Counselling Central

30/07/2025

Have you ever wondered why some people crave solitude while others flourish in social settings? This emotional divide between introversion and extraversion has fascinated psychologists and shaped countless lives. Susan Cain knew that understanding your natural tendencies isn’t just interesting—it’s empowering. 🌱

🌟 The Discovery of Personality Types

In the early 20th century, Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung introduced the concepts of introversion and extraversion. His theory suggested that people direct their energy either inward (introversion) or outward (extraversion). This foundational idea became central to personality psychology, influencing tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and fueling decades of personal development.

😌 Symptoms and Signs of Introversion

If you’re introverted, you may feel recharged by alone time. You might prefer deep one-on-one conversations over group chatter and find constant socializing draining.

Have you ever wondered why some people crave solitude while others flourish in social settings? This emotional divide between introversion and extraversion has

30/07/2025

🌐 The Connection Crisis in a Digital World

We live in an era that’s hyperconnected yet often emotionally distant. Despite social media, video calls, and messaging apps, many feel unseen and unheard. That ache for connection and belonging doesn’t fade with notifications—it deepens.

So how do we nurture genuine connection and belonging in a time when scrolling has replaced soul-searching?

❤️ Prioritize Face-to-Face Interaction—Even Virtually

While nothing replaces physical presence, virtual spaces can still foster intimacy. The key? Intentionality.

- Host regular video chats where phones are off and attention is real.

- Use voice messages or handwritten notes instead of quick texts—they feel personal, human, alive.

Transitioning from passive tech use to active engagement transforms relationships. It signals: you matter.

🧠 Cultivate Emotional Safety

Belonging thrives where vulnerability is welcomed, not judged.

🌐 The Connection Crisis in a Digital World We live in an era that’s hyperconnected yet often emotionally distant. Despite social media, video calls, and

30/07/2025

The world can feel heavy when every scroll, click, or update brings more chaos. From war and tragedy to climate catastrophes and political unrest, the news headlines cycle is relentless—often leaving us emotionally drained and anxious.

But you’re not alone. And there are ways to protect your peace.

🧠 Why News Headlines Affect Us So Deeply

Humans are wired to seek information, especially in times of uncertainty. But the modern news cycle floods us with dramatic, emotionally-charged content—triggering stress responses that linger long after the screen fades. It presents a compelling negativity bias.

Here’s what often happens emotionally and psychologically:

- Heightened anxiety or fear of the future

- Feeling powerless or overwhelmed

- Compassion fatigue or numbness

- Difficulty concentrating or sleeping

And because negative stories spread faster than positive ones, we’re exposed to more doom than hope—every single day.

The world can feel heavy when every scroll, click, or update brings more chaos. From war and tragedy to climate catastrophes and political unrest, the news head

30/07/2025

Behind the accolades, behind the polished resumes and glowing reviews, hides a quiet fear: Am I really good enough? For many high-achievers, imposter syndrome isn’t just an occasional doubt—it’s a persistent, gnawing feeling that their success is undeserved, and that sooner or later, they’ll be exposed.

In fast-paced, high-performance environments, this inner critic can become deafening. But here's the truth: you’re not an imposter—you're human. And these feelings can be understood, managed, and transformed.

🎭 What Is Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and fear being exposed as frauds—even when there’s clear evidence of their competence.

Behind the accolades, behind the polished resumes and glowing reviews, hides a quiet fear: Am I really good enough? For many high-achievers, imposter syndrome i

30/07/2025

In an era where love starts with a swipe, the path to emotional intimacy feels both thrilling and uncertain. Dating apps have redefined how we meet, converse, and fall for one another—yet beneath every profile photo and witty bio lies a universal longing: to be truly seen and emotionally understood.

So, how do we bridge the digital divide and build real emotional connection in a space designed for instant attraction?

💬 The Allure and Limitations of Digital Dating Apps

Dating apps promise possibility: hundreds of potential matches, right at our fingertips. They empower us with choice, spark adventure, and sometimes… lead us into meaningful relationships.

However, they also introduce challenges:

- Surface-level interactions: Quick chats can lack depth and emotional resonance.

- Choice overload: With so many options, genuine connection might feel disposable.

- Fear of vulnerability: Putting your heart out there can feel riskier online.

In an era where love starts with a swipe, the path to emotional intimacy feels both thrilling and uncertain. Dating apps have redefined how we meet, converse, a

30/07/2025

In a world saturated with notifications, one of the loudest messages we now receive… is silence. Ghosting —a sudden cut-off in communication—has become a defining heartbreak of the digital age. Its emotional impact is deep, often leaving confusion, hurt, and self-doubt in its wake.

So why do people vanish? And how do we cope when we’re left in the void?

🧠 The Psychology of Ghosting: Avoidance Meets Technology

Ghosting is more than just ignoring a message—it’s a complex psychological behavior rooted in emotional avoidance. Rather than confronting discomfort or conflict, some choose to disappear.

Key psychological drivers behind ghosting include:

- Fear of confrontation: Conflict feels threatening, so avoidance becomes a safety strategy.

- Emotional overwhelm: Some ghosters struggle to regulate feelings and cut off communication when it becomes too intense.

- Perceived low accountability: In digital spaces, anonymity and detachment often reduce empathy and responsibility.

In a world saturated with notifications, one of the loudest messages we now receive… is silence. Ghosting —a sudden cut-off in communication—has become a

02/07/2025

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but too much of it can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health. Understanding the science behind stress can help us manage it more effectively and maintain overall well-being.

What Is Stress?: Stress is the body’s natural response to a perceived threat or challenge. When faced with stressors—whether work deadlines, financial worries, or relationship conflicts—the brain triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.

How Stress Affects the Body: Chronic stress can cause several health issues, including:

- Increased heart rate & blood pressure – Leading to a higher risk of heart disease.

- Weakened immune system – Making the body more susceptible to illness.

- Digestive problems – Stress can disrupt gut health and lead to conditions like IBS.

- Disrupted sleep – Difficulty falling or staying asleep due to overactivity in the nervous system.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, but too much of it can take a serious toll on both physical and mental health. Understanding the science behind stress can

02/07/2025

Introduction: You Are Not Alone

Hearing your child has a neurodevelopmental diagnosis may stir up a whirlwind of feelings—relief, grief, guilt, hope. All of these feelings are valid. But this diagnosis doesn’t change the core of who your child is; it simply gives you a new lens to understand how they experience the world. Neurodevelopmental differences such as autism, ADHD, dyspraxia, and others exist along a spectrum. Each child’s profile is as unique as their fingerprint. What they need most is what any child needs: love, understanding, and someone in their corner.

1: Decoding the Diagnosis

The language of neurodevelopment can feel like alphabet soup—ASD, ADHD, SLD, SPD. But each acronym holds valuable information.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), for example, refers to a range of conditions characterized by differences in social communication and repetitive behaviours.

Introduction: You Are Not Alone Hearing your child has a neurodevelopmental diagnosis may stir up a whirlwind of feelings—relief, grief, guilt, hope. All o

02/07/2025

🌐 What is Digital Burnout?

Digital burnout, often referred to as technostress, is the state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to screens, constant notifications, and the pressure to always be “online.” It can include terms such as screen fatigue, over stimulation and digital detox. With remote work, endless scrolling, and social media comparison culture, it's no surprise more people feel overwhelmed.

🌐 What is Digital Burnout? Digital burnout, often referred to as technostress, is the state of physical and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure

28/06/2025

When we experience symptoms associated with stress and/or anxiety our sympathetic nervous system can feel in overdrive. It can make us vigilant to both real and perceived threats. This quick guide addresses some of the internal and external factors to consider and address. The key is to think of some of these strategies as part of your daily routine. You wouldn’t go to the gym once and expect to feel fit for the rest of your life. On the contrary, regular exercise and good nutrition can help to achieve this. The same applies to the following internal and external factors. So, pick the strategies you find the most helpful and make them part of your daily routine.
https://www.counsellingcentral.com/coping-with-symptoms-of-stress-anxiety-and-low-mood/

28/06/2025

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) has shown promise for people with hard-to-treat depression. MBCT combines traditional cognitive therapy techniques with mindfulness practices to help individuals manage negative thoughts and emotional responses. https://www.counsellingcentral.com/mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy-mbct/

28/06/2025

For generations, menopause has been whispered about in shadows—an inevitable “change” marked by hot flushes and night sweats. But the real struggle for many lies deeper, hidden in the quiet corners of the mind. https://www.counsellingcentral.com/menopause-and-mental-health-breaking-the-silence-and-finding-support/