8 Phases of EMDR: A Comprehensive List
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was originally developed as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It has since branched out to treat a variety of applications including: phobias, test anxiety, dermatological disorders and pain management. It is based on the concept that certain eye movements reduce the intensity of negative emotions such as in […]
Anxiety and Nerve Pain: What’s Actually Happening in Your Body?
Identifying the causes of peripheral neuropathy (neuropathy) can be challenging, making it hard to diagnose. Damage to nerves and related pain, which are causes of neuropathy, can be triggered by injuries, certain medical conditions, and alcohol consumption. However, a common inquiry is whether anxiety or stress can cause nerve pain. What options exist for treatment? […]
How Does Brainspotting Heal Trauma? A Guide to Recovery
Brainspotting (BSP) is a relatively new alternative therapy. It was developed in 2003 by Dr David Grand, an EMDR therapist and relational analyst. He observed that his clients were sometimes “stuck” in a certain spot which he later called a “brain spot”. Brainspotting was first used to treat people who had experienced PTSD during 9/11. […]
What Is Complex Betrayal Trauma — and How Does It Affect You?
Following a betrayal by someone we loved or trusted, we often feel shattered, wondering if or how we will ever regain ourselves. It can cause shock, loss, anger and grief. We even might doubt if we will ever have a future. The acutely despondent or even depressed feeling after a betrayal can leave us crushed […]
Non-Drug Treatments for Anxiety: What the Research Supports and What to Expect
You’re not alone if you feel occasionally anxious. It’s a normal feeling of fear, dread or uneasiness tied to the stress response that helps us sense danger, prepare and pay attention. Fear is an emotional response to the fight or flight reaction felt in a moment of immediate danger when we may feel anxiety. We […]
PTSD vs Adjustment Disorder: Key Differences Between Them
When faced with challenges or stressful events, it is normal for our brains to become overwhelmed. Most of us have had to respond to an unexpected experience that may trigger a period of intense stress. While many of us tend to overcome these quite quickly, some people may not have the resilience necessary to overcome […]
Is BPD the Same as Multiple Personality Disorder?
Mental health disorders are complex and often misunderstood. And these two are among the least well understood and most often confused. In fact, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and multiple personality disorder (MPD/DID). MPD is now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It was once more […]
What Is the Science Behind PTSD?
What Is PTSD? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead to lasting changes in the brain and nervous system. Without treatment, it may prevent you from living a full life. It affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year or about 9 million individuals. For many trauma sufferers, PTSD can be a lifelong problem […]
ARFID vs Anorexia: Are They Different? How to Identify Them
Understanding ARFID: A New Eating Disorder Eating disorders is an umbrella term that consists of a host of conditions where a person has developed an unhealthy and dangerous relationship with how they see food and their body. ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a fairly new eating disorder, most frequently occurring in middle childhood but […]
How Do I Know If I’m Healing From Trauma? 10 Signs to Look For
Uncover ten signs indicating progress in healing from trauma and enjoy the journey towards resilience and emotional restoration.
Emotional Wounds: Types, Symptoms, and How to Start Healing
Emotional wounds, often invisible yet profoundly impactful, shape our lives in myriad ways. They are scars left behind from painful experiences that mold our responses, behaviors, and interactions with the world around us. Understanding these wounds is not just about uncovering hurt but about embracing a journey toward healing and transformation. Emotional trauma can stem […]
How Long Does Childhood Trauma Last?
Childhood trauma refers to the psychological and emotional response that children undergo following events that are highly stressful, frightening, or disturbing. Such experiences can disrupt a child’s sense of security, making them feel helpless and vulnerable. Trauma can stem from singular, acute events or can develop through ongoing stressors over time. The types of […]
7 Physical Signs Your Body Is Releasing Trauma – and What They Mean
Discover 7 physical signs indicating trauma release, essential for healing and overall well-being. Explore insights into your body’s healing journey.
What Is Emotional Self-care? Importance, Benefits, and Practices
Emotional self-care is an essential component of maintaining mental and emotional well-being. It involves proactive strategies and practices that help you understand, process, and regulate your emotions effectively. This process is critical for building resilience, enhancing personal relationships, and achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. Emotional Self-care 101: Understanding Ourselves Self-awareness At the core of […]
16 Traits of Mentally Healthy People — and How to Build Them
Exploring the nuances of mental health involves not only recognizing the struggles but also appreciating the strengths that characterize mentally healthy individuals. Mentally healthy people possess a variety of characteristics that significantly contribute to their well-being and effective functioning in society. Selecting some of these to focus on is an important strategy for those in […]
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy? How to Qualify
Discover who might not be an ideal candidate for ketamine therapy and the factors that inform safe and effective treatment decisions for mental health.
Ketamine vs SSRI: A Holistic Approach to Depression
Understanding Depression Understanding depression is essential when comparing treatment options like ketamine and SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Depression is not just a transient feeling of sadness; it’s a complex persistent mental health disorder that significantly impacts a person’s mood, thoughts, physical health, and daily functioning. What Are the Types and Symptoms of Depression? Depression […]
Sexuality Struggle: The Overlooked Evolving Issue
Understanding Sexuality In this article I explore the complex topic of sexuality. I discuss ways of understanding and types of sexuality, mental health related issues, talking about your own sexuality and 15 ways to help someone with their sexuality. Understanding sexuality is an important aspect of comprehending human identity and experiences and is a topic […]
What to Expect After Ketamine Infusion — and What to Avoid
What to Expect After Ketamine Infusion (Days 1-7) How Does Ketamine Therapy Work? Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects. It distorts perceptions of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control. It is an injectable, short-acting anesthetic for use in humans and animals. Ketamine infusion therapy […]
Coping With Homophobia: Practical Steps for Safety, Support, and Advocacy
Combat homophobia with resilience. Discover effective strategies to confront and overcome prejudice in your environment while empowering yourself.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Cognitive Processing Therapy: How They Compare
When it comes to evidence-based treatments for mental health, few approaches are as widely recognized as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Both are grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are closely connected, yet they differ in focus, structure, and application. CBT is a broad, flexible approach used […]
What Is Paranoid Personality Disorder? Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments
Overview Paranoid personality disorder (PPD) is a complex mental health condition characterized by pervasive distrust and suspicion of others, even in the absence of any concrete evidence. The conviction that others ‘have it in for them’ represents their most basic and unrelenting belief; they feel constantly mistreated, and have a high capacity for annoying and […]
Passive vs. Active Suicidal Ideation: Signs, Risk Factors & Treatment in Utah
What Is Suicidal Ideation — and What Are the Different Types? Suicidal ideation is a complex and distressing phenomenon characterized by persistent thoughts, fantasies, or urges related to ending one’s own life. These thoughts can range from fleeting considerations to detailed plans, encompassing both passive and active forms. Passive ideation involves a desire for death […]
How To Help Someone With Gender Dysphoria?
What is Gender Dysphoria? Gender dysphoria is a complex and deeply personal experience characterized by a misalignment between one’s assigned sex at birth and their gender identity. Individuals experiencing gender dysphoria often face significant distress, impacting various aspects of their daily lives and mental well-being. The 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) […]
What Is Clinical Depression? Symptoms And Treatments
Clinical Depression Overview Clinical depression, also referred to as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in once enjoyable activities. It is more than just feeling down with “the blues” or experiencing a brief period of sadness; instead, […]
Generalized Anxiety Disorder Coping Strategies
The post covers professional treatment options like therapy and medication, alongside self-help techniques such as mindfulness and lifestyle changes. It’s a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to understand and manage the challenges of GAD. What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a prevalent and persistent mental health condition characterized by excessive, uncontrollable […]
Empowering Stability: Lifestyle Changes for Bipolar Disorder Management
In this article I’ll describe the various lifestyle changes for bipolar disorder that can be integrated into daily routines, providing practical, actionable advice for those navigating the complexities of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder, a complex mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings ranging from euphoric highs (mania) to debilitating lows (depression), affects millions worldwide. […]
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): How It Works and Who It Helps
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specialized type of cognitive-behavioral therapy particularly effective in treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and related conditions. Developed in the 1980s by psychologists Drs. Patricia Resick and Monica Schnicke, CPT is grounded in the understanding that traumatic events can lead to a shattering of one’s core beliefs, resulting in significant […]
Navigating the Bipolar Spectrum: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Introduction to a Complex Topic Bipolar disorder, a condition that historically has been misunderstood and stigmatized, is more than just a fleeting change in mood or a simple life challenge. It is a complex mental health condition that requires a nuanced understanding and a compassionate approach. In this article, I explore the intricacies of bipolar […]
Complex Trauma and PTSD: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment in Utah
What Is Complex Trauma — and How Is It Different From PTSD? Complex trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are profound and challenging mental health issues that arise from deeply distressing or disturbing experiences. Understanding these conditions is vital, not only for those directly affected but also for caregivers, mental health professionals, and the broader […]