We are all narcissists in some way. Anyone can exhibit selfishness, egotism, lack of empathy, and insensitivity from time to time. To some extent, being narcissistic is human nature and is required to live socially as we do. However, in some extreme cases, people develop narcissistic personality disorder, which can disrupt their whole lives. This blog aims to provide insight and awareness about the different nuances of narcissism and the faces it can have. Narcissistic Personality Disorder Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is found more in men than women, and its onset is in early adulth ..read more

What Is Executive Coaching? The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximise their personal and professional potential. Coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity and leadership”. At Incontact, we offer executive coaching (also called Coaching for Executives), where you work with a Coach-as-a-partner to be more effective at your job by polishing and attaining your goals in a healthy, efficient and sustainable way. Our approach involves creating ..read more

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and is officially diagnosed after a continuous absence of menstruation for 12 months. While the average age of menopause is 51, variations do exist. Therefore, in some women, it may occur earlier or later. Symptoms of menopause can occur months or years in advance of the actual halt of menstruation and usually consist of the following: Hot Flashes Sleep Difficulties Weight Gain Thinning or Loss of Hair Irregular Periods Vaginal Dryness Loss of Breast Fullness Naturally, these symptoms can vary in each woman, resulting in a wide range of ex ..read more

When I was five, my family embarked on a journey defining my childhood most unconventionally. Leaving our familiar homeland and extended family behind, my parents, sister, and I ventured to Prague, igniting a sequence of relocations that would span the next thirteen years. By the time I reached the age of eighteen, I had called five different countries home and had explored the cultural mosaic of countless others. While conventional wisdom often cautioned against such frequent uprooting, I wouldn’t trade my unique upbringing for anything. Here are three invaluable lessons I learned from my glo ..read more

Sook Ning Chua wrote an article in 2020 for the International Journal of Eating Disorders titled, “Estimated prevalence of eating disorders in Singapore“. Along with her colleagues, she measured the prevalence of eating disorders in Singapore and reached a shocking conclusion that most of her sample screened positive for a current DSM-5 eating disorder. To her surprise, she found that of all the participants who screened positive for an eating disorder, only 1.6% reported being in treatment. This article in 2020 was the first-ever study to officially assess the prevalence of eating disorders i ..read more

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, also known as ACT, is a mindfulness-based behavioural therapy that challenges the ground rules of most Western psychology. ACT aims to create a rich and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. It has been proven effective with many conditions, such as depression, OCD, workplace stress, chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, anorexia, and even schizophrenia. It is important to note that ACT does not have symptom reduction as a goal. Instead, this therapy focuses on transforming our relationship wi ..read more

What Is Motivational Interviewing? Motivational interviewing is an approach to communication and counselling that aims to inspire and elicit intrinsic motivation within individuals. It is a collaborative and client-centred method used by professionals in various fields to facilitate behaviour change. This technique helps individuals explore their values, beliefs, and reasons for change, ultimately empowering them to make positive decisions and take action toward their goals. In essence, motivational interviewing is a conversational style that helps individuals identify their motivations and re ..read more

What Is Schema Therapy? Schema Therapy, pioneered by Jeff Young in 1990, combines various therapeutic approaches into a comprehensive framework. This therapeutic modality is designed to address intricate psychological issues. It centres around three fundamental concepts: Early Maladaptive Schemas, Schema Domains, and Schema Modes. 1) Early Maladaptive Schemas These are deeply ingrained, self-defeating cognitive patterns that originate during childhood and persistently influence an individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviours throughout their lifetime. There exist 18 commonly recognised earl ..read more

Being A Caregiver In A Neurodiverse Family “The meltdowns are overwhelming”. “I am not sure how to manage. I feel anxious all the time. “I am exhausted. My partner and I seem to be constantly arguing.” “I feel judged by family members and other parents.” “I don’t like the person that I am becoming.” These are some of the thoughts we hear time and time again in the therapy room. They may sound general and could apply to any situation. However, in a family with one or more neurodiverse individuals, these issues are a persistent, often daily struggle. Being a parent or a caregiver in a neurodiver ..read more

Gender differences influence our lives in various domains, including mental health. Before diving into these differences, let us look at the terminology. Sex refers to biologically determined characteristics, while gender denotes culturally and socially shaped variations between men and women. Society, how it is structured, and our role teach men and women what is expected of them. For example, within society, women are stereotypically expected to care for children more than men. All unconscious biases may also explain why men hold higher positions than women. These mentioned scenarios can hav ..read more