Feelings & Emotions

You’re lying in bed when an unexplainable wave of dread hits. Or maybe an irrational fear that something bad is about to happen ambushes you during your morning commute. These scenarios highlight how impending doom is like a party crasher: It doesn’t knock, but barges in, takes up the whole…

Sexual attraction in relationships is often treated like a taboo subject. Many people feel judged for admitting they’re not physically attracted to their partner, or for worrying about the role of physical chemistry in a relationship. But the truth is, it’s entirely possible to deeply care for—or even love—someone without…

Your heart races during a normal work meeting. A friend’s offhand comment replays in your mind for days. You feel exhausted but can’t sleep, or you’re going through the motions but can’t quite feel present. If these moments sound familiar, you might be experiencing what’s become one of the most…

Loss doesn’t announce itself gently. One moment, someone or something is woven into the fabric of your daily life. The next, they’re gone, and you’re left holding the weight of that absence. Whether you’re grappling with the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or another…

When we think about approaching perimenopause, most of us brace for the obvious stuff: irregular periods, hot flashes, maybe some new chin hairs. But many women are less prepared for the mental and emotional symptoms that can completely upend how you feel day to day. Research shows that up to…

“I can’t stop thinking about it.” “I keep replaying it in my mind.” “I just want to let it go.” These are things Nicole Johnson, LPC, author of Reparenting Your Inner Child frequently hears in her therapy practice. Whether someone has been wronged by a friend, made a huge mistake…

If you’ve scrolled through mental health TikTok, you’ve probably stumbled upon people who are determined to “heal” their dysregulated nervous system. The gist: When your nervous system is out of whack, your body sends out alerts—physical and emotional symptoms like chronic tension, randomly losing your cool, or mentally shutting down….

The alarm clock beeps, and you press snooze with a groan. When you finally do get up, you’re greeted by your ever-growing to-do list and a complete lack of motivation. We all have days that start like this, and it’s human to sometimes say, “I don’t want to do anything.”…

If you’re reading this, you might be wondering if your grief feels “too intense” or has lasted “too long.” First, know this: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. While grief is one of life’s most universal experiences, sometimes it gets stuck, and that’s when complicated grief (now clinically known…

If someone has told you to “feel your feelings,” but you’re sitting there thinking “What does that even mean?” you’re not alone. I get this question from clients all the time. Here’s why it matters: The alternative is bottling everything up, and that never ends well. Your emotions don’t just…

Most of us have experienced this confusing moment: tears suddenly start flowing, and you pause to ask yourself, “Why am I crying right now?” Emotions can surface unexpectedly without any clear trigger, leaving you feeling confused, surprised, or even frustrated with yourself. Here’s the truth: emotions are always a response…

We’re all familiar with the silent frustration of another meeting (that could have been an email) popping up on our calendar. What’s less clear? Knowing when our reaction to an irritating situation is healthy and when it enters the territory of anger issues.  “Ultimately, anger isn’t the problem, it’s often…