When a disturbing experience happens, memories are stored in the brain with sights, sounds, thoughts and feelings. Through upsetting or traumatizing experiences, the brain seems to be unable to process the happening as it does normally. Rather, the event seems to become frozen in time and remembering it feels as bad as the initial experience.…
Famously, Freud—when asked as to the purpose of psychotherapy—responded that the goals of therapy are the same as the goals of living: to love and to work[1]. Indeed most people enter into therapy due to some disturbance in their basic functioning in their profession and/or relationships. How Can Therapy Help? Therapy can help you:…
When a people experience a traumatic event, it is very common for them to isolate that event within their mind and body, as a way of protecting themselves from feelings that can be frightening and overwhelming. Even after efforts to isolate an event, trauma can remain a powerful presence within your system, and a seemingly…
It is particularly difficult for high-achieving professionals to seek help in the area of mental health. Their achievements and the attainment of success in their careers can often become a barrier in accepting help from external sources. When professionals struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, loneliness, trauma, relationship issues, addiction, or other life stressors, they believe…
The transition into adulthood brings excitement, freedom and a whole set of baggage stuffed with responsibility, change and uncertainty. In 1997, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics began a study with nearly 9,000 young adults. As the study progressed, the data revealed that 9.7% of the participants moved out at 17 whereas 33.7 moved…
When there is a lot at stake in situations such as testing-taking to get into college or business, law or med school, stress can mount and impair your ability to focus, concentrate and remember information. This can lead to diminishing test performance, decreased confidence and a feeling of helplessness to overcome it. Like any pressured…
Spring is a great time to take a fresh look at our intimate relationships. All of us bring a mixed bag of experience, awareness and habits as we form, develop and attempt to sustain intimacy in our relationships. As a result, it is common to find relationships struggling. You may have a clear sense that…
Defining Body Image The way you perceive your body and the way you assume others perceive you is the basic definition of body image. It involves your perception, imagination, emotions, and physical sensations of and about our bodies. It is psychological in nature and much more influenced by self-esteem than actual physical attractiveness as judged…
Oftentimes, there is stigma and shame attached to speaking up about eating disorders to the point that many people do not get the help and support they need. The harsh reality of our culture is that body shapes are idealized and frequently categorized between “good” and “bad.” Below are some tips for combating negative societal…
Valentine’s Day seems to cause us to evaluate our most intimate relationships and our experience with them. When we find these relationships falling short of our hopes, desires and expectations, the richness of life and our well-being is negatively affected. This is true particularly when it applies to our experience with sexual intimacy. Unfortunately, our…