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8 Words Therapists Want You to Stop Using Wrong: What to Say Instead
Words are powerful tools for understanding and communicating. When used incorrectly, they can perpetuate misconceptions, stigmas, and confusion. Here are eight words that therapists wish you'd stop using incorrectly and alternative phrases that promote a more accurate and compassionate dialogue.
Is EMDR Right for Everyone?
EMDR therapy is a highly effective approach for treating trauma. But it's not right for everyone. If you're considering EMDR as a part of your healing journey, you should assess whether it's the right fit for you.
Podcast: The Importance Of LGBT-Affirmative Couples Therapy
Our clinical director is featured on the CalPsychiatry MindStories podcast talking about the importance of LGBT Affirmative couples therapy. Listen in as she talks about what’s different - and what’s the same - compared to straight couples therapy.
7 Things That Can’t Be Fixed in Couples Therapy
Couples therapy can address many issues, but there are certain situations where the challenges are too big. Here are the seven most common things couples therapy can't change.
Barbie, Ken, and the Art of Setting Boundaries
In the 2023 Barbie film, there lies a profound lesson in setting boundaries. Yes, you read that right. Barbie can teach us a thing or two about asking asserting our needs. Barbie sets boundaries with Ken with conviction, compassion, and without guilt. So, grab your imaginary popcorn, and let's dive into the world of Barbie, Ken, and the art of setting boundaries.
Coping with Sorority Rejection Trauma
Receiving a sorority rejection can be a distressing experience for anyone. It's natural to seek a sense of identity and belonging in a community, making this rejection particularly painful. In fact, our therapists believe such a rejection is traumatic. We've heard many stories from successful, well-liked women about the deep negative impact a sorority rejection had.
Healing the Pursuer-Distancer Dynamic in Relationships: A Path to Harmony
Do you ever feel like your partner is trying to get away from you? Not in a literal sense, but subtly. This feeling likely shows up when they don't express affection or move toward you the way you do for them. It might look like needing a lot of alone time, ignoring your bids for affection, or struggling to communicate their feelings. You know they love you, but it doesn't always feel like it. If this sounds familiar, you might be caught in the frustrating Pursuer-Distancer dynamic.
Holiday Gatherings: Three Steps to Thrive With Complicated Family Dynamics
The holiday season brings the promise of joy and togetherness. But for many of us, the prospect of spending extended time with family can be a source of stress and anxiety. If you find yourself in a situation where the holidays with family are more challenging than cheery, fear not. We've got three practical steps to not only survive but thrive during this festive season.
How To Jumpstart Yourself Out of Depression
Most people have experienced low periods. Whether it's an external trigger or a mental health issue, depression feels endless. The numbness and apathy that often come with depression make it difficult to feel hopeful. One of the most effective things you can do for yourself when you're down is called Behavioral Activation.
Your Couples Therapist Is Not a Referee
It’s normal, and sometimes even healthy, to argue in relationships. It’s also normal to want to seek out validation for your feelings, especially if you feel like your partner isn’t being receptive. It's tempting to see things as black and white. But when couples start to view their therapist as a referee, therapy gets derailed.
Podcast: How the Enneagram Can Deepen Your Marriage
Our clinical director is featured for a third time on the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast talking about how the enneagram can unlock the deepest level of passion and understanding in a marriage.
Unplugging: Reducing Stress, Anxiety, & Relationship Strain
We already know social media and FOMO are inseparable. But taking a break from our screens can work wonders for our relaxation and mental clarity at any time of day. It's also critical for healthy relationships and feelings of joy.
What Young Adults Need In Therapy
Young adults face challenges that often go unrecognized or misunderstood. The path to success, which once seemed straightforward, has become more challenging. The old adage of working hard and making wise choices doesn't seem to yield the same rewards it did for our parents.
Embarrassment, Humiliation, and Shame: Understanding the Differences
Embarrassment, humiliation, and shame often get lumped together. But they each have unique characteristics. Let's explore the distinctions between these feelings, what causes them, and how to respond.
Podcast: How the Enneagram Can Strengthen Relationships
Our clinical director is featured again on the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast talking about how the enneagram can level up your relationships, work life, and show you the path toward the best version of yourself.
A Dating Challenge From Couples Therapists (+ Where To Take Your Date)
There's no way around it: dating is tough. It's easy to get caught up in the stress and frustration of searching for a good match. But what if we told you that finding love could be more fun and less stressful? We've got some practical tips to make dating enjoyable, all while exploring San Francisco or Los Angeles.
The Truth About Lies in Relationships: Why We Lie and How to Handle It
We've all had those moments when a little white lie slips out. Whether it's about traffic, busyness, or how good that homemade lasagna is. Lying is part of human communication, and not all lies are bad. In fact, many are told with the best intentions, aimed at preserving relationships and sparing feelings. But when the truth eventually surfaces, trust can waver.
How EMDR Can Help You Heal From Sexual Trauma
Sexual assault can shatter your sense of safety, leaving you with a tangle of emotions. You might feel fear, anger, shame, and even guilt. You might find yourself experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, or struggling with trust and intimacy. You might feel like part of you shut down or got blocked off. These reactions are normal responses to a traumatic event. EMDR therapy offers a path towards healing from sexual trauma.
The Mental Health Toll of Underrepresentation: Lesbians and Media
Media holds a lot of sway when it comes to shaping our beliefs and views. Lack of representation in media negatively affects the mental health of lesbians. It may seem like a small issue, but it has far-reaching implications.
Dealing With Challenging In-Laws: How Couples Should Handle Complex Dynamics
They say that why you marry someone, you marry their family. While some in-laws become beloved members of your extended family, others present challenges. It takes skill to navigate these complexities while preserving the unity of your chosen family. Let's explore various types of challenging in-laws and how to communicate with your spouse.
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Our Holistic Therapy Services In California & Florida
We offer individualized teletherapy for a wide range of mental health and relational issues. Our San Francisco & Los Angeles therapists can help with anxiety, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, LGBT gay and lesbian therapy issues, holistic therapy, enneagram therapy, therapy for lawyers, couples therapy, therapy for burnout, and therapy for teenagers. We serve many people in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles, as well as throughout California and Florida. Our team is anti-racist, body positive, LGBT and trans affirming and sex positive. You deserve to feel good!