Blog | Counselling Insight

Understanding “Hoovering” in Narcissistic Relationships: A Guide to Breaking Free

by Ina Spellings 15/10/202415/10/2024No Comments

If you’ve ever been in a relationship with someone diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder, you may have experienced a confusing pattern of push and pull—intense love-bombing, followed by emotional distance, and then a sudden return just when you’re ready to walk away. This emotional rollercoaster often includes a manipulation tactic known as hoovering. In this …

Emotional Manipulation: Recognising the Signs and Finding Your Strength

by Ina Spellings 19/09/202429/09/2024No Comments

Emotional manipulation is a covert form of control where someone exploits another’s feelings to gain power, influence, or personal advantage. It can happen in various types of relationships—romantic, familial, professional, or friendships—and often leaves the manipulated person feeling confused, anxious, and emotionally drained. Understanding the dynamics of emotional manipulation is the first step toward reclaiming …

The Power of Mindfulness: A Path to Inner Peace and Well-Being

by Ina Spellings 10/09/2024No Comments

Amid the distractions, relentless demands, and rapid pace of today’s world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and disconnected from the present moment. Our minds often dwell in the past or race toward the future, leaving little space to fully experience the here and now. Mindfulness offers a remedy for this, helping us slow down, tune …

The Mental Health Benefits of Spending Time with Friends: Why Connection Matters

by Ina Spellings 03/09/202403/09/2024No Comments

In today’s fast-paced world, where work deadlines, social media pressures, and personal responsibilities often take centre stage, it’s easy to forget the importance of simply spending time with friends. Yet, the value of these connections goes far beyond just having a good time; they play a crucial role in our mental health and overall well-being. …

5 Signs of Poor Boundaries

by Ina Spellings 18/08/2022No Comments

Boundaries, as I see them-are those invisible lines that we draw around ourselves which allow us to feel comfortable with our decisions when it comes to others.I often talk about boundaries as white picket fences rather than big concrete blocks.We may allow others to see what is inside our space, whilst clearly showing that there …

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5 tips to Mindfulness

by Ina Spellings 24/06/2022No Comments

Mindfulness is a state of mind, rather than a particular action or exercise.We often imagine that practicing mindfulness would simply involve being still for 30 minutes or so and let’s face it, that can feel almost impossible to achieve, especially when we overthink. There are many proven benefits to practicing mindfulness, which include: reducing stress …