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It's not uncommon for people living with persistent pain to be reluctant about seeking help from a therapist. For some, it feels like admitting that their pain isn't real and that it is "all in their head." Others don't see how a mental health provider could help with something they see as a physical issue. This blog explores what we know about pain and how therapy can help. What do we get wrong about pain? We tend to misunderstand pain as a symptom of tissue damage. But we didn't just make this idea up. It dates back to nineteenth-century medical textbooks, which stated either that pain had…

Shame and anger are two powerful emotions that often show up in our lives, sometimes in tandem, and they can have a profound effect on our emotional well-being and relationships. While they are distinct, they frequently intertwine, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. Understanding the complex relationship between shame and anger is key to gaining control over them, and more importantly, to finding a path toward healing and emotional growth. When we learn to navigate these emotions mindfully, we can reduce their destructive power and move toward healthier, more balanced emotional…

We all have that inner voice that chimes in when we least expect it, casting doubts, judgments, and harsh criticisms. This "inner critic" is often loudest when we feel vulnerable, filling us with shame, guilt, or a sense of inadequacy. For many, it feels like a constant companion, one that undermines confidence and makes fulfillment seem just out of reach. But what if, rather than silencing or ignoring this voice, we took a moment to understand what it truly needs? In my work as a clinical counselor, I've found that behind the inner critic lies a complex set of unmet needs and fears. This…

If you’re struggling with an eating disorder, I want to take a moment to acknowledge how incredibly difficult it is to live with these challenges. You might be feeling overwhelmed by a constant battle with food, your body, and perhaps even your self-worth. It’s important to know that you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid. Living with an eating disorder often means trying countless methods to change your eating behaviors—counting calories, following strict diets, or perhaps even engaging in compensatory behaviors. You might have sought support through friends, family, or online…

Narcissistic abuse can leave deep emotional scars that are not always visible, but profoundly impact your sense of self-worth, trust, and emotional well-being. Whether it occurs in romantic relationships, family dynamics, or even in the workplace, this form of abuse often leads to feelings of confusion, isolation, and self-doubt. Recognizing the Abuse One of the hardest parts of recovering from narcissistic abuse is acknowledging that it happened. Narcissists are often skilled at manipulation, leaving you to question your own reality. Gaslighting, blame-shifting, and emotional invalidation can…

Navigating life after experiencing narcissistic abuse can be an incredibly challenging journey. For many survivors, having others believe their circumstances is crucial as they often question their own reality and are learning to trust themselves again. Whether it was in a personal relationship, family dynamic, or even in a professional setting, the effects of narcissistic abuse can leave deep emotional scars. Understanding what narcissistic abuse is and how to heal from it is crucial for reclaiming your sense of self-worth and moving forward in a positive direction. What is Narcissistic Abuse…

Before becoming a medicine ceremonialist and just barely aware of the existence of 5-MeO-DMT, in a room with the view of a Costa Rican jungle I had my first experience with the sacrament. As a psychotherapist recently gone through a spiritual awakening, my worlds of psychology and spirituality are merging and 5-MeO-DMT has led to rapid shifts in my healing from undercovering repressed trauma to learning to open to states of ecstasy and oneness with the Infinite-Eternal-Divine in my daily life. Feeling the call to come back again and again to this medicine, I quickly recognized its potential as…

Being in pain, emotionally or relationally, is what draws many people to find a therapist. Currently, therapy is enjoying a cultural moment of popularity. You may have heard a version of “everyone needs therapy” or “therapy is for you if you have experienced childhood.” While mostly light-hearted, these prompts speak to those who notice pain in themselves and those around them. The Purpose Of A Process Group A process group is an unstructured, collaborative therapy. By joining a process group, you commit to bringing up what is going on for you and being present with others who are doing the…

Difficult conditions! We all have encountered challenges in life. You should know that for the problems and hardships that exist in all our lives, it is us who determine their good or bad fate. In fact, this power originates from within us and is defined by one of the important psychological characteristics called "resilience". Understanding Resilience: The skill of resilience and tolerance of hardship simply means how much we can repair ourselves after difficult situations and come back at least as strong as before. Having the skill of resilience and endurance makes us successfully overcome…

It might seem like a stretch to think that experiences with your caregiver that happened as early as day one...or even hour one...of life, would influence how you might experience relationships as an adult. Those non-verbal cues like eye contact, your caregiver's tone, their presence (consistent or otherwise), whether they held you, hugged you, and so many other interactions all affected future relationship. That's not intended to sound ominous but more, to help you possibly understand how some of the strengths or maybe vulnerabilities within your relationships now, might be influenced. If…