Articles
Practical Ways to Be a “Good Enough” Parent Every Day
Parenting in today’s fast-paced world can feel overwhelming, but children don’t need perfection—they need “good enough.” Inspired by Donald Winnicott’s idea of the “good-enough parent,” this approach reminds us that meeting our children’s needs consistently but not flawlessly fosters resilience and growth. Simple daily practices like mindful moments, intentional hugs, unplugged family time, and prioritising self-care help build strong emotional bonds. Ultimately, it’s not about being perfect but about showing up with warmth, presence, and humanity every day.
The Role of Safety in Healing Trauma Within Relationships
Trauma rewires the nervous system. It can leave those affected in a state of hyper-vigilance, emotional withdrawal, or intense reactivity—even in relationships that are loving and supportive. That’s why safety isn’t just a luxury in relationships affected by trauma—it’s a lifeline. Creating emotional safety allows partners to shift from surviving to truly connecting.
Emotionally Present Parenting: Raising Resilient Children Through Connection
In a world of constant noise—screens, schedules, and stress—emotional presence is a quiet but powerful force in parenting. It’s not about being perfect, but about showing up with empathy and attunement in the moments that matter most. Research shows that emotionally regulated parents foster healthier, more resilient children. When we listen without rushing to fix, validate feelings without judgment, and repair when we fall short, we teach our children not just how to cope—but how to thrive.
The Silent Divorce: Emotional Disconnection in Marriage
Marriage is often thought of in black and white terms—either together or separated. But many couples live in the quiet grey area in between, bound by shared responsibilities, routines, and history, yet feeling worlds apart emotionally. This state of emotional disconnection, sometimes called the 'silent divorce,' can be just as painful and confusing as physical separation.
Nurturing Post-Traumatic Growth: Turning Adversity into Opportunity for Healing and Transformation
Trauma can leave us feeling shaken, changed, and uncertain about the future. Yet, even after deep suffering, growth is possible. This powerful process, known as post-traumatic growth (PTG), is not about simply bouncing back, it’s about moving forward with new strength, meaning, and purpose. PTG invites us to find deeper appreciation for life, stronger relationships, unexpected possibilities, and a renewed sense of personal and spiritual insight. Healing is not linear, and growth takes time, but with compassion, reflection, and support, transformation becomes not only possible, but profoundly life-affirming.
Emotional Leadership in Men: A Quiet but Transformative Force in Relationships
In a world where emotional intelligence is redefining strength, men who practice emotional leadership are quietly reshaping the dynamics of romantic relationships. This form of leadership isn’t about dominance or control, it’s about leading with empathy, maturity, and emotional presence. When a man creates emotional safety, listens with attunement, and remains consistent in his emotional responses, he nurtures a space where trust and mutual growth can flourish. Emotional leadership becomes a generous act, grounded not in performance, but in authentic presence and compassionate boundaries.
You Are Not Alone: A South African Guide for Men’s Mental Health Month
June is Men’s Mental Health Month – a vital reminder to pause and ask, “How are you really doing?” In South Africa, many men bear the weight of being providers and protectors, often silently. The stigma around vulnerability can lead to devastating consequences – men are nearly four times more likely to die by suicide than women, according to the World Health Organization (2019). It’s time to change the narrative. Men often mask emotional struggles with anger, isolation, or substance use. But healing begins with a single step: acknowledging the pain and reaching out. You don’t need to have all the answers. Just saying, “I’m not OK,” is enough to begin the journey toward wellness.
Navigating Grief
Grief is the intensely personal emotional, cognitive, behavioural, and physical response to a loss, most commonly the death of someone dear, but also experienced after divorce, job loss, or other major life changes. It is more than just sadness—grief can feel like a tangled web of anxiety, guilt, relief, and shock. As the world continues moving, the bereaved often feel disconnected, like life should have paused but didn’t. Models such as Kübler-Ross’s five stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—offer a framework, but grief rarely follows a linear path. Dr. Richard Wilson’s metaphor of the “Whirlpool of Grief” captures the unpredictable emotional turbulence: life shifts from a calm river to a chaotic swirl of emotions. Over time, with self-compassion and support, people often find themselves drifting back into steadier waters, while still honouring the memory of their loss.
Navigating the Quarter-Life Crisis
The quarter-life crisis is a real and rising challenge, especially for young adults facing job scarcity, social pressure, and constant comparison. In a world that clings to outdated ideals—like being settled by 30—many feel stuck, anxious, and inadequate. But this crisis can also be a turning point. Through self-reflection, mindset shifts, and prioritizing mental well-being, young adults can turn uncertainty into growth. It’s not about having it all figured out—it’s about learning to live authentically, one step at a time.
When Caring Becomes Too Much: Understanding and Coping with Compassion Fatigue
Compassion fatigue is emotional and physical exhaustion from caring for others, often leaving you drained, irritable, or disconnected. It can affect anyone — parents, friends, caregivers and is especially common in cultures where helping others is a core value. Recognising the signs and taking steps to care for yourself through rest, boundaries, and support is essential. Remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup.