The world we live in isn’t really set up to nurture a mindful, intentional approach to life. It’s really no surprise that so many of us are struggling with addiction/compulsion behaviors as a stress and trauma response. The body does what it can to survive in a world that insists we go and go and go, ignoring the signs that we need to rest, heal, re-set, or refocus.

But you can be different. You can rebel against this. You can make the time and space for Mental and Emotional Clarity. I promise you, it will pay dividends in successful recovery from addiction, increased productivity, quality of life, and a deeper sense of wellbeing.

When you get to the end of a long day, what’s the first thing you reach for? Your phone? A sugary treat? A case of beer? Are there fifteen tabs open on your laptop– each with a shopping cart full of “treats”? What about your weekends? Are you one of those people who just can’t stand to ever leave work behind? Would you believe me if I told you that all of these instincts things stem from the same brain impulse? Read on!

Control Freak. Yikes. That’s a harsh term. Have you ever had that label slapped on you? If you have, you’re not the only one… A lot of high-achieving men and women get accused of being overly controlling, simply because they are in charge, organized, and driven individuals. Just because you are IN control; that doesn’t make you a Control Freak. You have my permission as a therapist to reject that label!

But… there is actually a problematic desire for control that can be a result of unresolved trauma. It often goes hand in hand with its sidekick: People Pleasing. If you are actually struggling on a hamster wheel of anxiety, stress, high expectations, and the sense that everything is OUT of control, then lean in. This blog post is for you.

Welcome back to our series on the effects of unresolved relationship trauma. We've already discussed how trauma can trigger anxiety, lead to codependency, and even contribute to substance abuse. Today, let's explore how unresolved trauma can directly impact your ability to manage your emotions in a healthy way.

It’s time to talk about a difficult but important topic: the link between relationship trauma and substance abuse. We all know that relationships can be incredibly powerful. They can bring us immense joy, love, and support. But as we’ve been discussing here on the blog lately, they can also be a source of deep pain and emotional turmoil. Sometimes, when a relationship is unhealthy or abusive, it can leave us feeling trapped and helpless.

Codependency doesn’t happen in a vacuum, either. It’s another one of the unhealthy coping mechanisms we’ve been talking about; usually caused by some deep attachment wounds from childhood or previous relationships where you weren’t given the kind of emotional connection and validation that you needed. And since it’s not a healthy, intrinsic part of human relationships, it is something we can change and heal. So first, let’s recognize what codependency looks like.

Since I’ve been looking at this topic from the angle of a couple’s therapist lately, through my recent Gottman Couples Therapy training, let's delve into some of the realities of living with anxiety as a couple.

The relationships, healthy and unhealthy, you engage in, shape and form you, in return. And while this impact is not set in stone, it takes intentionality and concentrated effort to counter and heal from the impact of unhealthy relationships. No matter how subtle the damage, unhealthy relationships can cause trauma. Let’s take a look at a few of the common lingering effects of relationship trauma.

We’ll unravel two more interconnected threads: "I can't trust myself" and "I can’t trust that good things will last." These deeply ingrained beliefs can leave us feeling insecure, doubting our choices, and hesitant to expect or embrace happiness. Let's delve into the origins of these beliefs and work toward reclaiming trust, both in ourselves and the world around us.

I believe that prioritizing your mental health shouldn't break the bank. In today's blog post, we're delving into the world of out-of-network benefits and how you can leverage them to make the most of your therapy experience.

Do you ever struggle with a nagging whisper that tells you you're not good enough? Do you struggle with thoughts that you are a burden to your loved ones, or “bad luck” to your people, and unworthy of love and care? Does a sense of helplessness in regards to your own life and emotions, and guilt for others' difficulties and negative emotions keep you in a constant state of anxiety and shame?

Do you ever feel like you're constantly running on empty, juggling work demands, personal needs, and the expectations of others? Are you a high achiever who prioritizes everyone else's well-being, leaving your own needs unmet? What if the source of your exhaustion isn't just the workload and societal expectations? What if your deep-seated need to please everyone stems from unresolved childhood trauma? It’s actually quite a common issue, these people-pleasing tendencies, and it’s a habit often rooted in childhood trauma. If this sounds familiar, you should know that this is an issue that can often lead to resentment, anxiety, and burnout if left unaddressed. Let’s take a look at the specifics and ways you can break free from the cycle of people-pleasing and prioritize your own well-being.

We'll explore the seven most prevalent unhealthy beliefs that often manifest in people whose childhood was marked by abuse, abandonment, or instability. Recognizing and understanding these beliefs is the crucial first step towards healing, growth and ultimately breaking the cycle of abuse and trauma.

Birth trauma, childhood trauma, and relationship trauma, while distinct in their origins, are similar in the resulting effects of unresolved traumas on not only mental and emotional well-being, but also the way we navigate the complexities of birth, childhood, and intimate relationships throughout our lives. Understanding these long-term repercussions is crucial for both individuals grappling with the aftermath, and the professionals who hope to guide them toward healing.

The high-stress nature of the job, long hours, and the unique culture of Criminal Justice Service Members can all impact the ability of these couples to form and maintain healthy relationships. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why law enforcement couples need relationship therapy and how it can help.

In the pursuit of personal wellness, maintaining and nurturing healthy habits stands as a cornerstone. From regular exercise routines to mindful eating practices, these habits significantly impact mental, emotional, and physical well-being. However, the challenge often lies in sustaining these behaviors over time.

In this blog, we’ll dig into some of the latest research-backed methodologies that can fortify and perpetuate these essential practices.

In the complex tapestry of human emotions and relationships, few threads are as intricate and vital as those of sex and physical intimacy. In this blog, I aim to shed light on the powerful ways that sex and intimacy influence and enhance our mental and emotional health.

Effective communication is the backbone of any healthy and thriving relationship. Whether you're navigating the ups and downs of a romantic partnership or fostering connections with friends and family, these important communication components can help you build and maintain the strong, meaningful relationships you desire.

Sobriety isn't just about abstaining from alcohol or drugs; it's a transformative journey that can significantly improve your overall health.

Our diet not only impacts our physical health but also plays an essential role in our mental well-being.