Have you ever felt like you’re moving through life with the brakes on? You’re going through the motions—showing up to work, answering texts, taking care of responsibilities—but underneath it all, you feel disconnected, exhausted, and unable to truly engage. This is what we call functional freeze, a state of nervous system dysregulation where you remain outwardly functional while internally feeling stuck, numb, or shut down.

Let’s be honest—family relationships can be tricky at the best of times. Throw in a parent who isn’t exactly waving the pride flag (or whatever flag represents your unique identity) and things can get downright exhausting. Whether you’ve faced rejection, disapproval, or endless “But why do you have to be so…you?” conversations, navigating a relationship with a parent who doesn’t accept your identity is no walk in the park.

But take a deep breath, because I’ve got you covered with some tips and insights. Plus, we’ll throw in some wisdom from Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, because honestly, that book is like a warm blanket for anyone who’s ever dealt with emotionally unavailable or unsupportive parents.

Dealing with depersonalization (feeling disconnected from yourself) and derealization (feeling like the world around you isn’t real) can be unsettling. However, there are practical steps you can take to feel more grounded and present. Here’s how:

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) goes beyond the common understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder. It doesn’t just stem from a singular traumatic event but is often the result of prolonged, repeated trauma, usually occurring during formative years. As a therapist, I see the profound impact of C-PTSD in many of my clients, often linked to attachment wounds, persistent fears, and self-concepts shaped by chronic emotional harm.

Let’s face it: we’ve all encountered our fair share of “assholes.” Whether it’s that guy at the coffee shop who can’t seem to figure out how to order without causing a scene or the coworker who hogs the printer like it’s their personal property, the world is teeming with difficult personalities. But before we start tossing around the term “narcissist” like it’s confetti at a parade, let’s take a moment to clarify: not every jerk is a narcissist.

As a therapist, this is a question I hear more often than I hear “Do you have any snacks?” So, let’s tackle it!

As a therapist, I often find myself in a dance with cognitive distortions—those pesky thought patterns that can twist our perceptions and lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety. Think of them as the gremlins of our minds, turning everyday situations into dramas worthy of an Oscar. Today, let’s explore some common cognitive distortions, why they love to crash our mental parties, and how we can challenge them to restore some sanity (and a bit of humor) in our lives.

Healthy relationships are built on the foundation of effective communication. Whether with friends, family, or partners, how we express ourselves and listen to others can make all the difference. Today, we’ll explore some key communication strategies to help you strengthen your relationships, along with exercises to put these strategies into practice. Let’s dive in!

Perfectionism can feel like a double-edged sword. On one hand, it drives us to achieve high standards and strive for excellence; on the other, it can lead to anxiety, burnout, and a persistent sense of dissatisfaction. If you’ve ever found yourself trapped in the relentless pursuit of perfection, you’re not alone. Let’s explore the therapeutic journey to breaking free from perfectionism and embracing a more balanced, fulfilling life.