To codependents, love is perhaps the highest ideal. Relationships give our lives meaning and purpose. They enliven and motivate us, validate our self-esteem, and soothe our fears of loneliness. Too often a beautiful romance turns sour. What was a wonderful dream becomes a painful nightmare. Yet when the relationship turns toxic, ending it may be[…]
Author Archives: Dr. Sadaqat ali
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In present times, we know that children usually disrespect their parents. They remain angry and hold grudges against their parents, which they exhibit from their behaviors such as, arguing, using foul language, and even hitting them. In response, the parent uses their position and power to keep their writ over children. They abuse them verbally[…]
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The Importance of Detecting the Truth Truth is an essential part of life, but spotting dishonesty can be tricky. Lie-detection methods often need proper training and don’t always give accurate results. Misunderstandings can lead to errors, such as mistaking honesty for a lie or vice versa. Even tools like polygraphs have limits, as they cannot[…]
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Nov
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Cravings are a common part of life that can feel intense and hard to resist. Whether it’s a craving for chocolate, a particular type of food, or even a person, these desires often seem to appear out of nowhere. But what exactly causes cravings? How do they work, and can they be managed? This guide[…]
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As codependents, we lose ourselves in relationships, unaware that losing our Self is the greatest despair. When the relationship inevitably ends, it’s devastating, because we are lost. We lack autonomy because that task wasn’t completed by adulthood. Avoidance of intimacy, and the vulnerability that occurs when we open up, is a way to maintain control[…]
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Title: Are Your Parents Toxic? Understanding and Managing Toxic Parent Relationships IntroductionToxic parents can profoundly affect your mental health and self-esteem. They often fail to respect their children as individuals, refuse to take responsibility for their actions, and rarely apologize. These toxic behaviors can stem from mental health disorders, addiction, or unresolved trauma. If you’ve[…]
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Codependency is based on false, dysfunctional beliefs that are learned from our parents and environment. Recovery entails changing those beliefs, the most damaging of which is that we’re not worthy of love and respect – that we’re somehow inadequate, inferior, or just not enough. This is internalized shame. Last year, I published a blog, “Codependency[…]
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Have you ever been swept off your feet by someone showering you with intense affection, only to have them abruptly lose interest? This phenomenon, known as love bombing, is often linked to narcissistic attachment styles and can leave victims feeling confused, betrayed, and heartbroken. In this article, we delve into the psychology of love bombing,[…]
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Nov
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The stress of the holidays triggers sadness and depression for many people. This time of year is especially difficult because there’s an expectation of feeling merry and generous. People compare their emotions to what they assume others are experiencing or what they’re supposed to feel and then think that they alone fall short. They judge[…]
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Think of the Dark Triad of Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Machiavellianism as the Bermuda Triangle – it’s perilous to get near it! The traits of all three often overlap and create personality profiles that are damaging and toxic, especially when it comes to intimate relationships, where we let our guard down. Darlene Lancer, JD, LMFT is[…]