Sometimes, depressed clients will ask whether they are having a manic episode as their mood starts to improve. Often, these clients have a tendency toward chronic depression or have been going through a longer depressive episode. As their depression lifts and they begin feeling better, many fear that things might be too good to be true. They may worry that they could be experiencing a manic episode. These clients may have friends or family members who have had a history of swings between depression and mania. With that in mind, they may worry that they are experiencing the same phenomenon. Ho ..read more

Understanding the link between trauma and anxiety is incredibly important because trauma-induced anxiety is becoming increasingly common. Having experienced trauma has a huge impact on a person’s likelihood of experiencing anxiety. This is because trauma is not simply a distressing or negative experience that one can move on from. Trauma is what happens when someone experiences something so emotionally distressing that it leaves a lasting emotional response that results in feeling depressed, extremely anxious, or numb. Additionally, studies have shown that trauma can change and affect brain a ..read more

“Trauma is not what happens to you; trauma is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you ” – Dr. Gabor Mate Dr. Gabor Mate’s words provide an accurate description of trauma and how to understand it. Trauma, in a nutshell, is our body’s and mind’s response to a stressful event or situation. But, what counts as trauma? What are some events or situations that may lead to a traumatic response? And, what does that response look like? It is important to note that a person can experience trauma without the presence of physical danger or threats. What Counts as Trauma? According to th ..read more

The ways that gender and mental health intersect can be fairly complex. The Human Rights Campaign describes gender as “one’s innermost concept of self as being a woman, man, or a blend of both or neither – how individuals perceive their gender and what they call themselves. One’s gender identity can be the same or different from their sex assigned at birth.” Let’s dive into different types of gender identities. Gender Identities Most people identify along the gender binary of being a man or woman. However, some gender identities, other than men and women, include non-binary, agender ..read more

The topic of queer men and body image is often overlooked and ignored within the community. However, queer men are no strangers to body image concerns. The unique intersection of masculinity and queerness presents a complex pressure to be perceived as attractive by others. This often includes one’s body. As summer quickly approaches, the pressure to have a “summer body” or to be “speedo ready” steadily increases. By exploring how gender expression, body ideals, and sexuality influence our body image, we can introduce a framework of self-compassion and healthy body image to feel confident, sex ..read more

Are you struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings? Are you curious about how trauma might be affecting your life? Is now the right time to reach out for help? With so many concepts to navigate, it might be hard to figure out what your next steps should be! By understanding the meaning of trauma, how it might be showing up in your daily functioning, and how trauma informed therapy can benefit you, you can take control of your own healing!  What Is Trauma? First, let’s talk about trauma. By definition, trauma is a response to witnessing or being exposed to an emotionally-disturbing ..read more

Experiences with and the understanding of anxiety and panic have become increasingly widespread and mainstream. However, the distinctions between the two and how they manifest can still be murky for many. This blog will help increase your knowledge and awareness about panic and anxiety.  It will cover similarities and differences plus how to manage a panic or anxiety attack.  Anxiety: Is It Good for Anything? It is important to begin with the understanding that anxiety is not exactly useless or unhealthy. It can actually serve a purpose.  Anxiety is a universally experienc ..read more

Some individuals experience profound negative feelings when faced with social situations. They might worry about being scrutinized or judged by others, or they might be afraid to embarrass themselves in front of others. When such feelings cause distress and interfere with normal daily activities, it is a good idea to seek help from a professional. This blog will explain the nature and symptoms of social anxiety disorder. It will also discuss treatment options and strategies for finding the right support and treatment.  What is Social Anxiety Disorder? As you contemplate attending yo ..read more

Tips for Body-Positive Parenting [Transcript] Body-positive parenting is a parenting approach that helps us foster a positive body image in our kids.  Model a Healthy Relationship with Yourself First, one way to encourage a healthy body image in children is to model a healthy relationship with ourselves. We can start to do that by taking a look at the way we talk to ourselves. We all tend to have a monologue running in our minds. When that monologue manifests in our words and actions, what does it sound like to our kids?  Kids listen and observe everything we say and do. They ..read more

Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” – Oscar Wilde Have you heard the word “codependent” before? Were unsure of what that means or if it could apply to you or someone you know? What is codependency? Codependency is a type of behavior that affects our relationship with others and with ourselves. Its roots stem from childhood and the relationship with our parents or caregivers. This blog will define what codependency is and provide some characteristics and origins of this type of behavior. What is codependency? Codependency is a pattern or behavior where you’re focusing on the n ..read more