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Trauma, Holistic Therapy Laurel van der Toorn Trauma, Holistic Therapy Laurel van der Toorn

Why Some People Bounce Back From Trauma Faster Than Others

Have you ever noticed how some people can seem to simply shake off bad experiences, while others take a bit longer? This quick recovery from tough times is called resilience. It's almost like having a hidden superpower that helps us heal from life's challenges. But what really is resilience, and how can you develop more of it?

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EMDR Laurel van der Toorn EMDR Laurel van der Toorn

EMDR: How to Answer “What Do You Notice?”

If you've ever been in an EMDR therapy session, you might be familiar with the moment when your therapist asks, "What do you notice?" It's a simple question, yet it's not always obvious how to answer. It can sometimes leave us feeling uncertain about how to respond. Let's explore why your therapist asks this question and how to approach it.

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Boundaries, Self Care, Healthy Tech Use Laurel van der Toorn Boundaries, Self Care, Healthy Tech Use Laurel van der Toorn

Transform Your Life Through 6 Essential Boundaries

Our lives require a delicate balance of self-care and commitment to others. Most of us err on the side of overcommitting to things and building resentment when we have little time or energy for ourselves. The results can be disastrous: conflict, exhaustion, burnout, and health problems. Here are six essential boundaries you can set to build better balance.

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EMDR Laurel van der Toorn EMDR Laurel van der Toorn

What to Do After an EMDR Session (And What to Avoid)

After an EMDR therapy session, it's important to engage in activities to support your processing and integration of the work you did. You worked hard during the session and we want you to get the most out of it. Here are things you can do after an EMDR therapy session to enhance the effects, as well as things you should avoid that could interfere with your processing.

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EMDR Laurel van der Toorn EMDR Laurel van der Toorn

Webinar: EMDR 101

Curious about EMDR therapy and how it can help you heal your trauma? Watch our free webinar to learn more and decide if this powerful therapy is right for you.

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Teens Laurel van der Toorn Teens Laurel van der Toorn

6 Reasons Teens Seek Support and How Therapy Can Help

Everyone goes through adolescence, but not everyone sails through smoothly. Teenagers often find themselves facing challenges that can be overwhelming. For those of us who have already been through it, it can be difficult to recall how hard it actually was. Here are the six most common reasons teenagers seek therapy and how therapy can change teens’ life for the better.

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Therapy Talk Laurel van der Toorn Therapy Talk Laurel van der Toorn

What To Do If Your Therapist Talks About Themselves A Lot

Having a therapist that talks about themselves a lot can be confusing. For some it's uncomfortable, for others helpful. Therapy should be your time and space to explore what's going on with you. Here's information to help you figure out what amount of sharing is helpful to you, and when it's cause for concern.

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Trauma, Couples and Relationships, Sexual Trauma Laurel van der Toorn Trauma, Couples and Relationships, Sexual Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

Sex After Sexual Trauma: How To Be A Good Lover To A Survivor

When and how to approach sex with someone who has been assaulted can be tricky business. Every experience is different, and no amount of research or good intention can replace healthy communication with your partner. Here's what you should know about how to be a great partner, spouse, lover, or friend-with-benefits to someone who has been sexually assaulted or raped.

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Los Angeles Laurel van der Toorn Los Angeles Laurel van der Toorn

The Real Reason Los Angeles Traffic Is So Frustrating

There's a shared sentiment about traffic among Angelenos and tourists alike. It grinds gears and triggers eye rolls. We all know it's bad. But why does sitting in LA traffic make even the most patient of us so irritable? Let's cut the fluff and dive into the real reason traffic is the worst.

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Healthy Coping Laurel van der Toorn Healthy Coping Laurel van der Toorn

Changing Your Victim Mindset: Examples & Where It Comes From

Picture this: you wake up one morning, and everything is going wrong. Your coffee machine breaks, you're running late for work, and you hit every red light on your way. It's easy to fall into thinking, "Why does this always happen to me?" It's a natural response. But for those with a victim mentality, this mindset extends beyond a bad morning. It becomes a way of life.

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Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

What We Can Learn From Michelle Obama’s Experience In Couples Therapy

Couples often come to therapy at a point of crisis or significant life changes. The hope is for a sudden, dramatic turnaround in the relationship. And it's totally possible to change. We've seen it happen. But a roadblock arises when someone expects their partner to be the sole catalyst for change. Even Michelle Obama experienced this. Let's explore why this can be problematic and why a different approach is key in couples therapy.

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Healthy Coping, Activism, Social Justice Laurel van der Toorn Healthy Coping, Activism, Social Justice Laurel van der Toorn

Social Justice: Sustainable Activism and Preventing Vicarious Trauma

In a world where hashtags fuel movements and social platforms serve as soapboxes, activism has evolved. From the radical to the domestic, engaging in causes we are passionate about is empowering. But it can come with a hidden cost: vicarious trauma and compassion fatigue. Let's explore impactful ways to make a difference while safeguarding your mental health.

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Anxiety Laurel van der Toorn Anxiety Laurel van der Toorn

15 Things You Should Never Say to Someone With Anxiety

Dealing with anxiety can be tough, not only for the person going through it but also for those around them. Sometimes, even with the best intentions, we might say things that unintentionally make anxiety worse. Here are ten things you should avoid saying to someone with anxiety and what to say instead.

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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!