Inside My Mind: A Therapist’s Blog
I hope you find something in here that helps you live a more confident life.
Grieving an Abusive Caretaker: 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.
The Unexpected Places Grief Hides: Quick Read
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.
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.
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.
How Alcohol Affects Grief and Self Quiz
When you're hit with grief, it can feel incredibly tough. It's natural to want to make the pain go away or feel better. For many of us, alcohol is a quick way to get relief, but it can actually complicate the healing process. Explore why we turn to alcohol when grieving, its effects, and healthier ways to cope
The Long Goodbye: How to Navigate Anticipatory Grief
Anticipatory grief is the unique hurt we feel when we sense a loss is coming, like a shadow casting across the present. It's the complex and often heart-wrenching experience of grieving while our loved one is still here. This post explores the many emotions that can arise during this time, from sadness and anxiety to anger and helplessness. Learn about the unique challenges of grieving before goodbye and understand this process as a step towards healing.
Neurodivergent Grief and Trauma: Could EMDR Therapy Work for You?
EMDR therapy offers a structured yet adaptable approach to processing trauma and difficult memories. It could be a supportive option for neurodivergent folks. This post explores how EMDR can be particularly beneficial for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and ADHD. Learn how EMDR can be tailored to individual needs, respecting unique processing styles and promoting healing without overwhelming the system. Learn about EMDR therapy and whether it might be a good fit for you.
Finding Peace with Mortality: What is Death Therapy and EMDR in Bereavement
Facing our own mortality or grieving the loss of someone dear can bring a whirlwind of complex emotions. Death therapy offers a specialized path of support, and powerful tools like EMDR can help process trauma and intense feelings. Explore what death therapy is, how EMDR can be beneficial in bereavement, and other supportive therapies that can help you find peace.
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.
It's Not a Miscarriage: The Crushing Grief of Pregnancy Loss
The term "miscarriage" can feel cruel, implying fault - where there is none - in the heartbreak of pregnancy loss. This is about the crushing grief of losing a longed-for future that deserves to be acknowledged with compassionate language. Society often falls short in supporting this profound pain, but EMDR therapy and gentle self-care steps can be healing. Let’s stop blaming and start understanding. Read on to learn more.
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!
Betrayal Isn't Just for Romance: The Unseen Wounds of Broken Trust
Betrayal's pain isn't just in romance; it can deeply wound our childhood trust. "Betrayal blindness" develops as an unconscious way to cope with this early hurt. However, these unseen wounds, sometimes called betrayal wounds, can shape our adult relationships and our ability to trust. Recognizing these patterns is the first step towards healing and building healthier connections.