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.
Relational Mindfulness, is a theory based on the understanding that the subtlest form of love is attention, according to Deborah Eden Tull. It can help you cultivate a sustainable mindfulness practice, even when your neurodivergencies make you particularly scatterbrained, fidgety, or easily distracted.
Since the pandemic hit, therapists, counselors, psychologists, and social workers have been seeking to address the concerns and needs of couples who have relational concerns. It seems the pandemic, and subsequent shelter-in-place mandates, have served as a catalyst for relational issues. While the increase in demand for therapists may be universal, there is a unique national shortage of couples therapists. While the percentage or raw numbers of therapists who practice couple or relational work is not known, it is important to note that this number is surely considerably lower than the number of practitioners who provide individual counseling.
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.
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.
One thing we know about relationships, is that all couples fight, but not all couples fight well. This blog was inspired by the 7 Days to Better Fights email series created by Dr. Stan Tatkin and the PACT institute. This post combines the exercises created in the email series and combines it with thoughtful quotes from Dr. Stan Tatkin, in order to help you strengthen your conflict resolution skills with your partner(s).
Oftentimes we talk about coming out as the main barrier or event for LGBTQ+ individuals to live as they truly are. However, for many folks there is another barrier that can greatly impact the way in which they feel about themselves, their ability to feel proud, and their ability to accept themselves for who they truly are: Internalized Homophobia. This post written by Abigail Smith, LGPC, assists readers in exploring the origins and remedies for internalized homophobia.
This post explores how the global pandemic may be impacting three types of couples in particular; engaged couples facing uncertain wedding plans, couples with health anxieties, and couples who are feeling “burnt out” as parents. This post will also describe ways to promote secure functioning amidst this seemingly chaotic and uncertain time.
The current pandemic is putting our relationships through strain that we may not have ever experienced before. This post explores the recent challenges faced by couples who are quarantining together during COVID-19, while weaving in the wisdom of Esther Perel, and provides practical tips for strengthening relationships during the pandemic.
The current isolation has done more than minimize the human interactions that we are accustomed to, it has inadvertently created a new set of norms for an entire nation. While the appearances of gloves and masks covering the hands and faces of others may be unsettling, COVID-19 may have unknowingly unsurfaced a variety of feelings within. It is not uncommon to feel confined, lonely, abandoned, afraid or even hyper-vigilant while sick. Perhaps you have experienced all these feelings and others simultaneously. As we navigate our way through this pandemic, remember to be gentle with yourself, you are human after all. This post aims to explore the different elements of “the new normal” during COVID-19, and provide readers with suggestions for coping skills and connection.
