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LETTER 8 My Dear Sons, With your talent and personal attributes you will without doubt make an impact on the world around you, but more importantly, you will be an incredible blessing to those you love and those who love you unconditionally. That is incontrovertible, and to even be a small part of that reality is the privilege of a lifetime. As you already know, no matter how successful your life may be, you will, at some point, come up against limitations. They might be caus

When people think of ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) their point of reference is often movies such as 'One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest'. Those unforgettable scenes are seared into the minds of those who have watched them. In that respect, ECT is portrayed as a means of punishment, a form of control, and as a memory-erasing treatment. It is also widely thought of as being applied without anaesthesia or a muscle relaxant, causing injury and trauma. Modern ECT is very different a

I read, many years ago, Rev. William Sloan Coffin's book 'Letters to a Young Doubter' and it stuck with me, much in the way that Rilke's 'Letters to a Young Poet' (see previous posts) has. Coffin crafted his letters in response to a fictional man's questions about life and faith and how we find meaning in our existence. I find that approach particularly engaging. As I have mentioned before, letter wring can be a very useful therapeutic tool. I use it with clients in a range o

Perhaps one of the most searching and fundamental questions we will ask ourselves in our lifetimes is, 'what makes for a good romantic partner'. The answer may seem elusive, after all, we are conditioned by our upbringing, previous relationships, and the mix of expectation and fear that accompanies us on that journey. We might reflect deeply on those questions; we might not, at least consciously. Regardless, our unconscious is most certainly hard at work sifting through those

This is the second instalment of the 'Letters To My Sons' series. To read more about the rational behind this endeavour, please refer to my previous blog. As always, I hope you find these contributions helpful in some way. LETTER FIVE My Dear Sons,  One of the ways we find meaning in life is to devote ourselves to another person. Implicit in such a relationship is the overarching narrative of a love that is deeply felt. You may be ‘in love’ at various points throughout your l

As a therapist I work with young men who are finding their way in a world that has often competing expectations of who and what they should be. Many struggle with issues of identity and what it means to be a man, and crucially, how that masculinity is lived out in practice. The idea of love as a way of being in the world is often viewed as the sole prerogative of the feminine. Yet love, in its purest form, is a universal phenomenon that underpins all of our relationships, inc

In our intricate social lives, relationships can bring both joy and sorrow. While many yearn for connection and closeness, some individuals instinctively push others away. This behaviour can be perplexing and emotionally painful, not just to those affected, but also to the individuals themselves. Understanding why, and being compassionate towards people who are trapped in this cycle of behaviour, can provide insight into the underlying issues and ultimately foster healthier r

Rejection is a universal experience that can elicit a whirlwind of emotions—sadness, anger, even despair. It touches everyone, regardless of age, background, or social standing. In the realms of literature, film, and philosophy, rejection serves not just as a hurdle but as a powerful catalyst for character development and deep reflection on what it means to be human. Each of us reacts to perceived rejection in different ways, from a relatively low level of short-lived distres

The term "sigma male" has surged in popularity in recent years, especially in online discussions about masculinity and social roles. Often depicted as the 'lone wolf', the sigma male is said to operate independently of traditional social hierarchies, unlike alpha and beta males. But what really is a sigma male, and is there meaningful evidence to back up this concept? Unlike alpha males, who are viewed as dominant leaders, or beta males, often seen as submissive followers, si

Erich Fromm, in his book 'The Art of Loving', described love as much more than a passive feeling, rather it is an art that requires constant reflection, self-discipline, and effort. When those prerequisites are not in place, love dies, or perhaps more specifically, love never existed in the first place. I would contend that the latter is indeed the case. A google search will reveal a plethora of articles on how to 'unlove' someone. It would seem that this is a question that i

The Book Group @ The Viktor Frankl Centre Northern Ireland – Inaugural Meeting Our first online Logotherapy Book Group gathering will take place on Sunday, 9th November 2025 at 7pm (GMT) . We’ll be discussing 'When Breath Becomes Air' by Paul Kalanithi, exploring how his story of illness, purpose, and mortality invites us to think about what gives life meaning. This is an informal, welcoming space open to everyone — whether you’re new to Logotherapy, beginning your training,

In a world that often glorifies social interaction and communal experiences, the concept of being a "loner" can carry a negative connotation. Although I will use this term throughout for consistency; it is not used pejoratively, as will become clear. Psychology and philosophy offer a more nuanced understanding of solitude and the individuals who thrive in it. This blog post looks into what these disciplines teach us about loners, the character traits that define them, and th

Life is a series of choices, some of which can be truly transformative. Among these, the decisions we make about significant relationships can have the most profound impact. Whether it's choosing a partner, deciding to end a relationship, or navigating family dynamics, these choices can shape our lives in ways we may not fully understand in the moment. In this blog post, I will touch upon what constitutes life-changing decisions, consider the elements that should guide our re

If someone tells us that our behaviour, or attitude, has hurt them, then we must take ownership of that; it is not a value judgement, rather it is a statement of fact. It is not our business to deny or try to argue those feelings away. Doing so only makes matters worse, the suffering deeper, and it is an abrogation of the responsibility we bear towards others. To hold ourselves accountable for our actions is a human trait that is far from easy to enact. It is not a superficia

As we navigate through life, the reality of death often encourages us to reflect on what truly matters. Many individuals, when faced with...

Chimpanzees, our closest living relatives, captivate both researchers and the public alike. Their complex social structures and emotional...

Sacrificial love goes beyond just affection; it embodies a deep commitment to others. This type of love is about genuinely caring for...

In our lives, some individuals leave a lasting impact that shapes who we are. Whether through feelings of love, friendship, or even...

Ghosting has become a common term in today's relationships, especially in dating and friendships. It describes the act of suddenly...

Integrating the principles of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis with poetry as a therapeutic tool involves using creative expression...