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Is Calm a Threat? The Paradox of Hypervigilance in Trauma
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.
Dec 18, 20252 min read
I refer to it as ‘The Voldemort Effect’: Understanding Avoidance
Avoidance is one of the most instinctive human responses to fear. When something feels overwhelming, whether a memory, a situation or even a thought, turning away can bring a temporary sense of safety. In the moment it may feel protective but over time this very act of avoidance nourishes the fear it is meant to contain. I call this the Voldemort Effect. In the Harry Potter stories, the refusal to speak Lord Voldemort’s name transforms it into something unspeakable.
Sep 24, 20252 min read
Why We Don’t Pass the Tissue in Psychotherapy (And No, It Is Not Because We Are Mean)
Psychotherapists are taught not to hand out tissues when someone is crying. I always find myself cringing when a therapist is shown...
Jul 18, 20252 min read
Do you know someone calling themselves a mental health therapist without the relevant training?
“No psychologist should pretend to understand what he does not understand... Only fools and charlatans know everything and understand...
Apr 17, 20252 min read
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