Have you ever found yourself disproportionately irritated by someone else’s behaviour—only to realize, uncomfortably, that they’re displaying a trait you secretly dislike in yourself? That intense emotional reaction may not be about them at all. It may be about you. This phenomenon is more common than you might think, and psychology has a name for [...]
Imagine asking someone, “Do you think everyone sees the world the same way you do?” Almost without exception, the response would be a dismissive “Of course not, that’s silly!” Yet, in our daily lives, our actions often contradict this logic. Most of our stress and anxiety arise from the implicit expectation that others should think [...]
As people near the end of their careers, many imagine retirement as the golden reward — a time of freedom, leisure, and personal choice. But for a surprising number of retirees, something unexpected and unsettling creeps in: a lingering sense of being left behind, overlooked, or no longer needed. This feeling has a name — [...]
Many people strive for self-improvement, reading books or attending courses to change aspects of their personality they dislike. What they often don’t realise is that the person they are today is a direct result of their past experiences—an adaptation to the challenges they’ve faced. Your Defence Mechanisms: Built for Survival From an early age, we [...]
In today's dynamic workplace, the emphasis on safety has extended beyond physical measures to include the psychological well-being of employees. The recent updates in Australia’s Worksafe laws and regulations underscore the growing recognition of psychosocial hazards—elements in the workplace that pose risks to mental health. While compliance and procedural changes are integral, the role of [...]
Who you will be reporting to makes a huge difference to the next stage of your career. We all spend a significant time at work and the biggest impact on our psychological and mental health will be your boss and colleagues. The saying goes, ‘People don’t quit their jobs, they quit their boss’. We have [...]
Navigating the complexities of career transitions can be emotionally taxing. When offered career support, many individuals shy away due to various emotional barriers. However, setting aside these emotions and seeking the guidance of a professional career coach can be transformative. Here are five compelling reasons why you should consider accepting this assistance: Objective Perspective [...]
Our world is allowing us to become more and more disconnected from each other. In Japan they call this ‘hikikomori’ (derived from the verb hiki “to withdraw” and komori “to be inside”) which was coined in 1998 by Japanese psychiatrist Professor Tamaki Saito. The technology, pace and complexity of the world is increasing at a [...]
“Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose.” Viktor Frankl Viktor Frankl wrote this after enduring extreme circumstances, but the key to the quote, I believe, is that having meaning and purpose leads to a better life. With medical advances and healthier lifestyles, our lifespans are ever [...]
There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a great team member promoted for their outstanding technical skills but fail to develop their interpersonal skills and underperform in their new role. We see it every day. Sometimes it presents itself in different formats, it’s a promotion that isn’t working out, it’s a change in [...]
Dr Susan Roberts says: