Intersectionality, Mental Health, and Seeking Care

Intersectionality as a concept has become more widely known in recent years. It is a vital concept in contemporary discourse on social justice, identity, and inclusivity. Yet it has not yet reached the wider field of treatment and care in mental health. Coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw in 1989, it acknowledges that individuals experience multiple layers of discrimination or privilege due to their intersecting identities, such as race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and socioeconomic status. When applied to mental health, intersectionality offers a crucial framework for understanding how these diverse facets of identity shape individuals' well-being, how they experience the world at large, and with support and mental health care.

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healthcare, trauma informed care, abuse, relationship issues Sara Walter Shihdanian healthcare, trauma informed care, abuse, relationship issues Sara Walter Shihdanian

Narcissistic Abuse: Tactics, Impacts, and Healing

Narcissism has been a hot topic recently. Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional and psychological manipulation that aims to execute control over one person in effort to reduce insecurity in another. It can range from obvious to subtle and insidious but it uniformly leaves invisible scars that can take years to identify and heal. In this post, we’ll explore the tactics commonly used in narcissistic abuse, the mental health impacts survivors may experience, and how treatment can help facilitate healing and recovery.

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Trans in America, Part 2: Gender Affirming Healthcare in the New Era

In recent years, the conversation surrounding gender-affirming healthcare has shifted dramatically, driven by both increasing visibility of transgender and nonbinary individuals and a surge in political attention and stigma. This era of heightened focus has brought both progress and challenges. Policies and legislation from the last five years have profoundly impacted access to care, shaping the experiences of many gender-diverse individuals seeking care.

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self care, trauma, authenticity Sara Walter Shihdanian self care, trauma, authenticity Sara Walter Shihdanian

Values: Your Guide for Returning to Center

Trauma has a sneaky way of pulling us off course, creating distance not just from others but also from ourselves. It can leave us feeling unmoored, disconnected from the internal compass that helps us navigate life—our values. Reconnecting with these values is not just healing; it’s transformative. They provide a path back to center, helping us establish boundaries, recognize safety, and uncover meaning in our relationships with others and ourselves. They remind you of who you are beyond the survival strategies, helping you build a life rooted in authenticity, safety, and meaning—a life that feels like your own again.

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brainspotting, self care, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, self care, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian

Brainspotting and Its Many Uses

Brainspotting is a versatile and powerful therapeutic tool that offers profound healing for a wide range of issues. Whether it's trauma, anxiety, depression, performance enhancement, chronic pain, or substance abuse, Brainspotting provides a unique and effective approach to therapy. The journey to healing and self-discovery can begin with a simple shift in where you look.

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brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian

Uncovering Calm: How Brainspotting Helps Heal Anxiety

In a world where anxiety can often feel like an unwelcome yet constant companion, finding effective, innovative approaches to healing is more important than ever. One such approach is Brainspotting (BSP), a relatively new but profoundly impactful therapy that is proving to be a powerful tool in the battle against anxiety, often leaving clients with an accelerated sense of lasting relief.

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brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian

Boundaries and Relational Trauma

Boundaries are essential for maintaining a strong sense of self and healthy, balanced relationships. However, for individuals who have experienced complex or relational trauma, establishing and maintaining boundaries can be particularly challenging. This post explores the intricate relationship between boundaries and trauma, shedding light on why boundaries are crucial for healing and how trauma can impact them.

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Embracing Your Authentic Self: A Journey Through Trauma, Transition, and Triumph

Embracing our most authentic selves may come with many challenges like trauma, gender transition, and the LGBTQIA+ experience. But challenge is also where we learn to champion over our trials and tribulations in order to build and thrive in a better fitting, more aligned, and more meaningful life.

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