OCD is an anxiety disorder that affects roughly 1.2% of the world’s population. Characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, this condition can interfere with your daily life and relationship. The intrusive thoughts that people with OCD experience can gravitate around irrational fears and chronic doubts, leading to a series of repetitive, reassurance-seeking behaviors known … Read more
From gaslighting and shaming to rationalization and emotional blackmail, narcissists have an entire arsenal of strategies to manipulate, assert dominance, and achieve their personal goals. What’s left in their wake is suffering, abuse and emotional trauma, especially if the people close to them (personally and professionally) are caring, trusting, and compassionate individuals. As a mental … Read more
“Empathy is seeing with the eyes of another, listening with the ears of another, and feeling with the heart of another.” I believe this quote by Alfred Adler perfectly represents what empathy should look like. In other words, to empathize means to put aside your views, opinions, and impressions so that you can create enough … Read more
Every human interaction involves an exchange of information wrapped up in emotions. Think about the last time you talked to someone about an unpleasant event you’ve gone through. Or a pleasant one. You presented various details (information) about the event, but you also conveyed a certain emotional vibe. The emotional experience helps the other person … Read more
One of the universal needs that define human experience is the need for connection. Whether it’s with family, friends, or a significant other, the attachments you forge throughout life play a fundamental role in your sense of happiness and well-being. However, the way you look for and obtain these connections is different, depending on the … Read more
Think about the last time you were in a difficult situation, the kind of situation that requires prompt action. Something like a tough decision you couldn’t postpone, a heated argument with someone, a sudden and unexpected change, or even a life-and-death event where you had to act fast. It’s difficult to determine how one would … Read more
Emotions are one of the most fascinating and complex phenomena that the human brain can generate. In essence, human emotions are a quick and relatively rudimentary form of information processing that can play a significant role in many areas of your life. Emotions can prompt decisions, strengthen interpersonal relationships, signal potential threats to your physical … Read more
Over the last year, I’ve noticed an increase in the number of people who come to my office burned out or on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Part of the reason might be the two years of isolation and remote work that have stretched our mental resources to the limit. But given that people … Read more
“Happiness is a choice that requires effort at times,” said the ancient Greek author Aeschylus. But he’s not the only one who viewed happiness as the result of conscious, voluntary actions. From Stoic philosophers to 21st-century scientists, experts across history have argued that happiness results from choices we make each day. Sounds pretty simple right? … Read more
My career as a therapist began with a setback. After about twenty sessions, my first ever client stopped showing up to our weekly sessions and never replied to my texts. To this day, I have absolutely no idea why he chose to ghost me. And what makes it worse is that, in moments like these, … Read more