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Admin November 4, 2024 PrevPreviousDealing with a heartbreak! NextHow to Enhance Student Mental Health Through SleepNext

How EMDR therapy can help Reduce or Eliminate Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma | EMDR Therapy

Admin November 4, 2024 Anxiety and depression rates are at an all-time high and continue to rise.  There are two kinds of depression: hormonal and situational. If it is a hormonal imbalance, you need to be on medication. Can’t do anything about it. Think of it like having high blood pressure, you need medication. But if it is situational, we’ve got some good news for ya! It can be reduced or eliminated completely. YES, you read that right! Most of the world’s population struggles with situational depression, which can be treated without medication.  It means there was a starting point of your depression and different events made it get stronger and stronger to where you are at today. It could have started as early as when your mom was pregnant with you! Situational depression is like a building that starts with one small room and grows into an entire complex. You might not even realize how bad it has gotten because you were born into this situation! How could my depression or anxiety have started in the womb??? Brain development starts early in pregnancy, just three weeks after fertilization, and continues throughout the whole nine months. At 6 weeks. The neural tube forms and closes. The brain is now made up of three areas (forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain). The forebrain develops into the cerebrum, which controls certain brain functions, like thinking and problem-solving. The midbrain is involved in processing visual and auditory information. The hindbrain develops into the cerebellum, which manages balance and coordination, as well as the medulla, which is the control center for the body’s automatic activities, like blood pressure and heart rate. So starting with when you are in the womb, you start picking up emotions. If the mother is experiencing any distressing emotions, even if it is just due to just being pregnant, they can be passed on to the baby. And lead the baby think to think I am not wanted I am not loved. And BOOM. The starting point of anxiety and depression took place. Or it could have been your first birthday. Your parents threw you a party and you felt anxiety from being from all these new people.. and Now we have anxiety. But whaaaaat? how? I was a baby, I can’t remember that. Yes, you can!  Your brain remembers it all! Do you remember when you took your first step, said your first word, or read your first sentence? No, you do not, but your brain remembers it all. It is like a large database, holding on to every single emotion, and memory starting with the womb. The good news with situational depression, we can reduce it or eliminate it completely and This is where EMDR therapy comes in. EMDR utilizes the left and right brain to target all negative and distressing memories. You may not remember it but your brain remembers it all.  With EMDR therapy, we can automatically target all memories that have caused distress in your life and made your anxiety, depression, or PTSD worse. We can trace it back to as early as the womb. You do not have to have a memory of all the emotions or distressing events, your brain’s hard drive has stored it all. And great news for you, we can heal it all. We can heal that wounded inner child, the inner critic, the root of anxiety and depression. Any and all traumatic events. PrevPreviousAre prescription medication good for mental health long term? NextSTOP telling people to be strong after the death of a loved one. | Grief and lossNext

Narcissism or Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Hey there, lovely souls! Today, let’s dive into a topic that touches many of our lives in one way or another: narcissism or narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). It’s a term thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Imagine someone whose reflection in the mirror isn’t just a reflection, but a whole world revolving around them. That’s narcissism in a nutshell. It’s not just about vanity or self-love; it’s a deep-seated need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a hunger for control. You might encounter these traits in everyday interactions, whether it’s the friend who always brings the conversation back to themselves or the colleague who takes credit for your ideas. Narcissism doesn’t discriminate; it can show up in men and women alike, although it may manifest differently due to societal expectations. What is Narcissism? Narcissism, at its core, is a complex personality trait characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a craving for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. While it’s easy to dismiss narcissism as simply vanity or arrogance, delving deeper reveals a much more nuanced picture. In relationships, dealing with a narcissistic partner can feel like navigating a minefield of manipulation and gaslighting. It’s easy to lose yourself in their whirlwind of charm and charisma. Only to realize later that you’ve been emotionally drained and discarded like yesterday’s news. Therapy Options But fear not, dear friends, for there is hope on the horizon! Therapy, particularly approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can provide invaluable tools for both those with NPD and those recovering from relationships with narcissists. And then there’s EMDR – a beacon of light for those traversing the murky waters of trauma. This powerful therapy helps reprocess painful memories and untangle the knots of emotional baggage left behind by narcissistic partners. By tapping into the brain’s natural healing mechanisms, EMDR offers a path to reclaiming your sense of self and finding peace amidst the chaos. Remember, dear hearts, you are not alone on this journey. Whether you’re struggling with narcissistic traits yourself or healing from the wounds inflicted by someone else’s narcissism, know that there is support and understanding out there. Together, we can shine a light on the shadows and walk hand in hand toward brighter tomorrows. PrevPreviousFeeling Stressed? You’re Not Alone. Here’s How to Chill OutNextUnraveling the Knot: Understanding and Managing AnxietyNext

Stress! Here’s How to Chill Out

Ugh, stress. It seems to be lurking around every corner these days, from work deadlines to overflowing inboxes and that never-ending to-do list.  Before you let stress take the wheel, know this: there are ways to hit the brakes and find your inner calm. We all experience stress, and it can leave us feeling fried – drained, anxious, symptoms of stress. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to become a punching bag for stress. There are awesome techniques you can use to fight back and find some peace. Hacks for Your Mind and Body: Lifestyle Habits to Become a Stress Slayer Bonus Stress-Busting Tips: You’ve got this!  Managing stress is an ongoing journey. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can find your inner peace, live a more fulfilling life, and be the awesome person you are! Dr. Sara C is a top-rated therapist specializing in EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapies. Serving clients across Newport Beach, CA; Beverly Hills, CA; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR; Jacksonville, OR; Dallas, TX; and Houston, TX, she is dedicated to providing the best telehealth therapy in California, Texas, and Oregon. PrevPreviousUnstuck and Unstoppable: Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)NextNarcissistic Personality DisorderNext

Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Feeling stuck in a cycle of negativity? Do difficult emotions or intrusive thoughts seem to control your life?  If so, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) might be the key to unlocking your potential. What is ACT? Firstly, ACT is a type of psychotherapy that falls under the umbrella of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). However, unlike traditional CBT, which focuses on changing negative thoughts, ACT emphasizes acceptance and commitment to living a meaningful life. Most importantly, a purposeful life. Here’s the core idea:  Difficult thoughts and feelings are a normal part of the human experience and, consequently, trying to fight them can actually make them worse.  Conversely, ACT teaches you to accept these experiences without judgment and, subsequently, commit to actions that align with your values. How Does ACT Work? ACT utilizes a toolbox of techniques to help you achieve psychological flexibility: Benefits: As a result of practicing ACT, individuals often experience: Who Can Benefit from it? ACT can be helpful for a variety of concerns, including: Ready to Get Unstuck? If you’re looking for a fresh approach to managing difficult emotions and living a more fulfilling life, consider exploring ACT therapy. Moreover, for those seeking top-notch therapy in California, Texas, and Oregon, Dr. Sara C offers EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapies. Highly rated and serving Newport Beach, CA; Beverly Hills, CA; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR; Jacksonville, OR; Dallas, TX; and Houston, TX, she provides exceptional telehealth services.