Trauma and Relationships Part III: Ineffective Communication Many individuals who have experienced trauma within their interpersonal relationships may find it difficult to maintain and communicate appropriate boundaries with others.  Interpersonal trauma can be understood as harmful events that may occur between people, such as verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse at any age, intimate partner

Trauma and Relationships Part 2: What is a Healthy Relationship? We may encounter a variety of relationships throughout our lives and interact with different individuals at different levels of intimacy- some as acquaintances and others as intimate friends and partners.  Relationships can prove to be complex and multifaceted.  Many of our early experiences and interactions

  Trauma and Relationships Part 1: Trauma and Trust When we have experienced a traumatic event or a complex and ongoing culmination of adverse life experiences, that often can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated and alone. It can be difficult to trust others, especially if your experience of the trauma was relational or occurred within

Coping with Hypoarousal as a Trauma Response Many struggle with symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) including intrusive symptoms (flashbacks, nightmares, sense of panic), avoidance symptoms, and hyperarousal and hypoarousal symptoms.  As explored in a previous blog on, when our bodies perceive an external threat, it may signal to the brain that there is

Coping with Hyperarousal as a Trauma Response In the last blog post, we examined and defined states of dysregulation outside of our ‘Window of Tolerance’ known as hyperarousal and hypoarousal states.  When we experience a traumatic event or interaction in which we are unable to remain balanced in our emotional response, we may enter into

Understanding Emotion Dysregulation: Hypoarousal and Hyperarousal States It is not uncommon for us to experience an intensity of emotion when faced with stressful life experiences, unexpected changes, a conflict of interests and values, and multiple demands.  In our previous post, we discussed the term ‘Window of Tolerance’ as a stable emotional state in which we

Understanding Your Window of Tolerance to Promote Emotional Regulation The term ‘Window of Tolerance’ is used to describe a symbolic state of being in which our emotions, thoughts and behaviors are at a balanced state and there is an overall feeling of emotional stability.  When we experience ourselves as being within this ‘Window of Tolerance’,

What is Self-Acceptance and How is It Impacting My Mental Health? I came across a recent meditation on self-approval written by Melody Beattie from her book, The Language of Letting Go.  In this meditation, the message suggested that for some of us, there is a desire to seek and experience the validation and approval of

4 Steps to Managing Aggressive Behaviors in Your Toddler: Biting, Hitting, Pushing and Kicking Toddlers are full of energy and intense emotions and often as caregivers and parents we are navigating the best ways to harness this energy and help in regulating these large emotions.  They are continuously learning how to respond to and express

Ways to Manage Seasonal Depression As we approach the autumn season in the northeast, some individuals may notice a shift in appetite, motivation, activity, energy level and/or mood.  If you notice annual patterns in these types of shifts emotionally and physically, it may be helpful to consider ways of managing and preventing onsets of seasonal

Adjusting to an Empty Nest: Now What? There may come a point in time when your child(ren), family members or dependents decide to leave the family home, prompting shifts in daily routines, activities, responsibilities, and home dynamics.  Children may decide to leave the family home due to a multitude of reasons- career changes and new

Tips for Overcoming Low Motivation in Depression Depression is a common and debilitating mood disorder. It is characterized by symptoms that impact how you feel, think and engage in daily life.  Symptoms of depression include loss of interest, feelings of persistent sadness, low motivation, anhedonia (loss of pleasure), feeling numb, difficulty concentrating or making decisions,