Category: Our approach

Submitted Question: I think one of my colleagues dislikes me. This is bad timing as my ex hates me now too. Can I love myself anyway? If so, how? It’s an unfortunate reality that at some point in life, someone will dislike or even hate you. Whether it’s an ex, a former colleague, a family […]

Guest Blog and video (below) by Samantha Weir – a counsellor and relationship therapist in our team who integrates many of the Gottman Method elements into her practice. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist and relationship expert, identified four negative communication patterns that can predict the downfall of a relationship—known as the Four Horsemen. These destructive […]

By Dr Rachel Hannam Are you “insecure” sometimes? Many of us are. Anxious attachment, also called anxious-preoccupied attachment, stems from childhood experiences where, in some way, we faced inconsistency or unpredictability in our caregiving, leaving us feeling insecure in adult relationships; sometimes even clingy. As adults, those of us with anxious attachment styles can struggle […]

Submitted Question: “I have recently been through a break-up and am now living alone for the first time. A friend says living alone is great, but I am scared. What’s so great about living alone and how can I see it as a good thing and not only devastating?” Living alone can be scary or […]

Guest blog by Tama Barry Queer individuals often experience minority stress—a chronic psychological strain resulting from societal discrimination, micro-aggressions, or rejection. This stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and self-doubt, especially when compounded by intersecting identities such as race or neurodivergence. Healing and thriving requires understanding these stressors and developing strategies to foster self-acceptance and […]

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, are complex mental health conditions that profoundly affect an individual’s relationship with food, body image, and overall well-being. Recognising the psychological components of these disorders is critical, and seeking psychological intervention plays a pivotal role in their treatment and recovery. The Psychological Roots of […]

By Dr Rachel Hannam Limerence, also known as love-addiction or person-addiction, is often described as an intense state of infatuation and romantic attraction. It is a fascinating (but often deeply painful) psychological phenomenon that has intrigued researchers and individuals alike. Limerence is distinct from love as it tends to includes idealising the object of affection […]

By Freya Browne Long-term relationships are a journey of love, personal growth, and shared experiences. The foundation of these enduring partnerships is commitment – a deep, unwavering dedication to each other’s well-being and happiness. In this blog post, we’ll explore the significance of commitment in long-term relationships and share some effective ways to strengthen it. […]

Guest blog by psychologist James Le Lievre Subjectivity, the lens through which we perceive the world based on personal feelings, experiences, and biases, is a fundamental aspect of our human nature. While subjectivity has its place in self-expression and creativity, such as in the arts and non-fiction writing, it carries inherent risks that can impede […]

Blog by Tariro Sibanda Neurodiversity is a beautiful tapestry of human variation that encompasses a wide range of neurological differences, including autism (ASD) and what used to be called Asperger’s, ADHD, dyslexia, and more. But it can be hard to parent a neurodivergent child! Each neurodivergent child is unique, possessing their own strengths, challenges, and […]

Negativity bias is a psychological phenomenon that describes our brain’s tendency to give more weight to negative experiences, emotions, and information than to positive ones. It’s a deep-rooted survival mechanism that helped our ancestors stay alert to potential threats in their environment. While this bias served us well in the past, it can often hinder […]

Guest blog from Dr David McPhee, Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Minnesota Oh, yeah, you certainly can disappointment your therapist! It’s 9:51 AM. My 9 AM person has left. You’re scheduled for 10 AM. I start thinking about you. I generate caring curiosity about you and your life and your therapy work, and fresh eagerness […]

When did you start at NBP? What were you doing before that? I started at NBP in March 2022. I had been working the last two and a half years for 1800 RESPECT as a crisis counsellor. I am passionate about domestic violence but I have always wanted to go into private practice. Now I […]

When did you start at NBP? What were you doing before that? I started with NBP in January 2022 and have spent over 6 years working towards this dream job! I have gained qualifications in youth ministry, human resources and counselling, and by the end of 2022 I will add my psychology degree to the […]

Blog post by Nathaniel Wells Throughout my career, no single word is better at making a client cross their arms, groan in disdain, or look out the window, than “exercise.” My favourite anecdote from a client is: “I get it, but why recommend exercise when I’ve spent my life actively trying to avoid it?” Touché! […]