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.

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.

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.

The term "neurodivergence" celebrates the diversity of human brains, recognizing that differences in processing, perception, and interaction can be assets rather than deficits. There are several types but this blog post focuses on the four that are most well known: ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Giftedness, and Highly Sensitive People (HSP).

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.

Coming out about gender is a deeply personal and significant step in the decision to live more authentically. While this process can be empowering, it can also be daunting due to societal stigma, lack of understanding, and potential rejection.

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.

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.

The way we talk about gender identity has become more detailed and inclusive, reflecting a broader understanding of how people experience and express themselves. While they both fall under gender diversity, they represent unique identities and experiences. Let's dive into what makes them each unique and how we can all better understand and support each other.

In 1996, the term "highly sensitive person" was coined to for those who process information deeply, react strongly to emotions in themselves or others, and are acutely attuned to their surroundings. It's not about being overly fragile or weak, but instead this form of neurodiversity highlights a finely tuned nervous system that catches subtleties most others happen to miss.

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.