A compassionate explanation of shame through a trauma-informed, neuroscience-based lens. Shame is quiet, but its voice can echo louder than any other emotion. I remember the first time I truly felt its weight. It wasn’t just the sting of embarrassment or regret. It was the heavy ache that settled deep inside and whispered that something…
Life has a way of presenting challenges that test our strength, patience, and resolve. From daily stressors to life-altering traumas, these experiences can feel overwhelming, leaving us wondering how we’ll ever move forward. But here’s the empowering truth: our brains are wired for resilience. Because our brains are neuroplastic, we have the capacity to build…
The start of a new year brings a universal sense of hope and opportunity. It’s when many of us feel inspired to turn a fresh page, setting bold goals for personal growth and improvement. Whether committing to a healthier lifestyle, deepening relationships, or learning a new skill, our New Year’s resolutions are often brimming with…
The holidays are often seen as a magical time filled with joy, laughter, and connection. But for many of us, it can also bring feelings of loneliness and sadness, making this season more challenging than cheerful. While some people are surrounded by loved ones, others might feel left out, struggling to navigate the emotional weight…
Trauma is an unfortunately common experience, with roughly 70% of adults encountering some form of it during their lifetimes. For children and youth, the statistics are equally concerning, with about 33% experiencing community violence that can lead to PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Given the unique ways individuals process traumatic events, finding the most effective…
As a society, we have come a long way in recognizing the importance of mental health. Yet, despite growing awareness, many individuals continue to suffer in silence. The “You Are Not Alone” mental health campaign aims to break this silence and create a supportive community where everyone feels seen, heard, and understood. This campaign…
Human lives are intricately woven together by the stories we tell ourselves and share with others. Within us, there resides a profound desire to find meaning, to make sense of the intricate tapestry of our lives and the relationships we hold dear. Foundationally, we are meaning-making beings, and it is through the sharing of stories,…
One of the most profound and inescapable human experiences is grief. For many, the mere mention of grief summons images of darkness and pain. We mourn those we’ve lost, and we yearn for the moments that have slipped through our fingers—moments that were never meant to end. But what if our response to grief could…
Mental health is a topic that has gained more attention in recent years, as discussions and conversations about it become more common. However, despite this progress, the stigma surrounding mental illness still remains prevalent in our society. There is a widespread belief that seeking professional help for mental health issues is a sign of weakness…
Coping with Grief and Loss During the Holidays For those of us who are going through grief and loss, the holidays can be a challenging time. Grief is a complex emotion, and when the world around us is focused on celebration, it can be isolating. Research even shows that the holidays can heighten feelings of…