Posts by Guest Author
Five Common Misconceptions about Betrayal Trauma
Betrayal trauma is a term that has gained traction among mental health professionals over the last decade. It refers to the deep emotional wounds caused by betrayal in a meaningful relationship. While it’s often associated with infidelity or sexual betrayal, betrayal trauma can happen in various forms of relationships. Understanding this concept is crucial, but there are many misconceptions that can cloud the reality of this kind of trauma. In this article, I will debunk five common myths surrounding betrayal trauma to provide clarity and insight for those affected by it.
Read MoreElection Stress
We are in an age of information, an era defined by mass media with influences that are undeniable and far-reaching. Our connectivity is unprecedented and the access to content is never-ending. Each day we navigate through a landscape of media that demands our attention twenty four hours per day in a non-stop carousel of reporting. There are many benefits to having up-to-date news and real-time analysis, however this relentless cycle presents challenges.
Read MoreBetter Boundaries: Introducing The PARC, a New Relational Tool
Recently, I was talking to one of my close friends about how it feels to overshare with someone. She said she did not know why she kept trusting certain people with so much information about herself. She would share something with an acquaintance, and then wonder why she regretted sharing it; it was her information. Then, she said, “I regretted it because I didn’t want to share it with them. I just wanted them to care about me, and sharing it [the information about herself] seemed like it would do that.” We are taught to share information about ourselves to connect with others.
Read MoreI Don’t Hate Feelings, Anymore
Feeling my emotions enables my ability to make wise choices and to turn what I once considered a burden, into a benefit. My willingness to feel enables new learning opportunities to better understand my system (body) and its functioning. What we avoid, we can’t learn from. I now have the ability to access my values at a deeper emotional level which allows me to identify how I want to respond (whether verbal or behavioral). I decreased my reactiveness regarding criticizing or complaining by recognizing and utilizing self-awareness.
Read MoreStop Paying Therapists!
Stop Paying Therapists isn’t about encouraging people to avoid or quit therapy. It’s more about encouraging clients to utilize their time in therapy by being more intentional about equipping the skills and tools taught in order to graduate from therapy. We shouldn’t start therapy without the goal of completing therapy. The time we spend in therapy varies. At times it could be as brief as one session and at other times therapy can last for years. Whether it is one session or years of sessions, neither is wrong unless both the therapist and client aren’t being intentional about utilizing the time spent to assist the client’s needs.
Read MoreThings that we should stop saying to people with disabilities & what to say instead
Have you ever been in a situation where someone says something passively? Maybe your friend starts the conversation, “Don’t take this the wrong way, but…” I don’t know about you, but it’s difficult after a comment like that not to take whatever is coming the wrong way. For people with disabilities, many passive comments are heard daily that may be well-intended but just land wrong. If you have uttered some of the phrases below, I know it was likely well-intended.
Read MoreSchool Testing Angst: Tips for Helping Your Child Manage Testing Anxiety
It’s that time of year again – the intense time after spring break and just before summer, where school testing is in full swing, meanwhile students and teachers are eagerly counting down the days until summer break. I’m hearing all about it from teachers, parents, and students, all of whom are reporting that this time of year is stressful and exhausting no matter your role.
Read MoreWhy Should I Consider Group Therapy?
Therapy can seem uncomfortable; You have a total stranger asking questions about your personal life and encouraging you to share information that you would rather keep private. What could be uncomfortable than therapy with one stranger? Some might say therapy with multiple strangers- aka group therapy. So why does group therapy exist?
Read MoreIf being (mentally) healthy was easy, I wouldn’t have a job
Mental health continues to be more understood and respected in our society, but not without challenge. Between different theories, styles, and approaches it can often be overwhelming on what to trust is the “right” answer to life’s problems. The real question to ask yourself, though, is what is the healthiest choice for me?
Read MoreLet’s Talk About Self-Care
Self-care has become such a buzz word in the media that we can barely go a day without hearing it marketed to us from all directions.
Whether it is to buy the latest skin care item or yoga class, self-care has become the marketing catch all used by everyone from big businesses to healthcare, but what is self-care? And will of its promises really bring us a better quality of life?