We all know what it feels like to be lonely. No one wants to be characterized as a “loner” or “antisocial,” and yet most of us have felt deeply disconnected from others at one time or another. When we feel lonely, it is easy to feel like we are, literally, alone. Research shows that loneliness…
Areas of Specialty
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Exposure and Response Prevention: Resisting the Anxiety Itch
Have you ever experienced a fear so strong that you would do anything to avoid situations that bring that feeling on? Many people experience this in various forms like: Most of the time, this fear and avoidance doesn’t get in the way of things that we care about, doing what matters in our life, and…
Somatic Therapy 101: A Conversation with the Body
Why Explore Somatic Therapy? When you think of “therapy,” the image of two people sitting across from each other holding mugs of tea might come to mind. And that image would not be wrong and, in fact, the process of talking through one’s problems can be exceptionally healing. But we all know emotions and memories…
Birth Trauma: When a Healthy Baby Isn’t the Whole Story
We often hear childbirth being described as “magical,” or “transformative,” which might resonate for some people, but what about those whose experiences feel quite the opposite? For many people who give birth, the birthing experience is associated with fear, powerlessness, and lack of control that can have lasting psychological and emotional impacts. Amongst so much…
The ABCs of Postpartum Self-Care
All life transitions, even the joyful ones which mark the beginning of a new, wished-for chapter, are tough. The transition to motherhood is even more challenging than a move to a foreign country, getting married, or setting on a different career path. Why is that? The arrival of a baby forces changes that are abrupt,…
Growing Through Grief: Understanding Grief and Integrating It in Our lives
Grief is a universal experience. Each of us will be touched by loss in a variety of ways throughout our lifetime. This may look like the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, the loss of a job, or the loss of a dream or goal. No two experiences are the same…
Trauma and Dialectical Behavior Therapy: Practical Tools to Ease Distress
If you’re reading this, I’m going to take a wild guess: you’re curious about how trauma is treated through the lens of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Maybe you’re a clinician wanting to learn more about applying DBT to trauma, or perhaps you’re someone who has experienced trauma and is searching for ways to cope, heal,…
Anxiety in Children and Teens: What Parents Can Do
Being a parent is inherently challenging, and it can become even more complex when your child or adolescent struggles with anxiety or other mental health conditions. Let us begin by understanding what anxiety is. Anxiety is a natural physiological, emotional, and psychological response that occurs within the body to signal potential danger (Manassis, K., 2015). …
How Low Confidence Shows Up in Our Mental Health
Self-confidence is the belief in your ability to make decisions, express ideas, and navigate challenges. It’s the internal sense that says, “I can handle this.” When self-confidence is low, it becomes harder to trust ourselves. We second-guess our actions, avoid risks, and often shrink from growth opportunities. This often overlaps with low self-esteem – how…
Tuning In: How the Vagus Nerve Helps You Come Home to Your Body
Feeling out of it lately? Like your brain and body are on different planets? You’re not alone. Whether it’s the constant stream of bad news, the stress of trying to keep up, or the exhaustion of navigating life in uncertain times, your nervous system may be working overtime just to keep up. The experience of…
