Pervasive loneliness and lack of social connection not only increase incidence of mental health concerns, but also physical illness. These prevalent health impacts have earned loneliness the title of public health crisis in recent years. So, what is social connection to begin with?
Read MoreDo you ever feel like your emotions run you instead of the other way around? Maybe intense emotions flare up and catch you off guard, relationships cycle between conflict and closeness, or you find yourself doing things you later regret. That push-pull can leave you feeling exhausted and disconnected from the life you actually want.
Read MoreHave you ever wondered why you sometimes feel worse after leaving therapy, why progress can feel slow, or why you’re beginning to see your life in a new way? Many people enter therapy expecting immediate relief. You’ve taken a big step by starting therapy (and that’s something to be proud of).
Read MoreI believe that sometimes, after trauma, we develop what I call a survival identity. When we begin shedding that identity, there is often the emergence of a new version of ourselves.
Read MoreOften, when we think about what makes a relationship "work," our minds might jump to passionate romance, shared interests, or perfectly aligned personalities. While those elements certainly have their place, the truth is that strong and resilient relationships – regardless of their structure – are built from the ground up, much like a well-constructed house.
Read MoreThe start of a new year often brings a mix of hope and pressure. Many of us feel motivated to reset — to build healthier routines, let go of what isn’t working, and show up differently in our lives. At the same time, there can be an unspoken expectation to do it all right and do it quickly.
Read MoreFrom a therapeutic perspective, emotional overeating is not a failure of self-control. It is a coping strategy shaped by stress, emotional pain, restriction, and the nervous system’s need for regulation.
Read MoreGoals are not the problem. Goals can be motivating and meaningful. They are also temporary. Values, on the other hand, tend to hold more staying power. Values shape how we live day to day, even when motivation fades.
Read MoreThe holiday season has a way of magnifying how we feel. The lights are brighter, the expectations are higher, and the pressure to be joyful can feel heavier. For those navigating the death of a loved one or the end of something important in your life, the holidays can bring a unique kind of ache.
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