Childhood trauma can cast a long shadow over a person’s life, affecting how you connect with others well into adulthood. It can make it difficult to navigate conflict, develop an effective communication style, build trust, and overcome fears of vulnerability. If early traumatic experiences are affecting your adult relationships, it’s…
Young children show the effects of trauma in many ways. They may seem anxious, sad, afraid, act out, become aggressive, or even shut down emotionally. When difficult situations break or stress the all-important bond between children and parents, the symptoms of trauma can persist or worsen. Children need to know…
Have you ever startled awake, wondering, “Why are my dreams so violent?” Maybe you had a dream about a creepy clown chasing you, insisting on giving you a shot. Maybe you dreamt about getting in a violent fight with someone you know. Whatever it might be, a scary or violent…
If you are in therapy, or trying therapy for the first time, you might wonder if you can tell your therapist everything, or if there are certain things you should never tell your therapist. It can be especially difficult to know what to say and not to say in therapy…
Depression is one of the most well-known and studied mental health conditions. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness, low energy, lack of concentration, and sleep and appetite changes, among a myriad of other symptoms, with episodes recurring over months or years. The different forms of depression are complex…
Have you noticed negative mental dialogue going on in your own head, calling yourself names and incessantly chattering? This thought pattern is called self-criticism, which is the act of evaluating, judging, or scrutinizing oneself, often in a negative or harsh manner. This critical voice can manifest in various ways, such…
Trauma dumping refers to a situation where an individual shares their traumatic experiences in an overwhelming, often boundary-violating manner without the listener’s consent. While it’s not always intentional, trauma dumping typically crosses interpersonal boundaries and may cause the listener to feel overwhelmed or trapped. Learn more about how to spot…
An inferiority complex refers to someone’s unrealistic perceptions of their inadequacy. While it can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, inferiority complexes aren’t recognized in the DSM-5 but are still a mental health concern for many everyday people. Learn the truth about inferiority complexes below, including the signs,…
Q: Do you offer family therapy? My family has experienced domestic violence and would like a space to process abusive experiences. A: Hello there, First of all, I’m sorry for what you and your family have experienced. A history of domestic violence within a family can be challenging to repair,…
An abusive relationship can consist of several traumatic events, which can cause these symptoms to stay present during the relationship as well as long after the relationship has ended. In the first month following a traumatic experience, if these symptoms are present, it is considered to be an acute stress…
Few other psychological conditions affect an individual’s ability to function quite like abandonment issues. Often formed in response to a traumatic or neglectful childhood experience, abandonment issues can wreak havoc on the emotional and external lives of both children and adults who struggle to see their own value and to…
We all have distinct personalities — a combination of characteristics that make us, us. Funny, empathetic, agreeable, adventurous, charismatic, curious, dramatic, innovative, etc. Some of us, though, have personality disorders, which mean our thoughts and behaviors don’t align with what’s considered “normal.” This comprehensive guide answers the most frequently asked…
