Race-based traumatic stress (RBTS) refers to the emotional and psychological distress caused by racism, discrimination, or other race-related experiences. Unlike overt physical harm, RBTS stems from the repeated, insidious effects of racial microaggressions, systemic injustice, and overt acts of racism. This stress can have lasting impacts, often paralleling symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Trauma has a way of shaping our lives in profound and often invisible ways. It can affect how we see ourselves, connect with others, and navigate the world. For those carrying the weight of unresolved trauma, therapy can be a transformative tool to reclaim a sense of safety, stability, and connection. Let’s explore what trauma is, how it impacts us, and the therapeutic approaches that can guide you on a path to healing.

Thanksgiving often comes wrapped in the pressure to celebrate togetherness, express gratitude, and enjoy festive meals. But if you have unresolved childhood trauma, the holiday can feel more like a storm of stress, anxiety, and old wounds. For many, it’s not the turkey or the pie that’s the problem—it’s the family dynamics, unspoken expectations, and the weight of the past.

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a deeply challenging mental health condition that arises from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often during childhood or adolescence. Unlike PTSD, which typically results from a single, isolated incident, CPTSD stems from sustained trauma over a longer period. This chronic exposure profoundly impacts emotional, physical, and psychological well-being, shaping the way individuals perceive themselves, others, and the world around them.

When anxiety takes hold, it can make everyday tasks feel insurmountable and strain relationships, work, and self-esteem. If you’ve tried to manage your anxiety on your own or with previous therapies but haven’t found lasting relief, you’re not alone. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but the good news is that effective treatment is available. In this blog post, I’ll walk you through what therapy for anxiety looks like, what you can expect from this type of treatment, and why it’s particularly helpful for people who have experienced trauma.

One of the most empowering yet challenging aspects of healing from trauma is learning to set boundaries. For many who have experienced trauma, this concept can be daunting. However, it is crucial to understand that you are always allowed to change your mind and make decisions that best support your well-being.

In the journey of trauma recovery, one of the often overlooked but critical aspects is the tendency to mask emotions. Many individuals, especially those who have experienced significant trauma, develop this coping mechanism as a way to navigate through life. While it might appear on the surface that such individuals are exceptionally calm and grounded, the reality is often far more complex.

Self-blame is a common, yet often overlooked, aspect in relationships. When difficulties arise, one partner will often shoulder the responsibility, while the other remains mostly unaccountable. As this cycle perpetuates, it creates an imbalance that prevents growth and healing. In this blog post, we're discussing self-blame in relationships, why it's often easier to blame ourselves than our partners, and how this pattern can impact individual and relational well-being.

In relationships of any kind, the ability to be vulnerable and authentic is crucial for emotional well-being and depth of connection. However, many individuals find themselves navigating environments where revealing their true selves is met with disapproval, judgment, or even rejection. In such spaces, the compulsion to keep secrets and maintain a facade can give rise to a form of psychological trauma that silently takes its toll, often starting at a young age.

Sex therapy is often the first step that many couples take in hopes of fostering deeper connection and satisfaction in their relationship as a whole. But, it isn’t always the most successful or sustainable route to take. As a couples therapist, I've worked with many individuals and couples who’ve ultimately discovered that the source of their disconnection goes deeper than sex.

In this blog post, we'll explore what it means to be conflict avoidant, the impact of childhood experiences on conflict resolution, and how therapeutic work can empower individuals to repair relationships even when conflict feels challenging.

As we approach 2024, the tradition of setting New Year's Resolutions can be both inspiring and overwhelming. From social media feeds filled with ambitious goals to conversations buzzing with self-improvement plans, the pressure to join the resolution bandwagon can be intense.

As a highly sensitive person, you may find it challenging to express your emotions and thoughts.

High sensitivity can also be more likely to develop if a person grows up in an overstimulating setting, like a dysfunctional household or a busy city.

As a highly sensitive person, you can feel alone in this world. Our society doesn't appreciate sensitivity traits and might even tell you to hide them.