Why People with Eating Disorders Need Our Compassion

/ / Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Trauma-Informed Care
eating disorder recovery

From the outside, it seems puzzling that any person could develop an eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia or compulsive overeating. When we see someone starving themselves or eating themselves into obesity, the temptation is to criticize or correct them: “Just stop it! Can’t you see you’re hurting yourself?”

But criticism or judgment is the last thing a person with an eating disorder needs. If we want to help people

Why People with Eating Disorders Need Our Compassion Read More »

Uncomfortable with Compliments? Why Being Able to Take In Kind Words Is So Important

/ / Relationships, Self-care, Trauma-Informed Care
Why Accept Compliments

Many people struggle to take a compliment. It doesn’t matter if the compliment comes from a loved one, a stranger, or a trusted source, like a therapist. The struggle goes much deeper than manners, modesty, or cultural norms.

I’m talking about the inability to accept what therapists call positive affect. The issue for some is about feeling, deep down, that you don’t deserve it, that you can’t believe it, that as a person you are not worthy, and that you can’t allow or take in the experience of feeling good about yourself, or even believing someone else feels good about you either.

Uncomfortable with Compliments? Why Being Able to Take In Kind Words Is So Important Read More »

What to Do About Intimate Partner Violence: Let’s Talk About It

/ / Domestic Violence, Relationships, Sexual Assault
stop domestic violence

Recently we have been working to bring awareness to dating violence and sexual assault prevention. Most people don’t know how terribly common sexual assault is, or what to do about it.

Intimate partner violence may be even more prevalent than sexual assault. Reports show that 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual assault. But nearly 1 in 4 women have experienced severe physical violence from an intimate partner, says the National Domestic Violence Hotline. One in 3 women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV).

Stopping intimate partner violence presents its own set of challenges. Domestic violence often involves a co-dependent relationship and two people with histories of trauma.

But it only takes one well-informed, well-prepared adult in the lives of victims to make the difference between someone staying trapped, and getting help.

What to Do About Intimate Partner Violence: Let’s Talk About It Read More »

How to Talk With Your Adolescent About Their Drug or Alcohol Use

/ / Addiction Treatment and Recovery, Adolescents

One of the most frightening experiences for any parent is the moment you realize that your child may have a substance abuse problem.

You are scared to death about what they may be taking, the late nights, the change in sleeping habits, the poor grades, or the awful distance growing between you and the person you care so much about.

How to Talk With Your Adolescent About Their Drug or Alcohol Use Read More »

How to Find a Good Therapist

/ / Therapists, Trauma-Informed Care
How to find a good therapist

People seek therapy to get help making an important personal change, by their choice or urged by loved ones.

Maybe you are being proactive and preparing for a happy event such as a wedding or a new baby, and you want to get off to a strong start.

Maybe you are struggling with a relationship, a diagnosis, alcohol or substance abuse. You may be experiencing thoughts and feelings that make it very difficult to get through each day.

Regardless of the reason, you want an effective therapist to help you find the insights and new abilities you need.

How to Find a Good Therapist Read More »

More Clinicians Need to Address Postpartum Depression and other Postpartum or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

/ / Postpartum Depression PPD
postpartum depression awareness for clinicians

“It’s okay to tell me that you’re not okay.”

Postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum or perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are the most common medical concerns for women after childbirth. Yet few medical and mental health professionals really know how prevalent and serious PPD and PMADs are.

More Clinicians Need to Address Postpartum Depression and other Postpartum or Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders Read More »

Facing Postpartum Depression: The Support It Takes to Seek Help

/ / Depression, Postpartum Depression PPD
help for postpartum depression

“Nobody would believe what an effort it is to do what little I am able” – Charlotte Perkins Gilman, the Yellow Wallpaper, 1892

It is wonderful to see the birth of a child greeted with warm enthusiasm and support. We celebrate the joy of a growing family, and the excitement of a new life. Relatives and friends often provide gifts and extra help. But for some new moms, motherhood brings on many complex emotions besides the happy ones.

Facing Postpartum Depression: The Support It Takes to Seek Help Read More »

Using the Power of Clinical Consultations for Therapists

/ / Self-care
RIch personal connections support our best work

Personal connection is crucial to our work as therapists. We know how important empathic relationships are to mental and physical health. Being fully present during our client’s healing journey is the essence of our work.

But our life relationships are much more than a means of working with clients. We need rich connections in our personal lives and with our colleagues to be good therapists. Our professional interactions help us keep well informed, well supported and well educated to do this challenging work.

Using the Power of Clinical Consultations for Therapists Read More »

Menu