Don’t Let Guilt Dictate How To Feel About Yourself! There are so many variables that come into play whenever our brain is trying to make us “feel” a certain way. Some of these variables can be controlled by us internally. However, there are also outside influences that come into play that we have no control over. And while we…

With 322 million people suffering with depression worldwide, it's not surprising to learn that in America, depression is among the most common mental disorders. The cause of depression is often simplified as a chemical imbalance in the brain, but the reality is that the disease is far more complicated. Scientific research has yet to completely understand the biology of depression…

Eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia are serious psychiatric illness, not unlike anxiety and depression. Individuals who suffer from one of these disorders use food in unhealthy ways to cope with difficult emotions and life situations.Sadly, eating disorders have now become an epidemic in this country. It is estimated that roughly 11 million women and girls struggle with anorexia…

Most of us have felt that familiar feeling of overeating. We go from feeling “starved” to sort of blacking out as we shove food into our mouths and then roughly 20 minutes later feel “too full” and uncomfortable.Why does this happen to us and so often? Well, there are three reasons, really”The first reason and you’ve probably heard this one…

Somatic therapy is a unique form of therapy that focuses on the mind-body connection to bring about holistic change. Using both psychotherapy and physical therapies, somatic therapy can help a person release pent-up tension that is negatively impacting their physical and emotional wellbeing.The theory behind this type of therapy is that past mental and emotional trauma disrupts our automatic nervous…

Relationships can only be healthy when both people have the space to be themselves and maintain their personal integrity. Sadly, many people find themselves in relationships, romantic and otherwise, with people who do not respect boundaries and feel entitled to have their needs met regardless of the other person’s. These people most likely grew up in households that were unsafe…

Are you a highly sensitive person (HSP)? If so, you’re not alone. It is estimated that roughly 15 to 20 percent of the population is highly sensitive. In fact, scientists now believe there is a gene behind this trait.But what does it mean to be highly sensitive? The HSP is generally defined as someone with “acute physical, mental, and emotional…

You may remember growing up, meeting your best friend on the playground or making friends in French class. As adults, we don't have systems built in to make friends like we did as children. We can't even reach out to loved ones for help, because while it's socially acceptable to say "I'm looking for a boyfriend", its not socially acceptable…

For many, childhood is a time of wonder and adventure; a time when all needs are met and comfort is merely a whimper away.And yet for others, childhood never feels quite safe or secure. For these people, emotional neglect was something that colored their early years and affects them as adults.Childhood Emotional Neglect (CEN) is the result of parents not…

If you’re like most people, you are doing your best to stay calm during COVID-19 pandemic. But that can feel incredibly difficult at times. When not worrying about friends and loved one’s health, there’s also the conflicting information provided by the media and the economic ramifications of the virus that have people on edge.Signs of Emotional Distress and 6 Ways…

Traumatic events such as war, rape, and severe accidents can lead people to suffer from symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). What we have recently discovered is that any event that is experienced as threatening can generate PTSD-like symptoms and negatively affect a person’s quality of life.Somatic Experiencing® (SE™) was developed by psychologist Peter A. Levine to address the effects of trauma…

“God, you can be so stupid sometimes.”“Why would he be attracted to YOU?”“You’re just going to screw this up.”These are things you would probably never say to another human being unless you’re a real jerk. But how many of us have that inner critic that says these kinds of things all the time.Most of us treat ourselves far more harshly…