Most of us have thoughts where we worry about the worst possible outcome, or we fixate on how we were perceived. We have thoughts that are skewed, disruptive, or just blatantly false. And then you become a mother and the anxious, negative thinking can feel like it’s nonstop. These negative thoughts are known as cognitive distortions and they can interfere in relationships, hold us back from … [Read more...] about Cognitive Distortions: The Motherhood Edition
Anxiety
New Year, Same Old Feeling: You May Have High Functioning Anxiety and Here is Why
2020 was a challenging year for many of us. This year, I worked with clients on depression, relationship issues, sexual dysfunctions, anxiety, parenting, and trauma. Due to the global pandemic, overall anxiety levels have increased as expected. What I was not expecting was how frequently high functioning anxiety came up in my therapy sessions this past year. What we clinically define as anxiety … [Read more...] about New Year, Same Old Feeling: You May Have High Functioning Anxiety and Here is Why
How Can You Prioritize Your Relationships and Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak?
Coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is causing a global concern. As a marriage and family therapist, I focus on your concerns at the personal and interpersonal level. Whether or not you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, your anxiety levels may increase during this outbreak. Fear and anxiety are expected responses in a situation like this. Every behavior has a function and your fear is … [Read more...] about How Can You Prioritize Your Relationships and Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Outbreak?
Managing Existential Anxiety in Today’s Stressful World
In the last several years I have more clients reporting anxiety over a myriad of national and global concerns (political upheaval, endless financial burden/stress, climate crisis, etc.). These concerns can often cause existential anxiety, leaving many to question the meaning and purpose of their life. Here are 5 suggestions about managing existential anxiety in our stressful world: Consider … [Read more...] about Managing Existential Anxiety in Today’s Stressful World
Top 5 Most Common Thinking Errors
“Thinking errors” or “cognitive distortions” are extremely common patterns of thinking that every single person engages in. Some of us engage in these distorted ways of thinking daily, while others may only find themselves doing this when stressed. Thinking errors are completely normal and everyone has them but when they are too frequent or too intense, they can contribute to a problem such as … [Read more...] about Top 5 Most Common Thinking Errors
Letting Anger Move You
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