“The most terrible loneliness is not the kind that comes from being alone, but the kind that comes from being misunderstood.” ~ George Orwell “Paradoxically, the ability to be alone is the condition for the ability to love.” Erich Fromm Dealing with rejection and loneliness are a normal part of being human. There are […]
Is It Introversion or Avoidance? How to Tell the Difference | Shifting Perceptions | Amority Health Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S Is It Introversion or Avoidance? We all say no sometimes; skip plans, leave early, or prefer quiet time. But how do you […]
Shifting Perceptions During Change: Finding Ground When Life Feels Uncertain | Amority Health Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S Quick Summary: Change, whether chosen or unexpected, can shake everything we thought we knew. Our brains may crave stability, so even positive transitions can bring anxiety, […]
Achievement Grief: Why Success Can Feel Empty for High Achievers | Amority Health Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S This article was originally published on Amority Health’s Blog – Shifting Perceptions: Read the original article You Did Everything You Set Out to Do… So Why Does it Feel […]
Quality sleep is essential for physical and mental health. As a psychologist, I frequently discuss sleep problems with my clients. On the surface, many of the habits I mention below will seem like they could be helpful. However, they are disruptive to processes such as circadian rhythm and sleep drive, which are essential for quality […]
A panic attack is an abrupt surge of intense fear or discomfort that lasts for approximately 10-15 minutes. Panic attacks are associated with many physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, sweating, and dizziness. Individuals experiencing panic often have a fear of dying or going crazy. Panic attacks commonly co-occur with other […]
Forgiveness can be challenging to discuss in therapy. In my work with clients, the topic of forgiveness frequently comes up. The reality is, if we want to sustain any relationship, we will need to have the ability to forgive. We hurt each other in big and small ways through judgments, misunderstandings, betrayals, and criticisms. Unfortunately, […]
In a world that feels uncertain and scary, people can develop more rigid thinking to regain a sense of control or safety. Unfortunately, this can lead to broken relationships, loneliness, and isolation. Below, I address common thinking pitfalls related to relationships and how to manage them. Black and white thinking (also known as “all-or-nothing thinking”)- […]
As an OCD and anxiety specialist, one of the main treatments I utilize is called Exposure and response prevention (ERP). The name itself can sound somewhat intimidating. When we think of the word, “exposure” it sounds like “exposed” which can make a person feel vulnerable right out of the gate. ERP can be very challenging, […]
It is normal for human beings to experience feelings of nervousness or shyness from time to time. Some people are naturally shy or introverted so they may have less desire for social interaction. Social anxiety disorder or social phobia occurs when an individual experiences marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in […]
