Polyvagal theory is an approach to understanding the mind and body that highlights the autonomic nervous system. As background, our autonomic nervous systems are composed of two parts, the sympathetic nervous system (responsible for our fight-or-flight response) and the parasympathetic nervous system (responsible for calming us/slowing us down, or in life-threatening situations, the freeze response).Continue reading Polyvagal Theory
Coping with Holiday Stress
While folks gather, celebrate, eat, and drink over the holidays, it’s important to note that cheer and contentment aren’t everyone’s experience. For many, the holidays can be stressful, and for some, they’re downright difficult. Whether the discomfort is associated with seeing certain family members, eating holiday meals, or traveling, the holiday season can evoke varyingContinue reading Coping with Holiday Stress
Comprehensive DBT
DBT is an evidence-based modality that can help individuals who suffer from depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, trauma/PTSD, substance misuse, disordered eating, self-harm/suicidality, and borderline personality disorder, as well as broader issues with emotional regulation and interpersonal functioning. DBT was founded by psychologist, Dr. Marsha Linehan, and developed from the early part of her career’s focusContinue reading Comprehensive DBT
Building Resilience: Coping with Trauma, Adversity, and More
Over the years, we’ve worked with thousands of people coping with varying degrees of stress, trauma, and adversity. With this, comes an organic study of how people come to handle life’s challenges and how they come upon resilience. Some erroneously believe that being resilient means that you don’t struggle or have difficult emotions or experiences,Continue reading Building Resilience: Coping with Trauma, Adversity, and More
Coping with a New Medical Diagnosis
Receiving a medical diagnosis can stir up all sorts of emotions, including sadness, fear, and hopelessness. Whether the diagnosis came out of the blue or after a significant period of symptoms and diagnostics, attaching a label to the experience – particularly one that has chronic implications – can be traumatic and, typically, life-changing. To helpContinue reading Coping with a New Medical Diagnosis
