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Self-Pity: What it Means & How to Shift It

Understand what self-pity means, why it shows up, and the CBT-backed steps UK therapists use to help you move from stuck patterns to empowered action. This evidence-based guide covers the psychology behind self-pity, how to recognise the cycle, how it differs from self-compassion, and seven practical strategies therapists recommend to shift your mindset toward genuine change.

Coping Mechanisms

3 Jan / 2026
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Featured Articles

Self-Pity: What it Means & How to Shift It

Physical Symptoms of Stress: Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

How to Not Care What People Think: A Psychology Guide

What Is a Narcissist? Signs & How to Protect Yourself

Deflecting: What It Means, Why We Do It, and How to Stop

Managing Financial Anxiety: Steps to Stress Less About Money

What It Means to Be a Good Person and How to Recognise One

Discover what it truly means to be a good person with our psychology-backed guide. This article explores the core character strengths, helps you distinguish between being \\\’good\\\’ and being \\\’nice,\\\’ and

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Recognising and Treating Attachment Trauma in Adulthood

Struggling with relationships due to past hurts? Understand attachment trauma symptoms, its causes, and how it impacts adult life. Discover key steps for healing attachment wounds, the role of self-compassion, and

Featured image for Therapy Central article on Why Marriages End in Divorce, covering communication, trust, and external pressures.

Why Do People Get Divorced? UK Insights on Key Factors & Marital Failure

Understanding why people get divorced involves exploring complex factors. From communication breakdowns and infidelity to financial stress and growing apart, many elements can strain a marriage. This article looks into key

Featured image for Therapy Central article on emotions vs feelings covering differences, real-life examples, and emotional intelligence.

How Emotions Differ from Feelings and Why It Matters

Discover the crucial difference between emotions and feelings and why it matters for mental health. Emotions are automatic bodily responses lasting seconds, while feelings are conscious interpretations lasting hours or days.

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What Causes Lack of Physical Intimacy in Relationships (and Ways to Address It)

Many couples struggle with physical intimacy challenges that leave them feeling disconnected. Understanding why intimacy declines – from stress and communication issues to health factors – helps partners rebuild their connection.

Featured image for Therapy Central article on taking a break in a relationship, showing the balance between separation and reconnection.

Taking a Break in a Relationship – Is it a Good Idea?

Considering a relationship break? Discover when stepping back can strengthen your bond and when it might signal the beginning of the end. Learn how to set effective boundaries, manage emotions, and

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How to Overcome Shyness: Practical Tips for Social Ease

Shyness affects millions of adults, creating barriers to meaningful connections. This comprehensive guide offers evidence-based strategies to overcome social discomfort, from managing physical symptoms to building lasting confidence. Learn practical techniques

Featured image for Therapy Central article on Poor Communication in Relationships, showing a couple improving their connection.

Is Lack of Communication in Your Relationship Silently Sabotaging Your Connection?

Feeling unheard or distant in your relationship? Explore the common signs and deep-rooted causes of poor communication. Discover practical, actionable steps and advanced techniques to help you and your partner reconnect,

Featured image for Therapy Central article on how to express feelings, covering barriers, benefits, and practical tips.

Overcoming Barriers: How to Express Your Feelings

Feeling like your emotions are locked away? Many of us find it hard to talk about our feelings due to past experiences or fear of judgment. This Therapy Central guide explores

Featured image for Therapy Central article on Mastering Mindfulness, showing concepts of being present and daily practice.

Mastering Mindfulness: How to Be More Present Every Day

Discover how to master mindfulness and be more present in your daily life with Therapy Central. Learn practical tips to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance your overall wellbeing. Start your

Featured image for Therapy Central article on Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement, covering key differences and everyday examples.

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement: Key Differences Explained

Explore the crucial differences between positive and negative reinforcement in psychology. This guide offers clear definitions, practical everyday examples, and insights into how these powerful principles shape our habits and behaviours.

Featured image for Therapy Central article on Negative Reinforcement, covering definitions, examples, and psychological impact.

Negative Reinforcement Explained: Real-Life Examples and Psychological Impact

Explore negative reinforcement, a key concept in behavioural psychology. Understand the difference between reinforcement and punishment with clear definitions and real-life examples. Discover how removing unpleasant stimuli shapes behaviour, habits, and

Featured image for Therapy Central article on Understanding Avoidance Behaviour, covering types, impact, and coping strategies.

Understanding Avoidance Behaviour: Types, Impact & How to Cope

Struggling with putting things off or sidestepping discomfort? This is common **avoidance behaviour**. We explore what **avoidance coping** looks like, from situational to emotional **types of avoidance**, and its real psychological

Featured image for Therapy Central article on Overcoming Emotional Pain covering Coping Techniques, Building Resilience, and Seeking Support.

How to Deal With Emotional Pain: Effective Coping Techniques

Feeling overwhelmed by emotional pain? Discover effective coping techniques grounded in understanding and self-compassion. This article explores what emotional pain is, initial steps to manage it, deeper strategies including CBT, and

Featured image for Therapy Central article on rekindling relationships, showing concepts of connection and communication.

How to Rekindle a Relationship and Bring Back the Spark

Feeling disconnected in your relationship? It’s possible to bring back the spark. Explore practical ways to improve communication, reignite intimacy, and nurture your connection. Learn foundational steps, deeper strategies like understanding

Featured image for Therapy Central UK article exploring Behavioral Psychology concepts like conditioning, habits, and self-compassion.

What Is Behavioral Psychology? Definition, Importance, and Examples

What is behavioral psychology? Explore its definition, core concepts like conditioning, and real-life examples in the UK. Understand why behaviorism matters for therapy (like CBT), education, and personal growth. Discover how

Minimalist illustration suggesting connection between childhood and adult relationships using Therapy Central colours.

Attachment Styles Explained: From Childhood to Adult Relationships

Explore the 4 main attachment styles (secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized) and understand how early experiences can shape your adult relationships. Learn to recognise your patterns and discover steps towards healing attachment

Featured image for Therapy Central article on conquering anticipatory anxiety and stopping worry about the future.

Conquering Anticipatory Anxiety: Steps to Embrace the Present and Stop Worrying About the Future

Feeling anxious about what’s next? You’re not alone. Learn what anticipatory anxiety is and discover practical, proven steps to stop worrying about the future. This guide from Therapy Central helps you

Featured image for Therapy Central article on responding when a husband yells, covering triggers, staying calm, abuse signs, and communication.

How to Respond When My Husband Yells At Me (Without Making Things Worse)

Feeling hurt when your husband yells? Learn calm, effective ways to respond without escalating conflict, understand triggers, and find support.

Signs Someone Lacks Empathy and How It Impacts Relationships

Struggling to connect with someone who always seems emotionally distant? This article explores the signs of low empathy, why it happens, and how it affects relationships. Learn what to

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How to Call in Sick for Mental Health Without Feeling Guilty

Struggling to call in sick for mental health? You’re not alone. This guide walks you through what to say, your legal rights in the UK, how to handle guilt,

Cover_Blog-16_Surviving-Narcissistic-Gaslighting

Surviving Narcissistic Gaslighting: Signs and Coping Strategies

Narcissistic gaslighting is a manipulative tactic that distorts your reality and erodes your self-esteem. This article explores the warning signs like blame-shifting, emotional invalidation, and isolation and offers actionable strategies to

Understanding Performance Anxiety: Exploring Underlying Factors, Symptoms and Treatment Strategies

Performance anxiety, or stage fright, can range from mild nervousness to debilitating fear. This article explores its causes, symptoms, and treatment options—including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques—to help you manage