Blog, DBT, Mental Health

How Invalidating Environments Intensify Distress

As I covered in my recent discussion on what emotions do for us, one of the three key functions of emotions is to communicate our emotional world and needs to others. This is biologically wired into our brain for survival.  Yes, sometimes we need to learn to regulate those emotions so we can still behave… Continue reading How Invalidating Environments Intensify Distress

What do emotions do for us? Functions and Benefits
Blog, DBT, Mental Health

What Do Emotions Do For Us?

As someone that spent the first 25 years of life simultaneously afraid of and powerless to my emotions, one thing DBT was helpful with was teaching me the real purpose of emotions, what they do for us, and why they are needed. If you have been in a lot of invalidating environments throughout your life,… Continue reading What Do Emotions Do For Us?

How I've Been
Blog, Mental Health

Where I’ve Been, What’s New, and How I’m Really Doing

Hi again lovely readers! It’s been a while. Over a year, actually. I didn’t plan to step away from the blog space for so long, but sometimes life and work (and mental health) have other ideas. If you’ve been wondering where I disappeared to, here’s a little life update and an honest look at where… Continue reading Where I’ve Been, What’s New, and How I’m Really Doing

DBT HOW skills
Blog, DBT

DBT “HOW” Skills: How to Practice Mindfulness in DBT

DBT HOW skills (Non-Judgmentalness, One-Mindfulness, and Effectiveness) can be really useful when it comes to handling life with intense emotions. They're not just fancy words; they're practical techniques aimed at helping you regulate your emotions and interact with the world around you in a more effective and less destructive way.  In this article, we'll take… Continue reading DBT “HOW” Skills: How to Practice Mindfulness in DBT

Improve relationships therapy tips
Blog, Mental Health

30 Therapy-Inspired Tips For Maintaining Healthy Relationships

Yes, navigating relationships can be complex, especially if you are living with complex trauma or other mental health issues. However, therapy offers invaluable insights and strategies to help us foster healthy connections and navigate these sometimes rough waters.  In this guide, I'll delve into 30 therapy-inspired tips for maintaining fulfilling and healthy relationships. From enhancing self-awareness… Continue reading 30 Therapy-Inspired Tips For Maintaining Healthy Relationships