When we think about trauma, it’s easy to picture something big and dramatic—a car accident, a natural disaster, or an act of violence. But trauma doesn’t always look like a headline-worthy event. Sometimes, it’s subtle. Sometimes, it happened so long ago or in such a quiet way that you might not even realize it’s still […]
Subtle Signs of Repressed Trauma You Might Be Missing Read More »
TraumaThere’s a kind of grief we don’t talk about enough—the kind that doesn’t come from losing a person, but from losing a version of your body you once knew. Maybe it’s the body you had before chronic illness. Maybe it’s the body before aging, pregnancy, surgery, injury, weight changes, or trauma. Whatever the reason, the
There’s a particular kind of ache that comes from feeling like you’re on the outside looking in. Maybe you’ve never quite felt like part of the group—even when surrounded by friends. Maybe you walk into a room and immediately wonder if everyone secretly wishes you weren’t there. Maybe you grew up in a family where
Feeling Like You Don’t Belong? It Might Be Attachment Trauma in Disguise Read More »
Attachment, Relationships, TraumaTeenagers are known for mood swings, late-night existential crises, and growing pains—so how do you know when it’s just a tough week versus something deeper like depression? And if your teen is struggling with depression, how do you support them without overwhelming them or making things worse? Here’s the hard part: depression in teens doesn’t
How to Help Teens Navigate Depression Without Pushing Them Away Read More »
Coping Skills, Depression, How To, Parenting, TeensIt’s one of the trickiest dynamics in relationships—knowing when you’re being supportive, and when you might actually be enabling. The two can look nearly identical on the surface. You care about someone. You want to help. You’re trying to be there for them. But somewhere along the line, your good intentions might be keeping them
Supporting vs. Enabling: How to Tell the Difference (And Why It Matters) Read More »
Boundaries, Family, Friends, How To, RelationshipsIt usually starts quietly. Maybe you make a mistake, miss a deadline, say something awkward in a conversation—and before you even realize it, that inner voice kicks in with a familiar sting: “Why did you do that? You should have known better. What’s wrong with you?” That’s self-criticism. For some, it’s an occasional mental jab.
Let’s be real—making peace with your body in today’s world can feel like trying to meditate in the middle of a rock concert. The noise is everywhere: social media, diet culture, unsolicited comments from relatives, even the well-meaning “compliments” that are really just coded critiques. It’s no wonder so many people walk around feeling disconnected
How to Make Peace With Your Body (Even on the Hard Days) Read More »
Acceptance, Compassion, How ToTherapy might feel like a casual conversation at times, but behind that warm nod and gentle “Tell me more,” your therapist is doing a lot of tracking. It’s easy to assume therapy is mostly about venting or getting advice. But a skilled therapist is tuning into much more than just your words. Think of them
What Your Therapist Is Really Paying Attention to in Session (It’s More Than You Think) Read More »
Therapists, TherapyEver told yourself to “just get over it” or pushed down a feeling because it felt too inconvenient, uncomfortable, or intense? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken. We all have emotional habits that help us cope with life. But over time, those habits can shape how we relate to ourselves and others.
Suppressing vs. Processing Emotions: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters Read More »
EmotionsPatience sounds like one of those things you either have or you don’t—like curly hair or a green thumb. But in reality, patience is a skill. A learnable, developable, often painfully slow-to-develop skill (yes, the irony is noted). And in a world of instant gratification, fast Wi-Fi, and two-day shipping, patience isn’t exactly something our
How to Be More Patient: Real-Life Steps to Strengthen Your Patience Muscle Read More »
Personal DevelopmentWhen we think about taking care of our mental health, we often go straight to the usual suspects: therapy, mindfulness, exercise, maybe some journaling or deep breathing. But creativity? That one doesn’t always make the list—though it absolutely should. Creativity isn’t just for artists or “right-brained” people. It’s for anyone with a brain (so, all
How Creativity Boosts Brain Health and Emotional Wellbeing Read More »
Emotions, Mental Health, WellnessThe pressure to achieve can sneak up on you. One minute you’re feeling motivated and ready to tackle your to-do list; the next, you’re spiraling because you haven’t made enough progress, or someone on Instagram seems lightyears ahead of you. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or behind in life, you’re not alone—and you’re definitely not
What to Remember When You’re Stressed About Reaching Your Goals Read More »
Goals, Growth Mindset, Personal Development, StressHealing from anxiety doesn’t always come with a neon sign or a dramatic “aha” moment. Sometimes, it’s quiet. It can look like noticing your own thoughts instead of being ruled by them. It might feel like breathing just a little easier in situations that used to send your heart racing. Anxiety can be persistent and
8 Subtle Signs You’re Healing from Anxiety (Even If It Doesn’t Feel Like It Yet) Read More »
Anxiety, Healing, Mental Health, Personal DevelopmentTherapists hold space for others all day long. We listen deeply, regulate our nervous systems while co-regulating others’, and offer empathy, insight, and presence—sometimes back to back for eight hours straight. We are trained to support our clients through pain, resistance, growth, and breakthroughs. But even with all the knowledge and skill in the world,
Gentle Reminders Every Therapist Needs (Yes, Even the Seasoned Ones) Read More »
Professional/Work, TherapistsIf you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m out of spoons today,” and wondered what on earth they meant, you’re not alone. It’s not about forgetting to do the dishes—it’s a shorthand that’s taken root in disability and mental health communities to describe something many of us struggle to explain: limited energy. The Spoon Theory, coined
What Are “Spoons”? Understanding the Spoon Theory in Mental Health Read More »
Acceptance, Anxiety, Boundaries, Challenges, College/Students, Compassion, Coping Skills, Couples, Family, Friends, Mental Health, Relationships, Stress