Category Articles

Understanding Lay Epistemology: How We Form and Hold Onto Beliefs

When faced with uncertainty, most of us try to make sense of things. We search for explanations, weigh up what feels right, and eventually settle on an answer. This everyday process is what psychologists call lay epistemology — a theory by Arie Kruglanski that explores how people form and maintain their beliefs. What does it… Continue reading

Understanding Emotions Through Network Theories

Emotions are often described as reactions to events, thoughts, or situations. But what if emotions are not just the result of one cause, but a pattern that builds through many small interactions inside us? This is the idea behind network theories of emotion—a fresh way to understand how emotions form, grow, and sometimes become overwhelming…. Continue reading

Understanding Appraisal Theory of Emotions

A Cognitive Approach to Understanding Emotional Experience Emotions are often seen as automatic responses to external events. However, the appraisal theory of emotions offers a different perspective. According to this theory, emotions are not simply triggered by events themselves, but by how individuals interpret or evaluate those events. In other words, emotions arise from meaning-making…. Continue reading

What Do People Talk About in Therapy? And Why It’s Not What You Think

If you’ve never been to therapy, you might picture it as a place where people lie on a couch and confess secrets they’ve never told anyone before. Or perhaps you imagine it’s only for moments of crisis—when someone hits “rock bottom” and needs to be “fixed.” These are some of the most common misconceptions about… Continue reading

Can You Faint from a Panic Attack?

Panic attacks can feel like one of the most terrifying experiences you can go through. Your heart races, your breathing quickens, and dizziness sets in — it can feel like you’re losing control or even about to pass out. One of the most common fears people have during a panic attack is that they will… Continue reading

Going Back to Therapy After a Break: Why It’s Okay and How to Make It Easier

Taking a break from therapy is more common than you might think. Life changes, busy schedules, or feeling like you’ve made progress can all be reasons to pause your sessions. But if you’re considering going back, it’s completely normal to feel a little unsure or even nervous about it. The good news is that returning… Continue reading

The Chemistry of Anxiety: Why a Panic Attack Cannot Last Forever

The Fight-or-Flight Response: A Chemical Chain Reaction At the heart of anxiety is the autonomic nervous system, particularly the sympathetic nervous system, which controls involuntary reactions to stress. When the brain perceives a threat, the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for processing emotions—sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus. This, in turn, activates the… Continue reading

Sound Sensitivity in ADHD: Why Everyday Noises Can Feel Overwhelming

What Is Sound Sensitivity in ADHD? Many people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) experience heightened sensitivity to sounds. Everyday noises that others barely notice—such as a ticking clock, background conversations, or a distant siren—can feel overwhelming. Sound sensitivity in ADHD, often referred to as hyperacusis or auditory hypersensitivity, can make daily life more challenging for individuals… Continue reading

Understanding Specific Phobias and Their Treatment

Specific phobias are strong, overwhelming fears of certain objects or situations. These fears can disrupt everyday life, but with proper treatment, it is possible to overcome them—even to the point where the fear response is completely extinguished. In this article, we explain what specific phobias are, detail the DSM-5 subtypes, and discuss treatment options that… Continue reading