The latest figures suggest that around 1 in 20 people globally has ADHD, although far fewer are actively diagnosed (Asherson et al., 2022). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been vastly underdiagnosed in women and girls, and many women are receiving a diagnosis after having their children diagnosed during midlife (Davis & Hill, 2023). ADHD is characterized by neurodevelopmental differences in executive functioning, including working memory, cognitive processing, self-regulation, sensory processing, attention, and inhibitory control (Aherne, 2023). Some ADHDers manage by a ..read more

As mental health professionals, we often find emotional dysregulation at the heart of our clients’ challenges. Like a yoyo, the ups and downs of emotions leave many people with a sense of powerlessness and hopelessness. Fortunately, in many cases, dysregulation can be improved with effective education, training, and practice. Science-based tools and strategies can strengthen clients’ ability to regulate their nervous system and emotions, and develop a greater sense of emotion regulation. In this great read, we share these tools and strategies, discuss dysregulation and its impact on mental hea ..read more

Circadian rhythms are the daily cycles of our bodily processes, such as sleep, appetite, and alertness. In a sense, we all know about them because we all experience them. We feel more alert at some points in the day and tired at others. But we may not understand just how our internal clock works, how important it is, and how we can keep it working at its best. Read on to find out all about your circadian rhythm and how to work optimally according to your circadian clock. Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Positive Psychology Exercises for free. These science-b ..read more

Childhood trauma casts a long shadow, shaping the lives of individuals long after the events themselves have passed. As therapists, understanding the profound impacts of childhood trauma is essential for providing effective support and intervention for those who have experienced it. In this article, we delve into the intricate landscape of childhood trauma, exploring its definition, prevalence, and the far-reaching consequences it can have on mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. By gaining a deeper understanding of childhood trauma, therapists can better recognize its signs, provide comp ..read more

Even though we may consider ourselves logical and rational, it appears we are easily biased by a single incident or individual characteristic (Nicolau, Mellinas, & Martín, 2022). The ‘halo effect’ recognizes that scoring someone or something highly on one aspect influences our overall perception, positively or negatively. For example, if we perceive the café’s barista as attractive, we may not notice the cold coffee (Batres & Shiramizu, 2023). The impact of the halo effect is important, potentially influencing the connections we form, consumer behavior, financial markets, and even the ..read more

In today’s distraction-filled world, procrastination is a common challenge that can hinder productivity and success, and it can negatively impact our wellbeing. It is a stubborn problem that is difficult to overcome. Understanding the science behind procrastination is essential for developing effective strategies to overcome it. This article looks into the science behind the psychological, cognitive, and behavioral factors that contribute to procrastination and how to stop procrastinating. It explores evidence-based strategies and tools, such as mindfulness, self-compassion, goal setting, time ..read more

Alongside Sigmund Freud, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst Carl Gustav Jung (1875–1961) is one of the most important innovators in the field of modern depth psychology. Jungian psychology, also known as analytical psychology, offers ground-breaking theories of the human psyche that are rooted in theories of the unconscious. Originally a collaborator of Freud’s, Jung eventually parted ways with the father of psychoanalysis and developed his own psychological theories. Jung is particularly famous for his theory of the collective unconscious and for his research on archetypes, individuatio ..read more

As humans, we spend most of our life working to understand our personal identities. The question of “who am I?” is an age-old philosophical thought that resonates with all of us and is particularly difficult to answer. Cooley (1902) discussed the concept of our social selves as a looking-glass self-concept: “Each to each a looking-glass Reflects the other that doth pass.” Our personal identities are shaped from the moment we are born. Our family, upbringing, environment, genetic makeup (psychological and physical) and social interactions all play a role in identity formation. Subsequent resear ..read more

Parenting is one of the most enriching and challenging roles we can undertake in our lifetimes. There is a growing interest in alternative approaches to traditional parenting methods, with an emphasis on positive discipline and fostering nurturing and respectful relationships between parent and child. Another new approach is conscious parenting. Conscious parenting is a parenting philosophy based on the bestselling book The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children by Shefali Tsabary (2010). Conscious parenting rests on cultivating parental self-awareness, presence, and ..read more

While most of us would recognize a great leader, few of us know what it takes to become one (Hill et al., 2022). And it’s no surprise. Even psychology has trouble identifying a universal set of traits to define and support effective leadership across various situations and contexts (Villoria, 2022). The contingency theory of leadership recognizes the importance of a flexible style in response to key situational variables and factors (Fiedler, 1967). In this article, we introduce contingency theory and its importance for mastering leadership flexibility and explore the importance of being tuned ..read more