Attachment Styles & Their Impact on Adult Relationships

/
Attachment Styles & Their Impact on Adult Relationships

When we think of our current relationships, we may often wonder why we feel safe and connected in some, but in others, we feel anxious or distant. Sound familiar? This idea of the way we connect, or sometimes struggle to connect, with others often traces back to a concept known as attachment styles. These patterns are how we relate to others in society, influenced early in our childhood, that continue to shape our relationships within adulthood.

The good news you ask? Having some clarity of your attachment style can not only help you build healthier connections, but also feel more empowered in your relationships and shift away from generational patterns.

Read More

How to Heal from Betrayal Trauma

/
How to Heal from Betrayal Trauma

When someone you trust deeply breaks that trust, it can feel like your whole world has been turned upside down. Your mind may feel like it is spinning, and everything around you can start to seem strange or unreal. You might try to talk with your partner about what happened, hoping they will understand your pain. But instead, your emotions may be brushed aside or minimized. You may hear things like, “It’s not that big of a deal,” or “You’re overreacting.” When this happens, you can start to doubt your own feelings and thoughts. You may wonder if you are the problem or if you are imagining things. Slowly, you begin to lose trust in yourself.

You may also feel constantly on edge, watching for signs of what your partner might do next. You might check their phone, social media, or other resources more than you ever have before. You might feel suspicious, anxious, or scared, even if you were never this way in the past. As everything changes, it may feel like you no longer recognize yourself—or your partner.

All of these reactions are common. In fact, they are normal responses to something called betrayal trauma.

Read More

Creating Joy in the Dark Winter Months

/
Creating Joy in the Dark Winter Months

January and February can feel like they stretch on forever, especially if you’re navigating constant sickness, a string of canceled plans and disrupted New Year’s Resolutions, icy weather forecasts that keep you stuck inside, or post-holiday blues. Many people find this to be one of the toughest times of the year, which is why the third Monday in January is sometimes referred to as “Blue Monday.” For parents with young kids, this time of year can feel especially isolating, increasing the parenting load.

Cultivating joy and resiliency in the midst of these challenging months can be essential for getting through them without seeing a decline in your mental health. There are several mental shifts that you can make to increase joy in the midst of the struggle of these months. I’m going to share with you four mental strategies to support yourself and create joy.

Read More

Breaking the Cycle of Negative Self-Talk

/
Breaking the Cycle of Negative Self-Talk

We all have an inner voice — that little narrator that tends to make comments on our appearance, behaviors, skills, and overall worth. At times, that voice can be positive and uplifting. Other times, it can be judgmental and cruel.

This is what we consider to be negative self-talk. That critical inner conscious that focuses on what we are doing wrong rather than what we are doing right. It can cause guilt and shame. Although it may seem like “just thoughts,” it has the power to influence the way we act, feel, and connect to society.

Read More

5 Therapy Myths Debunked

/
5 Therapy Myths Debunked

“I don’t need therapy, I’m not broken.”

Sound familiar? As counselors, we hear this often, along with many other myths that may discourage individuals from taking that courageous first step toward starting their therapeutic journey.

The truth is, therapy is a strong tool for anyone seeking support, self-growth, rehabilitation, as well as to deepen their understanding of self. This can occur in various stages of one’s life, as the counselor’s goal is to meet the client where they are at.

Read More