Inside My Mind: A Therapist’s Blog

I write about psychedelics, traumatic grief, betrayal trauma, EMDR therapy, and other topics that peak my interest.

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Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

The Lingering Shadow: Understanding Complicated Grief and Unmourned Losses

Feeling irritable, distressed, or emotionally distant? It might be the lingering shadow of earlier, unmourned losses contributing to complicated grief. Explore this often-overlooked connection and discover how EMDR, IFS, and Somatic Therapy can offer pathways to healing for your mind, body, and inner world.

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Grief Carly Pollack Grief Carly Pollack

Stigmatized Grief: Loss to Suicide, Addiction, or Violence

The world acknowledges certain heartbreaks, we have offerings of comfort and rituals for mourning. But what about the losses carried in silence or met with judgment, like those from suicide, addiction, or violence? This is disenfranchised grief – the pain that feels unseen and unsupported by society. If you've experienced this pain, know that your grief, however unacknowledged by others, matters deeply. This post helps you understand and validate this unique grief experience.

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Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Grieving an Abusive Parent: Understanding Your Brain and Body's Response

If you're confused because of losing an abusive parent, it's because your brain is grappling with a deep biological conflict, and this creates understandable chaos. Your system is wired to seek safety through attachment to this person, yet they were an are also a source of danger and fear. This conflict leads to complex, intertwined emotions, like grief mixed with anger or relief, which are a core part of grieving someone who held such contradictory roles. Read on to learn about your complex grief and how to move through it with compassion.

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Grief Carly Pollack Grief Carly Pollack

The Unexpected Places Grief Hides: Not Always Just Sadness

We often think of grief as just deep sadness after loss, but it's also a helpful process our minds and bodies use to navigate intense emotions. This "grief capsule" is important to our process. Feelings like irritability or fatigue can be disruptive. Recognizing these less obvious signs is a step towards healing. Grief is deeply personal, deserves compassion.

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Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Grieving a Reactive Dog: Support Yourself Through Heartache

While the bond with a dog can be a source of joy, loving a reactive pup is a unique kind of grief. It's the longing for a different reality, the frustration of setbacks, and the constant worry for our dog's well-being and the safety of others. This grief can feel isolating - the daily challenges are often invisible to those around us. Explore the different layers of loss involved and find solace in knowing your experience is valid.

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Grief Carly Pollack Grief Carly Pollack

Unsatisfying Relationship?: How Grief Reshapes Romance

Grief doesn't just affect individuals - it impacts our relationships, especially our romantic connections. Discover how different grieving styles, communication struggles, and shifting responsibilities can strain the bond you share with your partner. Learn from a personal experience about finding comfort in simple connection and learn how to navigate these challenges with empathy and expert guidance.

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