How to Find the Strength to Say NO! Say NO – The simple word “no” carries remarkable power. For many people, however, using this power effectively remains one of life’s greatest challenges. The inability to say no—to unreasonable requests, invasive behaviors, or activities that don’t align with our values—creates patterns of overcommitment, resentment, and…
Believe – In an age characterized by unprecedented access to information, scientific advancement, and widespread questioning of traditional institutions, belief itself sometimes appears quaint or outdated. Skepticism and critical thinking are rightly valued, yet from a psychotherapeutic perspective—particularly through Gestalt and Somatic Experiencing lenses—the capacity to believe in something remains fundamentally important to psychological health,…
Brutal honesty. In a world where social niceties, diplomatic phrasing, and careful self-censorship often prevail, there exists a transformative force that many find both terrifying and liberating: brutal honesty. From a Gestalt therapy and Somatic Experiencing perspective, this raw, unfiltered truth-telling represents not merely communication but a profound pathway to psychological healing, authentic connection, and…
The phrase “betraying our parents” often evokes strong emotional reactions. It can sound harsh, even sacrilegious in cultures that deeply value filial piety and family loyalty. Yet, from a therapeutic perspective, particularly within Gestalt therapy and Somatic Experiencing frameworks, this psychological process represents not an act of disloyalty but a necessary developmental step toward authentic…
Self-Mistreatment Self-Mistreatment . In the quiet moments of self-reflection, many of us discover a harsh truth: we often treat ourselves in ways we would never treat others. The internal critic berates us for minor mistakes, we push our bodies beyond reasonable limits, deny ourselves rest, and engage in self-sabotaging behaviors that undermine our well-being and…
When Your Nervous System Doesn’t Trust Calm Nervous System. Do you find yourself feeling inexplicably anxious during peaceful moments that should be relaxing? Perhaps you notice tension arising precisely when external circumstances finally settle, or experience a mysterious sense of foreboding when everything appears to be going well. Maybe you’ve observed a pattern where…
Why You Feel Drained After Socializing Drained After Socializing. Do you find yourself exhausted after social gatherings that others seem to navigate with ease? Perhaps you need significant recovery time following interactions that appear energizing rather than depleting to those around you. Maybe you experience a characteristic energy crash after even enjoyable social events,…
You’re Not Meant to Carry Everyone’s Pain Emotional boundaries. Do you find yourself absorbing others’ emotional distress as if it were your own? Perhaps you feel physically affected by the suffering around you—experiencing tension, heaviness, or even symptoms that mirror what others are going through. Maybe you notice yourself carrying others’ emotional burdens long…
How to Recognize Emotional Breadcrumbs Emotional Breadcrumbs. Do you find yourself holding onto minimal signs of care or connection from certain people? Perhaps you interpret brief moments of attention as evidence of deep investment, treasure small gestures that seem to indicate interest or affection, or find yourself analyzing ambiguous messages for hidden meaning that…
How to Recognize an Inner Child Reaction Inner Child. Have you ever found yourself responding to a situation with emotions that seem disproportionate to what’s actually happening? Perhaps a minor criticism triggers intense shame, a slight delay in response from someone you care about creates overwhelming anxiety, or a simple boundary request sparks unexplained…