When people hear the word trauma , they often think of one specific, extreme event, a major accident, abuse, or a natural disaster. While those experiences absolutely can be traumatic, trauma isn’t limited to one type of story or one level of severity. Trauma is less about what happened and more about how your nervous system experienced it. In simple terms, trauma happens when something feels too overwhelming for your mind and body to process at the time. It can come from a s

The start of a new year often comes with a lot of pressure; pressure to change, to improve, to “get it together.” For many people, that pressure brings up the idea of starting therapy. And just as quickly, it can bring up fear, uncertainty, or hesitation. If you’ve been thinking about starting therapy in the new year but aren’t sure what to expect, or feel like you should have everything figured out before you begin, you’re not alone. The good news is: you don’t have to have

Major life transitions—whether expected or unexpected—have a way of shaking the ground beneath us. Some changes are exciting, like starting a new job, getting married, or welcoming a new baby. Others are painful, such as a breakup, the loss of a loved one, or a sudden shift in health. And some transitions feel confusing because they bring both  excitement and grief at the same time. No matter what form they take, transitions require emotional energy, flexibility, and support.