Inside My Mind: A Therapist’s Blog

I write about psychedelics, traumatic grief, reactive dogs, alternative therapy, loss and betrayal trauma, living in 2025, self-care, EMDR therapy, and other topics that I care about.

I hope you find something in here that helps you live a more confident life.

TOPICS:

Be Kind to Your Grief: Quick Read
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Be Kind to Your Grief: Quick Read

Feeling the deep ache of grief and wondering when it will end? It’s normal for us to do a lot to not feel the deep hurts in grief. This post offers a different perspective, rooted in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I’m inviting you to see grief not as an enemy, but as a part of yourself that deserves kindness and understanding. If you’re curious, read more here.

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The “Political” Grief of Living in 2025 As a Person Who Cares About Others
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

The “Political” Grief of Living in 2025 As a Person Who Cares About Others

Living in 2025 can feel disgusting, confusing, and “OK,” causing deep existential grief for those who care about others. This distress manifests as a profound sense of loss and moral injury for helpers. For those of us who care and who want to fight, this collective pain requires acknowledgment and action. I commit to lifelong learning, amplifying voices, and tangible support for a more just world. You can, too!

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A Compassionate Guide: Helping Your Friend Through Betrayal Trauma and Infidelity
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

A Compassionate Guide: Helping Your Friend Through Betrayal Trauma and Infidelity

When a friend confides that they've been betrayed by infidelity, it's a moment that stops time. You see the raw pain, the confusion, and the sheer disbelief in their eyes, and you desperately want to make it all disappear. This guide offers compassionate advice on how to support your friend through the devastation of betrayal trauma, validating their feelings and offering practical ways to be a steady force.

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Understanding Loss and Healing: The Many Faces of Grief
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Understanding Loss and Healing: The Many Faces of Grief

Maybe you've heard that grief follows certain steps, but your own experience feels different. You’re distant, angry and hurting, but are you “grieving”? Let’s learn about the multifaceted nature of grief. We'll explore the many ways loss can impact us, extending beyond traditional bereavement to include the grief of lost connections, shattered trust, and anticipated loss. This blog post explores grief, loss, and healing for busy adults.

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Finding Healing in the Mountains: Nature's Cure for Grief, Trauma, and Loss in Steamboat Springs
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Finding Healing in the Mountains: Nature's Cure for Grief, Trauma, and Loss in Steamboat Springs

Grief, in its many forms, can feel like a wilderness. Here in Steamboat Springs, the mountains and rivers offer more than just a backdrop; they provide a tangible pathway to healing. We combine nature's calming power with EMDR, IFS, and somatic therapy for deep emotional release. Discover how intensive in-person therapy can help you find solace and renewal.

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Beyond the Physical: Emotional Healing After Injury or Surgery with EMDR
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Beyond the Physical: Emotional Healing After Injury or Surgery with EMDR

Experiencing a physical injury can be a life-altering event, affecting not only your body but also your mind. Beyond the physical pain, many individuals grapple with a range of emotions, including grief, anxiety, and depression. This blog post explores the emotional toll of injury, the benefits of EMDR therapy, and strategies for reclaiming your life after trauma from a therapist who has been there.

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Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Grief and Trauma: Honoring the Mazatec
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy for Grief and Trauma: Honoring the Mazatec

Psilocybin-assisted therapy offers a beautiful path for those grappling with grief and trauma. Psilocybin has long been used by the Mazatec for sacred healing rituals. Working with psilocybin therapeutically can help us connect to deep-seated emotions and foster healing. In this post, I explore the science, cultural context, and therapeutic process, emphasizing a compassionate and respectful approach.

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How to Help a Grieving Loved One and What NOT to Say: Quick Read
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

How to Help a Grieving Loved One and What NOT to Say: Quick Read

Grief is a powerful experience of intense sadness, anger, hurt, and loss. This quick read, written by a grief therapist, equips you with the knowledge and empathy to support your loved ones. Learn powerful dos and don'ts for communication, practical ways to show you care, and how to help grieving children navigate their emotions.

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Lost A Beloved Pet?: EMDR Therapy Can Help
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Lost A Beloved Pet?: EMDR Therapy Can Help

Losing a pet can feel like losing a family member. Grief, sadness, and suffering might follow the loss of a pet. EMDR therapy can help you process the complex emotions of grief, guilt, anger, and confusion, allowing you to heal and move forward with cherished memories. Learn from a grief therapist who has lost pets.

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Finding Support After Suicide: Traumatic Grief and Ideas to Help
Carly Pollack Carly Pollack

Finding Support After Suicide: Traumatic Grief and Ideas to Help

After losing someone to suicide, navigating the waves of grief can feel overwhelming. From shock and anger to guilt and sadness, the rollercoaster of emotions may seem never-ending. It's important to remember that healing is possible. By building a strong support network, understanding the complexities of suicide, and finding meaningful ways to honor your loved one, you can begin to find healing in the midst of your pain.

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