When we embark on a journey of personal growth—whether through therapy, self-help, spiritual practice, or simple life experience—we're often sold the sunny side: transformation, liberation, authenticity, and wholeness. The glossy promises of becoming our "best selves" fill bookshelves and social media feeds.

What rarely makes the marketing materials is the unavoidable companion to all meaningful growth: grief.

Motivation is a thrilling spark, a burst of energy that propels us into action. It’s that intoxicating moment of inspiration when we feel like we can conquer anything—a new fitness goal, a creative project, a career move. It arrives in an almost magical and captivating way, often unbidden, pushing us forward with enthusiasm and excitement. But inevitably, it fades. And we are left wondering why we don’t feel quite as excited as we did before. Soon enough, if we rely solely on motivation, we cycle through disappointment several times before we may feel our our goals beginning to slip away, gathering dust alongside abandoned resolutions and forgotten ambitions.

Narcissistic parenting isn’t about a diagnosis. Let me repeat. It isn’t about a diagnosis, it is instead about the traits that are so frequently discussed in popular culture recently and frequently taken out of context. That said, these traits leave a very strong impression because they are not just about having a difficult parent; it’s about growing up in an environment where love is given only under certain conditions and your sense of self is shaped around someone else’s expectations. This kind of upbringing can leave deep, lasting wounds, but understanding the dynamics is the first step separating yourself from it and creating a path toward healing.

Life is overwhelming when it seems like the world is quite literally on fire. So how do we keep our center amid the pressure cooker of climate change, social upheavals, an endless political circus, and the sheer pace of modern life? Whether its mindfulness, community, humor, or collective action, you can keep your inner flame alive without being decimated by the blaze. And if all else fails, some dark humor, a good snack, and a good cry might be just what you need.

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.

There’s a significant rise in anti-LGBTQ+ hate crimes and anti-transgender laws in recent years, which has sparked alarm among advocacy groups, mental health professionals, and the broader public. Studies show that individuals who experience hate-based violence or discrimination experience more mental health issues and PTSD. For transgender individuals, this trauma is compounded by unique social and medical stressors, like discrimination in healthcare, employment, and social settings. In this blog, we’ll explore the key data, trends, and implications of these developments, as well as the potential impact on the broader LGBTQ+ community.

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.

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.

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.

Whether you’re drawn to the structured reprocessing of EMDR or the intuitive exploration of Brainspotting, the goal is the same: to process and heal from trauma, reclaiming your sense of peace and well-being.

Brainspotting and EMDR have been making waves for their powerful ability to help people heal from traumatic experiences, dysfunctional and abusive relationships, and to level up their goals. While both have similar components and orientations, they also have unique approaches and mechanisms. This helps explain which might be the better fit for you and your therapeutic situation.

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.