How to stop apologising and boost your confidence

Have we replaced the language of character with the language of pathology? In a culture saturated with psychological terms, it’s easier than ever to label behavior. We call difficult colleagues "toxic," challenging feedback "gaslighting," and our own bad habits "trauma responses." But what is the cost of this shift? In a new essay, I explore how our reliance on clinical labels can hinder the very self-reflection needed for personal growth and leadership. When we diagnose instead of discuss, we risk losing a more nuanced and essential understanding of human nature. The goal isn't to abandon the insights of modern psychology, but to reintegrate them with a timeless understanding of character—the choices we make within the constraints of our nature. What do you think? How has our modern vocabulary helped and hindered our ability to understand each other? Read the full piece here: https://lnkd.in/emu6nPWV #Psychology #Leadership #MentalHealth #CriticalThinking #Culture #Communication #BrainEconomy

Psychologists call it illusory superiority. 🧠⚡ It’s the bias that makes most people think they’re above average — even when the math says they can’t be. That’s why mediocrity survives. Most businesses aren’t self-aware enough to realize they’re average. They confuse activity with progress, comfort with success. The real edge? Brutal honesty. Seeing yourself exactly as you are — not as you wish you were. Because clarity beats confidence. And the moment you drop the illusion, you stop competing with others — and start improving yourself. 💭 #Psychology #SelfAwareness #BusinessGrowth

#3 TalkThriveHeal Presents: Mind Meets Mind where I share insights, discussions, and reflections from 1:1 consultation sessions held with fellow psychologists. At TalkThriveHeal, I don’t just conduct counseling sessions, I also mentor and train fellow psychologists. Today, in a 1:1 session with a peer, we explored a challenge many of us face: how to ask effective exploratory questions. Exploratory questions are the backbone of therapy, they help us go beyond surface details, reduce assumptions, and invite clients to reflect deeply on their own experiences. Yet, mastering them takes practice. In our session, we worked on: - Differentiating between leading vs exploratory questions - Using frameworks like funnel questioning and OARS - Pacing and silence to allowing clients space to think and share - Turning closed questions into open invitations that spark insight The outcome? More clarity, more depth, and more confidence in navigating conversations that truly empower clients. I believe that as psychologists, continuously sharpening these micro-skills is what allows us to create safer, stronger therapeutic spaces. If you’d like to refine your counseling skills or receive 1:1 guidance, you can also book a session with me by filling the form below. ( https://lnkd.in/dcRi4hrf)

On the Clinical Psychology Doctorate, reflection is always encouraged. But leaning into the most vulnerable parts of yourself can sometimes feel like the ultimate risk. Even everyday reflections can feel raw. Because you’re not just on a course … you’re being assessed. Every assignment, every placement, even the small things: a “coffee chat” or a moment in a group. How do you reflect openly when peers may be carrying their own struggles… and may also one day be your supervisors, supervisees, or managers? How do you reflect safely when you worry something could be taken back to the course, misinterpreted or not, leaving you feeling exposed? For me, it raises a bigger question: how can training balance the need for assessment with creating a culture safe enough for genuine reflection? #ClinicalPsychology #TraineePsychologist #PsychologyTraining #ReflectivePractice #WellbeingAtWork

Have you ever thought about how your online behavior might be influenced without your awareness? How do you protect yourself from digital harm? In the article, "How Behavioural Science Uncovers Online Harm," we explore how digital platforms exploit cognitive shortcuts to shape our actions, often leading to harmful outcomes. Learn how understanding behavioural science can help you navigate online spaces more consciously and protect yourself from manipulation and digital harm. Written by Dr Leanne Elich, Business Psychology Strategist #OnlineSafety #BehaviouralScience #DigitalHarm #MentalHealthAwareness #CognitiveBias #BrainzMagazine #DigitalWellness #TechEthics 👉 https://lnkd.in/gZa48gX3

I ran across a very practical article written by a physician turned organizational psychology researcher. It addresses a question that comes up everyday among colleagues, friends, family, and in online conversations: How Do I Resist? The Science of Defiance: A Psychology Researcher Explains Why People Comply–and How To Resist https://lnkd.in/eMk2gapb

How do you support a neurodiverse subordinate? Correct answer is: How ever they need with what ever they need. I am supporting someone with Autism in the workplace, and let me tell you they are BRILLIANT, if I could have a team of people who cared this much about doing the job well then my project would be amazing. Sadly they have colleagues who give us contractors a bad name, who couldn’t care less about the future for the clients legacy and who take no pride in doing a job well. These two approaches obviously clash, but for a neurodiverse colleague its extremely difficult. So I coach, I bring in questions like “How would you like me to be in this conversation?” I suggest tools like breathing exercises and I offer observations….”Let’s go back to facts, fact one; they do not follow the process” there is no emotion when you boil it down to facts and then you can identify how to move forward. Discharging the emotion is the best way I have found to support this particular colleague, I just wish she would ring me before she gets so distressed. So my plea today is to help your colleagues with emotional regulation by being who they need you to be when they need it. Also, how BAD is this AI version of me? Yes its got my curls and hair & eye colour but it reminds me of a Nana, not a professional!

Gen Z Freud, Post 2: Projection Freud described projection as “attributing to others what you cannot accept in yourself.” In practice, it still shows up everywhere — from workplaces to relationships: 👉 Labeling a colleague “difficult” when you’re the one avoiding hard conversations. 👉 Calling someone “toxic” while ignoring your own role in the conflict. Signal takeaway: Projection isn’t failure. It’s feedback. A defense mechanism that tells us where something feels too uncomfortable to own. At Signal Practice, we reframe defenses as signals: data points you can use to grow, not flaws to be ashamed of. #SignalPractice #EmotionalSignals #GenZFreud #SignalCircle #CBT #Psychology #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAtWork

Rumination and worry are cousins. Rumination loops on “why did that happen?” (past). Worry fixates on “what if…?” (future). Decades of studies link both patterns—often called repetitive negative thinking—to higher depression/anxiety and poorer problem-solving. Analysis is useful and overanalysis backfires. One of the first steps we can take in targeting overthinking is to build awareness of it when it is happening. 

Psychologists like Averill (1982) found that anger often leads to constructive problem-solving — not destruction. Women are taught that anger makes them “irrational.” The data shows the opposite: anger often clarifies values and motivates action. Think about the last time you were furious — did it make you sharper? Did you suddenly know exactly what you would and wouldn’t tolerate? That’s not a meltdown. That’s a cognitive upgrade. Write down three decisions you made after being angry. You’ll notice they were probably braver, cleaner, and more aligned than the ones you made in a “calm” state.