What Is Trauma Bonding? Signs, Symptoms, and How to Break the Cycle
What is Trauma Bonding? Trauma bonding is a psychological response to abuse. It occurs when the abused person forms an unhealthy bond with the person who abuses them. Essentially, they are the dysfunctional attachments that occur in the presence of danger, shame, or exploitation committed by an abuser. What are the Symptoms of Trauma Bonds? […]
Anxiety: How to cope with anxiety caused by things out of your control
Anxiety, feelings of worry, nervousness, or unease, is a common source of distress. When worrying is excessive, difficult to control, and causes significant distress or impairment, it can be especially challenging to cope with. There are many causes of anxiety and different people may have vastly different triggers for their anxiety. A common source of […]
Disorganized Attachment
As many know, attachment styles are a key component in understanding and breaking dysfunctional relationship patterns. Attachment styles develop in childhood based on our relationship with our caregivers. In adulthood, they serve as the foundation for how one behaves, communicates, and handles conflict in relationships. Attachment styles are divided into two categories: secure and insecure. […]
Enmeshment Trauma: What is it?
Enmeshment trauma, or sometimes called emotional incest, refers to a family system that lacks boundaries. In an enmeshed family, the parents or caregiver inappropriately relies on the child to meet their emotional needs. The child, in turn, is not allowed to be emotionally independent. Therefore, becomes more attuned to their parents’ needs than their own. […]
The Power of Letting Go: A Guide to Radical Acceptance
What is Radical Acceptance? Radical acceptance is a key concept and skill within Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based therapy developed by Marsha Linehan. It was designed to help those diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. Over time, DBT is effective in treating other mental conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, […]
Mindful Mulling: Embracing Winter for Mental Wellbeing
The seasons are changing and with colder temperatures comes a change in accessible coping mechanisms for many individuals. Going for a walk, exercising outdoors, or even sitting in the park are just a few of the examples of activities that become impractical or at the very least, uncomfortable to engage in during the colder months. […]
Managing Mood Changes During Winter
As the days grow shorter and the temperature drops, many find themselves grappling with more intense feelings of sadness or depression. Many are familiar with the concept of Seasonal Affective Disorder, an experience that tends to affect a significant portion of the general population during the colder, darker winter months. Let’s explore some of the […]
Appreciating Anxiety
Anxiety has a bad reputation. We often define anxiety as debilitating and uncomfortable, and see it as leading to avoidance of people, places, and things. Or maybe anxiety is what keeps you up at night, consequently impacting your ability to function the next day. However, the truth is, we all need some anxiety in order […]
What Is Sleep Hygiene?
Sleep hygiene refers to both your sleep environment and behavior. It’s the art of creating routines around healthy habits and avoiding things that can interfere with restful sleep. By mastering sleep hygiene, you can set yourself up for better nightly sleep and wake up feeling well-rested. Why Does Sleep Hygiene Matter? Quality sleep is essential […]
CBT & Relationship Issues – Improving communication and connection
Have you ever experienced that despite your efforts to communicate with your partner, the discussion only appears to escalate the issues? Numerous couples encounter difficulties in conveying their emotions or comprehending one another. These challenges can result in irritation, miscommunication, and emotional separation. Nonetheless, these problems are not impossible to overcome. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), […]