Inside My Mind: A Therapist’s Blog
I hope you find something in here that helps you live a more confident life.
A Therapist's Guide to Grieving Early Menopause
Early menopause isn't just a physical shift - it's an emotional journey that might include grief. You might feel confused, sad, scared, angry, guilty or a whole range of different emotions. Read this post to understand the multifaceted losses, find practical tools, and know you're not alone in navigating this unexpected farewell to a chapter of your life.
A Little Self EMDR Treat: Quick Read and Exercise
EMDR is a unique therapy that works with your sub lingual and helps you connect with more “true” or “adaptive” material that is already within you. This posts is intended to be used for fun or entertainment rather than for any therapeutic purpose. It is not therapy and it is not medical advice. Read this blog to participate in the exercise.
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.
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. This post helps you understand and validate this unique grief experience.
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.