Counter-Dependence
Counter-Dependence Most people are familiar with the term “co-dependency”. Co-dependency often presents as a caring individual supporting another individual to a detriment to both themselves and the person that they are trying to “help”. The co-dependent person loses connection with Self (putting their overall wellbeing at risk) and the person they are trying to “help” […]
Neuroanatomy
Neuroanatomy Many people trying to heal from trauma are incredibly hard on themselves regarding their suffering. Contrary to popular belief, trauma responses are neither cognitive or emotional responses (we cannot *think* ourselves out of our trauma reactivity). Trauma resides in our bodies*. Our bodies possess a knowingness that alerts us to what is safe and […]
Reframing Anger
Reframing Anger Many of us have been led to believe that anger is a bad thing; a “sin”, even. Instead of viewing anger as a bad thing, it is helpful to recognize that anger is an intense reaction to an unmet need (think: a need for validation, a need to be understood, a need to […]
Bend, not Break
Bend, not Break As evidenced by the research of esteemed neuroscientist Louis Cozolino, 90% of the present moment is defined by our past experiences. Fear receptors in our brains act on information a split second before our thinking brain can come online. The fear is conditioned which means that you’ve associated something with negative experiences: […]
Shadow Work
Shadow Work In psychology terms, the term “shadow” is used to describe the parts within all of us that we may try to hide, suppress or deny. It was originally coined by psychoanalyst and psychiatrist Carl Jung (1975-1961). Our “shadow” comprises aspects of our personality that we deem to be shameful such as childhood traumas […]
The Silent Treatment
The Silent Treatment The silent treatment is the act of ignoring and excluding a person or group by another person or group. The silent treatment is one of the forms of ostracism that most of us have experienced. In addition to the silent treatment, physical examples of ostracism are having written communication (text, email) not […]
The Art of Living
The Art of Living Living in a time of reduced social interactions due to COVID might be making you feel an overwhelming sense of pressure to do more. Maybe you had big plans to renovate your house, increase revenue by starting that side-gig, take that online course, or write that book…but those intentions and your […]
Instant Confidence Booster: Say Your Name!
Instant Confidence Booster: Say Your Name! Have you ever had a fear of interviews, or public speaking, or pitching a proposal at work, or meeting your partner’s friends/parents/co-workers for the first time? A great little confidence booster is to use your name in relation to how you are feeling. Sam’s example: Sam is scared to […]
The Importance of Play
The Importance of Play Play may seem like “kid stuff”, but it is paramount to our well-being. Research by Dr. Stuart Brown found a strong correlation between success and playful activity (interestingly, Dr. Brown’s previous research on murderers illuminated that a lack of play in childhood was a common characteristic in killers’ backgrounds…it seems all […]
Why Mindfulness?
Why Mindfulness? You probably have heard people talk about the benefits of mindfulness. What many people don’t realize that mindfulness is much more than a fad or “new age-y” spiritual practice, it is also a key component to healing the symptoms of trauma, and there is LOADS of research in neuroscience to back this up. […]
