Excel Psychology

Coming Back to Yourself: Self-Attunement, Interoception, and the Role of Therapy

This is Part 4 of a four-part series on attunement. Start with Part 1, which introduces the concept and its foundations, Part 2, which explores what happens when attunement breaks down, and Part 3, which looks at attunement in adult relationships and parenting.

Attunement in Adult Life: Relationships, Intimacy, and Parenting

This is Part 3 of a four-part series on attunement. Start with Part 1, which introduces the concept and its developmental foundations, and Part 2, which explores what happens when attunement breaks down. Part 4 covers self-attunement, interoception, and the role of therapy.

When Attunement Breaks Down: Misattunement, Trauma, and the Lasting Cost

This is Part 2 of a four-part series on attunement. Start with Part 1, which introduces the concept and its developmental foundations. Part 3 looks at attunement in adult relationships and parenting. Part 4 covers self-attunement, interoception, and the role of therapy.

What Is Attunement? The Science of Feeling Felt

This is Part 1 of a four-part series on attunement. Part 2 explores what happens when attunement breaks down. Part 3 looks at attunement in adult relationships and parenting. Part 4 covers self-attunement, interoception, and the role of therapy.

Personality at Work - and Working with Other Personalities

This is Part 3 of a three-part series on personality and the Big Five. Start with Part 1, which introduces the five traits and includes a link to the TIPI self-assessment, and Part 2, which explores how personality shapes relationships and mental health.

How Your Personality Shapes Your Relationships and Mental Health

This is Part 2 of a three-part series on personality and the Big Five. If you haven’t already, start with Part 1, which introduces the five traits and includes a link to the TIPI self-assessment. Part 3 looks at personality in the workplace and whether personality can change.

The Power of Early Intervention: Why Couples Should Seek Counselling Sooner Rather Than Later

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.

How Attachment Patterns Shape Our Intimate Relationships – And How Therapy Can Help

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.

How to Practise Active and Empathetic Listening in 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.

Why Do We Push and Pull in Relationships? Understanding Anxious and Avoidant Attachment Patterns

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.

How to Build a Happy Relationship: 3 Helpful Tips from Science and Therapy

Relationships can be the source of great joy, fulfillment, and growth. They can also require constant effort, communication, and compromise. How can we make our relationships happier and healthier? What are the secrets of couples who stay together and thrive?

The Power of Listening

Listening is harder than you might think. If you’ve ever been in an argument and the other person says “you’re not listening to me” you know how confusing the idea of not listening might be, because here you are, hearing all the words they are saying and yet they think you’re not listening. That’s because listening to someone, especially someone you disagree with, is a difficult skill to master. Here, we break down the skill into smaller steps that make it easier to do.