Karen Nimmo Psychology

24/12/2025

Gift giving is meant to be an expression of love.

So what does it mean when you get a gift you didn't want, the gift your partner wanted or no gift at all?

This week's Stuff Column takes a look at your gift giving language and what's driving it.

Thanks to everyone who has read, followed, clapped and commented on my articles and columns this year (even if you didn't like what you read :)

I'll have a new book out in the New Year - details to come.

Meanwhile, Merry Christmas / Meri Kirihimete and fun, safe holidays to all!

Do you remember the worst Christmas gift you ever got?

09/12/2025

Are you DOING ENOUGH this summer?

Cramming in as much as possible? Making sure you'll have good content for the Instagram feed?

True, no-one signs on for therapy to talk about ‘optimising’ their summer holidays. But it’s a source of stress for many, particularly when we all know January’s social media will be flooded with others’ enviable adventures.

This week's column takes a look at how to have a (slightly) more chill summer break. Enjoy!

Are you falling for the summer productivity trap?

25/11/2025

Ah menopause. It can be a hot mess for everyone!

Certainly for those going through it, but also for partners and families.

This week's Stuff column takes a look at what's going on from a partner's perspective and makes some suggestions for how to show support.

Your partner has changed. Not overnight, it’s been a slow burn, so to speak.

04/11/2025

Why do you feel so flat after achieving a big goal?

Psychologists call it the 'arrival fallacy' -- the illusion that once you ‘arrive’ somewhere — smash that goal — you’ll feel happier and that feeling will stay with you.

But the high doesn't last. All too quickly life returns to normal and you realise you're still you, on a slightly different landscape.

This week's Stuff column takes a look, along with the first steps to sparking yourself up again.

In this week's column, clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo explains that flat feeling following a major achievement.

20/08/2025

Looking for work has its challenges at any age and stage.

But when you're over 50 and in a tough economy - with still lots to offer - a fruitless job hunt can feel demoralising. It can also take a big swipe at your self identity and worth.

This week's Stuff column takes a look at those challenges and offers up a few ideas to help.

Opinion: Psychologists often see people for work problems but those who are unemployed tend to suffer in silence.

12/08/2025

Do you have a stellar morning routine?

I know all (well most, anyway) successful people swear by them.

But for most of us complicated morning routines are just another way of ratcheting up stress on our already thumping hearts.

Still, there is value in anchoring your morning, so that you hit the day with a tiny sense of control, a calming pause before everything spins out of control.

Check out this week's Stuff column for five low-key ways to kick off your day.

OPINION: You know routines help when you’re feeling low; they can settle your angst, spark your creative juices and send you out into the world wearing the golden glow of productivity.

30/07/2025

With summer weddings on the horizon, it's 'save the date' season.

Those are the curtain-raiser to the real invites that let you know you've made the wedding list, and can start your advance planning.

But what happens if you don't want to go? How do you say no without hurting someone, looking like a wedding grinch or getting slandered behind your back?

This week's Stuff column takes a look.

How can you get out of a wedding without ruining your friendship with the happy couple?

22/07/2025

Over 50? Then high chances are you've been caught up in one of those "when will you retire and what will you do" conversations.

Ok, money comes in the top of the stress hit-list. But, beyond that, there's a bit to think about - especially how to get your head in the game for a significant life change.

This week's Stuff column offers up a psychological kick-starter to planning for it.

All the literature tells us to plan for retirement — with good reason.

02/07/2025

Are you easily hurt by other people?

Quick to take offence? Worry constantly about how others see you or what they think of you?

Most of us have these worries from time to time. But, for some, it's a huge struggle. They care deeply, they wound easily. Emotionally, they have a thinner skin. It’s called hyper-sensitivity.

This week's Stuff column takes a look and offers up some tips to help.

Hyper-sensitivity is a challenge - but a surmountable one, writes Karen Nimmo.

18/06/2025

Feeling bored? Antsy? Nothing seems fun?

In a productivity-driven world, boredom is almost a dirty word, something to avoid or fight — or get rid of altogether.

But hold on a minute - could it be good for us? This week's Stuff column has some tips on how to be bored (in a good way).

Research suggests boredom might actually be good for us.

04/06/2025

Winter's well and truly arrived in Aotearoa!

Therapists often hear people say they feel worse in winter — and those feelings are backed by research.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a recognised mental health condition, classified as a depression with “a seasonal pattern”. So to qualify as SAD, it has to show up annually, in predictable, cyclic episodes. And, like depression, it might need targeted treatment.

But for anyone who just knows they’re in for low spell when the cold, wet and wild weather beds in, this week's Stuff column has some tips to help..

Hot tips for cold weather from clinical psychologist Karen Nimmo.

28/05/2025

Want free psych tips and tools?

On the Couch (OTC) is a fortnightly drop of my latest articles, psych tips and tools. (There's a new one coming out today).

I've had a few requests this week from people wanting to join up, so here's the link. Look forward to having you in our psych community! As always, all feedback welcome :)