Understand Yourself Between Sessions
A curated library of accessible psychology articles, video guides, and practical resources by Franco Greco — covering Schema Therapy, anxiety, couples, trauma, family patterns and more. Read, watch and reflect at your own pace.
Four Ways to Learn
Different formats for different moments — a quick read on the train, a video before your first session, or a deeper guide when something resonates.
Articles
54 publishedAccessible, psychologically informed writing you can return to.
Videos & Podcasts
3 episodesFranco explains therapy, intake and his approach on camera and in conversation.
Resources
6 topic areasPractical explainers grouped by what brings you to therapy.
Common Questions
5 answeredStraightforward answers about therapy, fit and getting started.
Latest Psychology Articles
Plain-language explainers drawn from the themes that surface most often in session.
What Are Lifetraps? Understanding Early Maladaptive Schemas
Lifetraps (early maladaptive schemas) are deeply held emotional patterns that begin in childhood and repeat throughout adult life. Learn how to recognise the most common schemas and why they shape your relationships.
Read articleWhen Worry Becomes a Pattern: Anxiety Beyond the Symptoms
Anxiety is rarely just about the present. This article explores how longstanding anxiety often connects to deeper patterns of vulnerability, mistrust, and emotional deprivation — and what helps.
Read articleThe Four Horsemen: Spotting the Patterns That End Relationships
Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Based on the Gottman research, here is how to recognise these patterns in your own relationship and the antidotes that rebuild connection.
Read articleWatch & Listen With Franco
Short, candid videos and podcast conversations to help you feel informed before you ever make contact.
Franco introduces himself and how he helps professionals transform negative patterns.
Franco shares his background, what brings clients to therapy, and his compassionate approach to breaking lifelong patterns.
What happens when you make contact, how confidentiality is protected, and how your initial consultation is structured.
Conversations That Shape Who We Are
Franco Greco hosts a different guest each episode to explore the people, events and choices that shape personality. Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Honoring One's Introverted Side and Going Beyond the Limitations Set for Oneself
with Carlii Lyon
Carlii Lyon joins Franco to explore what it means to honor your introverted side while still pushing past the limitation…
Finding Success Through Hard Work and Laser Focus
with Rich Curtis
Rich Curtis sits down with Franco to discuss the role of hard work and laser focus in achieving meaningful success — and…
Finding the Balance Between The Duality in Personalities and in Opposing Opinions
with Natalie Kyriacou
Natalie Kyriacou explores the duality within personalities and how we hold opposing opinions without losing ourselves. F…
Finding Happiness Without Other People's Validation
with Matthew Sortino
Matthew Sortino and Franco discuss the pursuit of happiness that isn't dependent on external validation — how personalit…
Fighting Social Injustices as a Truth Seeker
with Danielle McAlpine Johnson
Danielle McAlpine Johnson shares her journey as a truth seeker fighting social injustice. Franco links the conversation …
Don't Be Conventional, Be Happy
with Henry Wagons
Henry Wagons challenges the idea that conformity leads to happiness. Franco and Henry explore how personality openness a…
Recognition Through Quiet Valuable Commitment
with Jill Garner
Jill Garner discusses how quiet, consistent commitment earns recognition in a world that rewards noise. Franco connects …
Attracted to Endless Possibilities
with Adam Ferrier
Adam Ferrier explores the personality trait of openness to experience and how being drawn to endless possibilities shape…
Amplifying Voices in Society Through Storytelling
with Helen Kapalos
Helen Kapalos discusses the power of storytelling to amplify marginalised voices in society. Franco connects this to per…
Challenging Authority
with Sami Shah
Sami Shah joins Franco to discuss the personality dynamics of challenging authority — when questioning the status quo is…
Always Something Significant Yet To Do
with Dr. Amanda Caples
Dr. Amanda Caples discusses the drive to always find the next significant thing to do. Franco connects this to personali…
Finding Confidence and Autonomy
with John Raymond
John Raymond explores the journey of building confidence and autonomy. Franco links the conversation to personality rese…
Getting Out of One's Comfort Zone
with Adam Bronts
Adam Bronts discusses what it takes to get out of your comfort zone and why personality openness and risk tolerance make…
The Trusted Adviser
with Stefanie Villano
Stefanie Villano explores what makes someone a trusted adviser. Franco connects the conversation to personality research…
Becoming Comfortable in Your Own Skin
with James Downie
James Downie discusses the journey of becoming comfortable in your own skin. Franco links this to personality research o…
The Outsider
with Xavier Csar
Xavier Csar shares what it means to be an outsider. Franco connects the conversation to personality research on openness…
Don't Confuse Noise For Substance
with Tracey Holmes
Tracey Holmes discusses the difference between noise and substance in public discourse. Franco connects this to personal…
Leading with Empathy
with Adam Fennessy
Adam Fennessy explores what it means to lead with empathy. Franco connects the conversation to personality research on a…
The Inaugural Conversation
with Franco Greco
The very first episode of the Personality Portrait podcast. Franco Greco introduces the show's mission — challenging wha…
Browse by What Brings You Here
Start with the area that feels most relevant to you right now.
Schema Therapy & Lifetraps
Understand early maladaptive schemas, coping modes, and how lifelong patterns form — and how the Healthy Adult mode is built.
Explore Schema TherapyCBT & Evidence-Based Approaches
Plain-language explainers on Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, how it differs from Schema Therapy, and when each fits best.
Compare ApproachesEMDR & Trauma Processing
How Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing helps the brain reprocess distressing memories and reduce emotional charge.
Learn About EMDRCouples & Relationship Skills
The Gottman Four Horsemen, attachment styles, communication gridlock, and practical tools for enduring partnership.
Couples ResourcesWorkplace, Career & Burnout
Imposter syndrome, perfectionism, executive burnout and workplace conflict — written for professionals and leaders.
Professional WellbeingFamily & Intergenerational Patterns
Why families repeat the same dynamics, blended family transitions, and how family therapy creates new ways of relating.
Family Therapy GuideAccessible Articles on Emotional Wellbeing
Useful, accessible writing on Schema Therapy, anxiety and depression, relationships and couples, family dynamics, attachment, emotional patterns, and trauma treatment — to inform and support you between sessions.
What Are Lifetraps? Understanding Early Maladaptive Schemas
Lifetraps (early maladaptive schemas) are deeply held emotional patterns that begin in childhood and repeat throughout adult life. Learn how to recognise the most common schemas and why they shape your relationships.
When Worry Becomes a Pattern: Anxiety Beyond the Symptoms
Anxiety is rarely just about the present. This article explores how longstanding anxiety often connects to deeper patterns of vulnerability, mistrust, and emotional deprivation — and what helps.
The Four Horsemen: Spotting the Patterns That End Relationships
Criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Based on the Gottman research, here is how to recognise these patterns in your own relationship and the antidotes that rebuild connection.
What Is Intergenerational Trauma? Signs, Causes & Healing
What is intergenerational trauma? Learn how the effects of trauma pass down through a family, the signs to look for, and how therapy breaks the cycle.
The Defectiveness Schema: Why Success Never Feels Like Enough
If you feel fundamentally flawed despite outward achievement, you may carry the defectiveness schema. This article explains how it develops and how Schema Therapy helps build genuine self-worth.
How EMDR Helps the Brain Process What Talk Therapy Cannot
EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess distressing memories. Here is a plain-language explanation of how it works and who it can help.
Intergenerational Patterns: Why Families Repeat the Same Dynamics
The ways we relate are often inherited. This article explores how family patterns pass down through generations and how family therapy creates space for new ways of relating.
How Disordered Eating and Drinking Affects Men
Learn how disordered eating and disordered drinking can affect men, from body image and stress to relationships, work and emotional wellbeing.
Imposter Syndrome in High-Achieving Professionals
Why do so many capable executives feel like frauds? We unpack the defectiveness and unrelenting standards schemas behind imposter syndrome — and how to break the cycle.
Attachment Styles in Adult Relationships: A Practical Guide
Anxious, avoidant, secure — your attachment style shapes how you give and receive love. Learn to identify your pattern and what it means for your partnership.
Emotional Regulation: Building Capacity, Not Just Coping
Real emotional regulation is not about suppressing feelings — it is about building the capacity to feel them without being overwhelmed. A schema-informed approach.
How to Deal with Workplace Bullying
Workplace bullying can distort your confidence, judgement and sense of safety. Learn how to respond clearly while protecting your mental health.
The Impact of Social Bullying on Mental Health
Social bullying can quietly affect confidence, relationships and wellbeing. Learn how therapy can help with the emotional impact of bullying.
Why AI Can’t Replace a Therapist
AI can be useful, but it can’t replace a real therapist – here are all the reasons why human connection, clinical judgement and genuine therapy still matter.
Disordered Drinking in Men
Disordered drinking in men is not always obvious. Learn how alcohol can become part of stress, control, reward and emotional avoidance cycles.
Disordered Eating in Men: Signs, Patterns and Support
Disordered eating in men can hide behind discipline, fitness, dieting or control. Learn the signs, common patterns, and when therapy may help.
Rethinking Mental Health After the Elijah Hollands Incident
The Elijah Hollands incident is a reminder to recognise mental health risk earlier and change how we talk about mental health in sport and life.
Case Study: Schema Therapy & Gottman for Couples
Case study: how schema therapy combined with the Gottman Method helped an emotionally disconnected professional couple rebuild trust and closeness.
Schema Therapy & Gottman for High-Conflict Couples
How schema therapy and Gottman techniques help high-conflict professional couples break the criticism-withdrawal cycle and reconnect emotionally.
Schema Therapy Case Study: Overcoming Food Phobia
Schema therapy case study: how Sarah overcame a deep-seated food phobia and built a healthier relationship with food and eating.
Schema Therapy Case Study: Male Executive with Alcohol Dependence
Schema therapy case study: how Franco Greco helped a male executive with alcohol dependence understand the schemas driving his drinking and recover.
Schema Therapy Case Study: Male Executive with Anger Issues
Schema therapy case study: how a male executive with chronic anger learned to understand his triggers and manage anger at work and at home.
Schema Therapy Can Help You With Relationship Issues
Struggling with relationship issues? Schema therapy helps you recognise patterns, heal emotional wounds, and build healthier, more secure connections.
What Part of My Nervous System is Activated When I Am Anxious
Anxiety triggers your sympathetic nervous system
Schema Therapy for Depression in Professionals: A Guide
How schema therapy helps high-functioning professionals with depression: the schemas behind burnout and low mood, and what treatment involves.
Moving From Despair To Hope
Based on the true story of Australian war correspondent Peter Greste
Case Study of Alison: A Professional with Social Anxiety
Case study: how schema therapy helped Alison, a 29-year-old lawyer, overcome social anxiety and feelings of inferiority at work and in social settings.
Schema Therapy Guide for Workplace Uncertainty
A guide to how schema therapy helps professionals manage workplace uncertainty, illustrated by the case study of Julia, a senior professional.
My Partner's Poor Sleeping Is Impacting on Our Relationship
In Australia increasing number of couples are sleeping apart to manage a partners disruptive sleep patterns. Your Psychologist Elsternwick can help couples with how to get better sleep with a partner
Finding purpose in the second half of life
Need to rediscover meaning in the second half of life? Embrace change with these ways to find new purpose and fulfilment.
Understanding Jungian Psychology
Explore Jungian psychology with Franco Greco at Your Psychologist. Unlock personal growth and deeper self-awareness through tailored therapy.
What to Know About Therapy for Men
Learn about therapy for men with insights from Franco Greco. Explore how tailored therapy can improve men’s mental health and overall wellbeing.
Coping Mechanisms for Anxiety
Discover effective coping mechanisms for anxiety with Your Psychologist in Elsternwick. Led by Franco Greco, we offer personalised strategies for a calmer life.
Coping Mechanisms for Depression: A Guide from Your Psychologist
Discover effective coping mechanisms for depression with Your Psychologist in Elsternwick. Led by Franco Greco, we offer tailored support to help you thrive.
How To Survive A Long Distance Relationship
Discover expert tips on how to survive a long distance relationship with guidance from Franco Greco at Your Psychologist in Elsternwick. Strengthen your bond and overcome challenges.
How Does Your Relationship Survive The Arrival Of A New Baby?
New baby? It can be hard to navigate parenthood and keep up with your relationship at the same time. Read our top tips now.
How To Recover From A Toxic Relationship
Trying to recover from a toxic relationship? Here are the steps you need to take to get off on the right foot. Read our guide now.
How To Save A Relationship
Every relationship has its ups and downs, but if you really feel that your relationship with someone is in jeopardy, here are some tips on how to salvage it by making amends.
How To Stop Overthinking In A Relationship
We all tend to go through periods of overthinking our relationships at some point. Here are some tips and tools to help you stop overthinking and stay present.
Why Therapy Works
It’s common for people to feel apprehensive about therapy when they’ve never experienced it before. However, here’s a brief explanation of why therapy works.
How To Choose A Psychologist
Wondering how to choose a psychologist? Try this list of suggestions to help you make an informed decision and start your journey to improved wellbeing.
How Do You Know When Your Relationship Is Over?
When it comes to relationships and our feelings towards someone we’re close with, it can be difficult to determine whether it’s time to walk away. Here’s a helpful guide.
How To Fix A Broken Relationship
Are you and your partner going through a rough time, and neither of you know how to make amends and get things back to the way they were? Read on.
How Does Relationships With Parents Affect Future Relationships?
Did you know that your relationship with your parents can have a drastic impact on your current and future romantic relationships? Learn more in this helpful guide.
How Do You Fix Intimacy Issues in a Relationship?
It’s normal for couples to lose intimacy during difficult times. If you’re wondering how to fix intimacy issues in your relationship, here’s a guide.
How Long Does Schema Therapy Take?
Think you might benefit from schema therapy but want to learn more about it first? Here’s an introduction to schema therapy, and a guide to how long it takes.
What To Expect From Couples Counselling
Are you and your partner considering couples counselling, but not sure if you’ll benefit from it? Here’s what to expect from couples counselling.
How Are Needs and Basic Emotions Connected?
How do core emotional needs connect to basic emotions like anger and fear? Part two of our series on understanding core emotional needs.
What Are Your Core Emotional Needs? (Schema Therapy)
The five core emotional needs from schema therapy, what happens when they go unmet in childhood, and how meeting them as an adult improves relationships.
Is Your Personality Impacting on Your Work Performance?
Personality is a key driver of mood and emotion at work. Learn how your personality traits affect your work performance and wellbeing.
Window of Tolerance: What It Is and How to Widen It
What is the window of tolerance? Learn the signs of hyperarousal and hypoarousal and practical ways to widen your emotional tolerance window.
Being in a Relationship With a Narcissist: Signs & Support
Signs you may be in a relationship with a narcissist, how it affects your self-worth and how therapy can help you set boundaries or move on safely.
Why Do We Resist Therapy - It Is Not Just About The Client
Why some people resist therapy: knowing yourself can be scary, and what therapists can do to explore clients
How Does Your Childhood Impact On Your Relationships?
How your childhood experiences shape your adult relationships, and why exploring them is central to effective couples counselling.
Learning Centre FAQs
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Articles inform — therapy transforms
If something here resonates, take the next step. Franco personally triages every intake to match you with the right approach.