As a therapist, I specialize in helping clients navigate the rocky terrain of grief, including the complex and often painful experience of grieving someone who is still alive, with tenderness and compassion. This type of grief, often referred to as ambiguous loss, can be uniquely challenging because it lacks the finality of death. When someone we love is still physically present but emotionally or mentally absent, the grief can feel unending and difficult to define.
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Have you ever found yourself wondering why people act the way they do? Or why you interpret someone's actions in a certain way? Attribution theory can help answer these questions and give us a deeper understanding of how our perceptions can shape our relationships.
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In a world where we often prioritize the needs of others, nurturing self-love becomes essential and revolutionary. Embracing self-love involves cultivating self-compassion, trusting yourself, and prioritizing your needs. Here are practical strategies and insights to help you foster a more loving, peaceful, and empowering relationship with yourself:
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I wish I could tell you the right thing to say to someone who's grieving. I wish that the embers of my grief—the ones that smolder deep inside of me, ready to burst into flames at a moment's notice—left me with some infallible wisdom. I wish that the science that informs my work as a therapist came with a manual of steadfast rules about grief. Alas, here we are, imperfectly figuring it out together.
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Dealing with social anxiety during the holidays can be challenging, as festive gatherings often involve larger groups and increased social interaction. However, there are strategies you can employ to cope with social anxiety during the holiday season and beyond.
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Coping with grief during the holidays can be particularly challenging as it's a time traditionally associated with joy and celebration. If you're dealing with the loss of a loved one, here are some tips to help you navigate this difficult period.
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Gratitude can have a significant impact on your mental health and overall well-being. You might keep a gratitude journal, express your appreciation to others, or take a moment to reflect on the positives in your life. Here are some of the benefits these simple practices can generate.
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Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of traumatic experiences and their emotional, psychological, and even physical effects from one generation to the next within families or communities. This type of trauma can persist over multiple generations, impacting the well-being of descendants. Here are some of the key features of intergenerational trauma.
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Couples therapy is a safe space for you and your partner(s) to express yourselves without fear of judgment or retaliation. This can encourage open and honest discussions that might be difficult to have elsewhere. Here are some of the benefits therapy offers for couples facing challenges in their relationships:
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It can be challenging for children to navigate the back-to-school transition. From making friends to keeping up with schoolwork to extracurricular activities to the unknown, many factors can cause stress and anxiety during this transition. Here are six ways to help your child prioritize their mental health this fall.
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Sadness and depression are related experiences, but they are distinct from each other. Understanding the differences between the two can help you recognize when you may be going through a typical emotional response or facing a more significant mental health concern. Here are the key differences to look out for:
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"Therapy-speak" is a term used to describe clinical psychology language that's making its way into mainstream culture. Efforts to promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma are essential to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for individuals who may need help. But certain words, like depression, have become misconstrued. So I'm breaking down a few words that fall into the category of commonly misinterpreted therapy-speak.
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The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique can help you manage anxiety, stress, or other overwhelming emotions. Its purpose is to bring your attention to the present moment through your senses – sight, touch, hearing, smell, and taste. By doing so, you can contain anxiety and create a sense of calm. Here’s how it works:
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I know I’m not the only one whose sleep routine needs a little TLC when summer rolls around in Seattle. This handful of sleep tips helps me get the quality rest I need – even when the sun doesn’t set until after 9pm!
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