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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

One of our Diploma students at the Viktor Frankl Centre - Jen - has started a Logotherapy Book and Film Group. The first book she chose 'When Breath Becomes Air' is a memoir of a young neurosurgeon who faces a terminal cancer diagnosis. For Jen, this book is deeply personal. I include her story here, and the overview and questions she shared with the group. I am incredibly grateful for her honesty, courage and tenacity. Here are her thoughts: I chose When Breath Becomes Air

This is the first in the series of blog posts reflecting on how people have lived, or continue to live, meaningful lives. There will be a mix of famous people and those who are seemingly ordinary, but are nonetheless remarkable and inspirational. Elizabeth Barrett Browning is a perfect place to start. She remains one of the most influential poets of the Victorian era. Her work captured the complexities of love, social justice, and personal struggle with a voice that continues

I am delighted that a friend and Hollywood visual effects producer, Zack Haddad, will be launching the Logotherapy Film Group at the Viktor Frankl Centre Northern Ireland. Zack is best known for Venom: The Last Dance, Alien: Romulus, Thor: Ragnarok, The Magnificent Seven, Ghostbusters, and Shrek, amongst others. He will be sharing his fascinating and unique perspective on finding meaning in movies. Information on date and time of Zack's talk will be posted soon. It will be on

One of the aims of the Viktor Frankl Centre Northern Ireland is to build a community of people interested in the application of Logotherapy & Existential Analysis, a meaning-based philosophy of life. The Book Group is one of the means of doing that, and you can join us from anywhere in the world, regardless of your background. Please see the information below from our book group facilitator, Jen Caligari; if you are interested in joining us (and I very much hope you are!), pl

As unwieldy titles go, this one is rather good! It does however reflect a common malady, that is, when we are faced with important decisions and we simply do not know what to do for the best, what can we do?. Added to that is the fact that decision-making is not always about the application of pure logic leading to an perfectly defined outcome, When faced with that level of uncertainty, many people feel stuck, overwhelmed, and lost, leading to chronic indecision extending to

Being 'tired of existing' sounds dramatic, but in actuality it is a common malady that affects people from time-to-time: it manifests itself in a weariness of the daily grind and the monotony of life. It is not a desire for life to end, rather it is a warning sign that life is not all that it could or should be. So, if your life lacks passion, meaning and purpose, and you are tired of existing, this is an excellent video that challenges the assumption that an unfulfilled life