There are some issues that we cannot simply talk ourselves out of. The part of our brain that thinks in verbal language and uses logic to solve problems is distinct from the area of our brain where we process emotions. This means that in order to move past deep-seated trauma and other difficult emotional wounds, we must intervene on the physical and emotional subcortical level as well as on the logical, neocortical level.
Brainspotting (BSP) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy both facilitate emotional processing and help us to see ourselves, others, and the world around us in a new light. Read on to learn more about both modalities and which one may be right for you.
Have you ever labeled yourself as the “black sheep” of your family, workplace, or somewhere where you’re “supposed” to naturally belong? The Black Unicorn highlights how intersectionality is an ongoing process that requires individuals to navigate and balance the multiple dimensions of their identity. Society often places marginalized individuals where they have to prove their worthiness, which can be a burdensome and exhausting experience. This expectation disregards the fullness of their experiences and reduces their identities to a single narrative, overshadowing their resilience, joy, and other aspects of their lives. This blog post, written by Susan Stork, located in Baltimore, Maryland, explores the four main qualities of a black unicorn and how we can harness our individuality into our superpower.
In 2021, Space between counseling posted a blog addressing the national shortage of couple therapists. Did anything change? Are there more couple therapists now? Since the pandemic hit, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers have been seeking to address the concerns and needs of couples with relational concerns. But what happened? Why was the pandemic a catalyst for relational problems? It seems the pandemic, and subsequent shelter-in-place mandates, have served as a catalyst for relational issues and in some way forced couples to spend time with their emotions.
In this blog post, we explore some of the reasons for a shortage in couples therapists, reveal evidence based theoretical orientations for relationship counseling, advise clients on how to search for an ideal fit couples therapist, and provide resources and recommendations for those who are stuck on waiting lists to be seen.
Have you ever had a therapy session when you left feeling exhausted, emotionally drained, and unable to do much for the rest of the day? Has it made you wonder if the therapy isn’t working? In this blog post, written by our Graduate student intern, Sehar Palla, we explore what is therapy hangover, why it happens and some helpful post-therapy self-care strategies.
Dr. Stephen Porges has coined the term “neuroception”, which describes how our neural circuits distinguish whether stimuli are safe or dangerous. While this phenomemon is innate and serves to protect us, sometimes traumatic experiences result in faulty neuroception - which causes individuals to perceive a situation to be harmful, even if there is no presence of a threat. This post explores the implications of polyvagal theory, stress responses, and neuroception.
Emotional intimacy encompasses the profound connection and vulnerability shared between individuals. It goes beyond mere physical proximity or surface-level interactions, delving into the realm of genuine emotional connection. This bond fosters an environment where individuals feel safe to express their true thoughts, feelings, fears, and dreams without fear of judgment or rejection.
In the intricate tapestry of mental health, understanding and distinguishing between various conditions is crucial for effective support and treatment. Two commonly misunderstood disorders are Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Anxiety Disorders. Although they share some common symptoms, they are distinct conditions with unique characteristics. This blog post, written by Rylee Powers, located in Baltimore, Maryland, explores the differences between PTSD and Anxiety to shed light on their individual complexities.
Implicit bias is a universal experience that shapes our worldview. So much that happens in our brains happens without our conscious awareness. The negative assumptions we make about certain types of people impact our interactions, decisions, and behaviors and, frankly, make our world much smaller. In this blog post, Amber Tunney explores what implicit bias is, how it happens, its importance in our lives, and ways we can support ourselves and others when dealing with implicit biases.
This post explores the 7 A’s of healing detailed by Dr. Gabor Maté in his book, book, When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress.
If you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety (uncontrollable excessive worry, lack of concentration, tiredness, irritability, somatic issues, sleep disturbance, and/or antsy reactions), and you feel guilt/shame from such symptoms, this blog is for you. Dushyanthi Niyangoda, former graduate student intern at Space Between Counseling Services, explores the origins of anxiety and provides readers with useful ways to manage their symptoms and set goals to overcome it. The blog also links to mindfulness and meditation videos.
Guilt vs Shame, Guilt and shame are two emotions that come up throughout the course of our lives as we grow and develop. Guilt and shame often come up together and may even be felt in response to the same scenario. We often associate these emotions with each other, and while they may overlap or intertwine, they do also have some major differences that can impact how we think about how to manage them. In this post, written by Abby Smith, LGPC, we define both guilt and shame, and explore how to better manage these feelings.
When it comes to kids, if the task doesn’t immediately catch their attention or look enjoyable they probably won’t do it willingly. Resistance or defiance typically leads to a very frustrated or angry parent because now you’re arguing with your kid. So parents, let’s talk about ways to motivate your kids to do their chores or anything else that they don’t want to do. But first, let’s unpack the concept of “motivation.”
If you are interested in New Age Spirituality or Self-Help, you have probably heard about the Chakras - the 7 energy centers that run from the base of the spine to the top of the head that are said to connect our physical existence with the realm of the emotional, mental, and spiritual. In this first post, Sarah Miles, introduces the first 3 Chakras and discuss how to find balance within each.
