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 her premier post for the Space Between Counseling Services blog, Kat Filipov, LGPC, helps readers explore how to support their partner(s) who are recently sober. If you are supporting a loved one who has recently decided to discontinue drug or alcohol use, this blog post is for you. Kat reminds us to set boundaries, seek additional support groups, and more.
Why would you and your partner want to do a “Coupleship in Review”? This series of check-in questions is designed to help you invite structure, flow, intimacy, play and secure connection into the future of your relationship. Just being together and enjoying each other is great, but once again Space Between Counseling Services has an invitation for you that will help make your relationship stronger in the years to come.
“Secure Functioning” is being in a relationship that is fully collaborative, fully mutual, + based on justice, fairness, and sensitivity.
— Dr. Stan Tatkin
Space Between Counseling Services Graduate Student Intern, Sarah Miles, felt compelled to write this blog to remind herself and other individuals that we have a choice when it comes to how we treat our bodies, and that there is an alternative to the cycle of crash dieting, starvation, and binge eating that so many of us are familiar with.
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.
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.
