Blog

Recent Updates

happy woman in the outdoor surrounding

When it comes to mental and physical health, many individuals focus on one or the other. However, it’s important to care for both to maintain one’s well-being. This is because mental and physical health are closely connected, with both relying on each other. Keep reading as we explore this connection, then begin the road to healing with a telehealth counseling appointment from Inward Healing Therapy.

more
A woman looking out the window and being comforted

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are two of the most common and devastating mental health issues that countless individuals across the world grapple with every day. Individuals who suffer from trauma and PTSD are often faced with overwhelming mental, physical, and emotional distress, making it difficult to live a full and healthy life. But there is hope.

At Inward Healing Therapy, we understand the unique needs of those who have experienced trauma and are living with PTSD. Our counselors are specially trained in helping individuals work through the effects of trauma and PTSD. Read on to learn more and reach out to our specialists today with any concerns you may have.

Check Out Our Resources To Learn More

more
The Do’s and Don’ts of Encountering Your Narcissistic Ex

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of being involved with a narcissistic ex, you know that running into them can be an uncomfortable and overwhelming experience. Whether you’re trying to stay cordial and keep things amicable or avoid contact altogether, it can be difficult to know what to do and how to handle the situation. It can also trigger past trauma of experiencing self-doubt, questioning yourself, questioning your reality, and reminders of the abuse you experienced that were possibly followed by love-bombing, which has made your experience even more confusing. All of it can hit you all at once and trigger your fight, flight, or freeze response. That’s why it is important to know and rehearse how you will respond before you see them so that you are prepared. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the dos and don’ts of encountering your narcissistic ex so that you can stay safe and make it through the encounter with your dignity intact. Remember, every relationship and situation is different and may require a unique approach, but prioritizing your physical, mental, and emotional...

more
5 Tips For Managing End-of-Year Stress and Anxiety

The end of the year is fast approaching and with it comes a lot of stress and anxiety. From holiday shopping to end-of-year deadlines, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to balance everything. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, it is possible to stay on top of our stress and anxiety levels. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 5 tips for managing end-of-year stress and anxiety.

more
7 Steps to Getting Through a Breakup Without Losing Your Sanity

Breakups are never easy to go through, no matter what stage you’re in. Whether you and your partner broke up three days ago or three years ago, it can take some time before you feel normal again. You may feel depressed, anxious, or even completely lost as to where your life is going from here. But with the right steps, you can get through this breakup without losing your mind. We’ve put together seven actionable steps to help you get through your breakup and get back on your feet quickly and smoothly. Let’s get started!

more
How to Make Friendships as Adults

As you get older, making friends can become a lot harder. It all seemed so easy as a child, but making friends as an adult can be a real struggle. Many of us feel lonely–about 40% of us in fact, including 61% of young adults and 51% of mothers with young children. Loneliness has been described as endemic and it’s a problem that needs to be addressed. But how can we make friends as adults when it can feel like so much effort?

more
Body Image Issues and Online Dating

In the past, couples met in real life. Romances kicked off with a simple conversation, a wink, or through friends of friends. People made snap decisions on who to date after making quick observations of the energy of the whole person. If they liked what they experienced in their company, they went for it.

But today’s online dating environment is different. Romances don’t emerge organically. Instead, daters have shopping lists of attributes their ideal partner must have. If they don’t fit the bill, it’s time to swipe left (say no).

Because of this, body image issues are coming to the fore. People are concerned about not being accepted because of the way they look. Women are conscious of their weight, while men worry about their height. If they don’t meet certain physical attributes, they feel priced out of the market.

If you’re struggling with body image issues related to online dating (which is most of us) this post is here to help. Here’s what to do:

more
How to support young people who are getting bullied for their sexuality

It’s not easy being a young person these days. There’s so much pressure to fit in and be like everyone else. Sadly many young LGBTQ+ people experience bullying over their sexuality or gender identity, something that can not only be emotionally distressing in the moment but have a significant impact on their long-term mental health and educational achievement, as well.

The good news is that LGBTQ+ youth no longer have to navigate the burdens of such difficult experiences as isolated and alone. Instead, you will find that there is plenty that you can do to support LGBTQ+ youths that are dealing with bullying, and help them thrive. Keep reading to find out more.

more
How to Manage Gun Violence Fear

Mass shootings have become an unfortunately regular occurrence all across America. In fact, as many as one-third of US adults report that they now avoid certain places and situations through fear of gun violence. High-profile get-togethers and even just bustling public places are certainly off the cards for many, while continual concerns can make relaxation difficult even in the comfort of our own homes.

None of this is conducive to our well-being, and it’s a worrying trend that highlights a very real and growing form of vicarious trauma as shootings continue to make national news. The escalating anxiety that’s possible as a result of this fear is especially concerning, but there are steps that you can take to better manage gun violence fear in general. Keep on reading to find out what they are.

more
Trauma: Recognizing Inherited Trauma

The media is starting to portray more traumatized characters, and society is starting to understand its negative impact on individuals and families. Trauma can cause the brain to develop adaptations in order to cope with frightening things that happened in the past in an attempt to increase their chances of survival. Those living with trauma often feel helpless, powerless, and may be unable to cope. It’s a frightening experience.

Inherited traumas are a little different. These aren’t always things you experience directly. Instead, they are traumas passed down from parents and caregivers to children.

You may have experienced this yourself. For example, your parents might have been traumatized by something and then passed this pain onto you. There is research to prove that generations can acquire the unfinished psychological tasks of their parents and from previous generations.

more
What to Know About Love Bombing and Signs to Look Out For

Dating a narcissist is a minefield, not least for the fact that you rarely know that’s what’s happening until the relationship has got going. There are definite toxic behaviors that make it easier to track what is going on, and one of the most dangerous of these behaviors is a practice known as love bombing. Along with gaslighting, love bombing is a sign of a narcissistic partner, which can quickly become dangerous. As we will see, it is a very sophisticated way of exerting control over a partner and one which is cropping up more and more often. But what is love bombing, and how can you tell that you are at risk from this behavior?

more
COVID-19: Will it ever end? Tips for coping with new variants

The Covid-19 pandemic has been one of those events that has changed the lives of everyone on the planet and has made its mark in history. Its impact has been so all-encompassing that we’ve found words and phrases entering our vocabularies that we would never previously have used. One word which has become common currency – particularly as the pandemic has gone on – is “variant”.

It has often seemed as though we are returning to some measure of normality only for a new variant to land. There have been several variants, with Delta and Omicron the most notable. And for those of us who are just hoping and praying for an end to Covid, the arrival of a new variant has been bad news, because it feels like all of the uncertainty and confusion that came with the start of the pandemic comes rushing back.

more
The Connection Between Social Media and Depression

It’s no secret that social media has become a significant part of our lives. Young people are now more connected to their phones than the people around them, and it can be difficult for parents to understand how social media affects their children. The relationship between depression and social media is complex, but there are some clear connections between the two – with young adults being particularly at risk.

Depression is a general term used to describe feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and poor concentration.

Depression is defined as “a mental disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss or loneliness interfere with daily life” by the Mayo Clinic. Depression can cause feelings of sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, and poor concentration.

Is Social Media Linked to Depression? It seems like many would say yes. Different types of depressive disorders can have other causes, but there is no doubt social media...

more
5 Tips for Conquering Holiday Depression

The holidays are a time for joy, happiness, and family. But they can also be stressful and overwhelming. This holiday season, there is no need to feel like you’re alone in your feelings of sadness or anxiety that accompany the end of the year. We’ve put together five tips that will help you cope with Holiday Depression:

more
Childhood Trauma – When your Past is Not in the Past - Inward Healing Therapy

If you’ve ever experienced childhood trauma, then it’s something that happened to you many years ago. Some of us aren’t even aware that we’ve been through a traumatic experience, while others know that something happened, but they’ve tried to forget about it.

Despite the fact it happened a long time ago – and despite the fact you may not even know you’ve experienced it – childhood trauma affects millions of adults in the present. The lingering effects of childhood trauma can play on your mind as you grow older, often impacting some of your daily habits. It can affect relationships, your mood, life decisions – and so much more.

Consequently, you need to understand how to deal with any trauma you experienced as a child. This starts by identifying the different types of trauma and seeing if you suffered from any. Then, you need to look at your current life and see if you exhibit telltale signs of trauma affecting you right now. From here, you can work towards finding solutions to help with your childhood trauma, getting over the pain, and no longer letting it run your...

more
3 reasons why 2021 holidays may cause more anxiety

Holiday stressors can be a lot for anyone to handle, but it may seem nearly impossible when you suffer from anxiety. In addition, the pressure of holiday expectations and meeting socialization expectations that come with holiday gatherings can intensify an already anxious person’s stress levels.

more
df8e7880-41cd-11ec-affc-6b0110ccd108.jpg

Most people understand what is meant by stress and anxiety; that said, not everyone is able to identify which is which, even when they are experiencing these feelings. It’s true that there are some similarities between stress and anxiety, but it’s important to realize the differences.

Stress is very common, and many people experience it every day. For example, when someone puts pressure on you in your work or in your relationship, it changes your expectations and makes you feel frustrated. Anxiety is more fear based where you feel like you’ve lost control.

more
76f587d0-40df-11ec-b96b-ff345f8659fa.jpg

Your food diet is a reflection of your physical and mental health driven by many factors. Food Anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses and disorders greatly impact your relationship with food.

Read along to seven long-term tips to set for yourself and take notes on what what you want to improve.

more
e94db466-3629-47e1-ade5-6f0e7f71e247.jpg

October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month, a time when clinicians and their communities come together to spread awareness and combat mental illness. By working together, we can all promote the importance of mental health screenings while reducing the stigma associated with mental health illnesses.

more
44839e7a-4d47-43bd-aee4-5446ff8cdfd1.jpg

For many children, childhood is a time of wonder, play, and discovery. These children have parents who give them the safety and security to explore the world around them and grow to reach their full potential.

But some children have one or more parents who lack the right skills or behavior to allow their children to feel safe, secure, and unconditionally loved. Those children who are raised by someone with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) often experience prolonged trauma, and the effects of this trauma can linger into adulthood.

more
3a3c0e57-b315-4e0e-a60c-287dc98fdc48.jpg

Recent data suggests that over half of the people in this country feel stress. And a lot of it!

Sadly, when many people feel stressed, they tend to lean into bad habits, like drinking, smoking and eating junk food. What they should be doing is more yoga, meditation, and mindfulness.

More and more studies are now proving yoga can help people deal with stress and anxiety. But sadly, not enough people realize the benefits of yoga. And that’s why September has officially become National Yoga Awareness Month.

Besides helping to relieve stress and anxiety, yoga also offers some other pretty terrific benefits:

more
c949349f-3b64-444f-b116-c4a1a06bde8c.jpg

Codependency is a term that describes an unhealthy or unbalanced relationship where one person’s needs are met while the others aren’t. Codependent people are said to “enable” the bad behavior of a loved one by supporting them, no matter if it negatively affects their own well-being.

As an example, a parent may have a hard time setting healthy boundaries by telling their grown addict son or daughter their behavior is unwelcomed and they must move out. This is a bit of a lose/lose scenario because enabling this bad behavior stalls recovery and only perpetuates the problem. In addition, the codependent parent puts themselves in harm’s way, mentally, emotionally, and perhaps even physically.

Codependency in romantic relationships may look like fear of abandonment, difficulty identifying feelings and expressing them, feeling overly responsible for their partners actions, a tendency to do more than their share a lot of the time, unhealthy dependence on their partner, an extreme need for approval and recognition, guilt when asserting themselves, need to control others,...

more
d4e2396e-9d9c-4dc3-b660-238269648c9d.jpg

It has been a very long year. Lockdowns and social distancing have had a profound impact on our hearts and minds. But thankfully, as the vaccines roll out and the country begins to slowly open back up, we are beginning to return to some kind of normal.

While many people are jumping for joy with the idea of taking part in normal social gatherings and getting back to their social lives, there are also those individuals who are feeling a bit of social anxiety at the same time. This is understandable and totally normal, given our drastic change in lifestyle and routine.

Being social requires a set of skills. We learned as children how to interact with those around us. As we grew older, we learned even more of the intricate and complex social structures, norms, and rules. Being away from society for a year or more has put a kink into these important skills for many of us. You may have learned how to ice skate as a kid, but if you haven’t been on skates for years, there’s a good chance you’ll be a little rusty when you first get back out there.

Here are some tips for...

more
07fa18c0-bf28-11eb-9327-57925d8ee074.jpg

Gratitude is a powerful tool to living a more meaningful life. I’ll start this story off with one of my favorite quotes by one of my favorite persons;

“If you are grateful for what you have, you will be given more to be grateful for.”- Jay Shetty

The simple practice of being grateful for what we have can shift our mindsets and transform our lives. When we focus on what we have, instead of what we do not have, it can take our thinking from negative to positive. When we start to think more positively we appear happier, spread more happiness, change how we approach challenges, and it makes us generally more desirable to be around. People start to gravitate towards you, or if they are stuck in their cycle of self-sabotage and negativity they may resent you, however they are still not helping themselves and will not be rewarded with more.

more
31b063d9-0b34-45d1-995a-0a62bd104031.jpg

When we’re young, life transitions are fun and empowering. We go from crawling to walking, walking to running. We start with training wheels but soon no longer need them. As we age we graduate into higher grades and become more independent.

But as adults, life transitions can feel not so fun and far from empowering, because life transitions can often include loss: loss of a job, a marriage, and loved ones. During these life transitions, we can feel out to sea, completely at the mercy of the tides that seem to be tossing our lifeboat around.

If you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed right now because you are facing one or more life transitions, here are some ways you can navigate these choppy waters:

more