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A Schema Therapy Perspective Many people describe themselves as "realistic", yet find that their thoughts are consistently drawn toward what could go wrong. They anticipate negative outcomes, struggle to recognize positive experiences, and feel driven to prevent potential problems at all costs. Over time, this way of thinking can become exhausting and emotionally restrictive. In Schema Therapy, this pattern is understood through the Negativity/Pessimism schema. What Is Over-P

Persuasion is not about trickery; it’s about understanding how people think, feel, and decide — then communicating in ways that respect their autonomy while making it easier for them to choose what you’re proposing. Whether you’re encouraging a client to try an evidence-based strategy, negotiating at work, or pitching an idea, effective persuasion combines psychological insight with clear, empathetic communication. Here’s a practical, research-informed guide to getting more “

“I always said that I had to put myself in the other person’s place in order to understand them.That’s how others tormented me; they tied me up and did whatever they wanted with me. And I still don’t know how I managed to get out of their place again.” — Titos Patrikios The other-directedness domain is one of the five core schema domains in Jeffrey Yo

Humans are not wired to be neutral observers. From an evolutionary perspective, the mind has developed a strong negativity bias, prioritizing threat-related information because noticing danger increased survival (Baumeister et al., 2001). Today, this bias often leads us to misinterpret ambiguous situations—delayed messages, neutral expressions, minor mistakes—as signs of serious threat or personal failure. This automatic tendency to expect the worst is known as catastrophic t

Trauma doesn’t always leave visible scars, but its impact can be profound and lasting. Whether it stems from childhood neglect, lost, abuse, or a single distressing event, trauma can shape the way we see ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world around us over time is an important step toward healing — and reclaiming a sense of safety and wholeness.   What Is Trauma? At its core, trauma is the emotional and psychological response to a deeply distressing or disturbi

Welcome aboard. Your destination? Emotional awareness. Vacations are often imagined as escapes—time away from stress, structure, and...

Empathy is often described as the ability to "walk in someone else’s shoes” to understand and share the feelings of others. While it may...

Every day, many of us struggle with habits we know are harmful: excessive phone use, procrastination, smoking, overeating, or negative self-talk. Even though we’re aware of the consequences, changing these patterns often feels nearly impossible. Why is it so hard to break a bad habit? The answer lies in the brain — specifically, in neuroplasticity. What Is Neuroplasticity? Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to rewire and reshape its neural connections. Habits — whether he

The fear of making mistakes is a deeply human experience. Many people avoid taking initiative, expressing themselves, or making important...

As the days lengthen and temperatures rise, many people notice subtle (or not-so-subtle) changes in their mood and energy. Summer is...

Personality is often perceived as the consistent essence of an individual, yet developmental psychology suggests otherwise. While certain...

Many people—regardless of their accomplishments, qualifications, or experience—sometimes feel like they don’t truly belong or deserve their success. This unsettling feeling, often described as “imposter syndrome,” is surprisingly common and can affect anyone, from students to CEOs, artists to academics. But what exactly causes these feelings of fraudulence, and more importantly, how can you overcome them? Understanding Imposter Syndrome Imposter syndrome was first identified

Setting boundaries is one of the most important skills for maintaining healthy relationships—both personal and professional. Yet, many...

Social anxiety isn’t just about being shy—it’s a mental health condition that involves an intense fear of being judged or negatively...

In an ideal developmental trajectory, childhood is a time for emotional growth, social development, and secure attachment. However, for...

Love is one of the most powerful and complex emotions humans experience, yet the psychology behind attraction—what draws us to others and makes us fall in love—is rooted in a fascinating blend of biology, psychology, and social influences. Understanding this process can help shed light on the choices we make in our romantic lives and deepen our awareness of human connection. The Role of Biology Attraction often begins with biology. When we meet someone new, our brain processe

The experience of feeling insufficient—of believing oneself to be "not enough" or "not capable"—is a common but often unspoken...

Ever found yourself elbow-deep in a bag of chips after a bad day? You’re not alone—and it’s not about willpower. Welcome to the world of...

In today’s hyper-competitive and productivity-driven society, overworking has become a normalized and even glorified aspect of...

Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt uneasy - without any clear reason? Or reacted to something your partner said with a surge of anger that felt... a bit over the top? That's not you being "irrational". That's your subconscious talking. We like to think we are steering the ship - that our decisions, reactions, and beliefs are the result to careful thought and conscious intention. But science and experience both say otherwise: a huge part of what we think and f