Excel Psychology Articles

Do you ever find yourself trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and criticism? That relentless voice inside your head that picks apart every decision, every action, leaving you feeling inadequate and unworthy? You’re not alone. Many of us grapple with our inner critics, especially during times of stress, anxiety and depression. But what if you could learn to tame that voice, to quiet its harsh judgements and cultivate a kinder, more compassionate inner dialogue?

Many people in Australia, including psychiatrists, were surprised when earlier this year the medicines regulator down-scheduled MDMA, known colloquially as ecstasy, and psilocybin, from magic mushrooms.

This means that under certain circumstances from July 1, authorised psychiatrists will be able to prescribe MDMA to treat post-traumatic stress disorder and psilocybin to treat depression that has not responded to other treatments. Patients must also undergo psychotherapy (talking therapy).

It all sounds very certain but it’s not really.

Within this digital age, our access to a vast and expansive variety of podcasts and social media platforms seems limitless. How many times have you heard someone say, “have you heard…?” or “did you see…?”. As we explore this expansive world, we find an array of content, perspectives, and voices that can entertain and excite. However, it can also significantly contribute to our mental well-being. This journey is not just about entertainment; it’s a quest for understanding, connection, and self-discovery. While we remain mindful of the time we spend in these worlds, we can also be conscious of what we choose to consume so it can benefit us.

As Taylor Swift wins her 13th grammy (woohoo!) and announces her 11th studio album (woohoo!!), let’s talk about the positive impact Taylor Swift has had in the lives of her listeners.

Many of us have grown up with Taylor’s music and commonly share a feeling of deep connection and comradery through Taylor’s powerful lyrics and personal growth. With each new album we get a window into that period of her life and often see many of our own feelings and experiences reflected back to us.

Plants look so different from animals, that it’s easy for many people to think of them as alien and separate from us. Most people appreciate how pretty flowers and trees look and know photosynthesis is essential to life. But our mental and physical connection to plant-life runs deeper than you might expect.

The scientific evidence that plants play a fundamental role in shaping our mental state and decreasing the risk of mental and physical illnesses is mounting.

As psychologists we take care of the wellbeing and mental health of each client that engages in therapy with us. At Excel Psychology, we provide a peaceful and calm environment, which reflects the essence of our practice. One of the key elements that is part of the calm nature of our clinic is that as a team we care for each other. We work collaboratively and we make sure that each of us is comfortable and safe. This means that as professionals we have all the support and resources, but as individuals, our team is available to comfort and care when personal issues arise.

When it comes to understanding the way we experience human connection in our lives, from friends to family, attachment science has a lot to say. The science of attachment has developed categories of attachment styles, which are patterns of behaviour that can be observed in the way individuals form bonds with significant others. These are established in early childhood and extend throughout our lives. Our attachment style can contribute to how we experience and process emotions, the way we interact socially, and more broadly, our overall well-being. Attachment involves a deep, enduring connection that aligns with our needs from others, and the way that we communicate these needs, which can influence how we perceive, approach, and navigate our relationships.