When a client hits a roadblock in therapy, it’s sometimes because they’re actively trying to avoid stirring up (or even talking about) painful memories or emotions. Now of course, it’s understandable why most clients skirt around painful topics to some extent . . . . . . but as we know, it can also become […]
Working with Emotional Distress – with Janina Fisher, PhD
When it comes to treating trauma, we’re often working with clients who have a low tolerance for distress. And when faced with traumatic memories or difficult emotions, they may respond by slipping into a state of hypoarousal to defend against the pain. So in the video below, Janina Fisher, PhD shares how she helps hypoaroused […]
Helping Clients Expand Their Comfort Zone
When it comes to treating anxiety, clients sometimes focus more on final outcomes than progress. But working with anxiety is often a daily process – a series of gradual (and often uncomfortable) steps to widen their comfort zone. So how can we motivate clients to embrace this process? In the video below, Kelly McGonigal, PhD […]
Working with Self-Harm: Pat Ogden, PhD with a Safe Replacement for Harmful Actions
In the aftermath of trauma, some clients turn to self-harm to relieve intense feelings of shame, anxiety, or even emotional numbness. Over time, these harmful behaviors can become addictive – and helping clients break that cycle can be a challenging process. So in the video below, Pat Ogden, PhD explains how she helps clients gain […]
When Racism Triggers Emotional Reactivity
For many clients, racism can be a deeply emotional topic. The experience of racism (and the scenes of racial injustice that occur far too often) can trigger a wave of painful emotions that threaten to shift clients into a state of reactivity and overwhelm. Shelly Harrell, PhD worked with a client who found herself in […]