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What is Codependency? A Couples Therapist Explains
The term "codependency" is used to describe relationships where one person seems to lose themselves in the needs of another. Originally rooted in the context of addiction and substance use, the term has broadened to include a range of unhealthy relational dynamics. Let’s explore what codependency is and how it manifests in relationships.
8 Steps To Building New Friendships As An Adult
Making new friends as an adult can seem daunting, but it’s very possible with the right approach and mindset. Building new friendships takes effort, openness, and patience. Here are practical steps to help you form meaningful connections.
How to Prepare For Your First EMDR Therapy Session
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a powerful and effective treatment for processing trauma and reducing distress from traumatic memories. If you're considering any kind of trauma therapy, you probably want it to go as well as it can. Here's a guide to help you get ready.
Difficulty Regulating Emotions? It Might Be Your Attachment Style
Our attachment style is developed early in life through our interactions with primary caregivers. This programming translates directly into how seamlessly we can respond to stress and unexpected events. Understanding this link can help explain why some struggle with emotions and responses.
Feeling Smothered in a Relationship? How to Handle a Suffocating Partner
If you feel like your partner is smothering you, it's important to address the issue in a way that respects both your needs and theirs. Understanding why this might be happening through the lens of attachment can be a helpful first step in finding relief for both of you.
9 Sneaky Reasons Your Anxiety Isn’t Getting Better
If you've been trying to lower your anxiety for a while and nothing is helping, you're probably frustrated. If you've been in therapy for anxiety, this frustration is probably significant. Why isn't treatment working? Here are some sneaky reasons nothing is bringing your anxiety down and what you can do about it.
Five Ways Internalized Homophobia is Ruining Your Relationship
We can't live in a society that discriminates against us LGBT folks and not have it effect us. It also affects our closest, most sacred relationships. Here are subtle ways it might be showing up and what to do about it.
10 Reasons Celebrities, Athletes, Executives, And Other High-Profile Professionals Come To Therapy
What do celebrities, athletes, and billionaires talk about in therapy? Without breaking anyone's confidentiality, we can confidently answer this question. High profile professionals often face intense pressure that can impact their mental health. Here are some common issues they bring into personal therapy.
EMDR Floatbacks: Why Your “Biggest” Trauma May Not Be Where You Start
Let's explore why your biggest trauma may not be your EMDR target and how floatbacks play a crucial role in unraveling the complex web of trauma memories.
What’s the Difference? Relationship Dealbreakers, Incompatibilities & Perpetual Problems
Relationships are beautifully complex. They can be challenging, with issues that test the strength of your bond. Understanding the differences between dealbreakers, incompatibilities, perpetual problems, and differences in core values can help you navigate your relationship better and determine when couples therapy might be needed.
Should I See A Therapist or Coach? Picking the Right Help
Therapy has been around for a while, but people have mixed experiences. The recent boom of the coaching industry has created an attractive alternative. But how do you know when you should see a therapist instead of a coach?
Helping Teens Find Balance Between School, Friends, Family, Fun, and the Future
Therapy can play a big role in helping teens understand and manage their brain’s unique developmental stage. A skilled therapist can work with teens to develop strategies that balance fun with responsibility. Here’s how therapy can help.
Los Angeles' Secret Escapes: 6 Peaceful Spots to Unwind
Finding moments of calm and tranquility in the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles can be challenging. Practicing mindfulness can be an invaluable tool. It can help you navigate through life's stressors and improve their mental well-being. Best of all, it's free! Here are five place across Los Angeles where you can embrace mindfulness.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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!