Retroactive jealousy - It’s a term that not everyone has heard of, but once you understand it, it can feel like a lightbulb going off. Retroactive jealousy is when you feel anxious, upset, or even obsessed about your partner’s past relationships.

Let’s talk about what it is, why it’s so hard to deal with, and how I believe counselling can make a real difference.

Have you ever found yourself obsessively thinking about someone, feeling like you can’t stop fantasizing about a romantic connection that seems all-consuming? You might be experiencing something called limerence. As a counsellor and someone who's supported clients with limerence, I understand how overwhelming and confusing it can feel.

Fear of abandonment is a deep, often paralysing feeling that can shape how we navigate our relationships and how we see ourselves. If you’ve ever felt a constant worry that the people you care about might leave you, even when there’s no real reason to fear it, you’re not alone. It’s a fear that many of us carry—often unconsciously—and it can affect everything from romantic relationships to friendships and family dynamics.

As someone who works with clients facing this very fear, I can tell you that overcoming the fear of abandonment is possible, though it takes time, self-awareness, and healing.