Have you ever wondered about the physical components of trauma and how it affects the body? Underneath the surface, many different things could occur when dealing with trauma. The neurobiology of trauma involves understanding how traumatic experiences can profoundly impact the brain and body. Trauma is a distressing, frightening, or overwhelming situation that can lead …
You’re sitting in your therapist’s office describing this knot of anxiety in your chest when everything seems objectively fine. Your therapist asks about your family. You mention, almost as an afterthought, that your grandmother survived the Holocaust. Or your parents fled war. Or addiction ran through your family like a fault line. “Tell me more …
Trauma doesn’t just live in your memories. It can settle in your body, shape your nervous system, affect your relationships, and change how you see yourself in the world. Whether it stems from childhood abuse, a car accident, emotional neglect, a violent event, or the loss of someone you love, trauma can leave deep wounds. …
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a specialized therapy designed to help individuals process trauma and reduce emotional distress. Originally developed in the late 1980s by Francine Shapiro, EMDR has become a widely recognized and effective treatment, particularly for those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At its core, EMDR helps reprocess distressing memories …
You’re scrolling through Instagram before bed when you see a former classmate’s post. She’s on a beach in Bali, looking impossibly fit in a bikini, with a caption reading “living my best life.” You look down at your own body, then at your messy bedroom, then back at the screen. That sinking feeling in your …
Managing anxiety and depression at work can be overwhelming. The stress of deadlines, expectations, and daily interactions can make it even harder to focus and stay motivated. If you’ve ever felt anxious before a meeting or struggled to get through the workday while battling depression, you’re not alone. Many people face these challenges, and there …
If you’re a parent today, social media probably feels like a moving target. One day, your child isn’t interested. Next, they’re asking why they’re the only ones without an account. You may not be opposed to social media outright. You understand that it helps kids stay connected, especially as friendships increasingly happen online. At the …
Your team member walks into your office looking defeated. It’s the third time this week she’s shown up late to meetings. Your first instinct is frustration. You have deadlines, and her work is falling behind. But you notice something else. Dark circles under her eyes. The way she apologizes before you even say anything. She’s …
Do you ever feel something is missing, even when life seems perfect on paper? You’re not alone. Many people long for a deeper connection and purpose, but aren’t sure where to begin with spirituality. Spirituality isn’t about having all the answers or following someone else’s path. It’s about creating small, meaningful moments that help you …
Are you curious about finding a spiritual mentor? How does one decide if that spiritual mentor is the “real deal”? There are many ways to decipher if a spiritual teacher is aligned with what you’re seeking, such as if they teach empowerment, have positive intentions, follow what they preach, and have diverse perspectives. When seeking …
Self-discovery is a deeply personal and transformative process that allows us to explore our true nature, purpose, and innermost desires. While there are many paths one can take on this journey, spirituality is often considered a powerful tool for self-exploration and finding one’s true self. What is Spirituality? Spirituality encompasses many beliefs and practices that …
Negative thinking can feel like quicksand. The harder you struggle, the deeper you sink. Cognitive restructuring, a core skill in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) gives you a sturdy rope to climb out. Studies show that questioning and replacing unhelpful thoughts can reduce anxiety and depression in as little as eight weekly sessions. Below is a step-by-step …
Relationships, whether with a romantic partner, a best friend, a family member, or a co-worker, are central to our emotional wellness. They can bring love, support, and a sense of belonging. But when communication breaks down or boundaries are not respected, even the most loving connection can leave you feeling drained, confused, or resentful. Maybe …
You’ve probably heard that exercise is good for mental health. What you might not know is just how profound those changes can be, or why they happen. When you move your body, you’re not just burning calories or building muscle. You’re triggering a cascade of chemical changes in your brain that can rival the effects …
Art, writing, and music have the power to provide profound healing experiences. Engaging in these creative outlets allows us to express ourselves in ways that we may not be able to with words alone. Through the arts, we can explore our deepest emotions, thoughts, and fears. We can also discover new aspects of ourselves and …
You’d drop everything to comfort a friend who’s struggling. You’d listen without judgment, offer reassurance, and remind them they’re not alone. But when it comes to yourself? That same kindness vanishes. The compassion turns into criticism. The patience disappears. Self-compassion is about changing that pattern. It’s treating yourself with the same understanding and respect you’d …
Life is unpredictable. When things seem stable, something unexpected happens—a setback at work, a relationship challenge, or a personal struggle. Some people easily handle these difficulties, while others feel stuck or overwhelmed. The difference often comes down to resilience. Resilience isn’t about avoiding hardships or pretending everything is fine. It’s the ability to recover, adapt, …
Codependency can quietly affect your relationships and mental health, sometimes without you even noticing. You may think you’re just being helpful or supportive. But when your identity and emotional well-being become tied to someone else’s approval or stability, it can create an unhealthy and exhausting dynamic. In codependent relationships, one person may rely on another …
Did you cry in the grocery store yesterday when you saw their favorite food? Do you still have their phone number saved in your phone even though it’s been disconnected for months? Do you sometimes feel okay, and then guilty for having a good moment on others? Grief doesn’t follow a neat timeline that people …
Benefits of Boosting Self-Esteem Improving self-esteem is an important goal that can have a huge positive impact on your life. With a healthy level of self-esteem, you can boost your emotional well-being, build resilience, improve relationships, and increase mental and physical health. You’ll also become better at making decisions and speaking up for yourself. If …