At one point in time or another, we’ve all encountered or exhibited signs of manipulation—it’s an inherent aspect of human interactions to some extent. Recall a young child feigning tears or gazing at you with hopeful eyes when they desire something. However, as we mature, these manipulative behaviours morph into less adorable forms such as…

“Alison, I met a spectacular woman a few months ago. But then began her impulsivity, changeable moods and rage outbursts against me. She seems highly functioning but doesn’t have self-control. Why am I attracted to people who are like that?” The excitement of impulsivity Impulsive people respond to their feelings without giving them much thought….

Ever wonder about the phrases that narcissistic folks, sociopaths, and psychopaths use? How do you handle them? Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where someone’s reality is twisted so much that it creates major confusion. It often happens in abusive relationships. When a narcissist puts you on blast, they tend to start wild arguments…

The term “toxic relationship” is widely used, but what does it actually mean? It goes far beyond occasional disagreements or arguments; it refers to a relationship—romantic, familial, or platonic—that consistently drains your energy, undermines your self-worth, and ultimately causes more distress than happiness. Toxic relationships are characterized by a profound lack of mutual respect and…

Mental Care Professionals (MCPs)—including therapists, counselors, psychologists, and psychiatrists—do far more than just “listen.” They are skilled practitioners, and they are professionals. Think of then as  strategic partners, and vital guides on the journey toward emotional health and resilience. In a world where mental health is finally being prioritized, understanding the depth and complexity of…

Individuals with narcissistic traits often display specific texting habits that mirror their personality characteristics and communication style. Let’s explore some commonly observed text behaviors linked to narcissism: If you want to learn how to protect yourself from false accusations, visit Coping With a Smear Campaign Post-Estrangement by Peg Streep for practical coping strategies. 

It’s an estimated 950,000 predators that can be online at any given time, shouldn’t you be learning more about how to protect your children?  Historically, predators are typically older males, but in recent years and with the increased access of online platforms, we are starting to see younger and younger men target our children.  Predators…

A childhood trauma response that leads to estranging family and ourselves. Growing up in an unstable, abusive, or chaotic home is one of the risk factors for estrangement. In these homes, love is conditional, authenticity is not valued, and children often feel unsafe. To survive an unpredictable environment, children learn to “read the room.” They take the…

Despite how natural friendship can feel, people rarely stop to analyze it. How do you know when someone will make a good friend? When is it time to move on from a friendship? Oftentimes, people rely on gut intuitions to answer these kinds of questions. In psychology research, there’s no universally accepted definition of a…