Schema Therapy is a therapeutic approach developed by Jeffrey Young in the 1980s. It is a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) technique that focuses on identifying and addressing deep-seated, dysfunctional patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior known as "schemas." These schemas are formed early in life and can significantly impact an individual's relationships, career, and overall well-being.

Parental objectification, the treatment of a child as an extension of the parent rather than an individual, can have profound and lasting consequences for mental health. This practice can lead to a myriad of issues, from anxiety and depression to difficulties in forming healthy relationships.

Children need unconditional love, acceptance, and support to develop a strong sense of self. When parents objectify their children, they deny them this essential foundation. Instead, children may internalize the belief that their worth is determined by their ability to meet parental expectations or fulfill parental needs.

Erik Erikson, a renowned psychologist, proposed a groundbreaking theory of human development that emphasized the social and cultural aspects of personality formation. His theory, known as the stages of psychosocial development, suggests that individuals progress through eight distinct stages throughout their lives, each marked by a specific crisis or conflict. Successfully navigating these crises leads to the development of essential virtues, while unsuccessful resolution can hinder personal growth.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that causes a person to have uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can be very time-consuming and distressing and can interfere with daily life.

The two main symptoms of OCD are:

1. Obsessions are unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images or urges that trigger anxiety and distress.

2. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels driven to perform in order to try to reduce the anxiety caused by their obsessions.

Have you ever felt like there were two of you? One part of you is the mature, responsible adult you present to the world. The other, a more vulnerable, childlike aspect, often hidden deep within. This inner child is a powerful force that can significantly impact your life, relationships, and overall well-being.

Understanding Your Inner Child: The concept of the inner child emerged from the work of Carl Jung and has since become a cornerstone in psychology and personal growth. It represents the part of us that was formed during childhood, carrying our experiences, emotions, and beliefs from that time. While our bodies grow and mature, our inner child can remain frozen in time, influencing our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as adults.

Unresolved childhood wounds can manifest in various ways, such as low self-esteem, difficulty forming healthy relationships, or struggles with emotional regulation. These challenges often stem from unmet needs or negative experiences during childhood.

Sleep and mental health are intricately linked. Quality sleep is vital for emotional and cognitive well-being, while poor sleep can exacerbate mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). This two-way street highlights the importance of good sleep hygiene practices to improve overall mental health and quality of life.

Anger is a normal human emotion, but it's important to process it in a healthy way to avoid letting it control you. Here are some steps you can take to process anger:

In the Moment:
1. Recognize the signs: Pay attention to physical sensations like tightness in your chest, clenched fists, or a racing heart. Notice your thoughts becoming negative or critical. Simply describe them to yourself without getting caught up in the emotional storm.

2. Take a time out: When you feel anger rising, remove yourself from the situation if possible. Excuse yourself and go for a walk or take some deep breaths in another room.

3. Calm yourself down: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation. Focus on slowing your heart rate and calming your physical response.

Our earliest relationships with our primary caregivers, typically our parents, lay the foundation for who we become. But how do we, as individuals, develop a sense of self that's distinct from those who raised us? This is where the concept of individuation comes in.

Pioneered by psychologist Margaret Mahler, separation-individuation theory describes the process by which infants and young children develop a sense of self separate from their primary caregivers. It's not a one-time event, but a lifelong journey with distinct stages.

Have you ever found yourself drawn to relationships or situations that feel strangely familiar, even if they end up painful? This could be a sign of repetition compulsion, an unconscious tendency to reenact past experiences, particularly traumatic ones.

First coined by Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, repetition compulsion suggests that people are driven to relive past experiences, often without realizing it. This can manifest in various ways, from choosing partners who are emotionally unavailable to engaging in self-destructive behaviors.

While summer is often associated with sunshine and joy, for some, it can trigger a surprising phenomenon: summer depression. This can be a subtype of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), but with symptoms that manifest in warmer months rather than winter.