Emotional Validation in Immigrant Families
If you’re like many people I know, the title alone may have made you laugh. My parents, emotions? Validation? You must be crazy!
Nearly every day I hear clients recounting stories from childhood all the way to the present of parents scoffing at their emotions. “You think you have it bad? That’s nothing compared to the old country!” “Stop crying; I didn’t bring you to this country for you to cry all the time!” “Don’t be sad; you have it so good.” “Don’t you understand how much we’ve sacrificed for you?” “You’re being so selfish!” “We brought you here to be happy.”
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Somatic Therapy is for Regulating your Nervous System
These days it seems like you can’t go five seconds of scrolling without seeing something about nervous system regulation. From breathwork to mindfulness, yoga to tai chi to cold exposure, it seems like everyone has something to say about regulating your nervous system. This is, in general, a good thing, because everyone can benefit from learning new ways to feel a little calmer, a little more grounded, a little more present. However, I’d like to take a minute to explain what nervous system regulation is, dispel some myths, and contextualize this within the process of therapy.
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Orienting for Trauma Recovery
Our minds and bodies are extraordinarily adapted to responding to threats. When working properly, our nervous system responds effectively to danger. However, trauma occurs when our nervous system is overwhelmed and has not been able to effectively respond to that danger.
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How to Validate Your Partner's Emotions and Why It’s Important
Empathy and validation are ways we connect with each other, and the way we first learn what emotions are and what to do with them.
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Communication Killers and How to Avoid Them
Conflict is guaranteed in any relationship, especially committed romantic relationships. Conflict can range from minor disagreements to full on shouting matches.
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