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This is the first part of a two-part blog post on Bipolar Disorder (BD), Trauma, and the application of Logotherapy & Existential Analysis (LTEA) – a form of Psychotherapy - as an adjunct/additional form of treatment. In this post I will concentrate on the link between Trauma and BD as it pertains to prevalence, impact, linkages, mechanisms of connection, and aspects of treatment. The subsequent post will focus on exploring the application of LTEA in this specific context. Bu

Trees have stood as powerful symbols across cultures and history. Their presence in nature and human life goes beyond mere biology. They represent ideas, beliefs, and values that shape how people understand the world and themselves. Trees live for decades or even centuries, making them natural symbols of time, resilience and memory. For me, I have always been drawn to trees; in therapy and in life they have a role both metaphorically and literally. Many cultures use the image

Understanding the difference between character and reputation is essential for personal growth and meaningful relationships. While these two concepts are frequently used interchangeably, they represent distinct aspects of how we are in the world. It was John Wooden, the legendary American basketball coach who famously said, ' Worry about your character, not your reputation. Your character is who you are. Your reputation is who people think you are.' Wooden's observation is

People have long been fascinated by psychics and their claimed ability to predict the future or reveal hidden truths. That there is a social media explosion of purported psychics is irrefutable, and reflects a high demand for their services. But should we trust psychics? What drives individuals to seek their guidance despite a lack of scientific proof? This post explores the psychological and existential drivers that lead people to consult psychics, examines scientific eviden

Loyalty is often seen as a virtue, a foundation for trust and strong relationships. But what happens when loyalty is met with perceived disloyalty? Should we continue to be loyal even when someone else betrays that trust? This question challenges our understanding of loyalty and tests our values. Exploring this dilemma helps us navigate complex relationships and decide how to act when faced with betrayal. What Does Loyalty Really Mean? Loyalty is a commitment to stand by some

There are times when short blog posts are appropriate! The holiday season can bring to the fore challenging emotions that have not been processed and still echo in our hearts. The Czech novelist, Franz Kafka (3 July 1883 – 3 June 1924) is one of my favourite authors; he combines existential insight with a beautiful sense of vulnerability and openness that permeates throughout his writing. I come back again and again to his 'Letters to Milena'. They are replete with yearning a

I have always been moved by the opening two lines of Mary Oliver’s poem, ‘The Journey’: ‘One day you finally knew what you had to do, and began….’ It seems to me that life often presents itself as a series of conundrums, or questions, sometimes interlocking, and sometimes only tenuously linked, if indeed at all. When we are absolutely sure of something, then we may very well have missed the point of the question we are being asked. And so, to travel through life without certa

The story of Robert the Bruce and the spider is one of the most enduring legends in Scottish history. It tells of a moment when Bruce, a key figure in Scotland’s fight for independence, found himself discouraged and ready to give up. Watching a spider persistently try to spin its web despite repeated failures inspired him to continue his mission. I remember vividly being drawn to, and moved by this story as a child; I pictured an exhausted Bruce, head bowed in a dank, cold ca

In your enduring journey of the heart's quest, envision what you truly desire, the kind of connections whose presence rounds off your edges instead of eroding them.  In the quietness of your heart, and the guiding of your soul, be mindful. You are where you are meant to be. Allow yourself to acknowledge your pain, but do not dwell there. Let it hurt, then let it go. It is not your identity. Deconstruct your façade . It has served you in your quest to survive, but it has outli

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