Trauma can happen as a response to a single event that overwhelms an individual’s ability to cope. It can also develop over time as a result of abuse, neglect or a negative dynamic in your surroundings. Either way, wether you are suffering from shock trauma or developmental trauma, it compromises your ability to regulate your emotions and how you relate to yourself and other people. Chronic …
Stress
Stress We all suffer from stress sometimes and it is everywhere: in the workplace, in school, in traffic and in relationships, to name a few. Stress is actually a beautiful mechanism. The moment you perceive a danger, your body will produce hormones which ensure that the body is ready for an emergency response: The hormones raise blood pressure, accelerate the heartbeat and activate the muscles …
Depression
Depression Everyone can feel down sometimes. Sadness is a natural reaction to disappointment and loss and at some point you will feel better again. However, if a feeling of gloom and lack of joy persists in your life, you could be suffering from depression. Insomnia and feelings of anxiety and fatigue can be present, as well as feeling real despair and guilt, for no apparent reason. The …
Purpose and Meaning
Purpose and Meaning Being aware of what drives you and why you do what you do is fundamental to human existence. Purpose is about using your strengths to serve others. It is about what you give more than about what you get. It is about identity and belonging, about having meaningful relationships and feeling appreciated and about appreciating others. What stories do you tell yourself about your …
Anger Management
Anger Management Anger is an emotion part of the human repertoire of survival emotions and is a reaction to pain. Expressed in a responsible way, you gain the respect of others and you increase your own self-esteem. You simply give voice to how you feel and what you need to feel seen and reckoned with. No problem and life goes on. However, often we feel overwhelmed by our anger and tend to …
Burnout
Burnout Burnout is a classic example of a body-mind disorder: psychological stress resulting in physical symptoms. Lack of enthusiasm and motivation, as well as being emotionally unstable are indications that inner conflicts and personal needs have too long been ignored. On a physical level a burnout can manifest as feeling permanently exhausted and still not being able to sleep well. Chronic …
Chronic pain
Chronic Pain “Research shows that 20% of the Dutch population suffer from chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 6 months)”. Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research, NWO The reasons for experiencing pain can be many, but emotional as well as physical stress both play a part. Since negative emotions can amplify our perception of pain and physical pain can cause emotional stress, it …