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.
Most people are aware of the negative impacts of stress and its ability to effect one’s mental health, physical health and ultimately affecting life expectancy. However, the inflicted impact of stress on marginalized communities continues to be overlooked. In this blog, Brittany Spencer, LCPC, explores how allostatic load impacts marginalized communities and individuals, and provides tangible ways to manage stress, cultivate awareness, and move towards positive change.
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.
This post is the second part of the two-part blog series titled, “Balancing Your Chakras” by graduate student intern, Sarah Miles. This post describes how to balance the heart, throat, third eye, and crown chakras. Read along to learn how the Chakras can be utilized as wonderful tool to become more self-aware, to conceptualize our needs on many levels, and to understand all of the different drives and motivations within us.
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.
In this post, written by Diana Harden, LGPC, readers explore the definition of gratitude and learn how it can be applied to their daily lives. Diana also helps readers consider a few ways that they can create a personal culture of gratitude everyday, rather than waiting for Thanksgiving to practice.
One choice/one resolution you can make today, is to say something positive about yourself every day. Positive affirmations are positive phrases which you repeat to yourself which describe how you want to be. Over time, they may help you to overwrite negative beliefs that you hold about yourself by replacing those limiting beliefs with them with positive thoughts that instill confidence and positivity. In this blog, graduate student Intern, Dushyanthi Niyangoda, helps readers to explore the power of positive affirmations.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in simple terms is learning about how your thoughts impact your emotions and behaviors. CBT is a empirically supported treatment that works well for clients struggling with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma and more. In this blog post, associate therapist, Jade Shapiro, LCSW-C, explores the three elements of CBT and provides readers with questions that they can utilize to implant CBT in everyday life.
