Billi Silverstein
Psychotherapy

For many, this discomfort has roots in earlier life. Growing up exceptional, whether academically, creatively or aesthetically, often brings praise and a sense of safety. Over time, achievement can become entwined with identity. Being outstanding is not simply something one does, but something one is. When adulthood introduces a peer group of equally accomplished women, that identity is challenged. Admiration for another may sit alongside a subtle fear of displacement. Fascin

Hypervigilance is often misunderstood. It is not a universal consequence of trauma, nor is it simply anxiety or over-cautiousness. Rather, it is a finely tuned, embodied response that can develop when a child grows up in an environment where safety was unpredictable. From a psychotherapeutic perspective, hypervigilance reflects the nervous system’s remarkable adaptability. It learns to scan for danger in order to protect the self, even when the threat is no longer present.

From a trauma-informed and psychodynamic perspective, symptoms rarely appear in isolation. They emerge from historical pain, relational wounds, and unconscious In contemporary clinical practice, there is growing concern that psychotherapists may become too focused on the presenting issues clients bring into therapy. While it is both ethical and necessary to attend to immediate distress, this focus can sometimes obscure the deeper dynamics that sustain suffering. The presentin

Being able to laugh at the same things with your partner creates shared moments of joy and connection. But what does science say about the role humour plays in relationships? New research sheds light on how a similar sense of humour can enhance both the satisfaction and depth of a partnership.

There are moments when the world seems to lose its depth. Colours fade, sounds grow distant, and the familiar edges of reality soften. One might continue speaking, moving, working, yet somewhere inside a quiet disbelief begins to form. Is this really happening? These are experiences known as derealisation and depersonalisation, and although they can feel profoundly strange, they are far from rare.

Fear is one of the most fundamental human emotions. It serves a vital evolutionary purpose, alerting us to danger and helping to ensure our survival. Yet when fear becomes persistent or disproportionate, it ceases to be protective and instead becomes limiting. Fear often lies at the root of anxiety, panic, intrusive thoughts and even compulsive or addictive behaviours. A question I am frequently asked is what is the antidote to fear.

Clinical supervision plays a vital role in the development and sustainability of effective practice. At its core, clinical supervision is designed to create a safe, supportive environment where practitioners can critically reflect on their work. This reflective space allows individuals to not only enhance their clinical skills and knowledge but also to maintain their emotional and psychological well-being amidst the demands of their roles.

The distinction between being fascinated and seeking to fascinate others has significant psychological implications.

Being able to laugh at the same things with your partner creates shared moments of joy and connection.

In the context of therapy refer to the conscious choices and behaviours that align with a person’s core beliefs, principles and goals, guide