The recent wildfires in Los Angeles have left deep scars on our community, both physically and emotionally. Entire neighborhoods have been displaced, families have lost their homes, and the landscape we love has been transformed. But beyond the visible damage, there is an invisible toll—one that lingers in our hearts and minds long after the flames have been extinguished. As
You don’t have to be a guru to do somatic work. At its core, somatic work is simply being aware of your body, and you don’t need to do anything fancy to experience its benefits. It only takes a few seconds to drop into your body, feel whatever your body is feeling, note the sensations, and then carry on with
Deep breathing isn’t helping your anxiety For many, anxiety is a recurring theme, showing up every day like an overstayed house guest. You try everything to avoid the Groundhog’s Day recurrence, only it doesn’t stop. For many, the anxiety shows up unwelcomed and unforeseen through a pain in your chest, tightness, migraines, fast heartbeat, or antsy behaviors like fidgeting, pacing,
People-Pleasing is exhausting Wrestling with the urge to please others can lead you to say yes when you often want to say no. Whether it’s a boss who overlooks your limits or a partner whose disappointment feels unbearable, many people feel pressured to prioritize others’ happiness over their own. This tendency is rooted in a desire for approval, fear of
Medical anxiety can make doctor’s appointments feel overwhelming, triggering dread, racing thoughts, and physical tension. If you’re among the one in three people who avoid medical care due to fear, you’re not alone. This article shares five practical steps to reduce medical anxiety, helping you approach appointments with calm and confidence. Why Medical Anxiety Feels So Overwhelming When you have
Change is not easy to achieve. We are patterned humans, and it is more of a journey than a clear-cut path. As a therapist, one of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping individuals navigate change. The new year offers a natural opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and where we want to go. Resolutions can be
Your most common couple fight is likely causing you weekly or even daily stress. Arguing with your partner can feel repetitive… and they are. Every couple has a consistent pattern to their arguments. When you can understand your pattern, you’re well on your way to creating a new one. This post will help you understand your pattern – called a
All of us have behaviors that we unconsciously act out when we are worried. For example, if you are concerned about the state of affairs in the world, you might reach for a snack, which results in a distraction from your anxiety. Sometimes, our unconscious behaviors actually double our worry, like when we are concerned about getting a task completed
It’s post-election holiday season which means family gatherings have a special glow this year. Possibly the glow of rage and disappointment, or the glow of triumph and excitement. Either way, family members intermingling with contrasting glows can feel like potential for a major clash. Here are some pointers based on psychological theories about how to navigate spending time with family
People pleasing can feel like a constant emotional tug-of-war. It’s exhausting always putting others’ needs before your own, afraid that addressing your needs will lead to conflict or disappointment. You might agree to help out even when you’re already overwhelmed, or go out of your way to make others comfortable, only to be left feeling drained, resentful, and disconnected from