Summertime Sadness? Therapy Tips for Seasonal Mood Shifts

When most people think of summer, they picture sunshine, BBQs, and carefree evenings. But what if, instead of feeling carefree, you’re feeling… off? Maybe you’re more anxious, no motivation, or just pressured to be happy when you’re just not. If that’s you—you are not alone. Not everyone feels their best in summer. For folks navigating chronic stress, autism or ADHD, or recovering from dysfunctional relationships or other traumas, sometimes the sunshine just isn’t enough. Here are some ways you can stay grounded and connected to yourself when the season is harder than expected.

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trauma informed care, abuse, relationship issues, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian trauma informed care, abuse, relationship issues, intensives 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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brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, 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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Nurturing Your Sensitivity: Self-Care Tips for Highly Sensitive People

Being a highly sensitive person (HSP) is like having a finely tuned antenna for the world around you. This type of neurodivergence allows you pick up on subtleties that others might miss, to feel deeply, and often find beauty and meaning in everyday experiences. Yet, being so finely attuned can also mean facing challenges like overwhelm and overstimulation more intensely and more often than others might. Hear are some ways to enhance self-care as a Highly Sensitive Person that help prevent burn our and protect your unique gifts.

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brainspotting, trauma, intensives, anxiety Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, trauma, intensives, anxiety 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, relationships Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, trauma, intensives, relationships 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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brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian brainspotting, trauma, intensives Sara Walter Shihdanian

What’s the difference between EMDR and Brainspotting?

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.

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