#MentalHealthAwareness

A woman in bed looks scared, wide-eyed, clutching a white blanket. The room is dimly lit with a blue hue, creating a tense mood.

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 242 min read

A white tissue box with a tissue partially pulled out, set against a plain white background, creating a clean and simple appearance.

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 182 min read

Person in a dark hoodie holding a white mask over their face, intense gaze. Shadowy background, creating a mysterious mood.

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 172 min read

Billi Silverstein
Psychotherapy

I refer to it as ‘The Voldemort Effect’: Understanding Avoidance

Why We Don’t Pass the Tissue in Psychotherapy (And No, It Is Not Because We Are Mean)

Do you know someone calling themselves a mental health therapist without the relevant training?

Head Office

Follow Us