Trauma & How It Lives In The Body

Trauma is a complex and often misunderstood experience that can have a profound impact on our bodies. Trauma can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence. It can also result from experiences such as accidents, natural disasters, or medical procedures. Trauma can leave a lasting imprint on our bodies, affecting our physical health, mental health, and overall well-being.

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Trauma-Informed Care in Therapy

Trauma-informed care is a compassionate and evidence-based approach that recognizes that individuals who have experienced trauma may require a different approach to therapy than those who have not. Trauma-informed care emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. It aims to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, learn new coping skills, and heal from the effects of trauma.

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Coping Skills for Anxiety

As a therapist, I've seen firsthand how anxiety can impact a person's daily life. It can manifest in many different ways, from racing thoughts and heart palpitations to panic attacks and avoidance behaviors. While there is no one-size-fits-all solution for managing anxiety, there are coping skills that can help individuals take control of their symptoms and improve their overall well-being. Curious to learn what those are? Read on!

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Why Students Should Start Therapy Over the Summer

With the school year coming to an end and summer break on the horizon, starting therapy may not be top of mind if you’re a college or graduate student. But as a therapist, I believe beginning therapy over the summer is actually the best time to take charge of your mental and emotional wellbeing. It’s a unique opportunity to be proactive with your mental health so that you can set a strong foundation when school year stress and your busy schedule ramp up again. Here are just a few of the reasons why starting therapy over the summer is a good idea!

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Why Creativity is Important for your Mental Health

When we look back at our childhoods, many of us can recall the times we drew on walls like coloring pages, dressed up for afternoon tea parties with our favorite stuffed animals, and played with the latest action figures. We envisioned ourselves as superheroes conquering evil monsters and built forts as tall as skyscrapers, using blankets, chairs, and pillows. During those early years, we were invincible and allowed our imaginations to run wild with excitement. The world was a fascinating place that we were eager to explore.  Read on to learn more!

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Understanding & Practicing Body Neutrality

Our bodies are complex and beautiful, but cultural and societal messages have complicated our perception of them. If you’re reading this, you may hold a strong desire to move through life with more ease and with less focus on your appearance as a measure of your worth and value. You may struggle with self-love for your body. Body neutrality addresses the question, “If I can’t always love my body, how can I choose to nourish and respect it?” Interested to learn more? Read on!

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Seeking Therapy as an Asian American: Overcoming the Barriers

Are you an Asian American who has been discouraged in your search for a therapist at some point? Maybe you couldn’t find anyone who actually looked like you in the sea of therapists online. Maybe you took a chance and met with a therapist who failed to understand the cultural factors that impact the ways in which you think, feel, and behave. If any of the above reasons for not seeing a therapist applies to you, know that you’re not alone. 

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How to Practice Self-Compassion and Reflection During Ramadan

Ramadan is a time for self-reflection, compassion, and commitment to oneself. For some Muslims, it can feel like a time for rejoicing and connection, for others it can inflict emotions of guilt, loneliness, and anxiety. While this Holy month is practiced by billions of Muslims worldwide, it’s important to acknowledge experiences from all walks of life and the personal journey in searching for authenticity within religion. Read on to learn more.

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Coping with College Burnout

College can be both an exciting and overwhelming time. No matter where you are along your college journey, you may find yourself coping with physical and emotional exhaustion while striving to manage and succeed in all that college life offers. Read more to learn about what those coping skills are.

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Restoring Emotional Safety After Birth Trauma

Becoming a parent can be a life-altering experience. New parenthood can bring incredible joy and love for this wonderful new being who is now at the center of your world; it also brings many changes to our lives in terms of sleep, work, relationships, and finances. On top of the stressful transitions that essentially all new parents experience, some new parents may also be processing a complex or difficult birth. Read on to learn more!

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From Therapist to Client: Ways to Benefit from Personal Therapy Services as a  Mental Health Practitioner 

As a therapist, receiving our own personal therapy can be rather comforting and insightful. However, there are times when it becomes difficult to remove the therapist hat while being in the seat of the client. Read on to learn ways that you can benefit from your own personal therapy as a client while also being a practicing therapist.  

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Grief Therapy: Processing and Healing From Recent Loss

Grief is a natural and complex process that affects people in different ways. It's a normal response to loss, and it's common for individuals to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, and guilt. While time is often said to be the best healer, grief can be a difficult and overwhelming experience that can last for months or even years. Click on this blog to read more.

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Grief TherapyMary Breen
Moms Need Love Too

Being a mother is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling experiences a person can have, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. Moms often juggle many responsibilities, from caring for their children and managing the household to working and maintaining relationships with friends and family. It's not uncommon for moms to feel overwhelmed, and it can be challenging to find time for self-care and self-reflection. That's where therapy can be a valuable tool. Curious about how to work through this? Read on!

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Maternal TherapyMary Breen
Mindfulness: Stay. Come Back, Do It with Love. 

Yes, especially when it is hard.

By now, you must have heard of mindfulness and how it can be good for you. Perhaps you tried it once or twice in the form of meditation, listening to someone’s soothing voice as it guided you to settle into a comfortable position and focus on your breath. And like many of us, perhaps you simultaneously felt confused or let down by that breathing exercise and in yourself. Curious to learn more? Read on!

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Dealing with the Winter Blues? Keep Reading

Winter can be a tough time of year for many people, especially for those who suffer from seasonal depression. As a therapist, I have worked with many individuals who struggle with the winter blues, and I have found that there are several strategies that can be helpful in managing this condition. Keep reading to learn more!

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Somatic TherapyMary Breen