Adam Szmerling

Symptoms of Depression Depression is one of the most common mental health problems facing the western world. In Australia, approximately 1 in 5 adults are experiencing depression at any one time. When people hear the word “depression” they typically associate it with what the DSM classify as major depressive disorder. The symptoms associated with depression … Read more

OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder is a crippling and horrific experience. It involves intense anxiety and afflicted individuals often feel ruled by the disorder. OCD includes obsessive or recurrent thoughts, images or impulses which generate psychological unease, fear and worry. Compulsive acts to ward off the psychological disturbance often follow or can occur independently and … Read more

Have you been phubbed yet today? Have you phubbed someone without realising it? Phubbing refers to an individual using their mobile electronic device either sporadically or continuously when they are in the company of others. Given society’s obsession with facebook, twitter, my space, texting, emailing and instant responding, it’s no wonder this process has been … Read more

Lots has been written about the catastrophic effects of physical or sexual abuse during childhood and adolescence. There is no doubt these events often leave an individual traumatised and unable to fully function in life, relationships and work. Something characterised as traumatic, for an individual, often occurs retroactively (as meaning is later constructed – or … Read more

Abandonment feelings can be some of the most difficult emotions to bear. The sense of isolation, loneliness, hurt, rage and hopelessness that often present with abandonment feelings make the experience even more daunting and excruciating. No wonder so many of us run around trying to avoid acknowledging or experiencing abandonment feelings in their full force. … Read more

I cant recall how many times I’ve heard friends, relatives and work colleagues ponder whether their partner, parents or children really love them. Love is such a complex topic but essentially we are all looking for it in different parts of our lives and experience different sorts of love with our partners, children, parents, relatives … Read more

Most people have either experienced depression or know somebody who has. There are two or three subtypes of depression that are well known and represented in the DSM V. They include major depressive disorder, bipolar and dysthymia. However there are two further but less well known types of depression that evolved from psychoanalytic theory, anaclitic … Read more

Easter and Passover are around the corner. While families across the world are making plans for reunions and celebrations to honour these important cultural events, for those in therapy it can also involve taking a break from sessions. Therapy holidays are often very difficult to manage and provoke all sorts of issues concerning attachment, abandonment, … Read more