Why choose self-compassion? Making the journey from self-criticism to self-compassion isn’t an easy one. Many of us assume that being hard on ourselves is what drives us to succeed, improve, or stay accountable. That critical inner voice can be oh so familiar, so loud and relentless, and feel like an essential (or only) source of motivation. And yet, if criticism …
What is Alexithymia? Most people haven’t heard of alexithymia, and yet it’s estimated that one in ten people struggle with it (Goerlich, 2018). The word was coined by two psychologists in the 70s (Nemiah & Sifneos, 1972), meaning an “inability to describe feelings correctly” or “no words for emotions.” This describes one aspect; it’s so much more under the surface. …
Receiving answers about our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours are invaluable to help us understand ourselves better. Whether you are looking for clarity on why you may have difficulties concentrating on tasks or communicating with others, psychological assessments can provide us with these answers. What are Psychological Assessments? Psychological assessments include the use of screeners, comprehensive testing, and diagnostic tools to …
Healthy, loving communication is the foundation of a strong relationship. When communication starts to break down, it can lead to conflict, misunderstandings, emotional distance, and a growing sense of unhappiness or disconnection. Many couples find themselves having the same argument over and over, feeling unheard, misunderstood, or unsure how to reconnect. Communication issues are one of the top reasons couples …
Seven Strategies to Spring Clean People Pleasing: Learn how to stop people pleasing, set healthy boundaries, reduce resentment, and make space for your needs with practical, realistic strategies.
Finally having a word for why you’ve been struggling all those years can feel like a celebration and a huge relief, but it can also bring grief, anger, and sadness for all the years you had to struggle without knowing why. Maybe there were impulsive decisions, difficult relationships, feeling like you’re lazy or a failure, or feeling a lot of …
Friendships in adulthood often don’t formally end, they just change or fade. Sometimes it can be a sharp pain and the source is clear. Other times the changes are quiet enough that you don’t realize you’re grieving it, the vibe is just off. There’s no clear moment to point to, no conversation that marks the shift. Just a growing sense …
Lately, many people have been carrying a quiet sense of heaviness. You might notice it while scrolling the news, hearing conversations about global conflict, injustice, or violence, or simply feeling a weight in your chest that wasn’t there before. When distressing events dominate headlines and social media, it can leave us feeling overwhelmed, helpless, or even emotionally numb. If you’ve …
Written by Angela McGrath, Registered Provisional PsychologistOriginally published on Inner Work Psychology In my therapy practice, I help my clients understand and shift their insecure attachment and improve their relationships. But our attachment styles shape not only how we connect with others, but how we see and feel about ourselves. If you ever find yourself struggling with self-doubt, insecurity, or not …
At Calm Harbour Counselling, we thought we’d start out the year reflecting on the books that have made a big impact on us as people, how we support clients and continue growing as therapists. Whether you’re in therapy, considering it, or simply curious about emotional wellbeing, these books offer gentle insight, practical tools, and a sense of being seen. Angela’s …