Dissociation Symptoms

Dissociation Symptoms

/in , /by

Dissociation Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

 

Maybe you’re reading this because you notice certain dissociation symptoms or because you notice a mind and body disconnect. Whatever it is, more people are indeed experiencing dissociation without even realizing it. 

Dissociation is a protective response that occurs when we feel unsafe or uncomfortable in situations or places. People who don’t understand it may react by claiming someone is overreacting. This is why it is essential to understand the symptoms, causes, and when to get help for dissociation.

 

What Is Dissociation? 

The simplest way to describe dissociation is as a trauma response. This mental process occurs when the brain is either frozen or numbed because of an external or internal factor. When dissociation happens, there is a strong disconnection between your thoughts, feelings, memories, and sense of identity. 

Although each dissociation can be different, it is typically divided into two categories: depersonalization and derealization. Depersonalization refers to a sense of disconnect from the self. You could feel yourself as strange or unreal, or feel like you’ve become an observer of your own thoughts, feelings, sensations, body, or actions. 

Derealization, on the other hand, refers to a sense of disconnection from the environment. In such a case, you could feel detached from your surroundings, and the world around you might appear unreal, dreamlike, or distorted. For some, sounds may seem muffled or louder than they really are. 

Besides depersonalization and derealization, there is also dissociative amnesia, a memory loss disorder caused by trauma or stress. When experiencing dissociative amnesia, a person cannot recall important personal information. It is nothing like ordinary forgetfulness, because people who experience dissociative amnesia can forget entire periods of their lives, and it doesn’t refer to forgetting where you’ve left your keys or wallet. 

All of this makes it clear that dissociation exists on a spectrum. A person can mildly zone out or have severe episodes of depersonalization, derealization, or dissociative amnesia. 

 

The Most Common Symptoms of Dissociation

Depending on the type of dissociation, your symptoms may differ from those of others. If you feel numb or “checked out” in a circumstance, this may be one of the most typical symptoms of dissociation.

When dissociating, you may feel disconnected from your emotions. It could be very challenging for you to access your emotions and feelings. You could even feel like you are watching yourself from the outside, instead of being in your body.  

Aside from numbness, time gaps and memory blanking are frequent in dissociation. Dissociation might cause you to forget sections of discussions or events that occurred during a stressful situation. You may also feel as if you have lost track of time, whether you are alone or in a crowded setting.

When it comes to feeling detached from your body, you might experience a sense of lightness or heaviness, or feel like you’re floating. Some people even say that they were not able to recognize their own reflection while dissociating. 

Feeling the reality is not real is another very common dissociation symptom. Having dreamlike sensations or seeing the environment around you as foggy or distant can happen when you’re feeling dissociated. 

Although automatic pilot behavior can be a symptom of other conditions, it is often connected to dissociation. If you’re doing tasks without remembering even doing them and feeling like you’re in a robot mode, it could be a sign of dissociation. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dissociation the same as daydreaming?

Dissociation is not the same as daydreaming because daydreaming is a normal, voluntary mental escape. Dissociation is an involuntary disconnect from your thoughts, feelings, or environment, usually triggered by stress or overwhelm. 

Can dissociation happen even if I don’t have trauma?

While dissociation is common in trauma survivors, it can also happen during high stress, burnout, panic, chronic conflict, or emotional overload. You don’t need a “big event” for your mind to check out.

When should I seek help for dissociation?

If dissociation interferes with your daily functioning, relationships, memory, or sense of safety, it’s helpful to reach out to a trauma-informed therapist. You deserve support, and dissociation is treatable with the right tools and guidance.

 

Subtle Dissociation Signs Most People Miss

Besides the above-mentioned dissociation symptoms, there are a few subtle signs that many people could miss for a long time. Oftentimes, these signs are unobvious to everyone around this person as well. 

People who are experiencing dissociation often daydream as a way to escape their lives. They prefer to scroll numbly for hours just to avoid being present in the moment and aware of their environment. This is one of the most common subtle signs of dissociation in today’s society, driven by social media. 

Also, you might find yourself shutting down emotionally every time you experience a conflict. To avoid the stress, discomfort, or fear, you shut down all your emotions and do your best not to be aware of what is happening. 

Some people will laugh or smile when they are feeling overwhelmed with someone or something. This is also a subtle sign of dissociation, as it is a protective mechanism. The same goes for feeling disconnected during sex or intimacy. 

 

Why Dissociation Happens

Knowing how to recognize dissociation symptoms is one thing, yet learning why it occurs will help you understand if and when to seek professional support. In most cases, dissociation happened because the person was overwhelmed or under chronic stress. Unresolved trauma or childhood coping mechanisms are another common cause of dissociation. If you’ve experienced trauma when you didn’t have the tools to process and heal from it, you could have dissociative symptoms develop later on in life. 

 

Conclusion

Dissociation is not a flaw or a weakness. It is your mind’s way of protecting you when things feel too much. If you notice these symptoms in your daily life, take them as gentle signals from your nervous system asking for more support, grounding, and compassion. 

Healing begins with awareness, and every small step toward reconnecting with your body and emotions makes a difference. That said, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Consider talking to a therapist if you feel overwhelmed with your dissociation symptoms. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself as you explore what safety, presence, and connection can feel like again.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Why Am I Feeling Anxious for No Reason?

/in , /by

Why Am I Feeling Anxious for No Reason?

 

If you searched on Google for ‘Why am I feeling anxious for no reason,’ you’ve landed in the right place. Feeling your heart racing, your chest pumping, or your thoughts racing is definitely not an enjoyable experience. Anxiety without an obvious cause is more common than you think. However, this unexplained anxiety is not something you should ignore until it goes away because this sensation will come back. 

The best way to overcome anxiety is to understand it first. In this article, we’ll uncover hidden roots of “unexplained” anxiety and provide gentle ways to restore balance.

 

What “Anxiety for No Reason” Really Means

Even if we don’t know it, there’s always a reason for our anxiety. Occasionally, we don’t process certain emotions, and then they start accumulating until they result in anxiety. Other times, we might be unaware that a particular person or event is making us feel scared or uncomfortable. The more you start paying attention, the easier it will become to identify the source of your anxiety. 

Here, we can divide anxiety into two main categories: situational and chronic. Situational anxiety occurs when there is an obvious trigger for anxiety, such as taking an important exam, doing a job interview, or being in a car accident. You can probably remember when you were in one of such situations and the symptoms that appeared. From sweaty palms and a brain unable to think clearly to rapid, shallow breathing, all these symptoms can occur when experiencing situational anxiety.

Chronic or background anxiety is more difficult to recognize, which may explain why you feel anxious without an apparent reason. The reasons to look for are often in the unseen internal factors, such as past experiences and relationships.  To reduce anxiety, you must care for your mind, body, and energy systems. 

 

Hidden Psychological Causes

As previously said, there are several reasons why you may experience anxiety. One of the most common causes these days is subconscious tension. All that old emotional strain, repressed memories, or dread of uncertainty can quickly rise to anxiety. Your body remembers what your mind tries to forget. Your anxiety may even come after the stressful moment in your life has passed and you feel much calmer because you are no longer in survival mode.

Other causes linked to anxiety are overthinking and hypervigilance. Your brain could be constantly scanning for danger to keep you safe, yet this only keeps your nervous system on alert. With time, you start to feel drained and unhappy. Although our mind is thinking in our best interest, the reality is that being on alert is often more tiring than going through a traumatic experience. 

Of course, suppressed emotions play a key role in anxiety. Most people don’t know their feelings, which they suppress due to a lack of coping tools. If sadness is something you weren’t allowed to feel growing up in your home, you will probably struggle to go through this emotion, so you will decide to suppress it. Other common suppressed emotions are anger, guilt, and grief.

 

Physical + Biological Triggers You Might Not Notice

It’s simple to identify reasons for your anxiety. You may argue you feel this way because you are going through a difficult time in your life. Even if the external situation changes, the concern may not go away. 

So, what physical and biological triggers should you look for to determine whether what you’re feeling is anxiety? Pay closer attention to your hormonal shifts. Have you noticed any changes in your PMS, thyroid, or cortisol? If you’re certain that you’re not feeling anxious because of suppressed emotions, stress, overthinking, and overvigilance, it would be a good idea to check your hormones. 

Skipping meals, excessive caffeine consumption, and low blood sugar levels can all be causes of sudden anxiousness. Therefore, if you want to feel better, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Why do I feel anxious even when everything seems fine?

Anxiety can arise even in calm periods because your body or subconscious mind may still be processing old stress or emotional tension. When your nervous system stays on alert for too long, it can create a sense of unease even when nothing is “wrong.” It’s your body’s way of asking for deeper rest and safety.

Can anxiety happen for no physical reason?

While it might feel like there’s “no reason,” anxiety is often linked to subtle physical triggers, like hormonal changes, blood sugar dips, caffeine, poor sleep, or gut imbalance. Supporting your body through balanced meals, hydration, and rest can help calm these underlying signals.

How can I calm anxiety when I don’t know what’s causing it?

Start with grounding your body. Take slow breaths, stretch, or go for a short walk. Focus on regulating your nervous system through routine, warm foods, and limiting stimulants. We made a video just on this. 

 

How to Calm Your Anxiety

When you feel anxious again, a good piece of advice would be to ground your body. Move gently, stretch your arms, and breathe slowly. You can lie down and feel your spine touching the floor. Do movements that feel natural and use the 5-4-3-2-1 method. 

Anxiety occurs because our nervous system is not regulated. To help it regulate, try techniques like breathwork, tapping, humming, or placing a hand on your heart. Although it isn’t an obvious recommendation, consider including whole grains and drinking warm tea in your diet. Make sure you avoid stimulants. 

If you tried most of these techniques and they work only in the short term, you might consider therapy. Talking to them can help you understand the roots of your anxiety and ways to support yourself when you feel this way again. A therapist can provide you with a more personalized approach to healing your anxiety than simply trying every technique you stumble upon. 

 

Conclusion 

If your anxiety interferes with your sleep, digestion, or daily function, consider seeking a therapist with experience in treating anxiety. With the right type of support, you will be able to manage your anxiety successfully and with time, you will be able to enjoy your life like you used to. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Triggers Meaning

Triggers Meaning

/in , , /by

Understanding Emotional Triggers Meaning

 

Understanding trigger meaning is essential for building healthier relationships and deeper intimacy. Emotional triggers often activate during moments of closeness because intimacy lowers our defenses. When that happens, unresolved experiences, unmet needs, or previously crossed boundaries can surface automatically.

A trigger is not a flaw. The true trigger meaning lies in protection. Your nervous system learned, at some point, that a certain tone, behavior, or situation was unsafe. Even if the present moment isn’t dangerous, the body reacts as if it is. This is why triggers feel intense, fast, and sometimes confusing.

In relationships, trigger meaning often connects to attachment wounds—fear of abandonment, fear of being controlled, or fear of not being enough. During intimacy, these fears can show up as anger, numbness, withdrawal, or people-pleasing. None of these responses mean something is “wrong” with you; they mean something inside you needs attention.

Rather than fighting triggers, learning their meaning allows you to slow down and get curious. What boundary is being crossed? Also what need is unmet? What part of you feels unseen or unsafe? When you understand trigger meaning through this lens, triggers become guides instead of obstacles.

Healing doesn’t come from suppressing emotional reactions—it comes from listening to them with compassion. As you build awareness, your nervous system learns that the present is different from the past. Over time, triggers lose their intensity, emotional safety increases, and connection becomes more authentic and regulated.

 

You might also enjoy this video!

Download CONNECT

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Raised By Narcissists

Raised By Narcissists

/in , /by

Raised By Narcissists: A Complete Healing Guide

 

If you were raised by narcissists, it may mean that you are actively still healing from the way your parents treated you during your childhood. Having narcissistic parents can leave wounds that most children are unable to recognize at such a young age. These wounds will be more visible as you age, even if you don’t link them to your parents. For example, you might notice these wounds reappearing in your friendships, romantic relationships, or work.

Although you are becoming aware of the fact that you were raised by narcissists, it’s important to understand what your parents did and how it affected you to heal. If your first human relationships were bad, you may have trouble finding healthy relationships that last as an adult. 

 

Understanding Narcissistic Parenting

Every healing journey begins with understanding what happened. Interactions with our parents and their personalities shape how we see the world; this perspective often stays with us while growing up. 

You can imagine if you were raised by people who were focused on themselves, that your impression of the world would be shaped and probably altered from those who were raised differently. 

If you’re wondering if your parents were narcissists, here are the common traits to look for:

  • Their affection is given only when their child meets their expectation
  • Unwilling to understand or validate their child’s feelings
  • Denying, twisting, or rewriting events to make their child doubt their reality
  • Micromanaging choices to keep their child dependent
  • Guilt-tripping or silent treatment
  • Expecting the child to praise, please them, or live to make them proud 
  • Blurring boundaries, treating the child as an extension of themselves
  • Putting siblings against each other
  • Minimizing successes saying it is because of them
  • Focusing on flaws rather than celebrating strengths
  • Making their child feel responsible for the parent’s emotions. 
  • Sabotaging their child’s confidence, relationships, or autonomy

Overall, conditional love, gaslighting, lack of empathy, and emotional manipulation are the most common patterns in narcissistic parents. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be raised by narcissistic parents? 

Being raised by narcissists usually means growing up in an environment where love and validation were conditional and boundaries weren’t respected. The parents’ desires often overshadowed or dismissed your needs.

What are the long-term effects of being raised by narcissists? 

Common effects include low self-esteem, people-pleasing tendencies, difficulty setting boundaries, anxiety, depression, and challenges in forming healthy relationships. Many adult children also struggle with guilt and self-doubt.

How can I tell if my parents were narcissistic?

Signs include a lack of empathy, manipulation, favoritism among siblings, constant criticism, and making you feel responsible for their emotions.

 

The Long-Term Effects of Being Raised by Narcissists

Narcissistic behavior can have a range of long-term consequences, especially when exposed to it from a young age. Our parents are our first role models, and if that relationship does not teach us about our self-worth and strength, it will require additional effort in adulthood to address these matters and break free. 

Consequences of having narcissistic parents can differ from one person to another. Emotional consequences, such as self-doubt, anxiety, guilt, and people-pleasing, can vary based on the type of relationship you had with your parents, your personality, and other factors. 

You might also notice that you struggle to set boundaries in your relationships or even have toxic partnerships. Such partnerships can refer to close friendships, romantic relationships, or your relationship with work colleagues and superiors. 

Being exposed to narcissists for such a long time can lead to stress, chronic tension, and digestive issues caused by disturbance in the connection between the mind and body. Awareness of these effects is the first step toward healing, as it allows you to see what needs attention and care to heal and integrate well into your life. 

 

Recognizing the Narcissistic Cycle in Your Life

Once you have identified the impact of narcissistic parents on your life, it is time to start paying attention to patterns you might unconsciously repeat from your childhood. For instance, because you had a narcissistic parent, you might have learned never to share how you actually feel, and it is affecting your current romantic relationship. Going back to where this dynamic has started can help you understand why you act or think in a certain way. 

You can still be affected by your parents’ narcissism, even if you don’t talk to them. Unresolved trauma can manifest in your life in a variety of ways. You may unconsciously repeat the same dynamic with people who remind you of your narcissistic parent. Or, you may realize that your boss’s tone reminds you of your parents, causing you stress. 

Noticing these patterns now can help you heal from the traumas caused by having narcissistic parents. If you’re uncertain about how to identify them, consider reaching out to a therapist who specializes in this area. 

 

Steps Toward Healing

If you’ve decided to work on healing from narcissistic parents, keep in mind that your recovery is a process and not a quick fix. It takes time to identify your patterns, recognize how they relate to your childhood, and learn new techniques to replace them. 

1.Acceptance and Awareness

Acceptance of your experience is crucial because it validates it. When you accept that certain things have happened, it allows you to start exploring how this experience impacted you. Becoming aware of it helps you confront all those obstacles that are present in your life today. 

2.Setting Boundaries

You should start setting boundaries for your parents because it is essential in your healing journey. Think about what you need from them and explain it clearly. Make sure you stick to it, as they will probably try to get back to how things were. 

If you don’t talk to your parents, set boundaries with others, especially if their relationship dynamics are similar. 

3.Reparenting Yourself

Inner child healing practices can help you reparent yourself. This process can give you the validation and love you never received as a child. Whether journaling, doing breathing techniques, or spoiling yourself with something you’ve always wanted, such activities can help you lean more on yourself for what your parents can’t give you.  

4.Therapy and Support

Many individuals raised by narcissistic parents opt for therapy as a form of help. Types of therapy that can help you heal from narcissistic parents are CBT, trauma-informed therapy, inner child work, and EMDR.

 

Your healing journey hinges on finding a safe space to process your unhealed trauma and receiving expert guidance. If all of this sounds overwhelming to you, remember that you can start with small steps. Every action or kind word that makes you feel better can positively change your life!

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Difference Between Dating and Relationship

/in , /by

Difference Between Dating and Relationship: How to Tell Where You Really Stand

 

If you’re wondering about the difference between dating and relationship, you’re not the only one. Nowadays, the lines between dating and relationships are more blurred than ever. For many people who are seeing someone, the signs of these two stages are quite confusing. 

If you are currently seeing someone and are unsure how to characterize your current status, you should read this article. By the conclusion, you’ll know where you stand.

 

Dating vs. Relationship

Dating is the phase that allows two people to get to know each other, see how they feel in each other’s presence, and test compatibility. It can be exclusive or non-exclusive, depending on your preferences. In other words, you can date each other or other people as well. 

Although dating is the first stage of getting to know each other, there is no rule on how long it should last. Some people date for a few weeks before they decide to officially become a couple, while others prefer to date for months. Each couple’s situation is unique, and the best way to know when you’re ready to move on to the next stage is by discussing it with the person you are dating. 

Relationships, on the other hand, are a commitment phase in which both partners decide to invest in themselves as a couple. Instead of two people dating to find something casual, they share goals and build a future with each other in mind. 

Healthy relationships typically have emotional closeness, exclusivity, and considerations for future plans. The couple begins to prioritize their relationship and seeks opportunities for mutual growth together. Unlike the courtship stage, a relationship signifies a sustained commitment and greater intimacy. Once you enter into a relationship with that individual, you strive to maintain it, whereas dating tends to be less committed and more leisurely. 

In summary, the key differences between dating and relationships are the level of commitment, communication, emotional depth, future planning, and of course, labels. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you date before calling it a relationship?

It depends on emotional connection, consistency, and mutual readiness. Some couples decide to define their relationship after a few weeks and others can take months. The key is open communication and clarity about shared intentions.

Can you be exclusive while still just dating?

Many people agree to date exclusively before officially labeling it a relationship. This means you’re seeing only each other, but may still be exploring how well you fit long-term. The difference lies in the level of commitment and emotional depth you share.

What should I do if I’m unsure whether we’re dating or in a relationship?

Start by observing the dynamics, such as consistency, communication, and emotional openness. If it still feels unclear, have an honest conversation. Asking “Where do you see this going?” or “How do you define what we’re doing?” can bring the clarity you need without putting pressure on you.

 

Signs You’re Still in the Dating Phase

It’s probably easier to define what dating is and what a relationship is than to identify which stage you’re in currently. If you’ve been seeing each other for a while now, you could feel confused about the line between dating and entering a relationship. 

You’re probably still dating if you’re uncertain about what to call each other. Is he your boyfriend? Are you his girlfriend? Can you call him by a cute nickname, or do you still think it’s too early?

If you’re still seeing each other without any plans and your dates are more spontaneous, it confirms you are still in the dating phase. When in a relationship, you will make plans to see each other, look for ways to find free time to spend with them, and be straightforward about it. 

Not discussing the future is another sign of the dating phase. When you’re just casually seeing someone, you’re more interested in their previous experience and current interests. However, a healthy relationship involves thinking about the future, especially how your two futures should blend in one that satisfies both of your needs and desires. 

When dating, people feel uncertain about exclusivity. It might seem weird to you to ask whether or not they are seeing more people, how serious they are about dating you, and so on. That is why emotional vulnerability feels risky for you at this stage. You prefer to take it slow and get to know them better before sharing anything vulnerable. 

 

Signs You’re in a Relationship

You are probably in a relationship if you have already had a conversation about what you are. If, for some reason, this conversation wasn’t explicit, you might still have your doubts. A good sign that you’re in a relationship is that you communicate openly and regularly. You talk about different topics, shared and unshared interests, you ask each other about various things, etc. 

When two people are in a relationship, they tend to meet each other’s close friends or family. This can be either an arranged dinner with your or their family members or bumping into their friends casually on the streets and being introduced as the girlfriend. 

Another sign you’re in a relationship is that you’ve both started planning ahead for trips, holidays, and long-term goals. You have a pretty good idea of how you’ll spend your weekends, as you each commit to one another. Being part of each other’s weekly schedule and free time is a great way to know they want you to be part of their lives in the future as well.

Also, you notice there’s mutual trust and emotional safety between you. Unlike when dating, you can be open about certain insecurities that might appear and ask them to be your support when you need them. 

 

What If You’re Still Uncertain? 

Even if, after reading these signs, you still don’t know where you stand, there are a few ways to find out. The first one is the most obvious one – just ask them. You don’t have to see it as a sign of weakness. Think of it as your initiative to clarify things and understand what you’re investing your energy in.

If you’re a bit shy about asking that big question, you can spend some time observing their actions. They can say a lot of things, yet how they behave is crucial to understanding their perspective on you two. Do they text you to let you know they’re thinking about you? Do they want to show you or share with you activities or events that matter to them? Are they listening to what you say and asking questions? Do they remember to ask if your headache is gone or how your performance review on Monday went?

Lastly, think about the alignment. If you’re both looking for the same level of commitment at the moment, that is a good sign. Wanting similar things can help you assess your situation more accurately. After all, if they are only interested in dating and you want something serious, it is probably not going to work. That is why understanding where you stand is the perfect first step towards a healthy assessment of the situation, whether it evolves into a relationship or not. 

 

If you are still confused, it’s time to see a relationship therapist!

You may be interested in reading this blog too!

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

what is passionate sex

What Is Passionate Sex?

/in , , /by

What Is Passionate Sex? Explained by a Sex Therapist

 

What is passionate sex, really? It’s not just sparks or perfect chemistry that magically shows up on its own. Passionate sex is something you build through intention, presence, and staying genuinely curious about the person you’re with.

From a sex therapist’s point of view, passionate sex isn’t about performance or doing everything “right.” It’s about connection. It’s the kind of intimacy where both people feel wanted, seen, and emotionally close, not just physically touching.

In this video, we talk about what passionate sex looks like once the honeymoon phase fades. A lot of couples believe desire should always be spontaneous, but that idea can actually make intimacy harder over time. Planning sex doesn’t mean it’s cold or forced. For many couples, it creates anticipation, safety, and space to relax into pleasure. When you know time is set aside for connection, desire often follows.

If you’ve been asking yourself what is passionate sex and wondering if it’s something you can get back, the answer is yes. Passion doesn’t usually disappear, it gets buried under routine, exhaustion, or unspoken tension. With the right conversations and a little guidance, desire can come back in a way that actually feels deeper and more real.

This video is an invitation to rethink intimacy, let go of unrealistic expectations, and reconnect in a way that feels genuinely alive again.

 

 

Download CONNECT

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

What Does Sapiosexual Mean

What Does Sapiosexual Mean?

/in , /by

What Does Sapiosexual Mean? Choosing Intelligence over Looks

 

If you’ve been wondering what does sapiosexual mean, this article offers everything you need. Have you ever been on a date with someone who simply impressed you by talking about different things? You were dazzled by how they think, the questions they ask, and their perspective on the world. Being attracted more to someone’s mind than their looks is very common, yet many people don’t know what the term sapiosexual means. 

Learn why some people are attracted to someone’s intelligence over their looks, leading to sapiosexuality becoming more common in modern dating culture. If you’re noticing that you’re starting to appreciate longer, engaging conversations while dating, you too might be a sapiosexual. 

 

What Is Sapiosexual?

A sapiosexual person finds intelligence more attractive than any other trait, such as looks, status, or educational background. Feeling attracted to the way someone’s mind works goes beyond just admiring that person for being intelligent. You feel attracted to them, want to spend more time with them, and even maybe start a romantic relationship with them.

Sapiosexuality values curiosity, depth of thought, emotional intelligence, and humor over education or accomplishments.

Just like another person would approach a good-looking person, a sapiosexual would be curious about a person sharing an interesting point of view or talking about a topic they also care about. As a sapiosexual, you still notice a beautiful person walking in, yet you will not feel drawn to them in the same way as when you get to know them. 

 

The Rise of Sapiosexuality

The term sapiosexuality became popular in the early 2000s, when many online dating platforms appeared. At that time, you would talk more to people than to be able to see them. You didn’t have so many selfies of yourself on your phone, so the only thing that could spark an interest in another person online was their conversational skills. 

Fast forwarding to today, social media and dating apps put physical appearance in focus. Photos became more dominant than words. If you’ve ever joined any of the dating apps, you’ve probably noticed that your attention immediately goes to photos, leading to a general lack of intellectual intimacy. If you want to get to know someone because you feel their photos are not enough to find them attractive, you have to make extra effort to start and maintain a conversation.

Luckily, many dating app users are getting bored with their superficial impression of others and are looking for ways to get to know the person beyond their looks. That is why sapiosexuality is having a huge comeback these days. 

Previously, sapiosexuality was a term recognized solely within esoteric circles, but it is now increasingly referenced within mainstream dating discourse. The emphasis has shifted once again to intellect, and mental allure is gaining prominence alongside physical appeal. 

 

What Being Sapiosexual Really Means

Does this imply that perceiving intelligent individuals as alluring qualifies one as a sapiosexual? Possibly. The initial question you must consider is what common characteristics are shared among all the individuals to whom you feel or are attracted. If it pertains to their intellect, then you are a sapiosexual. 

One of the main characteristics of sapiosexual people is that they feel attracted to curiosity and mental stimulation. They value meaningful conversation over physical attraction and naturally feel drawn to creative thinkers, philosophers, or deep communicators

Remember that appreciating intelligent individuals is one thing, whereas considering intelligence as the primary basis of attraction is another. If you are pleased that the individual you are dating is also intelligent, this does not signify that you are a sapiosexual. Sapiosexual individuals are attracted primarily to intelligence above all other qualities. 

That said, there are potential challenges that might arise for sapiosexual people. Being attracted to someone’s intellect is great, yet it might be difficult to differentiate an intellectual person from someone who doesn’t meet your standards. Compared to looks, intelligence is much more difficult to spot, and it requires you to engage in a conversation with another person to see whether or not they meet intellectual standards. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is sapiosexuality a sexual orientation or just a preference?

Some see sapiosexuality as a sexual orientation and a core part of who they’re attracted to, while others think of it as a dating preference focused on intellect. It often depends on how central intelligence is to a person’s attraction and relationships.

How do I know if I’m sapiosexual?

You could be sapiosexual if you are more drawn to someone’s intelligence than anything else. If you enjoy deep conversations when meeting someone new, this could be a sign of sapiosexuality. Also, you would feel attracted to the way someone’s mind works more than their looks. 

Can sapiosexuality exist alongside other orientations?

Yes. Sapiosexuality can overlap with other identities. For example, someone can be sapiosexual and heterosexual, or sapiosexual and bisexual. It describes what attracts you (intelligence), not who (gender).

 

Criticism and Controversy

As sapiosexuality is having its comeback, critics are outlining a few issues they have with this sexual orientation. One of them is that sapiosexuality can sound elitist or exclusionary. On the other hand, you have every right to be attracted to people you feel attracted to. One person might prefer a funny date, another a cute date, while you can look for intelligent dates. 

Sapiosexuality can go wrong if you make the person feel bad about not being as intelligent as you hoped them to be. It’s okay not to have your standards met, yet keep in mind that this is your criteria for attraction, and other people don’t have to apply it. 

Another thing to keep in mind is that intelligence is actually quite subjective. What you find intelligent might not be intelligent for another human being. In other words, nobody decides what smart means for everyone. Being inclusive, compassionate, and curious is key. 

 

Conclusion 

In short, being sapiosexual signifies that one places greater importance on the intellect of another individual than on other attributes. If you identify as sapiosexual, it indicates that for you, a person’s intellect is the most attractive component. Whether you are in a committed relationship or exploring new romantic interests, nothing is more appealing to you than the intellectual connection you share with them. If that is the case, be sure they are aware of it and appreciate the bond you share.

If you want to talk about this, make an appointment today! 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) that has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists help all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Impulsive vs. Compulsive Behavior Explained

/in , /by

Impulsive vs. Compulsive Behavior Explained: Key Traits, Causes, and Examples 

 

Impulsive vs. compulsive behavior represents two distinct yet often confused types of behavior. An example of impulsive behavior would be resigning from your job because you had an idea of another career you’d like to pursue, without researching the new idea yet. Compulsive behavior, on the other hand, would be washing your hands as many times as you have the opportunity to relieve anxiety or obsessive thoughts. 

Both of these behaviors expose a certain pattern, yet many people are often unaware that they behave like this. This is why it’s important to learn its causes, triggers, and ways to deal with each of these behavior patterns. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between impulsive and compulsive behavior?

Impulsive behavior is driven by sudden urges or desires without considering consequences, while compulsive behavior involves repetitive actions performed to reduce anxiety or prevent something undesirable from happening.

Can a person be both impulsive and compulsive?

Yes. Some individuals experience both types of behaviors. For instance, an individual may act impulsively in certain situations and engage in compulsive rituals in other situations. Both can coexist, especially in conditions like ADHD or OCD.

How can impulsive and compulsive behaviors be managed?

Management often includes mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), emotional regulation techniques, and, in some cases, medication. Building self-awareness and identifying triggers are key steps toward lasting behavioral change.

 

Impulsive Behavior

Simply put, impulsive behavior means acting quickly without thinking about the consequences of the action. As much as some people confuse it with spontaneity, it is more a pattern than being occasionally spontaneous. That said, an impulsive person will be spontaneous, emotionally driven, and thrill-seeking. 

Impulsive behavior is linked to immediate gratification, meaning that this impulsivity is often driven by the desire that seek results right away. The most common examples of such behavior are impulsive buying, binge eating, saying what’s on your mind without any filter, and risky decisions. Of course, we all do these activities from time to time, yet people with impulsive behavior will behave this way more often than not. 

Underlying Causes

When talking about the underlying causes of impulsive behavior, there are a few factors that need careful consideration. The first one is of a neurological nature, and it refers mainly to the dopamine reward system. By engaging in a rewarding activity, like shopping or eating, the brain releases dopamine, which then creates a sense of pleasure. This mechanism is why we often feel so tempted to repeat such behavior. 

Another cause that could lead to impulsive behavior is of a psychological nature. People with ADHD, bipolar disorder, or borderline personality traits will most often tend toward being impulsive. 

Environmental and situational triggers could also be responsible for impulsive behavior. Being under stress or peer pressure could make you become more impulsive than usual.

 

Compulsive Behavior

Compulsive behavior can best be defined as repetitive actions driven by an uncontrollable urge to minimize anxiety or discomfort. People with compulsive behavior are rigid, repetitive, and anxiety-driven. Unlike impulsive behavior, compulsivity is not based on desire. It feels more forced than desired because people with compulsive behavior perceive it difficult to fight these urges when they appear. 

The most common examples of compulsive behavior are excessive cleaning or checking, compulsive gambling, skin-picking, eating, and any type of ritualistic routine that seems impossible to skip.

Underlying Causes

Compulsive behavior can occur due to several possible causes. In many cases, people with compulsive behavior also have anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, trauma, or addictions. 

Oftentimes, such behavior is also caused by the imbalance in serotonin regulation, which is why it’s important to consult a doctor you trust to address it on time. Having such an imbalance will have a major impact on managing and treating compulsive behavior. 

Compulsive behavior can also be learned behavior, which is reinforced by temporary relief. This can be the case for people struggling with anxiety because they feel these repetitive actions can help them have control over situations that cause them anxiety. 

 

Key Differences Between Impulsive and Compulsive Behavior

It’s evident that these two behaviors are not synonyms, yet many people still confuse them. That is why it’s important to keep in mind their key differences. When it comes to motivation, impulsive behavior is motivated by pleasure or excitement, while compulsive behavior is motivated by relief from anxiety.

Even the timing is different for these two behavior patterns. Impulsive behavior happens suddenly, while compulsive behavior builds up over time. In other words, you can be impulsive from the first moment, yet compulsivity is something that requires repetition. 

Impulsive behavior often results in the person feeling regret or guilt, while compulsive behavior will more often lead to temporary relief. For instance, a person who binge eats might regret their impulsive decision to eat late. Someone who feels the urge to verify if they have locked the doors before going to sleep again will feel moments of relief until the anxiety returns.  

Another reason why many confuse these two behaviors is that one person can have both of them. A person can be both impulsive and compulsive because these behaviors overlap in conditions such as addiction, OCD, or borderline personality disorder. Furthermore, one behavior can evolve into the other over time. For instance, an impulsive gambler can develop a compulsive addiction.

 

Managing and Treating These Behaviors

It is possible to have a beautiful and fulfilling life if you have any of these behaviors. If you want to improve the quality of your life, consider self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques, such as journaling and mindfulness. 

People who behave impulsively or compulsively benefit greatly from seeking professional support. Talking to a mental health expert can help you understand your behavior and how to navigate it better. A therapist can also recommend techniques customized to your lifestyle and preferences. 

 

Conclusion

Understanding impulsive and compulsive behavior helps us recognize the difference between acting on immediate desires and feeling trapped in repetitive actions. While impulsivity seeks instant gratification, compulsivity aims to reduce discomfort. Both behaviors can be managed and treated efficiently. If you feel you’d benefit from talking to an expert, reach out to a therapist specialized in this area. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Marriage Definition

/in , /by

Marriage Definition: Redefining What Marriage Means Today

What if the way you define marriage is quietly holding your relationship back?

So many couples walk into marriage carrying ideas they never consciously chose—beliefs inherited from family, culture, past partners, or even movies. And over time, those unspoken expectations start shaping everything: how you communicate, how you support each other, how you navigate conflict, and how you show up when things feel overwhelming.

In this episode, we’ll dig into why routine conversations can start feeling like negotiations instead of teamwork, why intimacy can shift even when the love is still there, and how mismatched expectations slowly create distance without either partner noticing.

We’ll talk about redefining marriage in a way that feels intentional, one that honors personal growth, emotional safety, and the evolving needs of both people on a deeper level.

If you’re ready to rethink connection, deepen intimacy, and co-create a relationship that grows with you instead of stagnates, this video is your starting place for real, meaningful, lasting change.

 

Download CONNECT

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Self Image Definition

/in , /by

Self Image Definition: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Improve It

 

If you’re looking for a comprehensive self-image definition to understand yourself better, this is the right article for you. When we discuss self-image, we refer to a set of beliefs a person holds about themselves. Self-image includes perception of your physical appearance, personality, strengths, and weaknesses. It evolves as we grow and gather experiences, relationships, and messages received from other people in our lives. How we think others perceive us is also a part of self-image. 

Understanding self-image is crucial for confidence, relationships, and success. Understanding how and why we have a certain set of beliefs can help us more easily identify negative patterns and change them. Learn the three dimensions of self-image, factors that shape it, and how to improve the beliefs you have about yourself. 

 

What Is Self-Image?

Self-image is the mental picture each person holds of themselves. Every person has a unique self-image, and even growing up in the same family, going to the same school, and doing the same activities every day doesn’t imply that two siblings will have the same self-image about themselves. 

Self-image is a very personal inner experience that others might not even be aware of. That is why many confuse self-image with self-esteem, which is your overall opinion of yourself. Self-esteem can be more noticeable to others than self-image. 

In early childhood, we start to develop our self-image based on our experiences, feedback, and social conditioning. Everyone and everything we interact with will impact our self-image, especially during childhood and adolescence. As we grow, our self-image can change, depending on our experiences and relationships. The intriguing thing about self-image is that our experiences influence it, yet our self-image then influences our behaviour, confidence, and emotional health. In other words, it is crucial for all areas of our lives. Ensuring our self-image is positive is key to living a joyful, fulfilled life. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is self-image?

Self-image is how you see your appearance, personality, abilities, and worth. It’s shaped by personal experiences, social feedback, cultural messages, and inner beliefs.

How does self-image affect daily life?

The way we think, feel, and behave will be strongly influenced by our self-image. If our self-image is negative, we will have issues with confidence, decision-making, relationships, and physical health. 

Can self-image change over time?

Self-image evolves with your experiences, mindset, and environment. The way you perceive yourself can change with major life events, relationships, or self-work. The key is to stay conscious of your self-talk and intentionally build a more compassionate and empowering inner narrative as you grow. It can change when you work on it, which is why we made this webinar to help you solve it step-by-step. 

 

The Three Dimensions of Self-Image

When talking about self-image, it’s important to remember that it consists of three dimensions: physical self-image, psychological self-image, and social self-image.

Physical self-image refers to the way you perceive your appearance and body. Are you happy with what you see in the mirror? What thoughts and emotions appear when thinking about your physical appearance or looking at yourself in the mirror?

Psychological self-image refers to the way you view your personality, abilities, and values. How would you describe yourself to someone who doesn’t know you? What do you see as your strengths, and what would you say are your weaknesses? 

Social self-image refers to the way you believe others see you. How do you feel when you walk into a room full of people? Are you comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people? 

These three dimensions of self-image are interconnected, and sometimes the line between them is blurred. Sometimes, your negative physical self-image will negatively impact your social self-image, or your negative social self-image could reinforce the critical inner dialogue. 

 

Factors that Shape Self-Image

Almost everything and everyone can shape our self-image. However, we are more affected by the opinions of people who are closest to us and experiences that mean the most to us. The first factor that starts to affect our self-image when we are children is family and childhood experiences. As we grow up, we become impacted by the cultural and societal norms, such as beauty standards and success metrics. 

Peer relationships and social media play a huge role in how we perceive ourselves. Spending a lot of time on social media can lead to comparing yourself to everyone else online. In the same way, relationships we engage in and build over time can have a major impact on our self-image. 

Past failures or achievements are another factor that shapes self-image. The way you deal with undesired outcomes and fears will have a major impact on your self-image. For example, a person who has faced a lot of failures without support from their family or friends will probably have a more negative self-image than someone who never felt alone during difficult times. 

That little voice in our heads that appears and disappears plays a big role in our self-image. Is this voice your little helper, or does it criticize you constantly? Pay closer attention to it and identify in which situations it is most active. Your self-image will become more positive when you notice that your self-talk and inner dialogue patterns are more positive and kind. 

 

Improving Your Self-Image

We made an entire video on how to do this! 

Self-image is not a static evaluation of yourself. It changes throughout the years, depending on your experiences and the effort to feel better about yourself. If you’ve concluded that you have a negative self-image after reading the previous few paragraphs, you will want to hear about recommended techniques to improve it. 

Instead of running away from your negative inner talk, try challenging it for once. Invite them into a dialogue and get to know them better. This exercise will allow you to understand why this voice is speaking to you in such a way. 

Why not give this inner voice a name, like “inner critic,” to engage in a conversation with it the next time it appears? This process will help you separate yourself from that inner critic and provide you a broader perspective. 

Think about how you view your mistakes and failures. Are you kind to yourself in these moments? Self-compassion is crucial if you want to improve your self-image. Think also about the people, content, and environments that are part of your life. Are they inspiring and supportive? 

Spend some time visualizing your ideal self. What would need to change in your life to achieve that? What obstacles in your thinking and behavioural patterns do you notice? Write them down and contemplate actions you can take every day to move closer to that ideal version. 

To truly work on your self-image issues, consider talking to a therapist. Oftentimes, we are unable to go to such depths and lengths on our own, and a mental health expert can guide you through this process and provide you with the right type of support.  

 

If you want a therapist to help you, schedule a session!

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Wheel of Awareness

/in , /by

Wheel of Awareness: A Journey Into Presence and Connection

 

For those who are overwhelmed, scattered, or disconnected, a tool like a Wheel of Awareness can make all the difference. Created by Dan Siegel in the 1990s, the Wheel of Awareness helps you to practice opening your awareness and nurturing the evolution of your consciousness. 

It is built on the idea that our awareness is like a wheel, which implies we can center our mind on certain aspects of it and expand our consciousness that way. Learn how this mindfulness practice helps deepen presence, compassion, and self-connection. 

 

Philosophy Behind the Wheel of Awareness

Siegel, a psychiatrist, was especially interested in how his patients’ consciousness affects their health. After decades of research, he developed a tool called the Wheel of Awareness to describe how our minds work. He placed awareness in the center of the wheel, and the rim of it presented different areas of life, such as First Five Senses, Bodily Sensations, Mental Activities, and Interconnection. 

We tend to focus our attention on a certain area, whether that’s just reading this article or listening to music while stuck in traffic, yet our minds are capable of so much more. That is why a Wheel of Awareness is such a valuable tool to experience more calm, clarity, stability, and vitality. It teaches you how to move your awareness around the rim, which represents the different areas of our lives mentioned above. 

By noticing the many things we can be aware of, such as our thoughts, feelings, and sensations, and seeing that they are different from consciousness itself, we start to understand how our mind works. When we gently connect what we notice with our awareness through focused attention, all parts of our experience begin to work together. This process is how the Wheel of Awareness brings our mind into balance and harmony.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Wheel of Awareness help with stress or anxiety?

By focusing attention on the present moment, the Wheel of Awareness helps calm the nervous system. It teaches you to notice thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them, which naturally reduces tension and creates a sense of peace and clarity.

Do I need experience with meditation to try the Wheel of Awareness?

You don’t need any prior experience to make the most of the Wheel of Awareness. This tool is designed for everyone. The practice is guided and easy to follow, making it a gentle way to start exploring mindfulness and inner awareness.

What benefits can I expect from practicing the Wheel of Awareness?

With regular practice, people often experience greater calm, emotional balance, empathy, and a deeper sense of connection, both with themselves and others. Over time, it can help bring more harmony between mind, body, and relationships, creating a feeling of wholeness in daily life.

 

The Wheel Structure

It might seem confusing at first, but a Wheel of Awareness is basic to explain. Siegel used his glass table with a wooden rim to describe this tool. The center is called the Hub, and it represents pure awareness and the space from which all of our experiences arise. From here, we choose to focus on certain thoughts, feelings, and sensations. In other words, our experience of being aware belongs to the area of the Hub. 

Then, there’s the Rim, which refers to the endless flow of sensations, thoughts, memories, perceptions, and emotions. Siegel divided this flow into four areas we’ve mentioned above: First Five Senses, Bodily Sensations, Mental Activities, and Interconnection. With the Wheel of Awareness, we can shift our focus from one area to another and move around the wheel. 

Lastly, there is the Spoks, which is the focus of attention itself. Think of it as the bridge that connects our awareness with the elements on the rim. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to be aware of our experiences.

Four Segments of the Practice 

Once we’ve defined the Wheel of Awareness, it’s time to utilize this valuable tool fully. How can you use it to expand your consciousness and enjoy all the benefits? When you start to allow your awareness to flow around the rim and throughout its different areas, you will leave the chaos and rigidity in the past. 

With First Five Senses, you will sense your body by grounding through physical sensations, breathing, and presence. Learning to notice your body’s sensations helps you care for yourself and recognize when you’re stressed, scared, or avoidant. 

You will learn to observe your mental activities without the need to engage with them. You will become a witness to your thoughts and emotions instead of identifying them and starting to overthink and analyze them.

The Wheel of Awareness helps expand awareness, enabling us to include others and nurture the web of connection in our lives. We are social beings, and the quality and quantity of our interactions have a major impact on our well-being. 

The fourth segment of this practice refers to the awareness itself. Learning how to rest in pure being and allowing the sense of harmony is equally important as the previous segments. 

 

Experiencing the Wheel of Awareness

As you start practicing the Wheel of Awareness, you will probably begin to feel a deep sense of calm and inner clarity. The constant noise of thoughts will soften, and compassion will expand. You will notice more compassion, first toward yourself, then toward others. 

Through this practice, the boundaries between “self” and “other” start to blur, revealing how connected we all are. What once felt separate begins to feel part of a larger whole. The intriguing paradox is that awareness feels intimate and personal. However, at the same time, it’s a shared space of consciousness that holds all of life together in unity.

 

Conclusion

The Wheel of Awareness invites you to return to the still center instead of focusing on different activities throughout the day. Practicing the Wheel of Awareness every day helps you observe your inner mental and emotional processes without needing to identify or engage with them. This allows harmony to flow through every part of our experience. 

As we rest in awareness, we begin to sense our shared humanity and the deep interconnectedness of all life. The journey is both inward and outward: by coming home to ourselves, we open our hearts to others. In this way, awareness becomes not just presence but a living bridge of connection.

You may be interested in reading this blog too!

If you want a therapist to help you, schedule a session!

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Cuddlist

/in , , /by

Cuddlist: The Power of Touch Therapy

 

Ever wondered what really happens in a Cuddlist session? In this video, we break down each step of a first cuddle therapy experience. You’ll see the consent talk, the grounding exercises, and the safe cuddle positions that help settle your nervous system. Many people try cuddle therapy to ease loneliness or support attachment healing. A trained Cuddlist can offer comforting touch without pressure or expectations.

We also explore the science behind supportive, non-sexual touch. It lowers stress hormones and boosts oxytocin. It helps you feel present, calm, and connected. You’ll also learn how boundaries work in a session. Practitioners follow clear rules to keep emotional and physical safety steady. This structure helps you relax and trust the process.

If you’re curious or a bit nervous, this video can guide you. It explains what to expect before you begin. You’ll also get simple tips on how to prepare for your appointment. During the session, you’ll learn how to share your needs in an easy, direct way. Afterward, we show how to integrate the experience so you get the most out of touch therapy.

 

Download CONNECT

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Grounding Exercises for Anxiety

/in , /by

Grounding Exercises for Anxiety

 

If you’re struggling with racing thoughts and overthinking, grounding exercises might help you calm your mind and reconnect with the present. Grounding is a wellness practice in which a person is in direct contact with the Earth’s surface, which is believed to soothe the nervous system. 

The reason why grounding exercises are becoming so popular these days is that they are simple, science-backed practices you can do anytime and anywhere. If you’re dealing with anxiety and are looking for something natural and easy to implement in your daily routine, grounding might be just what you need.  

 

What Are Grounding Exercises?

Grounding exercises help you bring attention back to your body and the present moment. Over time, research has shown that the connection to the Earth’s surface can positively impact physical and psychological well-being. Those practicing grounding notice a range of positive consequences, including improved mood, reduced stress, and enhanced overall health. 

The simplest form of grounding is walking barefoot and allowing your body to connect with the Earth. While you are walking or standing barefoot, you absorb the Earth’s natural electrical charge, which can have tremendous benefits. Although some people believe that grounding is experienced best when walking on grass, you can also do it on sand or dirt. Try it while on the beach or walking in your favorite park. 

If you prefer to do it inside your home, an alternative option would be to use a grounding mat or sheet. Artificial grounding can create a conductive pathway between your body and the Earth, anywhere you are. This is a much more convenient option for people living in big cities or having a hectic schedule. 

 

Why Grounding Helps With Anxiety

Strengthening the mind-body connection is crucial for overall health. It is an ongoing relationship of mental and emotional states, which directly impact physical health, while the physical state impacts mental and emotional well-being. This is why grounding, along with yoga and meditation, is a recommended practice for healing from anxiety. 

When experiencing racing thoughts, the sensation of being barefoot on the grass, sand, or your grounding mat can calm your parasympathetic nervous system and reduce the stress accumulated in the body as a result of anxious thought loops. 

Grounding exercises have numerous benefits, including slowing heart rate, reducing overwhelm, and improving focus and safety perception. Many have experienced immediate relief when trying them for the first time, although it’s best to practice them regularly to enjoy the mentioned benefits. 

 

Types of Grounding Techniques

Besides choosing between a grounding on the Earth’s surface and an artificial mat, there are also three categories that can help you understand the potential of grounding in more detail. Depending on your needs, consider combining these three approaches to grounding or alter them as it suits you best. 

Physical grounding refers to using your body. Your focus is on how you feel when your foot touches the ground, sensations you feel all over your body, and paying attention to how the way you feel changes as you’re more grounded. Here are the examples of physical grounding techniques:

  • Engaging your senses
  • Focusing on touch
  • Using your body
  • Experiencing water on your hands or feet 
  • Breathing

Mental grounding involves using your thoughts and focus. This is the type of grounding that can be very efficient with people struggling with anxiety because it requires you to regain focus and control during overwhelming emotions by shifting attention from distressing thoughts to the present moment. Here are the examples of mental grounding techniques:

  • Describing your environment
  • Naming objects you see around
  • Counting
  • Reciting facts 
  • Visualizing

Soothing grounding refers to using comfort and self-compassion through the senses. It is similar to physical grounding, yet it does not depend on the external world. Instead of thinking about how it feels to touch the grass with your bare foot, you will pay more attention to what arises within you. Here are the examples of soothing grounding techniques:

  • Repeating kind and compassionate phrases to yourself
  • Listening to music 
  • Touching something comforting
  • Planning a comforting activity

 

Your First Grounding Exercise

If you have never tried grounding before, you can try it now. Everybody can benefit from simple practices such as these, as they improve your wellbeing, whether or not you are struggling with anxiety. 

If you’re close to a calm spot in the park or on the beach, or you have a grounding mat at home, you can try grounding right away. There is no preparation or knowledge needed to do it properly. All you have to do is relax and pay attention to how you feel. If you’re feeling stressed after a long day at work, try to focus on how your body relaxes as you stand barefoot. 

If you’re trying grounding exercises to cope with anxiety, consider combining mental and physical grounding. Walk barefoot while you’re counting down from 20, and then start paying attention to how your body feels now rather than when you weren’t barefoot. 

You can repeat these exercises as many times as you want and the duration can vary from one person to the next. Occasionally, all you need is a few minutes to restore calm and serenity, and other times, you will want to stay longer practicing grounding. 

If it isn’t helpful enough, you can get our calm webinar with multiple fast-acting tips!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do grounding exercises help with anxiety?

Grounding exercises are techniques that bring your focus back to the present moment through your body or surroundings. Grounding helps calm anxiety by interrupting racing thoughts, slowing down the nervous system, and reminding the brain that you are safe.

What is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique?

The 5-4-3-2-1 method is one of the most popular grounding exercises. It requires you to notice 5 things you see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Find the full practice video on my YouTube Channel.

How often should I practice grounding exercises?

You can practice grounding anytime you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Over time, making it part of your daily routine helps train your mind and body to stay calm and centered more easily. 

 

Conclusion

Anyone can practice grounding at any time, and it can be very beneficial for those coping with anxiety. As it is a simple, natural practice, it doesn’t have any side effects. The more you reconnect with nature, the more you will feel in control over your body’s sensations, including daily emotions. Over time, it will become a mini ritual that clears the mind, calms the body, and inspires you to keep that feeling. 

 

If you want a therapist to help you, schedule a session!

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

Sex Chatbot and Mental Health

/in /by

Sex Chatbot and Mental Health: Helpful Tool or Hidden Risk?

 

With AI companions becoming increasingly present in our everyday lives, more and more people are exploring the perks of a sex chatbot. These AI-driven virtual partners cater to sexual or intimate interactions, fostering a deeper connection between their users. This new trend has led to increasing conversation about how sex chatbots affect loneliness, intimacy, emotional well-being, and mental health in general. 

In this article, we are going to discuss both the potential benefits and risks sex chatbots pose for mental health. Please consider its advantages and disadvantages before deciding to try it. 

 

What are Sex Chatbots?

Although AI has popularized sex chatbots, this form of online interaction was already quite popular in the 1990s with cybersex chatbots. Despite being basic, rule-based programs, these chatbots paved the way for the introduction of new technologies, including adult chatbots on online adult entertainment sites during the early 2000s. 

During that era, advances in natural language processing led to the development of artificial intelligence. Only a few years later, technology has introduced another element that will be crucial for the success of sex chatbots: personalization. These online interactions became more personal, and the person interacting with the chatbot is now building a certain type of relationship in which memories, curiosity about both sides, and sharing information exist. 

Of course, there are differences between general chatbots and sex-focused AI chatbots. People use general chatbots for customer service, information, or productivity, while sex chatbots simulate intimacy, companionship, or sexual interaction. When we interact with general chatbots, we seek answers, solve problems, or entertain ourselves. Sex chatbots, on the other hand, provide sexual gratification, emotional closeness, or fantasy fulfillment.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible for sex chatbots to enhance mental health?

When used correctly, sex chatbots can improve your sexual health. They can build confidence in people who struggle with social anxiety or intimacy challenges, and they can also help explore concepts in a safe environment without judgment. Yet think about how depending on a system that just reflects what you want to hear can affect your human relationships. 

What are the potential mental health risks of sex chatbots?

Relying too much on sex chatbots can lead to dependency or addiction, avoidance of real-world intimacy, distorted expectations of relationships, and possible emotional isolation.

Are sex chatbots a substitute for real relationships?

While sex chatbots can provide comfort and temporary relief, they cannot replace the complexity of human relationships, emotional reciprocity, or physical intimacy. At best, they can complement, not replace, real-world connections.

 

The Potential Mental Health Benefits

Those who have already tried sex chatbots say that they have noticed certain mental health benefits. Of course, whether you benefit from it or not will depend on the reasons why you decide to use sex chatbots, how often you use them, and if they have an impact on your social and romantic life. 

Most sex chatbot users use this type of technology to reduce loneliness. Such tools can be quite useful to those who are either tired of dating or struggle to find the right partner. Sex-based technology can offer companionship for isolated individuals and make their lives interesting. 

Another perk of sex-based technology is that it provides a safe space for expression. Users can safely explore their romantic or sexual desires without fear of judgment. This can be quite beneficial for those who are into BDSM, kink, role, or fantasy play. 

Also, sex chatbots can serve as great coping tools for those seeking temporary relief. Struggling with anxiety, social phobias, or intimacy challenges can make dating feel like a nightmare, and practicing online in a safe environment can provide experience and build confidence. 

 

The Hidden Risks to Mental Health

As much as there are obvious benefits to using sex chatbots, there are also a few hidden mental health risks you need to be aware of. Relying on technology too much can cause harm in your life, and sex chatbots are not an exception. Sex chatbots should never replace human relationships. Instead, they should support them. You can think of these AI tools as extensions of your experience that allow you to improve your romantic and sexual interactions. 

With time, users can also get addicted and dependent on sex-based technology. Overreliance on bots for comfort and validation can make building and maintaining relationships in real life more challenging. If you get used to using a sex chatbot and avoid real-life experiences, it can also shape distorted views of relationships and sex. 

As much as sexual and romantic aspects of technology seem quite private, we cannot forget that data privacy and security play a huge role. Every technology comes with data collection and security risks, and being aware of them is essential to protecting yourself as much as you can. 

 

Finding a Healthy Balance

Each decision you make comes with potential benefits and risks. However, when using technology for online interactions, potential risks will mostly depend on how you utilize the tool, which in this case is a sex chatbot. If you view sex chatbots as supplements and not substitutes for real human connection, you will successfully reduce the risks mentioned above.  

Be clear on usage time, emotional awareness, and privacy safeguards. Setting boundaries will ensure you’re not relying too much on sex chatbots and still stay actively present in your relationships. 

This is a pretty new environment, and it will take a while for everyone to get used to it. As much as it’s intriguing to have sexual interactions with a chatbot whose only focus is you and your pleasure, setting clear boundaries might look different for every user. 

 

Conclusion

Sex chatbots can be helpful tools for you to explore your sexuality, discover different styles and ideas, and build confidence when interacting with someone else, if there is a healthy balance. However, if you spend too much of your time interacting with a chatbot and avoid real-life romantic or sexual experiences, consider talking to a therapist, as it could be a sign of avoidance. Such tools’ impact on your life will depend largely on your intention, awareness, and moderation. 

With responsible use and ongoing research, AI intimacy could support mental well-being, yet it should never replace genuine human connection. Humans are social beings, and we thrive when we are seen and heard by people we care about. Technology can never provide that level of intimacy and shouldn’t be treated as such. 

If you are getting to the point where a sex chatbot is your main connection, talk to a therapist who gets it by making a session.

 

Download CONNECT

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.

AI Partner

/in , /by

AI Partner: Is Digital Companionship a Threat to Love?

 

Wondering how an AI partner can shape real relationships? This video breaks down what AI companionship actually feels like, how it affects monogamy, and the key things to consider before getting involved. We look at why AI can feel emotionally safer, how its constant validation can create a powerful pull, and why some people find themselves opening up more to digital intimacy than to their actual partner.

We’ll explore the illusion of perfect compatibility, the comfort of having a companion who never argues back, and how that can both soothe and complicate a real-world relationship. We’ll also discuss privacy concerns, data usage, emotional dependency, and the ethical gray zones around forming deep bonds with algorithm-driven systems.

From unexpected benefits, like improved communication and reduced emotional pressure, to real risks like emotional displacement, secrecy, and impact on trust, this video unpacks the full picture. If you’re curious about where digital connection meets human love, and how AI may reshape the way we attach, desire, and commit, this one’s for you. Subscribe for more insight.

 

Download CONNECT

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

Life Coaching and Therapy (LCAT) is a therapy and coaching practice that transforms our clients lives through our flexibility multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically trained and licensed therapists!

Get to know our founder and owner, Amanda Pasciucco, (a.k.a. The Sex Healer) PhD, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), and an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist (CST) who has developed innovative therapy programs and therapy videos that get results.

Our team of compassionate, licensed therapists and certified sex therapists helps all clients who visit us for a variety of personal, relationship, intimacy and sex problems.

LCAT provides on-site appointments, as well as video chat and text therapy programs.

Learn more about how LCAT can help improve your life at What We Do.