Lessons Learned from Being Malta’s First Sex Therapist
When I stepped into the world of sex therapy, I wasn’t just opening a clinic—I was opening a conversation that many in Malta didn’t want to have. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I knew people would resist. But I didn’t expect just how much pushback there would be, not just from the public but from institutions, educators, and even within my professional circles. The journey has been filled with lessons—some rewarding, some painful, all invaluable. Lessons Learnt Being First Means Facing the Fire Alone Being the first sex therapist in Malta meant I had no blueprint to follow.
How I Work Hard and Live Well: Staying Productive Without Burning Out
People often ask me how I manage to stay motivated and avoid burnout despite working long hours and juggling multiple projects. Over the years, I've developed a system that allows me to be productive while still living a fulfilling life. Here's an inside look at how I make it work. Waking up at 4.30 am - I realise that most people think 4:30 am is absurdly early, but it's been revolutionary for me. I used to feel hurried when I woke up, already behind on emails, and like I was plunging into pandemonium. My secret weapon is getting up
Building Bridges in Mental Health: The Journey and Vision Behind Willingness
Looking back on the road since establishing Willingness in 2011, I am filled with gratitude and a tremendous sense of accomplishment. As a student, I noticed that mental health treatments in Malta were sometimes disconnected, particularly in the private sector. Building a New Model for Mental Health Care At that time, clients seeking assistance faced a fragmented system where experts worked independently, making comprehensive care difficult to access. This experience led me to envision a different approach—one where teamwork and communication would improve care quality and provide clients with more holistic services. With this aim in mind, I founded
Escaping the Perfection Trap: How Letting Go Boosted My Success and Happiness
Escaping the Perfection Trap: How Letting Go Boosted My Success and Happiness For years, I held myself to impossibly high standards, demanding perfection from every task, relationship, and project. I had this unrelenting drive to result in success. Instead, it resulted in exhaustion, irritation, and unhappiness. As I got more focused on achieving flawless results, I realised that perfectionism was not an asset but an addictive loop that sapped my energy and that of others. My turning point came when I read Marion Woodman's Addiction to Perfection. Woodman's work provides important insights into the dark side of perfectionism, examining
How to Avoid Burnout in Leadership Roles: Unfiltered Tips
A leader's burnout is a genuine thing, and it can strike without warning. As a leader, you push yourself and your team to achieve while juggling duties, making high-stakes decisions, and always being in the spotlight. The harsh reality, though, is that your company will fail along with you if you neglect your health. Here is what you should do to keep from becoming burned out, so let's get right to the point. See the Warning Signs Before They Derail You Burnout takes time to set in. It builds slowly, and if you're not careful, it will engulf you.
I Was Over-Critical of Myself
I brutally punished myself for a significant portion of my life. No matter how hard I tried, my inner critic would always find something new to point out about how inadequate I was. This extremely critical voice impacted my entire life, affecting my sense of self-worth and self-esteem, as well as my ability to accomplish any goal I set. I felt trapped in an endless loop of negativity due to the severe self-criticism I had developed. As a child, I had high expectations for myself, believing that nothing less than perfection would suffice. My brain and grades gave me
Self-Forgiveness: A Path to Personal Development and Recovery
Throughout our lives, we frequently experience instances in which we fail to meet our expectations. We often confront the heavy burden of guilt and self-criticism due to our repeated errors. Self-forgiveness is essential to mental fitness and personal development, yet it is frequently disregarded. As a psychotherapist and trainer, I have observed the transformative force of self-forgiveness in the lives of my clients and myself. This blog explores the significance of self-forgiveness, the obstacles that arise, and the practical steps to adopt self-compassion. Self-forgiveness is essential There are numerous reasons why self-forgiveness is essential. Initially, it enables individuals to
