Dr Ivy Orphanides • Counselling Psychologist

16/02/2025

👩🏻‍🍼 | Memories emerge earlier in some cultures than others, but researchers have long puzzled over our inability to recall events before two or three years of age

Memories emerge earlier in some cultures than others, but researchers have long puzzled over our inability to recall events before two or three years of age

21/12/2024

🎄 | The holiday season can bring many different experiences: joy, connection, quiet reflection, or even times of challenge. However this season feels for you, it is okay to honour those feelings and take the space you need to care for yourself.

Whether that is through rest, setting boundaries, or simply slowing down, do what feels right for you and supports your well-being. There is no one "right" way to navigate this time of year.

Wishing you moments of peace, comfort, and calm ❄️

I look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year.

📌 Away from Monday the 23rd – Back in the office Tuesday the 7th

17/09/2024

👩🏼‍🔬 | Changes that sweep across the human brain during pregnancy have been captured for the first time, after researchers performed precision scans on a woman carrying her child

MRIs taken from before conception until two years after birth show some short-lived changes and some lasting years

02/09/2024

🍂 | As the summer holidays officially start winding down, we find a new beginning to refocus and reset.

This transitional month will encourage us to return back to a normal routine that is good for our mental health and promotes general well-being.

🌅 September — the perfect time for resetting

The end of the summer season naturally leads us to begin transitioning our daily routine back towards meeting with success in whatever it is we value most.

After taking a break, returning to the routine can drastically improve focus and motivation as well as mental health that may or likely will affect whatever kind of work you do this season.

🗓 Tips to Make Transition Easier:

1. Establish Good Habits--Feed your body well, exercise and sleep.

2. Create New Intentions – Look back on your goals and set intentions for the next few months.

3. Give thanks for the good moments of summer, to hold an optimistic and hopeful mindset.

4. Clean Up Your Space — Keeping your environment clean and organised will keep stress at bay, as it has been proven to increase focus.

5. Stop Thinking You Can Do It - Achieving adequate work and leisure balance can reduce burnout, helping you to maintain sustained high energy levels.

September serves as the perfect opportunity to get back on track and start refreshing your mental health in order to complete this year with ambition. You can take advantage of this renewal period through thoughtful planning and self-care.

07/08/2024

⛵️ | Wishing you a season filled with relaxation, sunshine, and wonderful memories

📌 Away from Thursday the 8th - Back in the office on Monday the 2nd

29/07/2024

🎭 | Sure, IQ is important, but is as impactful as emotional intelligence? Renowned psychologist and author Daniel Goleman explains.

Sure, IQ is important, but is it as impactful as emotional intelligence? Renowned psychologist and author Daniel Goleman explains. Subscribe to Big Think on ...

26/07/2024

✉️ | Understanding the components of a genuine apology can strengthen relationships and promote emotional health. Here’s what a real apology entails:

🔍 Acknowledgement of Harm:

Clearly state what you did wrong and recognise the impact it had on the other person.

🛡️ Taking Responsibility:

Own your actions without making excuses or blaming others.

💔 Expressing Regret:

Show genuine remorse and empathy for the hurt you've caused.

🔧 Making Amends:

Offer to make things right and take concrete steps to prevent it from happening again.

🔄 Changed Behaviour:

Demonstrate through your actions that you are committed to change and won't repeat the hurtful behaviour.

🙏 Asking for Forgiveness:

Understand that forgiveness is a process and give the other person time and space to heal.

Recognising and practising these elements can mend hearts, rebuild trust, and pave the way for healthier, more authentic connections.

18/07/2024

👩‍👦 | Parentification involves a role reversal between a parent and a child, causing the child to act as an emotional or practical caregiver. This can place undue stress and responsibility on the child, impacting their development and well-being. Children in these roles often sacrifice their own needs, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, and difficulty in forming healthy relationships later in life.

🔍 Signs someone was parentified as a child:

🧸 Overdeveloped sense of responsibility:

Feeling overly responsible for others' well-being and often taking on caregiving roles.

🚫 Difficulty setting boundaries:

Struggling to say no and set healthy boundaries in relationships.

🏆 Perfectionism:

Striving for perfection to meet high expectations, often at the expense of their own needs.

😶 Emotional suppression:

Finding it hard to express their own emotions, as they were focused on managing others' emotions.

👐 Caretaking behaviour:

A tendency to take care of others, sometimes at the expense of their own well-being.

💔 Low self-esteem:

Feeling unworthy or inadequate, often linked to unmet childhood needs.

Recognising and addressing these dynamics is essential to support healthy family relationships. Encouraging appropriate boundaries and ensuring children have the space to be children are crucial steps in fostering their emotional and psychological health.

12/07/2024

🔔 | The people we surround ourselves with, have a profound impact on our mental well-being. It is therefore essential to choose individuals who are mindful of how their behaviour affects us.

☕️A supportive environment can boost our self-esteem, emotional health, and overall happiness.

10/07/2024

🍽 | An unhealthy relationship with food can severely impact both physical and mental well-being. But what are the key signs that may indicate a troubled relationship with food?

💭 Obsessive Thoughts About Food:

Constantly thinking about food, planning your next meal, or worrying about calories and nutritional content may indicate a challenging relationship with food. Food should nourish your body and be enjoyed, not dominate your thoughts.

🍩 Emotional Eating:

Using food to cope with stress, sadness, boredom, or other emotions can signal an unhealthy relationship with food. Turning to food for comfort rather than addressing underlying emotional issues can lead to a cycle of guilt and overeating.

🔐 Strict Food Rules:

Having rigid rules about what you can and cannot eat, labelling foods as "good" or "bad," or following strict dietary guidelines obsessively can indicate an unhealthy relationship with food. Food should not be a source of moral judgement or guilt.

⚡️ Extreme Eating Habits:

Engaging in extreme eating habits such as binge eating, restrictive dieting, or purging behaviours can indicate an unhealthy relationship with food. These behaviours can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health.

🪞 Negative Body Image:

Constantly criticising your body, feeling guilty or ashamed about your eating habits, or striving for an ideal body image can indicate underlying issues with food and body image. A healthy relationship with food involves nourishing your body and accepting it at any size.

🏝 Social Isolation:

Avoiding social gatherings that involve food, feeling anxious or uncomfortable eating in front of others, or constantly worrying about how others perceive your food choices can indicate a strained relationship with food. Food is meant to be enjoyed in the company of others, not feared.

Recognising these signs is the first step towards developing a healthier relationship with food. If you resonate with any of these behaviours, consider seeking support from a qualified practitioner. Remember, it is possible to cultivate a positive and balanced relationship with food that nourishes both your body and mind.

Take care of yourself, and remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

08/07/2024

🍟 | Relationship conflicts, pressures at work, and financial stressors are just a few of the influences that can negatively impact your mood. Sometimes food can be the comfort that gets you through a rough day.|

Emotional eating is a coping strategy to deal with unpleasant emotions. Understanding the signs may help you find healthy coping strategies. You're not alone.

06/07/2024

🏖 | Summer offers a wealth of benefits for our mental and physical well-being. Here’s why this season is so revitalising:

🏄‍♀️ Increased Outdoor Activities:

Summer's warm weather encourages more time outside. Swimming in the sea, exploring coastal trails, or enjoying a leisurely stroll through charming towns, boosts physical health and improves mood through increased sunlight exposure.

🌞 Vitamin D Boost:

Sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation. Just a few minutes in the sun daily can significantly enhance your well-being.

🧘‍♀️ Relaxation and Stress Reduction:

Summer holidays provide a break from the usual routine, allowing us to unwind and reduce stress. Time off work or school helps us recharge, leading to increased productivity and creativity upon return.

🍹Social Connections:

Summer is perfect for socialising, whether through beach gatherings, alfresco dining, or local festivals. Strengthening social bonds fosters a sense of belonging and happiness, crucial for mental health.

🌴Exploration and Adventure:

Summer holidays offer opportunities for travel and exploration. Visiting islands, discovering historic sites, and experiencing local cultures broadens horizons and creates lasting memories, contributing to a fulfilling life.

🍉 Healthy Eating:

Summer is abundant with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood. A diet rich in seasonal produce supports physical health and boosts energy levels.

🌅 Mindfulness and Nature:

Spending time in nature during summer enhances mindfulness and reduces anxiety. Activities like beach yoga, forest hikes, or enjoying a sunset over the sea help us feel more present and connected.

Embrace the season and make the most of what summer has to offer. Prioritise your well-being and enjoy the many benefits that come with sunny days and relaxing holidays.