Dr. Esslin Terrighena 
In this article we discuss four crucial tasks that contribute to a healthy grieving process and our healing from loss. Grief and mourning are often used interchangeably. However, grief can be defined as the cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioural and social reactions to loss. Mourning, on the other hand, is defined as the active coping process … Read more
In this article we identify common symptoms of grief to watch out for after we experience loss. Grief refers to our cognitive, emotional, physical, behavioural, and social reactions to loss. It is helpful to stay aware of our symptoms so that we can prioritise recovery and process our grief in a healthy way. Here are … Read more
In this article we define grief and identify seven stages we may go through after experiencing a loss. When we think of grief, we often think of the death of a loved one. However, loss can occur in many different ways and is often the result of change. There is physical loss, such as death, … Read more
As children, we start out helpless and powerless. When we are just born, we are fully reliant on our caregivers for nourishment, safety, and survival. These caregivers can be parents, grandparents, older siblings, extended family members, teachers, or other guardians. We instinctively attach to these caregivers with all our trust. As we grow, our brains … Read more
Trauma therapy can diagnose and treat subclinical and clinical trauma- or stress-related disorders, such as Acute Stress Disorder or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It addresses the effects of traumatic experiences on our mental health at the levels of emotions, cognitions, body, and behaviours. During a traumatic incident, we are confronted with a threat to our safety. … Read more
As per the diagnostic manual DSM-V, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after “exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence” either through direct experience, witnessing the event, learning of the event occurring to a loved one, or experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the event. The identified symptoms … Read more
Trauma is our reaction to deeply distressing incidents that overwhelm our coping capabilities. Trauma impacts us at four levels: emotional, cognitive, physical, and behavioural. More specifically if we are violently attacked by someone in the street, we may feel frightened thinking the world is unsafe, get a rush of adrenaline, and have the desire to … Read more
ESSLIN TERRIGHENA shares what research has taught us on self-harm. What is self-harm? Non-suicidal self-injury, more colloquially referred to as self-harm, can be defined as intentional direct damage, destruction, or alteration of own body tissue without suicidal intent. Such self-harm can occur in various contexts, including cultural rituals (e.g. transition to manhood), body modifications (e.g. … Read more
When the safety and well-being of ourselves or our loved ones are threatened, we go into survival mode. This may involve overwhelming feelings, dulled thoughts, adrenaline rushes, and rapid fight-flight reactions. Even when we have made it to safety, the sheer intensity of the traumatic situation may leave us struggling with the aftermath, triggering persistent … Read more
Online therapy can feel unfamiliar and challenging to navigate. However, research shows that online consultations can be as effective, or even in some cases more effective, than in-person sessions. For more information on effectiveness, check out our blogpost by clicking here. Below are a few ways to get the most out of your e-therapy experience. … Read more