, it may feel like the very foundation of a relationship has deteriorated. However, it’s important to recognise that healing is possible. One valuable resource for couples...
Many of us working from home may be finding that small things that our partner does become increasingly irritating. They chew way too loud, rock on their chair incessantly – have loud conversations interrupt us too often. We know that working and living together can...
One of the signature symptoms of the manic side of bipolar disorder is hypersexuality. 1-What does this actually mean; typical behaviours? Hypersexuality in BPD can be a symptom of the disease. It is when there is a greater focus by individual on sexual activity than...
Romantic love can be characterised by idealisations and positive illusions. Divorce is becoming more prevalent and this may indicate that the love is blind adage is not so simple, that the idealised view is not permanent- or is it for some. Research has shown that...
We can often spend a good deal of our day engaging in daydreaming, and sexual fantasies often fall into that space. But what do we know about our sexual fantasies? Little clinical research to date has been done on sexual fantasies but it appears to...
We are discovering more and more that the increase in technology and social media use- recently coined “technoference” – has had an impact on relationship satisfaction. There is mounting empirical data to support theories that social media has influenced betrayal, as it opens up another...
Studies have shown that if we have high standards in our relationships, then it leads to more happiness over the years- provided you can obtain and meet the standards. The classic Therapists line, where we are told to address our problems -and not avoid them,...
Love addicts live in a chaotic world filled with an often desperate need and emotional despair. They are fearful of being alone or being rejected- endlessly searching for the special one that will make them feel whole. Love addicts are strongly attracted to the intense...