Mental Health

Trauma healing is not only about symptom relief. It’s about reclaiming the self. This article explores a recent presentation for the Virginia Counselors Association (VCA): how EMDR therapy helps survivors reconstruct identity and move toward post-traumatic growth.

A Letter to the Woman Who is in an Abusive Relationship and Deciding Whether or Not to Leave... I’m writing to you with tenderness, truth, and zero judgment. Research shows that the average survivor leaves an abusive relationship 7–8 times before leaving for good. That’s not because they are weak. It’s because trauma bonds are real, coercive control is powerful, and abusers know exactly how to cycle between harm and “honeymoon” apologies to maintain control.

In today’s fast-paced world, one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves, and others, is the experience of emotional safety. Whether in our closest relationships or within the workplace, emotional safety provides the foundation for trust, authenticity, and growth. It allows us to show up fully, without fear of judgment, rejection, or unnecessary conflict.

Relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual care. When these foundations are shaken, especially by physical aggression, it can leave you feeling conflicted, hurt, and uncertain about what to do next. If you’re in this situation or an unhealthy relationship, know that you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid.

Creating a stable family environment is essential for nurturing strong relationships and fostering emotional well-being. Stability within the family provides a foundation where every member feels safe, supported, and valued. This blog post explores practical ways to build and maintain such an environment, offering actionable advice that can be applied in everyday life.

Living a balanced life is a goal many strive for but often find elusive. The key to this balance lies in nurturing both the mind and body. When mental and physical health are in harmony, overall well-being improves, leading to a more fulfilling and productive life.

Discover how EMDR is transforming trauma therapy at Body and Mindfully Healthy. Learn about our exciting EMDR training milestone today!

Join me in celebrating an announcement of a National Certification & VCA Conference.

In a world that often prioritizes productivity over presence, many of us lose touch with something essential to our well-being: joy. Not the performative kind we feel pressured to showcase on our social media highlight reel, but the quiet, authentic kind that lives inside ordinary moments. Joy is not a luxury emotion. It is a necessity.

We all have biases. They don’t make us bad people, but left unchecked, they can affect how we treat others, shape our decisions, and damage our ability to build meaningful, respectful relationships both personally and professionally.

Grief is a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. It doesn’t follow a straight path or a timeline. It doesn’t look the same for everyone. And while it’s commonly associated with the death of a loved one, grief can stem from any significant loss, including a relationship ending, a major life transition, the loss of a job, a serious health diagnosis, or even a shift in personal identity.

The transition from high school to college is a significant milestone in a young adult’s life that is filled with excitement, new responsibilities, and, understandably, a fair amount of uncertainty. At Body and Mindfully Healthy, we understand how emotionally complex this time can be, and we’re here to support that journey.

When we think about wellness, we often separate it into categories that include physical health, mental health, emotional wellbeing. The truth is that they are all deeply interconnected.

Access to mental health care is a vital part of overall well-being. Many people grapple with mental health challenges, and yet, a significant number do not receive the care they need. Understanding why accessible mental health care is essential is crucial for nurturing healthier communities.

Survivors are labeled as "disordered" for their understandable reactions to harm, while the individuals responsible for their trauma, the perpetrators, are far less likely to receive scrutiny or diagnoses for their actions. This disparity not only compounds the burden on survivors but also overlooks the significant damage caused by those who perpetuate abuse and trauma.

Sometimes the most powerful moments in therapy aren’t breakthroughs filled with big emotion but simple, quiet words that somehow change everything. A gentle reminder. A shift in perspective. A phrase you find yourself repeating on hard days.

Depression can mask trauma and this is why differential diagnosis is crucial. Discover the right therapy for depression and trauma today.

Each year, May marks Mental Health Awareness Month. It's a time to raise awareness, break down stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health. Mental health affects every one of us. Whether it's stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health conditions, these challenges don’t discriminate by age, gender, background, or circumstance. And yet, many continue to struggle in silence.

Therapists terminate care for a variety of reasons, and it’s rarely a decision made lightly.

Discover the evolving ethics in counseling and therapists' duties.