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By: Tracy Brown AMFT Time is defined as the indefinite, continuous progress of existence and events in the past, present, and future. We typically measure time by units, such as days, hours, minutes or seconds. It is wise to manage our time well because time is valuable. Some say, “Time is Money.” Because time is so valuable, we typically hold ourselves and others accountable for managing time well. We feel the pressure of showing up on time. Meeting deadlines on time. Being in the right place a[...]

By Evelia Saucedo AMFT Dealing with difficult parents can cause stressors for many individuals, sometimes it can lead to impulsive behaviors, anxiety, depression, and can be damaging to their children. When is a parent considered toxic? When some of the following characteristics are in place: Someone who gaslights their child, has tendencies of manipulating their child, verbal, or physical abuse, controlling, disrespects boundaries, has grandiosity, does not think of your needs or feelings, amongst other[...]

By Lisa Catanzaro LMFT Humans struggle. All humans. Even therapists. Many of my clients have often assumed that I “have it all together,” or that I “don't have these issues." Several of them have said things along the lines of "I bet you have the perfect relationship with your partner,” and "I bet you have the best communication in your family". But in actuality, I argue with my dad often. My partner and I do have problems. And just the other week I was feeling so anxious that I couldn’t motiva[...]

By Ruth Victor-Jackson, AMFT “We’re born to connect and as long as we live, we never stop needing connection”, Peter Lovenheim. Many questions come to mind as we live in our own perspectives of what life is or what life should be. One question is, "Why are connections important"? Connections are formed throughout relationships, either good ones, or bad ones. Is it the foundation of these connections that form how important they are to our growth in life, or do we need them to grow? Could it be a[...]

By: Nic Love LCSW It is human nature to try things that will make us feel better when our worlds feel like they are crashing down and/or closing in on us. One way that we humans do that is by comparing our lives to others. Basic things that we humans tell ourselves is that someone has it worse than me or my life isn’t as bad….. as fill in the blank.   Unfortunately, the downside to using this method is that it causes we humans to invalidate our own experiences and/or emotions. It makes things[...]

By: Lauren Fields AMFT Trauma is defined as acts of commission (harm against another) or acts of omission (failure to act) to an individual or group of people. Acts of commission include violence, theft, and verbal abuse. While acts of omission include neglect, unpredictable living conditions, and unstable connections. When instability becomes the norm, response patterns are influenced to survive rather than thrive through connection. Stephen Porges PhD., states humans have a biological imperative to con[...]

By Diana Ibarra AMFT Why We Get Triggered Picture this, You hear someone talking about their weight loss. The rational side of you understands that many people diet and lose weight... yet your “irrational” aka the emotionally wounded side of you remembers your mother talking about your body as a child, constantly comparing you and restricting your food intake. You end up making a snarky comment at that person. Your partner forgets to call you at the end of your work day because they became pr[...]

By: Kendall Raymond AMFT 127810 A client sharing disturbing material from a traumatic event prior to the therapist helping them establish safety and emotion management skills to calm down is like taking a hot apple pie out of the oven without using oven mitts and immediately dropping it onto the floor: dangerous, ineffective, and irresponsible.  The way in which we digest a traumatic event in our lives is an essential treatment consideration throughout the trauma recovery process.  Pushing clients to go[...]