Do you feel like you've never quite belonged, or that there's an invisible wall between you and real connection? The Social Isolation schema may explain that persistent sense of alienation — and schema therapy can help.

This article explores why many survivors of abuse remain silent for years and how silence can function as a powerful survival strategy. Using Rachael Denhollander’s experience of speaking out against Larry Nassar, the piece highlights the role of fear, shame, disbelief, and the nervous system’s freeze response in keeping survivors quiet. It also examines betrayal trauma, where abuse is perpetrated by someone trusted or depended upon, making disclosure feel even more dangerous. The article emphasises the profound impact of being believed, the importance of creating safe spaces for disclosure, and how finding one’s voice—when the time is right—can be a meaningful step toward healing and reclaiming agency.

Unresolved trauma is like cracks in the foundation—hidden but damaging over time. This article explores how past experiences, family dynamics, and institutional harm (including spiritual abuse and religious trauma) shape mental health today. Learn why therapy often revisits the past to repair these foundations and build resilience. Refuge Psychology, with Christian psychologist Kylie Walls, offers compassionate support for healing from abuse, trauma, and faith-related challenges.

Do you struggle to follow through, act on impulse, or find discomfort and frustration almost impossible to tolerate? The Insufficient Self-Control schema may explain that pattern — discover where it comes from and how schema therapy can help.

Do you feel that ordinary rules and limitations shouldn't apply to you, or find yourself frustrated when others don't recognise your worth? The Entitlement schema may explain that pattern — discover where it comes from and how schema therapy can help.

Do you find it hard to trust good times, or feel like you're always waiting for something to go wrong? The Negativity/Pessimism schema may be driving that persistent undercurrent of dread — discover where it comes from and how schema therapy can help.

This article explains how soft start-ups—a concept from Dr. John Gottman’s relationship research—can help couples raise concerns without triggering defensiveness or conflict. By expressing feelings and needs gently rather than with blame or criticism, partners can protect emotional connection and work together more effectively. Using insights from Schema Therapy for Couples, the article also explores the deeper emotional triggers that lead to harsh communication and offers practical strategies, examples, and reflection questions to help build healthier, more connected conversations.

Do you live with a persistent sense that something terrible is about to happen? The Vulnerability to Harm or Illness schema may explain that constant feeling of dread — discover where it comes from and how schema therapy can help