The mind can be thought of as a computer that acquires and processes information. We can learn in different ways and, most of the time, we do that unconsciously. The most important information that we learn about others and ourselves is literally imprinted in our brain with no direct control over neither the content nor the process. This kind of acquisition is – indeed – a kind of programming.

Psychology is usually defined as the science of mind and behavior, and clinical psychology as the branch of psychology that aims to promote psychological wellbeing, especially helping people overcome (what can be in general called) psychological discomfort. 

Theory is essential to consciously understand the reasons why we do what we do. Such understanding is important for us all to make progress in our self-development and for the clinician to realize effective treatments. However, it is surely not enough to accomplish real change, for which concrete experience is indispensable.

Personality is a complex concept. We can think of it as our fairly stable psychological traits. Many factors can affect personality. The most important are the biological (how we are made, our constitution) and the knowledge ones (what we learn). We focus here on the information we acquire, especially in our most important relationships, with our parents and partners.

A caregiver is a person to whom we attach to obtain some form of care. When we are children, we attach to our mother and/or father, but we tend to attach at any age. Typically, we attach to a romantic partner for example. The care we look for can assume different forms. It can be essential physical and emotional support but also more sophisticated, such as psychological reference and ethical guidance.