Q: Do you offer family therapy? My family has experienced domestic violence and would like a space to process abusive experiences. A: Hello there, First of all, I’m sorry for what you and your family have experienced. A history of domestic violence within a family can be challenging to repair,…
An abusive relationship can consist of several traumatic events, which can cause these symptoms to stay present during the relationship as well as long after the relationship has ended. In the first month following a traumatic experience, if these symptoms are present, it is considered to be an acute stress…
Few other psychological conditions affect an individual’s ability to function quite like abandonment issues. Often formed in response to a traumatic or neglectful childhood experience, abandonment issues can wreak havoc on the emotional and external lives of both children and adults who struggle to see their own value and to…
We all have distinct personalities — a combination of characteristics that make us, us. Funny, empathetic, agreeable, adventurous, charismatic, curious, dramatic, innovative, etc. Some of us, though, have personality disorders, which mean our thoughts and behaviors don’t align with what’s considered “normal.” This comprehensive guide answers the most frequently asked…
The experience of being pregnant can be transformative for your body, mind, and spirit. Your relationship with your partner might change in anticipation of bringing new life into the world. Your identity may begin to shift as you feel the great responsibility of being a parent. But then, the worst…
Breast cancer is well-known and widespread. It’s estimated that close to 300,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, making it one of the leading cancers in women. That said, a breast cancer diagnosis is by no means easy to accept or deal with. Battling breast cancer comes with…
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a complex and multifaceted mental health condition known for its diverse symptoms. While it affects individuals differently, a subset of BPD patients exhibit distinctive behavior patterns characteristic of what is commonly referred to as “petulant BPD.” This variant presents a unique challenge for both clinicians…
Anxiety is a common and natural human response that can sometimes become overwhelming—impacting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s that flutter of unease before a big event or the cautious concern for a loved one’s well-being. However, for some, anxiety takes on a life of its own, leading to persistent…
While people experiencing active suicidal ideation usually have the intent, plan, or means to harm themselves, people experiencing passive suicidal ideation usually have thoughts of suicide but without the intent to follow through. While passive suicidal thoughts may sound less severe than active ones, they are undoubtedly upsetting. It’s also…
The truths we tell in therapy can go deep, but sometimes there’s fear around the consequences of those truths. Whether being honest has hurt us in the past, or we’re worried about what our therapists might do if we tell them the full truth, many of us consider what we…
Self-sabotage in relationships involves engaging in self-destructive patterns of behavior—whether unconsciously or consciously—which threaten to end a romantic relationship. This may involve distancing yourself, ignoring your partner, or putting emotional walls up. Often, self-sabotaging is related to past experiences or trauma. Self-sabotage can harm or even end relationships that would…
As toddlers and young children, we quickly and naturally form strong emotional bonds with our parents or caretakers. As a result, being apart from them at an early age is often accompanied by a level of anxiety. These feelings of distress are a normal stage of childhood development—but sometimes, our…
