Perfectionism is often seen as a strength. You may be someone who works hard, pays close attention to details, sets high standards, and wants to do things well. But when the need to be perfect becomes tied to your sense of worth, it can become exhausting. You may accomplish something you worked hard for, only […]
Viruses don’t only affect the immune system, they also interact with the brain and nervous system. Research points to several overlapping mechanisms: • Neuroinflammation: The immune response to infection releases inflammatory signals that can temporarily alter brain circuits involved in mood, motivation, and emotional regulation (Dantzer et al., 2008; Miller et al., 2009). • Stress-system […]
Your nervous system is constantly scanning your environment for cues of safety or threat, and sound is one of the fastest ways it does that. This means the background noises in your home can quietly influence stress levels, mood, and sleep, even when you’re not consciously aware of them. White noise vs. low-frequency noise Not […]
When couples tell me: “We just don’t feel close anymore.” My first instinct isn’t necessarily to tell them to spend more time together, schedule another date night, or start having deeper conversations. I want to know something else first: What happens when one of you tries to be vulnerable? What happens when you say, “That […]
Healing Beyond Talk Therapy: When the Body, System, and Ancestral Field Are Finally Included Talking endlessly about your pain can leave you feeling drained and stuck. When therapy focuses only on words, the deeper roots often stay hidden. Healing shifts when your body, family system, and ancestral field join the conversation through systemic therapy. This […]
How High Achievers Are Finding Ground When Life Feels Uncertain: Shifting Perceptions During Change | Amority Health Originally Published: May 31, 2026; Updated and Republished on August 22, 2026 Written By: Rachel Cooper, MS, LPC Associate Supervised by Dr. Amber Quaranta Leech, LPC-S Quick Summary: Change, whether chosen or unexpected, can shake […]
Some people find it difficult to fully relax, even when things are going well. A calm day may feel unfamiliar. A positive experience may quickly be followed by the thought, “But what if something goes wrong?” You might find yourself replaying conversations, anticipating problems that have not happened, or constantly trying to stay one step […]
When the Swallows Return on collective trauma, shared narratives, and the healing power of community “When our city was attacked, I fled to the hills with my little boy, and there my second baby was born,” she tells me, eyes like the sea behind her, hair long and blonde like mine. The lines etched into […]
Two people can stay married for 20, 30, even 40 years—and still reach a point where one or both begin wondering whether the marriage they built is the marriage they want to grow old in. From the outside, the question is almost inevitable: “Why would they divorce now?” They raised children together. Built careers. Bought […]
As a therapist who specializes in working with anxiety, specifically panic attacks and phobias such as fear of flying, I get frustrated as I scroll through my social media feeds and see endless ads or influencers promoting products or hacks geared toward helping people “eliminate” their anxiety. Whether it’s a guided breathing device, a scent […]
