Complex and challenging relationships with parents are one of the many struggles adults today face and seek guidance and healing around in our therapy offices. These struggles are often born from experiences and dynamics of childhood that continue to influence the parent-child relationship in adulthood. Sometimes, these dynamics are very evident, and other times they may be more subtle and hard to correlate with current experience. Being able to identify and understand how childhood experiences have affected us and our relationships is often crucial to improve maladaptive patterns and cycles we may find ourselves in. Below are a few ways early childhood dynamics can create problems and some tips for navigating them.

A Few of the Many Benefits of HRT for Trans/NB+ Folx

In recent years, there has been growing recognition of the profound impact hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can have on the psychological well-being of transgender and non-binary (trans/NB+)  folx. While the physical changes brought about by HRT are often highlighted, the emotional and mental health benefits are equally significant and deserving of attention. HRT has a high potential to contribute to a more fulfilling and authentic life for many trans/NB+ people.

Alignment with Gender Identity

One of the most profound psychological benefits of HRT is the alignment it may foster between an individual’s physical body and their gender identity. For some trans/NB+ folx, gender dysphoria—the discomfort or distress arising from a mismatch between gender identity and assigned sex at birth—can lead to significant psychological distress. HRT helps alleviate this dysphoria, enabling individuals to feel more comfortable in their own skin. This alignment can lead to increased self-esteem and a greater sense of self-acceptance. It is important to note, however, that not all trans/NB+ people experience gender dysphoria. Of these folx who do not experience gender dysphoria, some still choose to receive HRT as a means to affirm their identity and live more authentically to their specific experience.

Reduction in Emotional Discomfort

Numerous studies have shown that trans/NB+ folx who receive HRT often experience a reduction in anxiety, depression, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, and disordered eating behaviors. The emotional relief that comes from feeling more congruent with one’s gender identity can be transformative. For many, the physical changes—such as breast development, voice changes, body hair changes, or body fat redistribution—can provide a sense of relief and happiness that improves overall mental health and quality of life. This often leads to increased participation in everyday activities, pursuing their interests and goals, and engaging with their communities.

Overview

For many trans/NB+ folx, choosing to receive HRT is an act of empowerment and self-love. It fosters a sense of agency that can be incredibly affirming. The psychological benefits of HRT for trans/NB+ folx extend far beyond physical changes. HRT can significantly improve mental health by alleviating gender and body dysphoria, enhancing one’s relationship with their gender, and fostering a sense of empowerment and self-love. As society continues to grow in its understanding of trans/NB+ identities, recognizing the holistic benefits of HRT will be essential in supporting the well-being of trans/NB+ folx. Embracing and affirming one’s identity is a powerful journey, and HRT plays a vital role in helping many navigate this path toward empowerment in one’s identity.

In the fast-paced, and sometimes oppressive, world of corporate America, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle. With deadlines looming and meetings stacked back-to-back, many professionals find themselves operating on autopilot, dimming their unique spark. However, maintaining your “main character energy” (MCE) is essential for not only your personal growth but also for creating a dynamic workplace culture. Here’s how to keep your energy vibrant and impactful in the corporate environment.

Being a mom...one of the most rewarding roles AND a role that comes with many layers of responsibility, much of that responsibility going unseen to the outside world. From the moment a child is born, a mother begins a journey of giving, guiding and ensuring everything is running smoothly for the family. Whether she works outside the home or solely manages the household, a mom is often trying to balance a diverse mix of duties and demands. But what does it really mean to carry all this responsibility? And why is it so important to recognize the depth of what moms do, even when they don't ask for recognition?

Last month I focused on the unseen weight that mom’s carry and it felt suiting to follow that up with a look at what a fathers experience can be like. When we think about mental health, we often think about the challenges mothers face, or even the struggles of children. However, one of the most under-discussed areas of mental health is that of fathers. There tends to be an unspoken burden on dads to be strong; to be providers and protectors. But what happens when dad isn’t okay?

Fathers, like anyone else, experience mental health struggles.Yet, the emotional toll fatherhood can take is often left unrecognized and undiscussed. I would like to explore the reality of mental health challenges faced by fathers, the societal pressures they endure, and the importance of creating space for dads to seek help and care for themselves.

In today’s world, love is a powerful force that transcends barriers—whether they are cultural, geographic, or even racial. Interracial dating, where individuals from different racial or ethnic backgrounds form romantic relationships, is becoming more common and accepted. While it has come a long way in terms of social acceptance, it’s important to understand the beauty, challenges, and depth of interracial relationships. This post will explore the positive aspects of interracial dating and provide insights on how we can embrace these relationships with respect and understanding.

Breakups are universally painful experiences that affect us emotionally, mentally, and even physically. While most people understand the emotional toll of heartache, fewer recognize that breakups can trigger biological responses in the body and brain. Our physical and emotional systems are deeply interconnected, meaning that a breakup can impact our brains and bodies on hormonal and cellular levels. Gaining a better understanding of how breakups impact us biologically can help us to better understand our pain and even assuage common feelings of desperation, isolation, and shame. Here’s a breakdown of the biological processes at play during and after a breakup:

Dating apps offer convenience and access to a broader pool of potential partners, but they also bring about frustrations and emotional challenges. When using online dating apps you may feel that the formula used on these platforms withhold certain profiles from view and prioritizes looks over compatibility, which may cause you to feel at the mercy of these mysterious algorithms. While dating app algorithms are designed to help users find matches, they are also built to keep users engaged and ultimately, to generate revenue. As a result, these algorithms may encourage behaviors that align with the app’s business model, such as spending money on premium features or staying on the app longer. By understanding how these algorithms work, you can adjust your approach and potentially get better (and possibly more compatible) matches. Here’s how you can use an understanding of dating app algorithms to get different results.

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in daily routines and distractions, losing sight of what truly matters to us. Understanding and connecting with our core values can be a powerful way to navigate life’s challenges and make meaningful choices. As a therapist specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I often see how clarity around values can transform individuals’ lives. In this post, we’ll explore why knowing your values is essential, how the values mountain metaphor can guide you toward achieving your life goals, and how ACT can help you align your life with what truly matters.

As the first day of fall arrives there is joy in the crispness of the air, the leaves changing, and pumpkin spice everything being back on the menu. But for many it also means that their seasonal depression may come back any day now. This condition affects millions of individuals worldwide, typically striking during the fall and winter months due less sunlight and colder temperatures. For some, even the joyful sights and smells of the fall and holidays triggers feelings on fatigue, sadness, and numbness. Pair that with the stress of the holidays and it can be a recipe for several miserable months ahead. However, there are steps you can take to prevent seasonal depression and put your mind at ease about your state of mind over the next few months. Below are a few tips to proactively prevent yourself from falling into the winter blues.

Do you feel like nothing you do ever enough to satisfy your partner? You are intentional and put exerted effort into pleasing and making your partner feel loved, only to feel like the goal post keeps moving. You are not alone in feeling this way and it is not an impossible issue to navigate. This is a common dynamic when one person in the relationship has an anxious attachment style. An anxiously attached partner may struggle with feeling secure in the relationship, leading to the internal belief that "I’m not good enough." If you find yourself loving someone with this attachment style, understanding their needs and learning how to navigate their emotional landscape will help both of you feel more connected and secure.

f you are aware of attachment styles you may have noticed the person you are dating has some avoidant attachment tendencies. Don’t worry, many people have avoidant or anxious attachment styles, and they are more likely to be single, so you will often run into them in the dating pool. Navigating the world of romantic relationships can be challenging, especially when dealing with different attachment styles. However, armed with understanding and self-awareness, it's entirely possible to build a healthy and fulfilling relationship with someone who has an avoidant attachment style. Below you will hear tips from our expert relationship therapists to help you navigate the journey of dating someone with an avoidant attachment style.