Psychology practice today

11/09/2025

Ever tried using a bubble level to hang a picture? Let’s dive into the intricate world of narcissism using this analogy!

💔 The Core Emotions:

Narcissists aim to keep that bubble centered, often perceived as cold, yet they deeply struggle with emotional regulation. Three key emotions drive their behavior:

1. Disgust 😖 - A primary emotion for grandiose narcissists, shielding their sensitive inner self by rejecting anything that threatens their facade.

2. Shame 😢 - For deflated narcissists, shame breeds rigidity, leaving them feeling isolated and burdened by life's injustices.

3. Envy 😩 - Empty narcissists are filled with insatiable longing, attempting to pull others down, driven by their deep dissatisfaction.

The Bubble Level Analogy:

Just like a bubble shifts under pressure, these emotions fluctuate easily, causing exhaustion. At the core lies a profound emptiness, anxiety, and often depression.

Types of Narcissism: Unraveled!

1. Grandiose Narcissist 🦚: The flashy performer, exuding superiority while hiding insecurity. Their dominant emotion? Disgust toward anything that undermines their grandiose image.

2. Deflated Narcissist😞The “woe is me” type, overwhelmed by shame and convinced they alone bear their world’s burdens.

3. Empty/Depleted Narcissist 😱The “hungry ghost” whose insatiable need for validation stems from deep-seated envy and emptiness.

🛡️ Defenses: The Psychological Armor
To maintain balance, narcissists employ various defenses.

Splitting⚡: Viewing situations in black and white, dismissing anything unflattering.

Projection 👥: Blaming others for their unwanted feelings.

Denial 🚫: Ignoring deeper insecurities.

Emotions in the Shadows
Beneath the surface, anger often manifests as irritability or jealousy. Sadness hides behind anger, remaining unprocessed.They experience Annihilation Anxiety, a fear tied to their vulnerabilities and abandonment.

Understanding narcissism can be challenging but provides an opportunity to develop empathy for those facing these complexities. Recognizing narcissistic behavior is important, exploring their emotional landscape can promote resilience and healing improve our relationships with them.

30/08/2025

🌱 Breaking Free from the Chains of Enmeshment 🌱

Many adult children of narcissistic families and those from dysfunctional backgrounds often find themselves trapped in a cycle of seeking love and approval, particularly from parents who were incapable of providing it. This chase can feel relentless—why does seeking validation seem so impossible to escape?

The answer lies in enmeshment. When you grow up in such a family, your sense of self often becomes tangled in their approval. You learn to equate your worth with how well you can please or fix those around you. This dynamic goes beyond mere love; it creates a disconnection from your true self. A blurred sense of identity makes it nearly impossible to nurture healthy, independent relationships.

Paradoxically, the more you chase love out of need, the more it seems to slip away. Neediness can push potential connections away, leading to unstable and unhealthy relationships that often fall apart. It fuels a cycle of fear—fear of abandonment and fear of being alone.

But here’s the empowering truth: the way out isn't by seeking more love from others. True healing begins when you stop needing to prove your worth to anyone. It’s about standing strong on your own, learning to love yourself first.

Self-differentiation isn't merely about setting boundaries; it’s about reclaiming your emotional freedom. This journey toward self-acceptance paves the path for real change.

If you’re ready to let go of the need for validation and embrace your authentic self, remember: you’re not alone. Reclaiming your identity starts with acknowledging your worth is inherent—not contingent on the approval of others.

💚 Embrace your journey toward self-love and independence. It’s time to break free from the cycle and rediscover who you are beyond the approval of others.

28/08/2025

🌈✨ Hey there, lovely souls! ✨🌈

This week, did your feelings turn into a big tangled ball of yarn? 🧶😅 Let’s untangle that mess together! Remember, naming your emotions is the magic thread that helps you unwind the chaos. Here’s a little guide to help you identify and nurture those visiting emotions:

🌀 Anxiety: Craving a little safety? Remind yourself, “I am safe right now.” Ground yourself with the 54321 exercise: 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.

🔥 Anger: Feeling it bubble up? It’s time to set some boundaries! Ask yourself: What feels violated? And then protect your peace .Let your anger protect you, but do so calmly.

😢 Sadness: Allow yourself to feel. It needs comfort and connection! Cry if you need to, and don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Let those emotions flow through you.

💔 Guilt: It’s calling for repair! If you’ve harmed someone, make amends. If not, let it go. You deserve peace!

🤐 Shame: Give yourself some love! Speak to yourself like a friend and remember—you are still worthy, no matter what!

🤗 Loneliness: Seek genuine contact! A smile from a stranger or a quick text can make a HUGE difference.

😨 Fear: Just take one tiny step at a time and lean on your support system—courage grows when we share!

💚 Envy/Jealousy: Time for some self-reflection! What can this teach you about your values? Use it as your compass!

😵 Overwhelm: Breathe and create space. Remember, you don’t have to do it all—focus on one clear, neat action at a time.

✨ Joy: Savoring the moment is essential! Slow down and tell your brain, “This matters. Enjoy it!”

So, for your next emotional tangle, identify just one feeling and one emotion start there. Untangling is a journey, not a race! 💕 What emotions have been visiting you this week? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇💬

26/08/2025

🌟 Understanding Boundaries is not Rules or Expectations or Standards .

In the journey of maintaining our mental well-being, it’s crucial to recognize the distinction between boundaries, rules, expectations, and standards. This awareness can empower us to cultivate healthier relationships and protect our peace.

🔍 Boundaries guide your behavior. They define what you are comfortable with and how you want to be treated. For example, if someone consistently disrespects your time, a boundary might mean you decide not to engage with them in certain situations.

📏 Rules, on the other hand, attempt to control others. Imposing rules can lead to frustration when people don't comply or understand them.

✨ Standards reflect your personal values and what you allow in your life. They shape your circle and establish a foundation for your interactions.

💬 Expectations involve what you hope others will do. But remember, uncommunicated expectations often lead to disappointment.

To foster clarity in your relationships, take a moment to reflect:
1. What am I committed to doing or not doing? (This is your boundary.)
2. What do I wish others would do? (This is your expectation.)
3. What do I allow or not allow in my life? (These are your standards.)
4. What am I trying to control that might need adjusting? (This identifies potential frustrations.)

Remember, clarity brings kindness—to both yourself and others. Embrace these distinctions to nurture a more peaceful and fulfilling life! 🌱💖

23/08/2025

🌊 🐠 Your Brain is a Tank: Keeping Your Inner Waters Clean! 🐠🌊

Imagine your brain as a beautiful, shimmering tank where you swim around like a vibrant mermaid, a joyful frog, or a sleek fish. You've worked hard to maintain a calm and balanced space, where everything feels just right. But then—uh-oh! Someone enters your tank with their stress, bad moods, or emotional crises. Just like that, their murky water starts to seep into your pristine environment! 🥴

If you’re someone who feels everything deeply, it can be all too easy to soak up that negativity without even realizing it. Your once-clear waters begin to change color, and before you know it, you're swimming in someone else’s emotional mess. 😓

Here’s the crucial truth: empathy is powerful, but boundaries are essential! You can absolutely care about others without carrying their burdens as your own. Remember, when someone starts dumping their dirty drama into your tank, it’s perfectly okay to remind yourself of your boundaries. 🚫💧

Without boundaries, thriving becomes nearly impossible! They’re not about being mean; instead, they act as your emotional filter. Not everyone deserves access to your tank—especially if they consistently bring in that “swamp energy.” 🐊

So, let’s keep our tanks clean and calm! Protect your inner waters with strong boundaries, and watch as you not only maintain your peace but also support others more effectively from a healthy distance. You’ve got this! 💖✨

EmotionalIntelligence SelfCare

16/08/2025

🧠✨ Stress Less in 60 Seconds ✨☕️

Feeling overwhelmed? Let’s hit the reset button together! All you need is your favorite drink and a candle. Ready? Let’s go! 🚀

Step 1: Grab your coffee, tea, or any drink that makes your heart happy. Take a big, slow inhale, like you’re savoring that delicious aroma. 😌☕

Step 2: Now, take one more gentle exhale—just a little longer than usual—and hold it for a brief moment. Feel that extra tension release?

Step 3: Light your candle. Now, exhale just enough to make the flame flicker and dance (but don’t blow it out!). 🕯️✨ Can you feel those shoulders dropping already?

Repeat this 2-3 times. It’s called the psychological sigh—a scientifically backed technique to soothe your nervous system and bring those stress levels down! Why does this work? That extra sip helps release trapped CO2, signaling your body to chill out.

So next time stress hits, grab that drink and candle, and let the relaxation begin! You’ve got this! 💪💖

Mindfulness

15/08/2025

🧶✨ Emotions Are Like a Tangled Bowl of Yarn 🎨❤️

Imagine your emotions as a vibrant, tangled bowl of yarn. Each color represents a different feeling—joy, sadness, anger, guilt, pride, fear, and more. Just like this bowl, our emotions often get knotted together, making it hard to see the individual strands.

When we ignore those knots, stress tightens around sadness, anger weaves into guilt, and the harder we pull, the messier it gets. 😣💔 We can feel multiple emotions at once, and it’s not unusual to experience pride and grief side by side.

But here’s where the magic of untangling comes in! Start with one loop, one breath, and one pause. 🧘‍♀️ When you name a feeling, you help calm your brain's fire alarms, allowing you to think clearly and respond instead of merely reacting. 🔥🧠

Naming your emotions doesn’t elevate them; it organizes them. You begin to see the threads more clearly, and with patience, you can weave even the hardest colors into the biggest picture of your life.

Let’s embrace the complexity of our emotional tapestry! Every thread contributes to our unique story. 🌈💖

SelfAwareness

15/08/2025

🌧️✨ Feelings Are Like Weather 🌈☀️

Just as the weather changes from sunny days to stormy ones, our emotions are similarly transient. 🌪️⚡️ It’s important to remember that feelings—whether joy, sadness, anger, or anxiety—are temporary.

When we're caught in the midst of a thunderstorm of emotions, making big decisions can be tricky. 🌩️ Emotions can cloud our judgment, leading us to choices we might not make when the skies are clear.

So, the next time you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, take a step back. Allow the storm to pass. 🌤️ Wait for clarity before making any significant decisions. Remember, just like the weather, this too shall pass.

Embrace the changes, ride the waves, and trust that brighter days are ahead! 🌈💖

MentalHealth EmotionalWellbeing Mindfulness SelfCare

18/11/2024

05/11/2024

# # # 🌟 Daring to Set Boundaries 🌟

Setting boundaries isn’t just an act of self-care; it’s a courageous declaration of self-love. 💖

When we dare to establish limits, we embrace our needs and values, even if it means risking disappointment in others. This can be challenging, especially in a world that often prioritizes pleasing others over our own well-being.

Remember, boundaries are not walls; they are bridges to healthier relationships. By communicating our limits, we foster respect and understanding, both for ourselves and those around us.

💬 Reflect: What boundaries do you need to set in your life? How can you practice self-love today?

Let’s empower each other to embrace our worth and cultivate connections that honor our true selves. 🌱✨

04/11/2024

🌟 Welcome, November!🍂

As we step into this new month, let's take a moment to pause and reflect. November invites us to embrace gratitude and mindfulness, allowing us to slow down amidst the hustle of daily life.

🧠 Mindfulness Tip: Each day this month, take a few moments to breathe deeply and acknowledge your thoughts. What are you grateful for? How can you cultivate peace in your mind and heart?

Let’s make this November a time for self-discovery and growth. Share your intentions for the month below! 💬✨

01/11/2024

🎃✨ Had an absolutely spooktacular time at the Halloween party on the Barca Samba boat yesterday! I channeled my inner Medusa—symbolizing the complexities of female empowerment and the multifaceted narratives women carry through history. 🐍💚

Surrounded by amazing friends, we embraced a roaming Greek theme, celebrating powerful figures like Cleopatra and a few sassy devils! 🔥👸

From slithery hairstyles to killer costumes, we all brought our A-game! It was a night filled with laughter, connection, and a little psychological exploration of strength and identity. Here’s to strong women, transformative stories, and the power of community! 🥳💖

What’s your favourite myth or story that inspires you? Share your thoughts below! 📸👇