Polyvagal theory is applied to the world of therapy by Maine’s own, Deb Dana. I’ll do my best to offer a brief summary here, but if you are more of an auditory learner, please watch one of Dana’s many Youtube’s here. Polyvagal Overview Polyvagal theory looks at our remarkable nervous system and how it’s evolved […]
Polyvagal Therapy: Trauma Healing Beyond Glimmers Read More »
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), may continue to be my favorite therapeutic modality for the remainder of my career. ACT intuitively makes sense to me. As I explain to my clients when introducing this type of therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy doesn’t seek to reduce emotional pain, but to find meaning in spite of it.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Framework for a Meaningful Life – Copy Read More »
Why Journal? Journaling has been around for centuries. If you’ve been to historic museum exhibitions, you’ve seen early diaries in which great adventurers note their travels and write of missing their loved ones. While modern technology has offered many tools by which to access mental health services, there’s something quite intimate about putting pen to
Cross Cultural Ikagai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia & Francesc Miralles Loosely translated, ikagai means “a reason for living.” Garcia and Miralles look at how intersections between life domains, like what we do professionally and what we love, enhance and even lengthen life. I’m currently forcing my mom
Intimacy, in general terms, means closeness. When I reference intimacy building in therapy, however, most people seem to brace themselves for a conversation about sex, which is just one form of intimacy. Part of the difficulty in discussing this topic is that partnered people often think they lack intimacy. While there is always, always room
Intimacy in your Relationship: How to Get Closer Read More »
I made a child! Now that I’ve shared with my friends, family, and folks that work with me, it’s time to contemplate, then share vulnerably with the world. I didn’t envision motherhood for myself for most of my life, and if I’m honest, I still have no clue what it’s going to look like emotionally.
The term body positivity has dominated pop culture over the last decade, and like many explosive trends, has a dark side. The roots of the body positivity movement sprung up primarily as an attempt to make room for women of ethnic minorities in the world of fashion and advertising. In the United States particularly, curvy
Body Positivity is Bullshit. Choose Body Neutrality Instead. Read More »
Recently, I read a critique of negative societal patterns that result in illness, The Myth of Normal (Mate, 2022) . Towards the end of the book, Gabor Mate builds on a concept I read in a book ten years prior, You Are Not Brain: The 4-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and
Four Steps to Overcome Negative & Unhealthy Behaviors Read More »
As a therapist, even I get overwhelmed by the abundant amount of different therapies out there. CBT, DBT, ACT…so many acronyms, oh my! In this blog, I’ll offer an overview of some more common therapy modalities that you’ll see offered on sites like Psychology Today or Good Therapy as well as what conditions each type
Mental health access in the 2000s– not only are there more films addressing mental health issues (i.e.: Silver Linings Playbook, The King of Staten Island, Shutter Island, Black Swan) but celebrities are also talking more openly about their difficulties with mental illness. Below are some examples of popular celeb disclosures, followed by some key insights
Celebrity Exposure: Does It Help Destigmatize Mental Health? Read More »
