Projecting Our Lack of Self-Worth onto Others
When we struggle with low self-esteem or a lack of self-worth, it can be easy to project these feelings onto others. Projection is a defense mechanism that involves attributing our own undesirable traits, emotions, or insecurities onto someone else. This often happens subconsciously and can lead to misunderstanding, conflict, and strained relationships. Understanding how we […]
Grief and Loss
Grief is a deeply personal and often overwhelming response to loss. Whether it stems from the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or a significant life transition, grief can impact every aspect of a person’s well-being. While grief is a universal experience, the way each person processes and expresses it is […]
Internalizing Rejection After People Set Boundaries
When someone sets a boundary, especially in relationships, it can be a challenging experience. For many people, especially those who struggle with feelings of inadequacy or insecurity, the act of being given a boundary can be interpreted as rejection. Understanding why this happens and how to manage these feelings is crucial for personal growth and […]
Relational Trauma in Romantic Partnerships
Romantic relationships have the power to bring love, security, and joy—but when they involve relational trauma, they can also leave deep emotional scars. Relational trauma occurs when someone experiences chronic emotional distress, manipulation, betrayal, or abuse in a relationship. Unlike a one-time event, this type of trauma develops over time, often leaving individuals feeling trapped, […]
People-Pleasing: Understanding and Overcoming the Habit
People-pleasing is a common behavior that involves prioritizing the needs and desires of others over one’s own, often at the expense of personal well-being. People-pleasers tend to seek approval and validation from others, fearing rejection or disapproval. While the intention behind people-pleasing is often rooted in a desire to maintain harmony and avoid conflict, it […]
Divorce and the Emotional Impacts
Divorce is one of the most emotionally complex and life-altering experiences a person can go through. Whether the separation is amicable or contentious, it brings a wave of emotions that can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and at times, isolating. The emotional impact of divorce extends beyond the legal dissolution of a marriage—it affects self-identity, mental health, […]
Understanding Bipolar Disorder and Helpful Coping Mechanisms
What is Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings that range from manic or hypomanic highs to depressive lows. These fluctuations can impact every aspect of life, including relationships, work, and overall well-being. While bipolar disorder presents unique challenges, it is also a highly manageable condition with […]
Understanding Codependency: What It Is and How to Heal
The Signs, Impact, and How Therapy Can Help Emotional abuse can be subtle yet deeply damaging, and recognizing its signs is crucial for your well-being and personal growth. What is Emotional Abuse? Emotional abuse involves the systematic manipulation and undermining of an individual’s self-worth and emotional stability. Unlike physical abuse, it leaves no visible scars, […]
Women’s Relapse Prevention
Empowering Recovery: A Non-12-Step Approach to Women’s Relapse Prevention https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0vEzUy-tnw Relapse prevention is a cornerstone of long-term recovery for women navigating the complexities of substance use and alcohol use disorders. While every individual’s recovery journey is unique, women often face distinct challenges shaped by societal pressures, caregiving roles, and experiences of trauma. A women-focused relapse […]
Dopamine and the Abuse Cycle
The Dopamine Reward System and the Romantic Abuse Cycle: Why Leaving Can Feel So Hard https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-ApDPUaZV8 The cycle of abuse in romantic relationships can be incredibly complex and painful to break, even when a person knows logically that the relationship is harmful. A big reason for this difficulty lies in the brain’s dopamine reward system. […]