Excel Psychology Articles

As the year draws to a close, many people notice a familiar heaviness settling in - a mix of tiredness, low motivation, emotional flatness and a sense of simply “pushing through.” The end of the year brings its own kind of pressure: work deadlines, school events, family commitments, financial strain and the emotional weight of reflecting on everything that has happened over the past twelve months.

Ethics are the foundation of psychological care. When someone seeks the support of a psychologist, they bring with them vulnerability, courage, and trust. It is our responsibility to honour that trust through ethical, professional, transparent, and safe practice.

Humans are social creatures, we need human connection. The bonds of friendship do more for us than we realise at times, they strengthen us, support us, allow us to live fulfilling lives. But when those relationships change, especially when the people we thought were close become hostile and contemptuous, our world can turn dark. Sometimes, the people we trust turn against us in ways we couldn’t have predicted. 

Unlocking Relationship Potential with Gottman Theory and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) For many of us, intimate relationships can bring both our greatest joy and deepest frustration. Have you ever noticed repeating patterns in your love life? Perhaps you’re always drawn to emotionally distant partners, or you feel overwhelmed when someone gets too close. These patterns often trace back to attachment styles—psychological blueprints shaped in early life that continue to influence how we connect as adults (Bowlby, 1969; Hazan & Shaver, 1987). Understanding attachment can shed light on why we love the way we do, and how therapy can help us build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

For many of us, intimate relationships can bring both our greatest joy and deepest frustration. Have you ever noticed repeating patterns in your love life? Perhaps you’re always drawn to emotionally distant partners, or you feel overwhelmed when someone gets too close. These patterns often trace back to attachment styles—psychological blueprints shaped in early life that continue to influence how we connect as adults (Bowlby, 1969; Hazan & Shaver, 1987). Understanding attachment can shed light on why we love the way we do, and how therapy can help us build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

Understanding before responding: Transforming the way we connect When it comes to nurturing a thriving intimate relationship, communication is often cited as the cornerstone. Yet, while we may think we’re great communicators, there’s an art to truly listening that is often overlooked.

There are times in life when it feels like nothing we do makes a difference. After facing repeated setbacks or difficult circumstances, it’s natural to feel discouraged and lose the motivation to keep trying. However, for people who experience persistent adverse events, this can lead to a belief that our efforts won’t change the outcome, even when opportunities for change are possible.

Have you ever felt like you’re always chasing closeness while your partner keeps pulling away—or the reverse, where you feel overwhelmed and need space just as they need connection most? You’re not alone. Many couples find themselves caught in this painful dance, unsure how to step out of the cycle.

The dragonfly, with its delicate wings and agile flight, symbolises balance in the face of change. In neuroscience, a similar concept exists—allostasis—the body’s process of maintaining stability during times of change. Like the dragonfly, self-care isn’t about avoiding life’s challenges, but about navigating them with steadiness. By attending to physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing, individuals may be better able to manage the demands of daily life.

In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become an almost inevitable part of our lives. In our practice at Excel, we see firsthand the impact that chronic stress can have on an individual’s mental and physical health. It is essential to recognise the signs of stress and adopt strategies to manage it effectively.