Harley Therapy - Psychotherapy & Counselling

24/04/2026

You can't force someone to love you. True connection comes from genuine desire, not logic or guilt. If they don't choose you, your ultimate path is to find someone who does. Examining your own role in the dynamic is crucial – did your actions push them away? Trying to scare someone into loving you rarely works.

22/04/2026

Imagine a baby left behind, screaming to be heard, or staying quiet to avoid danger. This 'hillside fear' of abandonment is a deep, programmed part of us, shaping how we react to being alone or facing terror.

20/04/2026

Is your marriage going through a rough patch? Our very own Michelle Bassam, Embrace it with Michelle was recently asked by The Telegraph to share the definitive signs that a relationship can (and will) survive. From 'bids for connection' to communication styles, read the expert take on why there’s always hope.

Link in comments for full article 💜

Michelle Bassam is a psychological therapist with an MA in counselling and psychology. She works with patients at Harley Therapy in London.

15/04/2026

Hearing 'I love you, but I'm not in love with you' is devastating. It's that gut-wrenching feeling when your partner loses that spark, stops initiating intimacy, or shifts priorities away from your relationship. Is it natural for passion to fade?

07/04/2026

We aren't born feeling inadequate. Our negative thought patterns are learned. The good news? Just as we learned them, we can unlearn them and adopt new ones. Change is possible.

03/04/2026

New research shows standard CBT tools are effective for young people with autism managing anxiety and depression. Psychoeducation, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, and gradual exposure help manage challenging situations without fear.

25/03/2026

As a CBT therapist, I'm addressing the question of whether CBT is effective for autistic individuals. The truth is, it depends. Watch the full video over on YT which explores the factors that influence its success, helping you determine if CBT is the right path for you or a loved one.

18/03/2026

When someone is comfortable manipulating you, your feelings are irrelevant. They might pretend to listen, but sincerity is absent. Their moods dominate, sometimes explosively, sometimes with victimhood. Your intuition knows.

13/03/2026

Ever wonder how people manipulate others? It often starts with how they tell their life stories. Pay attention to the details they give versus the sighs, pauses, and vague allusions to hardship. Those who hint at difficult pasts can make you feel empathetic or even flattered to be 'trusted' with their unsaid struggles, leaving you to fill in the blanks.

09/03/2026

You're told it never happened, that you're too sensitive, or that you always remember things incorrectly. Eventually, you start doubting your own mind. This isn't accidental—it's deliberate manipulation known as gaslighting.

Full video out wednesday on YT!

25/02/2026

Couples and families often fall into predictable cycles. Without understanding them, these cycles can quickly become sources of conflict and disconnection. Feeling unable to connect can lead to escalation, a negative spiral of pursuit and withdrawal.

18/02/2026

Intimacy goes beyond sexual desire. It's built through kind words, appreciation, empathy, gentle touches, laughter, and understanding. These daily interactions foster trust and vulnerability, leading to a more fulfilling physical connection outside the bedroom.