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The Power of Being Kind to Yourself: Discovering Radical Self-Compassion
Self Care Laurel van der Toorn Self Care Laurel van der Toorn

The Power of Being Kind to Yourself: Discovering Radical Self-Compassion

How can we stop being so hard on ourselves and start being kind to ourselves instead? Through Radical Self-Compassion. This isn't just about “saying nice things” to yourself or “treating yourself” once in a while. It's about a deep commitment to showing yourself love and kindness, especially when you're dealing with tough emotions like shame or guilt.

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Managing Election Anxiety: Strategies for Staying Grounded
Boundaries, Self Care, Healthy Tech Use, Anxiety, Activism Laurel van der Toorn Boundaries, Self Care, Healthy Tech Use, Anxiety, Activism Laurel van der Toorn

Managing Election Anxiety: Strategies for Staying Grounded

If you're feeling on edge about the upcoming election, you're in good company. Elections can be a significant source of anxiety, especially when the stakes feel high. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the political climate and the uncertainty surrounding election outcomes, welcome. Here are some techniques to lower this specific kind of anxiety.

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Deep, Meaningful Relationships Are The True Markers of Health and Success
Couples and Relationships, Holistic Therapy, Attachment Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships, Holistic Therapy, Attachment Laurel van der Toorn

Deep, Meaningful Relationships Are The True Markers of Health and Success

We often measure success by our job titles, salaries, and material possessions. It's become too easy to prioritize external achievements and milestones. Yet, research consistently shows that the true cornerstone of happiness lies in the quality of our relationships. Whether it's with family, friends, or partners, these connections have a profound impact on our life satisfaction. Here's why, and how millennials can create more depth in our relationships.

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Boundaries Are Over; Here’s What’s Next
Communication, Boundaries Laurel van der Toorn Communication, Boundaries Laurel van der Toorn

Boundaries Are Over; Here’s What’s Next

When therapy terms like "boundaries" become widespread, they often get diluted and distorted. People invoke boundaries when making selfish or unkind decisions, using the term as a barrier instead of a helpful relationship tool. After years of helping people with trauma and relationship problems, we've seen the downsides of this distortion. It's sometimes used to gaslight and avoid responsibility. But we're not advising to abandon the concept of boundaries altogether. Here's the future of how we talk about boundaries.

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The Most Important - And Often Overlooked - Part of EMDR Therapy
EMDR Laurel van der Toorn EMDR Laurel van der Toorn

The Most Important - And Often Overlooked - Part of EMDR Therapy

If you've looked into EMDR therapy, you've likely heard about the different phases involved. Phase 2 often flies under the radar. Yet this phase lays the groundwork for effective trauma processing. In fact, we would argue it can be the most important phase. Let's explore the benefits and necessity of Phase 2, see some case examples, and potential ways to build resources.

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Young Adult Financial Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming It
Anxiety, Millennials, Money and Emotions Laurel van der Toorn Anxiety, Millennials, Money and Emotions Laurel van der Toorn

Young Adult Financial Anxiety: Understanding and Overcoming It

Financial anxiety can feel overwhelming. Many millennials experience it, even when they have enough resources. It's a mix of fear and stress about money, often tied to the pressures and expectations unique to our generation. As professionals who offer therapy for millennials, we see this showing up quite a bit. Interestingly, it shows up equally across income levels.

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The Inconvenient Mental Health Benefits of Exercise for Anxiety
Anxiety Laurel van der Toorn Anxiety Laurel van der Toorn

The Inconvenient Mental Health Benefits of Exercise for Anxiety

It's inconvenient how much exercise really does help your mental health. Why does something so effective take so much darn effort? And why is it especially hard when your mental health isn't its best? While it's not the only solution, we think exercise is an important part of your holistic wellness plan. It isn't just about breaking a sweat and releasing those feel-good endorphins. Movement is a powerful tool that can work wonders for regulating your nervous system and boosting brain function.

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Our 6 Favorite Myths About EMDR Therapy
EMDR Laurel van der Toorn EMDR Laurel van der Toorn

Our 6 Favorite Myths About EMDR Therapy

EMDR therapy, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, has gained popularity in recent years for its effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions. With its rise in popularity, misconceptions about EMDR have increase. Here's our list of our six favorite myths about EMDR therapy, and the truths behind them.

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More Problems with Therapy Apps: Another Close Look
Teletherapy, Therapy Talk Laurel van der Toorn Teletherapy, Therapy Talk Laurel van der Toorn

More Problems with Therapy Apps: Another Close Look

You've probably seen a ton of ads for these venture-capital backed companies. They're convenient and affordable. However, there are significant issues associated with these platforms that often go unnoticed. We've explored some of the obvious ones in a previous article, but more have come to light. It's always best to look under the surface at what's actually going on and how it impacts the care you're receiving.

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Volunteering As Self Care: It's More Effective Than You Think
Los Angeles, Self Care, Activism, Healthy Coping, Social Justice Laurel van der Toorn Los Angeles, Self Care, Activism, Healthy Coping, Social Justice Laurel van der Toorn

Volunteering As Self Care: It's More Effective Than You Think

Research shows that most people who volunteer benefit more from the experience than the people or cause they are serving. Connection to something bigger than ourselves is important for our happiness. It's an avenue for personal growth and community enrichment. As therapists, we view community engagement and purpose as essential to your holistic wellness.

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Why is Anxiety So Exhausting?
Anxiety Laurel van der Toorn Anxiety Laurel van der Toorn

Why is Anxiety So Exhausting?

Anxiety has a way of leaving us feeling mentally, emotionally, and physically spent. But why does this persistent unease take such a toll on our energy levels? Let's explore the ways anxiety saps our energy and strategies to combat its exhausting effects.

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Why Our Teen Therapists Love Working with Teenagers
Teens Laurel van der Toorn Teens Laurel van der Toorn

Why Our Teen Therapists Love Working with Teenagers

We believe therapy for teenagers is an incredible gift. Learning how to cope in healthy ways while still living at home is a chance to try out new behaviors before the stakes are higher. Building self-esteem, lowering anxiety, and developing a strong sense of self are not optional. They're critical developmental stages. And believe it or not, our therapists have a lot of fun with teens along the way.

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Healthy Relationships: How To Repair After a Rupture
Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn Couples and Relationships Laurel van der Toorn

Healthy Relationships: How To Repair After a Rupture

If you've never learned the art of healthy repair, you're not alone. Many people don't have positive models for how to repair after a rupture. Rest assured, it's a skill that can be cultivated over time. Here's how to start repairing relationships after a rupture, whether it's with a partner, friend, colleague, or family member.

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PTSD After a Car Accident: How EMDR Can Get You On The Road To Recovery
EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

PTSD After a Car Accident: How EMDR Can Get You On The Road To Recovery

A car accident can leave you feeling emotionally stranded on the side of the road. You might find yourself reliving the accident through flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. A car accident can disrupt your sense of safety and well-being, impacting various aspects of your life. It can be difficult to get back behind the wheel. But there is hope for healing, and EMDR therapy offers a proven path forward.

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Managing Your Own Anxiety & Fear: A Guide for Parents of Trans Teenagers
Teens, LGBTQ Laurel van der Toorn Teens, LGBTQ Laurel van der Toorn

Managing Your Own Anxiety & Fear: A Guide for Parents of Trans Teenagers

It's natural to experience a range of emotions about your teen's identity. This is especially true if it feels unfamiliar or triggers anxiety. Ignoring or suppressing your emotions may hinder your ability to provide the support your teen needs. But it's also important that you process your feelings away from your child. Here’s what our teen therapists recommend.

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Therapist Support for Gender Confirmation Procedures: What Everyone Should Know
LGBT Mental Health, LGBTQ, Transgender Health Laurel van der Toorn LGBT Mental Health, LGBTQ, Transgender Health Laurel van der Toorn

Therapist Support for Gender Confirmation Procedures: What Everyone Should Know

For people who are considering gender confirmation surgery, the role of different professionals in the process can get confusing fast. We'd like to clarify the role of therapists in this process. Therapy during this journey not only supports you emotionally but also fulfills a role in the medical process itself. Letters from therapists are often required by medical providers and insurance companies. Here's what you should know.

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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!