Not all of us were raised in good environments. When we grow up with emotionally immature parents, our inner child often carries the wounds of unmet emotional needs. This can manifest as anxiety, low self-esteem, difficulty in relationships, and emotional dysregulation in adulthood. However, these impacts aren’t permanent; it’s possible to heal your inner child. […]
Emotional eating feels good in the moment. But over time, emotional eaters struggle with recognizing the difference between physical hunger and emotional hunger. It can lead to long-term consequences like weight gain, low self-esteem, and feelings of guilt. Here are several tips to help you build more mindful, healthier food habits. Identify your emotional triggers […]
As homecoming season sweeps through our local schools—Lassiter, Sprayberry, Walton, Pope, and Blessed Trinity—I find myself in the thick of it, navigating the challenges alongside my son. We recently started the adventure of shopping for his homecoming outfit, an experience that was both exciting and, at times, incredibly tense. Walking through the store, I could […]
Most of us have an inner critic. Sometimes it’s constructive, but other times it can be harsh and unrelenting. When you get into the habit of berating yourself, your mental health suffers. There’s a strong correlation between chronic self-criticism and depression. This relationship is cyclical: self-criticism leads to depression, and depression, in turn, worsens self-criticism. […]
Relationships take effort. It’s work to build intimacy, communicate well, and support each other. When conflicts arise, many couples turn to therapy for guidance. One approach that’s stood the test of time is the Gottman Method. But what exactly is the Gottman Method, and how does it benefit relationships? What is the Gottman Method? The […]
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating. Traditional therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) have long been the gold standard for treating anxiety disorders. One sub-approach of CBT, exposure therapy, is traditionally used in people with phobias. But does exposure therapy really work for anxiety? What is exposure therapy? Exposure therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to help […]
Teens have it rough. As they’re growing up and taking on more “adult” responsibilities, they’re also experiencing a whirlwind of hormones and bodily changes. Navigating school, part-time jobs, college applications, extracurricular activities, and friends can be hard for some teens. These new pressures might give your teenager anxiety. Signs of anxiety in teens include withdrawal […]
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) followed by repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions are persistent thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety. Some more common obsessions include fears of contamination, harming others, or needing objects to be symmetrical. In response to these obsessions, a person with OCD engages in […]
Let’s face it: teens often have it rough. They’re learning to juggle responsibilities like school, extracurricular activities, and part-time jobs. They’re also trying to keep up with their social lives and hobbies while being exposed to social media and an increasingly volatile black-and-white news cycle. It’s no wonder that anxiety among teenagers is increasing. It’s […]
Anxiety is often caused by (or triggers) negative, cyclical thinking. When you’re feeling anxious, you might not know how to stop these thought loops. One way of coping with anxiety is to replace negative thoughts with more balanced, rational ones. By taking a step back and challenging your thinking, you’re better able to control your […]
