Many people try mindfulness practice and feel worse, not better. They sit still, notice their heart race or their thoughts go willy nilly, and decide they’re failing. The truth is so much kinder (and more accurate): your nervous system is doing its job. When you’ve lived with chronic stress, abuse, or ongoing uncertainty, your body […]
Romance Fiction Red Flags: Unpacking Harmful Tropes in Fictional Love Stories (Part 1)
Written by Gwen Soat, LCMHCA Romance Fiction – Part 1 Falling in love through romance fiction is a common pastime for many creatives and story-lovers alike. We read of star-crossed lovers defying the odds, of enemies-to-lovers who choose each other despite their flaws, and friends who find each other to be so much more. Fictional […]
The Healing Power of Whole-person Counseling for Trauma
Why Whole-person Counseling for Trauma Did you know that nearly 70% of adults in the U.S. have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime? While not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will be traumatized, when you are it it can leave a deep wound. When trauma goes unaddressed it leads to to […]
When Breathwork Backfires – Why It’s Not Always Safe for Trauma Recovery
The Breath of Life – Or a Breath That Feels Like Death? Breathwork is often talked about as helpful, and for good reason. Deep breathing exercises, often called breathwork, and somatic practices that emphasize the breath can absolutely help many people calm their nervous systems, reconnect with their bodies, and find peace. But what happens […]
Police Officer, Hold the Line: Mental Health Strategies for Aspiring and Active Law Enforcement
Post by Gwen Soat, LCMHCA Becoming a police officer isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. You’ve passed the interviews, survived the Academy, conquered the fitness exams, and now you’re ready to wear the badge as a police officer. Answering this call is courageous, but too many officers neglect one critical piece of preparation: mental and […]