Join my mailing list!

I am delighted that both the Viktor Frankl Centre Northern Ireland (VFCNI) and my individual practice as a Logotherapist & Existential Analyst have been re-accredited by the Viktor Frankl Institute Vienna. I look forward to expanding the training capacity at VFCNI and continue to offer the professional Diploma in Logotherapy & Existential Analysis, and expand the provision of short courses and specialist modules in Clinical Supervision.

Living with bipolar disorder involves more than managing mood swings. Many people with this condition also face intense feelings of shame and guilt. These emotions can deeply affect their recovery and overall well-being. Understanding how shame and guilt interact with bipolar disorder helps create better support and coping strategies. How Shame and Guilt Differ in Bipolar Disorder Shame and guilt are often confused, but they affect people differently. Guilt usually relates to

Loss leaves a mark on us. Whether it is a relationship, a job, or a dream, losing something important feels like a void that time alone cannot fill. You might have heard the phrase 'when you lose something, the universe offers a replacement', or similar. Yes, it is rather esoteric, if taken literally, but it does raise a number of important questions. Will you still remember what you lost, or will the new presence erase the past from your mind? It is this intersection of thou

Narcissistic abuse leaves deep wounds that go beyond the surface and run deep. It can shatter your sense of self, leaving you feeling lost, confused, and disconnected. Recovering from this kind of trauma requires more than just healing the emotional scars. It calls for a profound journey of self-rediscovery and meaning-making. An existential perspective, which I apply as a Psychotherapist, offers a unique path to reclaim your life by exploring your existence, freedom, and aut

We understand ourselves and others through the stories we tell and the manner in which we tell them. Those narratives reflect our sense of identity and provide the context in which our life unfold and our character evolves. With that in mind I am delighted that Somayah McKian will be writing a series of articles for this blog, beginning with this topic. Somayeh is Persian born and Europe based, an award winning novelist, a Psychotherapist, and a Logotherapist & Existential A

What Is Narcissism? Narcissism is sometimes wrongly perceived as a problem in men. Although it is true that research indicates that men are, on average, more likely to be narcissistic than women, the picture is complex. Studies show that men have a tendency to exhibit higher levels of grandiose narcissism (marked by entitlement, authority, and exhibitionism), whilst both men and women manifest comparable levels of vulnerable narcissism (characterised by insecurity and a need

Narcissism often puzzles those who encounter it, especially when it comes to how narcissistic individuals handle responsibility. One of the most confusing, destabilising and frustrating behaviours is the reversal of blame. Instead of owning up to mistakes or faults, narcissists frequently shift the blame onto others, leaving those around them feeling bewildered and unfairly targeted. This blog post explores the psychology behind this behaviour, why it happens, and how to reco

Gaslighting is a form of emotional manipulation that can leave deep scars on a person's sense of reality, self-worth and confidence. It often happens gradually, making it hard to recognise until much of the damage is done. But it can also occur over a relatively short period of time - weeks and months - depending on the context. Understanding what gaslighting involves and how it affects emotions is essential for anyone who wants to protect themselves or support others facing

Knowing whether to reach out to someone can feel like walking a tightrope. You may very much want to connect in whatever way, and for whatever reason, but you also worry about crossing boundaries or imposing. Our personality styles impact significantly on how we evaluate such circumstances. One of the prime issues is that of vulnerability: some are comfortable in that space, yet others find it threatening and frightening. To be vulnerable, and to reach out, demands that we a

Voluntary euthanasia remains one of the most controversial topics in medical ethics, especially when it relates to mental illness. While euthanasia for terminal physical conditions has gained some legal acceptance in various countries, extending this option to those suffering from severe mental illness raises a plethora of complex ethical questions. This post explores the key ethical challenges surrounding voluntary euthanasia for mental illness, balancing respect for autonom

Over the last year or so, I have been collating and publishing letters to my sons that explore important aspects of life. These aspects particularly relate to emotions, experiences, and the ability to self-reflect and grow. These letters are deeply personal, yet they have a universal application. Navigating life as a young man has never been easy. However, contemporary culture and expectations seem to make it particularly challenging. Insights from the Manosphere The recently

Logotherapy, a meaning-focused Psychotherapy developed by Viktor Frankl, treats heartbreak not as a pathology to be eliminated, but as a form of unavoidable suffering that can be transformed into personal growth . Absence is often the most painful aspect of heartbreak. There are a number of core ideas in Logotherapy that allow us to explore the contours of heartbreak from a unique perspective, both theoretically and practically. These include: The Existential Vacuum: Heartbre

Someone said to me once that being a Psychotherapist was 'a good wee job' ( a highly colloquial phrase, most commonly used in Scotland and Northern Ireland) where I could sit, drink tea, and chat with people all day'! There are many misconceptions when it comes to understanding what therapists actually do. The human connection component is pivotal, so in a sense sitting and chatting may not be so wide of the mark, at least during the phase where we are establishing that wor

Bullying is often seen as a behaviour linked to boys or men, but female bullies exist and can be just as harmful. Their tactics may differ however - more covert than overt - making it harder to identify them at first. Understanding the dynamics present in female bullies helps people recognize and address this behaviour before it causes lasting damage. This post explores some of their common traits and how we might better understand their behaviour, and its consequences, spec

Recently I received, with much sadness, the news that Jennifer Caligari, one of The Viktor Frankl Centre NI’s Logotherapy & Existential Analysis Diploma students, had passed away. Jennifer was a young woman who used her terminal cancer diagnosis to reach out to others. She was honest, brave, compassionate, and inspirational. Jennifer contacted me to an express an interest in the course and I was struck by her enthusiasm and practical understanding of meaning-based therapy. Sh

Love and narcissism often seem like opposing forces, yet Erich Fromm, a renowned social psychologist and philosopher, offers a compelling perspective that links the two in surprising ways. His work helps us understand how narcissism can affect our ability to love genuinely and how love itself can be a path to overcoming narcissistic tendencies. In 'The Art of Loving', Fromm explores the interplay between love and narcissism in some depth. In this following excerpt, he makes s

Healing is a deeply personal journey, and finding the right path can often feel overwhelming. Over time, I have come to appreciate the value of approaches that blend empathy, understanding, and practical strategies. Every therapist has their own style based on their personality, experience, and training. I would describe my style as reflective, encouraging, affirming, accessible, and sometimes challenging; I employ that approach to help clients effectively address mental heal

The Viktor Frankl Centre NI www.viktorfranklcentreni.com ​ Diploma in Logotherapy & Existential Analysis Click Here The Diploma in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis is an advanced programme for existing Therapists/Counsellors, Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, and others with relevant expertise and professional standing. ​ The course is fully Accredited by the International Society of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis at the Viktor Frankl Institute Vienna. F

When life presents us with difficult experiences, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. Trauma, in particular, can leave deep emotional wounds that affect our daily lives and relationships. Fortunately, the rise of technology has made it possible to access professional help from the comfort of our own homes. In this post, I want to share some insights into the benefits of online trauma therapy, highlighting how this approach can offer healing and hope in a gentle,

We may wonder from time-to-time if we are surrounding ourselves with the right people; such questions can arise from disappointment, heartache, or an uneasy realisation that all is not what it should be. The actor Rachel Boston expressed what matters most when she said, 'Being surrounded by love and people that care about your heart is the dream. That's what I would like on my last day.' It might seem like to much to ask that this maxim not only applies to our 'last day', but