Shame and Self-Esteem: When the Self Becomes the Problem
Self-esteem is often spoken about as something we either have or do not have. As though it is a stable quality, something that can be strengthened, improved, or restored through…
Why We Misunderstand Each Other
The Hidden Layers in Every Conversation Most of us have experienced a moment like this. You say something that seems simple enough. Perhaps you comment, “I thought we had agreed…
Creating Space
In conversations with others, reactions often happen quickly. A colleague makes a comment. A partner responds with a certain tone. A message arrives that feels abrupt or critical. Within seconds,…
Resilience in Times of Change
Building Psychological Resilience in Times of Change If fear and resistance are understood as protective responses, the question that naturally follows is not “How do I get rid of them?”…
The Psychology of Resistance
The Psychology of Resistance: Why Change Triggers Fear Change doesn’t just disrupt routines; it challenges our sense of safety, identity, and control. As a clinical psychologist, one of the most…
Suicide Risk
Suicide is the intentional direct, and conscious taking of one’s own life. It is a substantial topic, and in South Africa, it continues to be a devastating (yet preventable) public…
The Shadow Self
The shadow self is a concept introduced by Carl Jung. It refers to the part of ourselves that we keep hidden, either because they are socially unacceptable, uncomfortable, or otherwise…
True Self and False Self
Donald Winnicott, a British paediatrician and psychoanalyst, introduced the concepts of the "true self" and the "false self" as part of his psychoanalytic theory. These concepts are central to understanding…
Psychological Safety at Work
In a fast-paced and competitive landscape of today's workplace, fostering a culture of psychological safety is increasingly recognised as a crucial element for organisational success. Psychological safety refers to an…
Best Psychological Theory
There isn't a single "best" psychological theory, as the field of psychology is incredibly diverse, and different theories are useful for different purposes and in different contexts. The choice of…