MindnLife Psychology Practice

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Hong Kong
Central District
MindnLife Psychology Practice

Dr. Zaidi provides empathetic, supportive psychological interventions to help families, couples, children and adolescents through different stages of life

The 21st century is marked by complexity and rapid change leading to more highly stressful lives. Recent research using brain scans shows when people are stressed, the part of the brain responsible for the “FIGHT OR FLIGHT” response -- the amygdala -- goes into a primitive survival mode (Siegel, D. 2010). In this high-alert state, instead of being able to cope with more activity, the brain actually starts shutting down. Productivity, creativity, innovation, emotional intelligence when dealing with others and flexibility of thinking all decrease (Baldwin M et al, 2010; Arnsten, 2009). Are you battling depression? Having difficulty with a relationship? Or are you feeling stuck and not getting to where you want to be? Is your child struggling with ADD, ADHD, or performance anxiety. Is the stress of every day life beginning to affect your close relationships or taking away from your ability to be the parent, partner, or person you want to be? There are times when all of us need extra support. A fresh perspective and expert guidance will makes all the difference. Come visit us and see how we can work together.

01/01/2026

Wishing you a hopeful and gentle start to 2026 from all of us at MindNLife. 🌟

The new year can feel like a fresh chapter, but it's okay if you're not feeling the pressure to transform overnight.

Whether you're setting intentions or simply taking things one day at a time, we hope you find moments of calm, clarity, and compassion.

Be kind to yourself as the year begins.
We're here with you. ❤️

23/12/2025

"How can adults seek help after such a traumatic event?"

Dr Quratulain Zaidi uses a familiar but crucial analogy: put on your own oxygen mask before helping others.

Even though it's difficult, adults need to prioritise self-care so they can be present for their community, children, and everyone who depends on them.

Talking to a therapist or counsellor helps. Resources have been set up at universities with counselling and psychology teams, as well as organisations like the Samaritans and mental health hotlines. Reach out to them.

Find community. Shared stories can help heal. Practise self-care through sleep, movement, exercise, and staying connected. Put down your phone and avoid doom scrolling—this is especially important for adults and teens.

Remember: asking for help isn't a weakness, it's a strength. Children usually do better when their caregivers are supported, so taking care of yourself is taking care of them too.

This is part 9 of our 9-part series on supporting people through trauma.

22/12/2025

As the holiday season approaches, we’d like to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a peaceful, joyful, and restorative Christmas. This time of year can be a beautiful opportunity to connect, reflect, and recharge; it can also bring added pressures and emotional challenges. At MindNLife, we understand the importance of prioritising your mental wellbeing, especially during the festive period.
From all of us at MindNLife, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May the season bring moments of calm, connection, and kindness for yourself and your loved ones.

Warm regards,
Dr. Zaidi and The Team@MindNLife.

21/12/2025

"What are simple daily things parents can do to lower anxiety in children?"

Dr Quratulain Zaidi shares practical strategies for helping anxious children in the aftermath of trauma.

Listen and be present for your children. Name the emotions they're feeling and validate them. Give them the space and time they need whilst modelling calm behaviour yourself.

When their system is in hypervigilance—on high alert that something bad is about to happen—calming strategies become essential. Try deep breathing: breathe in through the nose and out like you're blowing bubbles.

For older children, use the 4-1-6-1 technique: breathe in for four counts, hold for one, breathe out for six, hold for one. These breathing techniques are incredibly helpful in calming a system that's on high alert.

Remember, it's important to use these strategies for yourself as well as for your children. You can't pour from an empty cup.

This is part 8 of our 9-part series on supporting children through trauma.

19/12/2025

"How do we help people who feel guilty because they were spared?"

Survivor's guilt is incredibly difficult, and Dr Quratulain Zaidi acknowledges this is a tough one that takes time to work through.

If you're experiencing this after the Hong Kong fire, know that it's completely normal to feel this way after such a tragedy. It's okay to feel relief and sadness at the same time. These emotions can coexist, and that's natural.

You didn't choose this. What matters now is what you do with these feelings.

Many find it helpful to channel guilt into meaningful action—volunteering, donating, or simply listening to others who need support. Turning some of that guilt into purpose can be part of the healing process.

This isn't easy, and it won't happen overnight. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate these complex emotions.

This is part 6 of our 9-part series on supporting people through trauma.

17/12/2025

"What should teachers say to calm children who are experiencing fear and PTSD after this incident?"

Dr Quratulain Zaidi shares essential guidance for educators supporting traumatised students in the aftermath of the Hong Kong fire.

First, normalise their feelings: "It's okay to feel scared and sad. You're safe here, and we are here to help you."

Offer outlets like drawing, journaling, or private conversations. Provide quiet time for overwhelmed students. Most importantly, put academic expectations aside for the next few weeks whilst these children process what's happened.

They've lost their homes, and some have lost family members. It's crucial to separate academics from emotional wellbeing right now and provide focused support for their mental health.

Teachers play a vital role in helping children feel safe and heard during this incredibly difficult time.

This is part 5 of our 9-part series on supporting children through trauma.

15/12/2025

"How do we protect children who weren't directly affected but are seeing scary news and images?"

Dr Quratulain Zaidi is clear: media exposure must be limited, especially for children under 12. Once they've seen those images, they cannot unsee them.

If your child has come across footage of the Hong Kong fire, watch it together and discuss what they saw in simple terms. Remind them that they are safe, that firefighters and neighbours are helping, and that the worst of the fires have been brought under control.

Let them talk about their worries. Children need to know it's okay to feel scared, but also that adults are there to keep them safe.
However, Dr Zaidi emphasises this strongly: it is unnecessary for children to be exposed to these images in the first place. Monitor what they're seeing really, really carefully.

This is part 4 of our 9-part series on supporting children through trauma.

12/12/2025

After displacement, children desperately need familiar anchors. Dr Quratulain Zaidi explains how even in temporary housing or whilst living with relatives, maintaining predictable routines becomes crucial for emotional safety.

-Keep the same bedtimes, mealtimes, and story times.

-Bring familiar things - toys, blankets, even the music they usually listen to.

-Create a safe space where your child can relax with their primary caregiver, someone they trust completely.

-Allow them to make small choices. This helps them maintain a sense of familiarity and control, even in unfamiliar surroundings.

Routine, structure, and predictability form the foundation of emotional safety after trauma.

These simple acts can make all the difference in helping children feel secure again.

This is part 3 of our 9-part series on supporting children through the Hong Kong fire tragedy.

10/12/2025

Following the devastating Hong Kong fire, Dr Quratulain Zaidi shares practical guidance for parents navigating this difficult conversation with their children and emphasises the importance of validating children's feelings whilst providing reassurance.

Within the chaos and crisis, children need to feel some sense of stability and control.

Let them ask questions. Answer calmly. Focus on safety now, being together now, and the helpers around them.

This is part 2 of our 9-part series on supporting children through trauma and displacement.

06/12/2025

Following the devastating fire at Hong Kong's Wang F*k Court, Dr Quratulain Zaidi is sharing essential guidance for parents and caregivers on how children process trauma and loss.

This is the first in a 9-part series addressing crucial questions about supporting children through tragedy.

In this video, she explores the most common reactions in children who've lost their homes, from shock and confusion to nightmares and regressive behaviours.

Understanding these responses is the first step towards helping young ones heal.

Watch to discover how to support children through such difficult times in ways that won't cause lasting distress.

28/10/2025

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, but understanding it is the first step towards managing it.

Whether you're dealing with everyday stress or something more persistent, there are tools and support available.

Dr. Monica Borchel explains.

Which coping strategy resonates most with you? 💭

Need help with Anxiety? Reach Out to us via the link in bio.

Address

Office 2118, 21/F, 33 Wyndham Street
Central District

Telephone

+85297002786

Website

http://www.mindnlife.com/

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