Paths - Ways to Flourish

23/01/2026

Therapy teaches us that lasting change doesn't begin with willpower alone. It begins with understanding the beliefs that shape our behaviour.

Dr. Albert Ellis's research demonstrated that our emotional responses and behaviours are driven by our interpretations of events- shaped by core beliefs formed early in life.

Here's what's hopeful: neuroscience research shows that the brain remains capable of significant change well into adulthood. This is neuroplasticity- the brain's ability to form new connections throughout life.

Studies from University College London show that consistent new patterns of thinking in supportive environments (like therapy) create measurable brain changes within 8-12 weeks.

Genuine, lasting change happens when we:
→ Identify limiting beliefs
→ Understand where they came from
→ Challenge them with new evidence
→ Reconnect with personal values
→ Practise new patterns in safe environments

This is why therapy works: it provides the reflective space, safety, and guidance to update beliefs that no longer serve you. Change is always possible. But it often requires compassion, patience, and support.

21/01/2026

One of the more challenging aspects of healing is having a difficult day after weeks or months of feeling better.

But research on neuroplasticity shows: healing doesn't erase old neural pathways-it builds new ones alongside them. Under stress or fatigue, your brain might default to the old pathway. That's not regression. That's neurobiology.

A challenging day after many good ones doesn't mean you've lost progress. It means:
→ You're human, and life brings challenges
→ Your nervous system is recalibrating
→ You're aware enough to notice the struggle (that's growth)

Dr. Marsha Linehan talks about "non-linear recovery"- healing involves forward movement, plateaus, and temporary setbacks. What matters is overall direction.
Be gentle with yourself. Tomorrow brings another opportunity.

15/01/2026

Progress isn't always loud. Sometimes it lives in quiet moments when you respond differently, recover faster, or treat yourself with more compassion.

Research by Dr. Richard Davidson shows that emotional recovery time- how quickly you return to baseline after stress- is one of the most reliable indicators of psychological wellbeing.

Signs you're healing:
→ Emotional waves pass through you rather than drowning you
→ You bounce back faster from setbacks
→ You catch old patterns earlier
→ You can express needs without apologising
→ You speak to yourself with more kindness

If you're noticing these subtle shifts, that's growth happening in real time.

15/01/2026

Mental health at work needs more than good intentions, it needs clear policy.

Paths x PsyPotential work with organisations to create mental health policies that support employees, guide leaders, and foster healthier workplaces.

When people feel supported, everyone benefits.

Let your workplace lead with care.

Start the conversation with us.

Empower your leadership team with PsyPotential - your partner in corporate development. Offering learning & development, leadership transformation, and HR consultancy in Malta and globally. Leverage our team of psychologists with business expertise for executive coaching, psychometric profiling and....

15/01/2026

A strong mental health policy protects your people and your organisation.

Paths x PsyPotential help companies develop clear, practical mental health policies tailored to today's workplace. A mental health policy promotes staff wellness, provides leaders with actionable tools, minimises stress and exhaustion, and builds a healthier organisational environment.

Make mental health a structured part of how your organisation operates.

Book a consultation by contacting PsyPotential on https://www.psypotential.com/

14/01/2026

At paths, we believe the best people to tell you what we can do for you are our clients.

Sharon Grima is a Counsellor, Social Worker and EMDR Trainee Practitioner who works with adults on a wide range of issues including anxiety, stress, burnout, relationships, and self-growth.

If you're considering therapy and wondering whether it's right for you, we're here to help you find the support that meets your needs.

Learn more about Sharon and our team of qualified therapists: https://paths.care/therapists/

09/01/2026

Self-care is what you do.
Self-compassion is how you treat yourself whilst doing it.

Dr. Kristin Neff's research shows that self-compassion is a stronger predictor of mental wellbeing than self-care practices alone. You can do all the "right" activities (therapy, exercise,meditation) whilst still being harsh with yourself internally.

"I should be better at this." "What's wrong with me?" That's self-care without self-compassion, and research shows it's less effective.

Self-compassion has three components:
1. Self-kindness (treating yourself like you'd treat a friend)
2. Common humanity (recognising struggle is part of being human)
3. Mindfulness (being present with pain without over-identifying)

Next time you struggle, notice your internal dialogue. Would you speak to a friend that way?

07/01/2026

Anyone who's experienced deep pain or trauma knows that such experiences can impact every aspect of one's life: decisions made, relationships, health and so on. As we work through painful memories and feelings, it often feels worse before it feels better.

But healing doesn't mean the pain disappears, it means that whilst the scars remain, the pain recedes to the background and stops dominating our everyday lives.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk's research shows healing happens in the nervous system, not just the mind. It's not a straight line; it's a spiral. If healing feels messy or non-linear, that's not a sign you're doing it wrong. That's authenticity.

03/01/2026

When overwhelm arrives, try the "5-4-3-2-1" grounding technique.

Dr. Peter Levine's research shows this gently interrupts the fight-flight-freeze response by bringing awareness back to your body and the present moment.

Save this for when you need it.

01/01/2026

As we step into 2026, here's something worth remembering: sustainable change comes from small actions that align with who you already are.

Dr. BJ Fogg's research at Stanford shows that when intentions honour who we genuinely are, change becomes natural. This is why 80% of resolutions don't make it past February.

This year, try asking: "What do I need more of to feel aligned?" instead of "What do I need to fix?"

01/01/2026

31/12/2025

Our pace of life is often so frantic that very rarely sit and do nothing, or enjoy the simple, quiet moments which may emerge throughout the day. In this article, Systemic Family Therapist, Maria Mifsud, invites you to reflect on the way you distract yourself from the present moment and explores the benefits which may be gained from being mindful and grounded in the present. To read more -

https://paths.care/resources/the-key-to-happiness-and-fulfilment-cherish-the-present/