Dr. Stephen Porges has coined the term “neuroception”, which describes how our neural circuits distinguish whether stimuli are safe or dangerous. While this phenomemon is innate and serves to protect us, sometimes traumatic experiences result in faulty neuroception - which causes individuals to perceive a situation to be harmful, even if there is no presence of a threat. This post explores the implications of polyvagal theory, stress responses, and neuroception.
Revisiting the 7 A's of Healing
This post explores the 7 A’s of healing detailed by Dr. Gabor Maté in his book, book, When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress.
7 Days to Better Fights
One thing we know about relationships, is that all couples fight, but not all couples fight well. This blog was inspired by the 7 Days to Better Fights email series created by Dr. Stan Tatkin and the PACT institute. This post combines the exercises created in the email series and combines it with thoughtful quotes from Dr. Stan Tatkin, in order to help you strengthen your conflict resolution skills with your partner(s).
Meditation Mindfulness to Improve Mental Health
BIPOC Clinician Support
The Impact of Mental Health on Hygiene Struggles
Whether it’s doing dishes in a timely manner or showering regularly—there is a lot of shame around not being able to keep up with your hygiene. Hygiene is a moralized topic in our society—meaning we often view those who struggle with hygiene as less than or failing in some way. This post by Abby Smith, LGPC, explores how these judgments fail to recognize the impact of mental health on hygiene.
Back to Basics
When you’re struggling with your mental health, being told to think about your nutrition, hydration, or sleep can feel patronizing or like a non-essential. However, when some of your most basic needs aren’t being met, it can make dealing with any mental health issues even harder. . It might not mean everything is better, but instead that your hunger, hydration, and sleep are not contributing factors.
Internalized Homophobia: The What, The Why, the What Now?
Oftentimes we talk about coming out as the main barrier or event for LGBTQ+ individuals to live as they truly are. However, for many folks there is another barrier that can greatly impact the way in which they feel about themselves, their ability to feel proud, and their ability to accept themselves for who they truly are: Internalized Homophobia. This post written by Abigail Smith, LGPC, assists readers in exploring the origins and remedies for internalized homophobia.