mental health counseling Archives

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma

May 11, 2026 by Tabitha Westbrook

Can Cognitive Behavioral Therapy be Helpful in Treating Trauma? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has become an easy target in online trauma spaces, and some of that criticism is earned. CBT is structured talk therapy built around the link between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and it is heavily researched and widely covered by insurance. The problem […]

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Anxiety, Sexual Abuse / Trauma, Trauma, Trauma / PTSD Tagged With: complex trauma healing, domestic abuse recovery, emotional abuse awareness, healing from trauma, mental health counseling, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, stress management, trauma and PTSD wake forest, Trauma Healing, trauma recovery

What if the Way You’re Thinking is Making Your Anxiety and Depression Worse?

March 20, 2026 by Tabitha Westbrook

Anxiety and Depression and How to Help Yourself If you’ve ever been told to “just stop worrying” or to “choose joy,” you already know how unhelpful that advice is. Anxiety and depression are not character flaws. Nor are they signs that your faith is weak. They are not things you can simply decide your way […]

Filed Under: Anxiety, General, Resources, Self-Esteem, Trauma, Trauma / PTSD Tagged With: anxiety wake forest, domestic abuse recovery, mental health counseling, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, Trauma Healing, trauma recovery

Romance Fiction Red Flags: Unpacking Harmful Tropes in Fictional Love Stories (Part 2)

November 21, 2025 by Tabitha Westbrook

Written by Gwen Soat, LCMHCA Romance Fiction Red Flags Last week we began unpacking the red flags we see in romantic fiction. This week we unpack the final six in our two-part series. 7. Romance Fiction Red Flag: Non-Consensual or Coercive Behavior Portrayed as Desire In romance fiction, a partner may kiss or touch the […]

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: arousal templates, Body and Soul Healed and Whole, coercive behavior, coercive control, consent in relationships, emotional abuse awareness, healthy relationships, mental health counseling, relationship red flags, romance fiction red flags, sexual violence, therapy for women, Trauma Healing, trauma recovery, unhealthy relationship tropes

Romance Fiction Red Flags: Unpacking Harmful Tropes in Fictional Love Stories (Part 1)

November 14, 2025 by Tabitha Westbrook

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 […]

Filed Under: Abuse/Neglect, Addiction, Couples/Marriage, Sex, Sexual Abuse / Trauma, Trauma, Trauma / PTSD Tagged With: codependency, coercive control, emotional abuse awareness, gaslighting, healing from trauma, healthy relationships, jealousy in relationships, love and boundaries, mental health counseling, possessiveness, relationship red flags, romance fiction, romance fiction red flags, romantic obsession, therapy for women, Trauma Healing, trauma recovery, unhealthy relationship tropes