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There are many questions we face that speak to the spiritual dimension of our lives. That may be in the very broadest of terms, but it might also encourage us to think more deeply about our faith, if indeed we see the world in those terms. My work as a Logotherapist and Existential Analyst takes spirituality seriously and we work within the framework of our client's lived experience. For some, that may be built around a faith dimension, but that need not be the case. I am equ

When someone talks to us, we often say we are listening. But is listening enough? Many people confuse being listened to with being heard. These two experiences feel very different, yet they are often used interchangeably. Understanding the difference can improve communication, deepen relationships, and help us feel more connected. This post explores what sets being listened to apart from being heard and why it matters. What Does It Mean to Be Listened To? Listening is the act

Today marks the anniversary of the death of Thomas Merton, the acclaimed author and Trappist Monk. He died unexpectedly in Thailand in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of poetry and spiritual writing that has a timeless quality that resonates far beyond the Christian community. Over a decade ago Br. Columba O'Neill, a Trappist Monk from Bethlehem Abbey in Co. Antrim, and I set up the Merton Fellowship for Peace and Contemplative Living in Ireland. It was an informal network of i

The phrase 'dark night of the soul' often sparks curiosity and sometimes fear. It describes a profound period of inner struggle, confusion, and emotional pain that many people experience at some point in their lives. This experience can feel overwhelming, as if one is lost in darkness without a clear way out. Yet, despite its difficulty, the dark night of the soul holds the potential for deep personal transformation and growth. This post explores what this experience means, w

Logotherapy and Existential Analysis is, by it's very nature, a form of therapy that is very comfortable with 'questions of existence', of which faith is sometimes a vital component. In that respect I have worked with/continue to work with clients of all faiths and none; each individual's perspective is affirmed and respected and the role of the Logotherapist in those matters is a strictly neutral one. Over the many years I have been practising, there have been clients who ha

Love can be one of the most powerful forces in life, but it can also bring deep pain when it is not returned. Loving someone who does not love you back creates a unique challenge: how do you say goodbye to someone you care about deeply, yet must release? Unrequited love is a common but often painful experience that can result in longing, emotional turmoil, and distress, whether the person is unaware of your feelings, sees you as a friend, or has demonstrably rejected you. Cop

Rarely do I post a quote with no comment. I have made an exception for this insight from Dr. Carl Jung (Zarathustra Seminar, p.1473): 'To love someone else is easy, but to love what you are, the thing that is yourself, is just as if you were embracing a glowing, red-hot iron; it burns into you and that is very painful. Therefore, to love somebody else in the first place is always an escape which we all hope for, and we all enjoy it when we are capable of it. But in the long r

When faced with difficult situations, it can be hard to tell whether we are giving up or simply recognising that we have had enough. This distinction matters because it shapes how we respond to challenges and how we view ourselves. Understanding what it feels like to have had enough, and what existential philosophy and psychotherapy say about this state, can help us make clearer decisions and find healthier ways to cope. What Does It Mean to Give Up? Giving up often carries a

The idea that what you seek is also seeking you is a powerful and comforting thought. It suggests a natural harmony between your desires and the response you receive. But how do you know when this connection is real? How can you tell that what you long for is actually moving toward you? Exploring the wisdom of Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet and mystic, offers insight into this profound question. His words invite us to trust the process of seeking and to recognize the sig

Psychotherapy often focuses on techniques, diagnoses, and treatment plans. Yet, at its core, therapy is about people—real human beings connecting in a shared space of trust and understanding. The relationship between therapist and client is not just a backdrop for healing; it is the heart of the therapeutic process. This post explores why human connection matters deeply in psychotherapy and how approaches like Logotherapy and Existential Analysis pays particular attention thi

The Viktor Frankl Centre Northern Ireland (VFC-NI) was founded in 2022 to provide professional training in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, also known as the Third Viennese School of Psychology (after Freud and Adler). VFC-NI fully accredited by the International Society of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis at the Viktor Frankl Centre Vienna. We offer the Diploma course, and 18 month part-time online programme comprising 4 modules offered in 'real time', in addition

Narcissistic relationships often involve complex dynamics that can leave victims feeling isolated and overwhelmed. One of the most confusing and damaging tactics narcissists use is enlisting 'flying monkeys.' These individuals act as extensions of the narcissist, carrying out manipulation and control on their behalf. Understanding who flying monkeys are, why narcissists use them, and how to protect yourself from their influence is crucial for anyone dealing with this specific

On behalf of the Viktor Frankl Centre NI, I am very pleased to be asked to produce and deliver the Diploma in Logotherapy & Existential Analysis Clinical Supervision to colleagues in the Ukrainian Association of Logotherapy & Existential Analysis . This is the first accredited course of its kind offered worldwide and includes 5 taught modules and a dissertation/thesis. There is a focus on clinical supervision in the context of conflict and post-conflict environments. My exp

I am delighted to welcome Paul Brennan as our latest Honorary Lecturer/Adjunct Faculty Member at the Viktor Frankl Centre Northern Ireland. Paul and I trained together many years ago; he has a wealth of experience in business consulting and is an accomplished Logotherapist and Existential Analyst. His biography is as follows: "Paul is a Logotherapist and existential analyst in Dublin, practicing since January 2017. He runs Celtic Logotherapy, which serves both private clients

It is in the telling of our stories that we can reach out to others who might find themselves struggling in similar circumstances. I draw an enormous amount of inspiration from the clients I work with on a daily basis: their resilience, humility, determination, and courage in confronting their deepest fears and darkest experiences, is incredible. I often think that if it were possible for everyone to sit in the therapy room and hear what I, and every other therapist hears, th

When the time is right to depart, whether it be from a job that has outlived its meaningfulness, or a friendship that is no longer healthy, we can often be stifled by the question, 'where am I going'? Ruminating on that question can precipitate an existential paralysis, where the fear of the departure become an emotional and psychological blockage, where looking forward is fraught with difficulty. Consequently, we might remain stuck in a scenario that is unhealthy, but do so

The Biography in the 'About Me' page is a shortened version. This one is more detailed and I will be updating it periodically as my work and the services I offer changes. I hope it is useful; any queries, please do let me know. Scott Peddie is the first accredited Logotherapist and Existential Analyst based in Northern Ireland. He trained in Dublin and operates a private practice which began in Belfast, but is now solely online, and has/had clients from a wide range of locati

It is not unusual for fathers to struggle to verbalise the breadth and depth of love they have for their children. Perhaps they do not feel the need to do so. But for me, it matters greatly how we articulate our love for others, the need for it to be congruent with our actions and the driving force in all that we do. In a world where the word 'love' is used to describe a multitude of relationships, it is important that we take time to reflect on what it means to us personally

I have started a video series titled '1 min Reflections' where I share a quote or insight that I find meaningful; the idea is for me to say very little! I am fascinated by how people respond to such questions, particularly in relation to themselves and their life setting. In Logotherapy and Existential Analysis we are constantly asking questions, but more importantly, we apply the answers to a 'real world' setting. Those answers are far from abstract; they prompt us to think

The term dates for our next intake of online students at the Viktor Frankl Centre NI have been set, with the course beginning on 26th September 2026. Expressions of interest can be sent to me at any time; formal applications open on the 1st March 2026. Email me at scottpeddie@sky.com for further information. Many thanks, Scott