The disorganized/fearful attachment style, from a psychodynamic perspective, develops when early caregivers—who should provide safety and security—also become a source of fear and distress. This contradiction can create an internal conflict in the child, who then seeks and avoids attachment simultaneously. Unlike anxious or avoidant attachment styles, which have their own patterns, disorganized attachment lacks […]
From a psychodynamic psychotherapy perspective, anxious-preoccupied attachment develops from early experiences with inconsistent or emotionally unavailable parents and caregivers, leading to deep-seated fears of abandonment and an excessive need for reassurance in relationships. Relational patterns are then internalized, where love and security feel unpredictable, leading to hypervigilance toward perceived rejection. Their internal working models, shaped […]
From a psychodynamic perspective, the avoidant-dismissive attachment style is deeply rooted in early relational experiences, particularly with primary caregivers. Individuals who develop this attachment style often had caregivers who were emotionally unavailable, dismissive, or rejecting of their needs. As a result, the child learned to suppress their own attachment needs, where a defensive structure was […]
Forgiveness is a subject that has been endlessly discussed. There are pros and cons. Some people insist it is necessary in order ‘to move on’. Others say forgiveness is forced and artificial. Whatever side you’re on it is agreed that we need to let go of past hurts. Many of my clients suffer from past […]
Childhood trauma shapes the way individuals perceive and navigate relationships in adulthood, sometimes in ways that are unconscious and deeply ingrained. From a psychodynamic perspective, early experiences with parents or caregivers can act as a template for future relationships where attachment styles, dynamics, and emotional regulation are influenced. If a child experiences neglect, abuse, or […]
The term “McDonaldization” was coined by sociologist George Ritzer in his 1993 book The McDonaldization of Society. It refers to the process by which the principles of the fast-food industry, notably those embodied by McDonald’s, come to dominate various sectors of society. Ritzer identifies four key elements of McDonaldization: efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control. These […]
In my Toronto therapy practice I have heard many people say this. Change can be very difficult and frightening. I speak to them about real change as opposed to cosmetic change. Real Change Happens on a Deep Level – Many people come to me to make a change in their lives. For example they look at […]
Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation that causes someone to doubt their own judgment, sanity, and memories. It occurs when a partner intentionally triggers emotional distress by bringing up sensitive topics, then denies, minimizes, or blames the victim for overreacting. Love bombing, on the other hand, is a pattern of intense and overwhelming attention […]
In many South Asian communities, mental health issues such as depression and anxiety remain taboo subjects. These challenges are often dismissed or ignored, with the belief that they simply do not exist. This stems from a lack of education around mental health, particularly among immigrant parents, who may not have had the opportunity to learn […]
You’ve read the books, tried the communication tools, and maybe even begged for change. You’ve twisted yourself into emotional knots trying to make things better—for your kids, your history, your hope. But if you’re constantly wondering, “How much longer can I live like this?”—you’re not alone.This post is for the woman who’s still trying… but […]
