Blog & Articles
Narcissism and the Fragile Self
Narcissism is often misunderstood as arrogance or excessive self-love. Clinically, however, many narcissistic traits are organised around a deeply fragile self-esteem — a self structured defensively against shame and collapse. Beneath sensitivity to criticism, relational volatility, or oscillations between confidence and self-doubt lies a fundamental question of recognition. This article explores narcissistic wounds from a Lacanian perspective and examines how psychoanalytic therapy in Melbourne can support the development of a more stable and integrated sense of self.
Why “Feeling Your Feelings” Is Not Enough
“Freud is frequently mischaracterised in popular psychology as an advocate of emotional venting. However, a close reading of The Unconscious (1915) reveals that repression operates primarily on the level of representations—the ideational content—rather than on the affect itself. This paper argues that the ‘hydraulic model’ of the psyche is a fundamental misunderstanding of clinical practice.”
Eroticising Diagnosis
In this reflection from the Brisbane Psychoanalytic Congress, Myles Medwell explores how diagnosis in psychology is often stripped of its deeper meaning. By rethinking diagnosis as something erotic – rooted in desire, mystery, and relational dynamics – he invites readers to consider how naming can both trap and transform us.
The Stranger Within
What if your thoughts don’t belong entirely to you? Friedrich Nietzsche once suggested that we are strangers to ourselves. In this post, we explore what happens when we stop trying to control every thought and begin to listen instead.
Beyond Symptoms
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is often misunderstood, leaving individuals with long waits for treatment and limited support. Yet evidence-based psychological therapies can provide real hope for recovery.
Why Mental Health Matters
The Mind Matters: Why Mental Health Deserves Your Attention In today’s fast-paced world, we often prioritise work, physical health, and