Tamara Bell 14/4/22 Tamara Bell 14/4/22

Understanding the Window of Tolerance

Our nervous system has a natural range where we feel steady, present, and able to cope. When life pushes us outside this “window,” we might find ourselves shutting down, feeling overwhelmed, or reacting in ways that don’t feel like us. This blog explores how to recognise your window of tolerance, and gently widen it over time.

Tamara Bell 14/4/22 Tamara Bell 14/4/22

The Four Horsemen of conflict

Communication shapes the emotional climate of our relationships. The Gottman Method identifies four behaviours, criticism, defensiveness, contempt, and stonewalling, that can slowly erode trust and closeness. In this blog, we explore what they look like in everyday life and how couples can shift toward healthier patterns.

Tamara Bell 14/4/22 Tamara Bell 14/4/22

What Is Narrative Therapy?

Narrative therapy invites us to explore the stories we’ve carried, the ones shaped by our upbringing, relationships, culture, and lived experience. This blog looks at how narrative practice helps us step into a more compassionate, empowered understanding of who we are. It’s an approach that strongly values curiosity.

Tamara Bell 14/4/22 Tamara Bell 14/4/22

Attachment Theory

Attachment shapes the way we love, connect, and feel safe in the world. Formed in our earliest relationships, these patterns quietly influence how we cope with conflict, seek closeness, express needs, and navigate intimacy as adults. While attachment isn’t about blame or dysfunction, it offers a powerful lens for understanding why certain relational dynamics feel familiar or activating. In this article, we explore the foundations of attachment theory, what the four styles look like in everyday life, and how awareness can support healing, secure connection, and more compassionate relationships, both with others and with ourselves.

Tamara Bell 14/4/22 Tamara Bell 14/4/22

Boundaries

Boundaries are often misunderstood as walls, ultimatums, or selfish acts, but in truth, they are the quiet architecture of healthy relationships. They shape how we care for ourselves while staying connected to others, offering clarity, safety, and emotional integrity. When our boundaries are unclear or absent, we can find ourselves exhausted, resentful, or stretched beyond what feels manageable. This piece explores what boundaries really are, why they matter, and how we can begin honouring them with compassion and confidence.

Tamara Bell 29/5/19 Tamara Bell 29/5/19

Why Couples Fight About “Small Things”

Attachment shapes the way we love, connect, and feel safe in the world. Formed in our earliest relationships, these patterns quietly influence how we cope with conflict, seek closeness, express needs, and navigate intimacy as adults. While attachment isn’t about blame or dysfunction, it offers a powerful lens for understanding why certain relational dynamics feel familiar or activating. In this article, we explore the foundations of attachment theory, what the four styles look like in everyday life, and how awareness can support healing, secure connection, and more compassionate relationships, both with others and with ourselves.