A common statement I hear from clients (more often my female clients) is “I should not be angry.” Clients will shame themselves for feeling angry even in situations in which an appropriate response would be to feel angry. In fact, suppressing or bottling up your anger (especially in situations where anger is warranted) is not healthy! Suppressing or bottling up your anger can cause depression, … [Read more...] about Letting Anger Move You
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Natural Ways to Treat Depression
In addition to medication and talk therapy, there are natural ways to treat depression. Remember, medication is not a magic bullet. Many people find they still need to make lifestyle changes even if they are taking medication. Consider the following natural ways to treat depression: Use a Light Box: Light boxes have been shown to reduce depression symptoms. Light boxes are easy to use and … [Read more...] about Natural Ways to Treat Depression
When Cancer Treatment Gets in the Way of Sexual Desire
Many people undergoing treatment for cancer notice a decrease in sexual desire. Sexual desire may decrease due to physical pain, physical exhaustion, mental exhaustion, GI distress, nausea, skin irritation, hormonal changes, anxiety, depression, respiratory distress, loss of sexual self-esteem, negative body image, etc. In addition, relationship distress, which can be common during cancer … [Read more...] about When Cancer Treatment Gets in the Way of Sexual Desire
Resources for Postpartum PTSD
An all too common experience for women in the United States is that of experiencing a traumatic birth. Some of these traumatic experiences are reflected in our maternal mortality rate which has been steadily climbing for … [Read more...] about Resources for Postpartum PTSD
When Trauma Gets in the Way of Treating Pelvic or Sexual Pain
If you have pelvic or sexual pain your doctor may have recommended you do pelvic floor physical therapy. Other recommendations may have also included dilator therapy or getting injections or using suppositories. These treatments not only require time, energy and financial resources, but they can also be triggering for those with trauma in their past. Sexual trauma, medical trauma, an abusive … [Read more...] about When Trauma Gets in the Way of Treating Pelvic or Sexual Pain
Understanding the Connection Between Trauma & Sexual/Pelvic Pain
Many studies now support the connection between trauma and the later development of sexual or pelvic pain in women. One population-based study of adult women found that sexual, physical and psychological abuse was linked to a four to six-fold increased risk of genital pain in adulthood (Harlow & Stewart, 2005). Another 2011 study found that teen girls suffering from genital pain reported … [Read more...] about Understanding the Connection Between Trauma & Sexual/Pelvic Pain