What Is a Widower

What Is a Widower?

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What Is a Widower? Definition, Meaning, and Emotional Impact

 

If you’ve got here after searching on Google or AI for what is a widower, you are in the right place. This blog aims to provide a definition of a widower and to discuss the emotional impact of becoming one. At the end, we will provide healing and support techniques for a person going through such an experience and for someone who would like to support a widower. 

 

Definition of Widower

A widower is a man whose spouse has died, and he hasn’t remarried since his spouse’s death. A widow is a woman who has lost her spouse and who has not remarried. Both terms have distinct applications in social and legal contexts. The law utilizes strict definitions of these two terms, while society evolves social perceptions. 

Legally, the term widower has a precise definition that determines its specific rights and benefits. A widower must have been legally married to their spouse at the time of death and not have remarried. If a person divorced their spouse prior to death, they are not considered a widower in front of the law. 

Socially, the use and perception of widowers is much more flexible than the legal definition. Over the past years, women were more likely to be referred to as widows than men. The term widower appeared less frequently in general media when a man would lose his partner. Certain people find this term uncomfortable and painful, or they feel their identity is limited to the association with their late wife. 

That said, every person should be able to refer to themselves in a way that feels most appropriate and authentic to their grief process, which can be quite different from the legal definition. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How is a widower different from a widow?

The difference is based on gender: widower refers to a man who has lost his spouse, while widow refers to a woman who has lost her spouse. However, social expectations around grief often differ, with widowers sometimes receiving less emotional support or feeling pressure to grieve privately.

What emotional challenges do widowers commonly face?

Widowers may experience intense loneliness, sadness, anxiety, guilt, or emotional numbness. Many also struggle with changes in identity, daily routines, and social roles. Grief is highly individual, and there is no correct way or timeline for processing spousal loss.

When should a widower seek therapy or support?

Professional support may be helpful if grief feels overwhelming, lasts for an extended period without relief, or interferes with daily functioning. Signs such as persistent depression, isolation, hopelessness, or difficulty adjusting to life after loss may indicate that counseling or therapy could provide meaningful support.

Grief doesn’t look the same for everyone, so it only makes sense that you respect your own grief journey and don’t go against your emotions. 

 

The Emotional Meaning of Being a Widower

Becoming a widower is not easy, regardless of age and circumstances. Losing a partner you have shared your life with until recently will undoubtedly impact your present and future. You might have shared goals for the future or enjoyed daily routines together, and losing them changes everything. Apart from the loss itself, a widower has to face the fact that their life is going to feel and be entirely different from that point on. 

That is why there shouldn’t be pressure about identifying or not identifying yourself as a widower. Grief is hard enough, and worrying about how you describe yourself to others may not be a priority for a while. 

Most men who lose their spouse go through feelings of shock, disbelief, loneliness, emptiness, guilt, anger, and so on. There is no correct order in which a widower should experience these emotions. Some men will feel anger first, while others might go into shock first. Because it is a unique process for every person, there shouldn’t be expectations on how to go through it or how you identify yourself. 

 

The Psychological Impact of Spousal Loss

Besides the emotional impact, losing a spouse could have a range of psychological consequences. After their spousal loss, many widowers begin to experience depression, anxiety, increased stress, or vulnerability. You could even feel that your grief process is becoming more complicated or even prolonged. External factors such as work, family, and daily responsibilities can also affect how you experience your grief. 

Attachment and emotional dependence on the spouse a widower has lost will also have a tremendous effect on how the widower feels about the loss, himself, and the life he has to live without his spouse. If you were very close to each other and spent a lot of time together (e.g., built a business together or retired together), the spousal loss will change your life in profound ways. 

Often, grief changes a person’s sense of self and life purpose. It takes a while to be able to and you want to discover who you are after the loss of your spouse.

 

Grief Is Not Linear: Common Myths About Widowers

The most important thing everyone should remember about grief is that it is not linear. It often looks messy and chaotic, with drastic changes in emotions and moods. Having expectations about how grief should look creates misconceptions that prevent one from being authentic in their pain or providing proper support for someone grieving. 

You might have heard that widowers recover faster than widows or even that they remarry quicker. However, this is a myth that communicates to men who never remarry that they are slow to process their emotions. Such a belief can also pressure them into a new relationship just to meet the expectations of their close environment.  

Another myth about both widows and widowers is that moving on means that they have forgotten about their deceased partner. Any time is right to meet a potentially good romantic partner, and expecting people who have lost someone to deny themselves joy, passion, and love again is simply wrong. 

 

Healing and Support for Widowers

The pain caused by the loss of your partner is never truly gone. However, it can transform into a process that allows you to gradually return to enjoying the small moments in your day and rediscovering yourself. Depending on the widower’s experience and needs, certain healing and support techniques are available. 

Grief counseling or therapy has proven to be effective because the widowers gain a safe space to talk about how they feel, their most treasured memories, and everything else that matters to them. Support groups are also a beneficial way to meet others who are going through the same thing and hear how they cope. 

Once you allow yourself to seek support and care, it initiates the healing process. This doesn’t imply that you are moving on and forgetting about your spouse. It simply means you are ready to receive support for your grieving process. 

 

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.

Dissociation Symptoms

Dissociation Symptoms

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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?

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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

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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

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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.

Cuddlist

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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

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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.

Emotional Cheating At Work

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Navigating Boundaries: Emotional Cheating At Work

 

Maintaining a positive relationship with your colleagues is crucial, yet occasionally, these friendships veer towards emotional cheating at work. How can you learn to navigate these boundaries and make sure you’re not going too far with a workplace friend? 

Oftentimes, people spend more time with their coworkers than they do with their family. Since we spend so much of our time working, we will inevitably build personal relationships with the people we work with. These overlaps make sense because spending time with someone is frequently interpreted as a sign of their level of love and prioritization. 

In this article, you’ll learn how to set clear boundaries and maintain healthy relationships with all your coworkers. 

 

Defining Emotional Cheating At Work

If one of your coworkers became a close friend of yours over time, it doesn’t imply that you’re already emotionally cheating on your partner. Emotional cheating at work refers to investing your emotional energy, intimacy, or attention into another colleague outside your committed romantic relationships. 

Frequently, the work friends with whom you repeatedly meet in private and disclose personal details, rather than your nesting partner(s), generate confusion. In this context, spending quality time happens in secrecy, creating an environment that encourages attachment, which can ultimately lead to betrayal. 

 

Signs to Look Out For! 

People who end up in emotional affairs at work often say that they didn’t intentionally start cheating on their partner. The growing feeling of emotional closeness can be justified because the lines between having a close friendship with a coworker and having an office fling or relationship can be blurred. You may feel stressed by your boss and think only a coworker can relate. Maybe you two are working late nights on a long-term project and bond over the shared goal for success. Whatever the reason, your coworker is now experiencing the emotional intimacy you once shared with your partner. 

You start to share personal struggles, hopes, or your experiences and emotions with them more than you’re sharing with your partner. You hide or downplay conversations you have with them and texts you sent to each other. If confronted by your partner, you justify the time spent with the other person by using professional responsibilities as an excuse. 

Over time, your coworker becomes the person from whom you seek validation, comfort, or excitement. You may even try to spend more time with them outside of work. When you’re apart, you may think or fantasize about what they are up to, which can add to the guilt for hiding something from your partner. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What counts as emotional cheating at work?

Emotional cheating refers to a workplace relationship that, instead of being professional, becomes intimate. Depending on the relationship, this can mean flirting, confessing secrets you don’t share with your spouse, or seeking more time together. 

How is emotional cheating different from a close work friendship?

A close work friendship doesn’t lead to secrecy, hiding, lying, or jealousy because there is nothing to hide. Close work friendships are still very professional relationships, while emotional cheating at work is much more unprofessional and often violates the company’s HR policies. 

Why is the workplace a common setting for emotional cheating?

A workplace is a common setting for emotional cheating because people spend so many hours working together with their coworkers. If you are romantically interested in someone from work, it might be difficult to stop these feelings because you see them all the time, or you work together towards a common goal. 

Can emotional cheating at work hurt your romantic relationship?

Emotional cheating at work can definitely hurt your romantic relationship. With time, you will start to either hide or lie to your romantic partner about your thoughts, feelings, or why you spend more time at work. 

How can I prevent emotional cheating at work?

To prevent emotional cheating at work, it’s important to maintain professional relationships with all your coworkers and superiors. Set clear boundaries for yourself and for the other person and make sure you respect them. 

 

The Impact of Emotional Cheating

Just like it is with any love triangle, emotional cheating at work will also have an impact on at least three people. Such secretive romantic relationships cause real damage to your existing relationship or marriage, and they can even affect your work performance. You may struggle with work tasks if you prioritize time with the other person. For instance, you might rush through writing a report just so that you can dedicate more time to being with them on a project you’re both in charge of. 

Romantic Relationships

Emotional cheating leads to jealousy, whether that’s from your spouse or your coworker. You could even feel envious if they have a partner at home or a family they return to. Navigating such a challenging feeling at work can easily turn into a nightmare. Relationships experience a deterioration of trust when the truth comes to light. Your partner might start questioning you about the changes in your work hours, dress or appearance, or priorities.    

Work Life

Even if you do your best to hide the office affair, your coworkers could easily start to suspect something is off. You might start dressing differently, search for opportunities to be alone with the other person, or flirt subtly with them during a meeting. These changes can result in awkwardness and gossip among the rest of the team. 

Depending on the company’s HR policies on dating other coworkers, you might also face serious consequences from this relationship. Even though you might think there is nothing to report, considering you’re not physically cheating, your coworkers might think differently and notice how this relationship affects the work environment. 

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

At first, you might like the butterflies in your stomach. As this situation progresses, a feeling of guilt and stress will probably become your everyday experience. Keeping this relationship secret can be tiring since you must hide it from your partner, coworkers, and managers. That is why many people who find themselves in such a situation decide to end it before it gets too messy for them, especially if there are children under 18 involved in either coworker’s home. 

 

How to Stop Cheating Emotionally 

If you’ve developed strong feelings for this person and you’ve tried stopping the affair before and failed, consider talking to a therapist. Therapy is a safe space where you can share your secrets without fear of them being told to others. 

Also, consider talking to the other person and sharing your concerns with them. When talking to them, focus only on the negative consequences. Even though you haven’t experienced any of these consequences yet, it’s still possible for both of your lives to drastically change in the future. Consider what your life will look like in 2, 5, or 10 years if you continue this behavior. How many others will you impact? 

Sadly, emotional cheating at work can be so messy that you both lose your jobs and ruin your family trust. 

If you must stay with your colleague romantically, one of you could look for a new job. Occasionally, the best way to help is to change your work environment. You might even notice your lack of interest in them when they aren’t around all the time. Not seeing them can help you understand what your values and priorities are. 

 

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.

New Character AI

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New Character AI and the Psychology of Digital Companionship for Children

 

If you still haven’t heard about the new Character AI app and have a teenager at home, you will want to get familiar with it before your kid does. Although the platform originally allowed users to build a virtual character, name it, and define its personality, Character AI now stands in the spotlight for the risks it poses to younger audiences.

Launched in September 2022, this app has 20 million monthly active users and is currently under investigation by several regulators and state attorneys due to a lawsuit filed after the alleged suicide of a 14-year-old boy who had interacted with the app. 

With other reports of bots engaging in grooming behavior and fake celebrity bots, it’s a good time to pause and rethink the entire psychology of digital companionship. Is this an AI app like any other on the market? Is artificial intelligence kid-friendly, and should parents allow their children to create their own profiles on such platforms? 

 

Core Idea Behind Character AI

Character AI was created only three years ago, and its estimated worth today is one billion dollars. Its growing popularity can be attributed to the fact that it offers a unique type of entertainment and companionship, from fictional figures and celebrities to the personalities created by the users. 

Similar to an instant messaging app, new users can make their own virtual characters and have live conversations with them. For amusement, education, or social reasons, the platform lets new users explore thousands of characters created by other users. Characters such as an AI therapist or a life coach can also be in the game. 

The platform uses large language models (LLMs) and trains them for role-playing and personality simulation. Persona prompts—hidden instructions—shape each character’s behavior and conversational style.

Unlike ChatGPT, which also uses LLMs, Character AI provides a creative, emotional, and narrative dialogue instead of factual accuracy. That offers countless opportunities for roleplay, storytelling, practicing social or language skills, testing out innovative ideas, and so on. 

 

Controversies around Character AI

Besides the above-mentioned lawsuit about the app’s bots contributing to the worsening mental health of a 14-year-old boy, Character AI is raising other concerns. Several cases have already been reported of bots engaging in grooming behavior while interacting with minors aged from 13 to 15. Along with characters sending disturbing content to other users, Character AI has become an online space with questionable security for kids twelve and above, which is the minimum age to access this platform. 

On more than one occasion, witnesses reported that certain Character AI bots impersonated people who had suffered tragedy. The company removed those bots only after the public demanded action. Users also reported exposure to content involving self-harm, violence, or other sensitive themes—despite existing policies forbidding it.

These developments resulted in regulators and state attorneys general starting to investigate whether the company is violating child safety and privacy laws.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Character AI a safe platform?

Over the past three years, several controversies have made the general public question Character AI’s safety. Child safety, data privacy, harmful and violent content, and impersonating people who have suffered tragedy in their lives are just a few examples that highlight the importance of ensuring your safety should be your priority in spaces like this. 

Can talking to Character AI bots reduce loneliness?

For some, conversational AIs can offer short-term relief, social practice, or a sense of connection. Studies show that supportive dialogue can temporarily reduce feelings of isolation. However, children need to be socially active and connected to their peers outside the Internet as well. 

Are there psychological risks to forming close attachments with AI companions?

When users form strong attachments, they might experience emotional investment in a one-sided, unreal relationship. This can lead to distress when the AI behaves inconsistently, is deleted, or changes personality.

 

Risks for Children

Despite the best-intentioned creation of such apps, children may find artificial intelligence inappropriate. It’s one thing to engage in a virtual world and build your own character for fun, yet completely another to become exposed to harmful content or people with harmful intentions. 

Misleading Therapeutic Implications

The presence of bots that mimic mental health professionals raises concerns about receiving advice from individuals who lack adequate education, experience, and licensing. This can create an illusion for a child that they are talking to an expert and prevent them from sharing certain matters with their parents. It is very risky as therapists have legal guidelines to disclose to parents, which AI will not have written into its code. 

Safety and Privacy

Even though Character AI is built on cutting-edge technology, it fails to provide transparency to its users. There is no explanation of how the data is stored, used, or shared, which is an even greater issue when these users are children. 

Teen-specific Models

Character AI is constantly evolving, and one of its latest updates pertains to teen-specific models designed for children under the age of 18. The idea of these models is to reduce certain content, filter inputs and outputs more strictly, and block or warn against self-harm or violent content. 

Recently, the company has also stated that one of its priorities is to remove problematic characters, especially those that violate the platform’s policies. That, however, doesn’t guarantee that a child will be completely safe and protected from any harm while engaging with virtual characters. 

 

How to Protect Your Child

Unfortunately, anybody can create a Character AI profile, even kids under 12, as the platform doesn’t require identification verification while registering. Knowing this, parents are looking for the best techniques to protect their kids while interacting with virtual or real people online.

1.Talk to Them About Their Intentions

Learn why your child is playing specific online games, watching specific content, consuming content from certain social media platforms, following certain accounts, etc. Ask the questions before you start explaining to them the risks of the online world. Knowing what they are looking for can help you find healthier alternatives if needed.

2.Explain Instead of Forbidding Them

When you hear that a platform can be harmful, it can be challenging to resist the urge to forbid your kid from logging into it again. However, if you want them to obey, kids need to know why they should stop doing something or avoid certain online spaces. Highlight the risks of using an app like this or establish a few rules to help you and them feel safer. 

3.Motivate Them to Live More Away from Technology

Today’s childhoods are closely tied to screens. Even in schools, young students utilize computers or their own smartphones to calculate or research. When they come home, they also have TVs, tablets, laptops, or other devices. Motivate them to spend time outside, invite friends over, start going to a gym, or join a sports club. All these activities can give them what they are looking for online. 

 

Treat AI just like anything new, and use discretion. If you need help talking to your family about AI, schedule an appointment with one of our therapists. 

 

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.

How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack

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How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack

 

Knowing how to react properly when someone is having a panic attack can be a lifesaver, yet most of us are not aware of what would actually help in that moment. A panic attack is a sudden episode of severe fear that triggers intense physical reactions in a situation that is not dangerous or harmful in any way. Nevertheless, panic attacks can be very frightening. A person experiencing this could think they are losing control, having a heart attack, or even dying.

Imagine your friend or a coworker experiencing a panic attack. What would you do? Being calm and supportive can help tremendously when you’re close to a person having this experience. After reading our detailed guide, you will know exactly what to do when someone is having a panic attack. 

 

Recognizing the Signs of a Panic Attack

First off, you don’t need to experience what it’s like to have a panic attack to be able to help someone go through such an experience. Although they are not rare, it’s possible that you can live your entire life without having one, while someone close to you has experienced it on several occasions already. 

Certain signs can indicate to you that your friend, partner, coworker, or anyone else is having a panic attack at the moment:

  • Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Sweating
  • Trembling or shaking
  • Feeling hot or having chills
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness
  • Nausea or stomach discomfort
  • Tingling or numbness in hands, feet, or face
  • Feeling of choking or throat tightness
  • Overwhelming sense of fear, dread, or impending doom
  • Feeling detached from reality or from oneself
  • Sudden urge to escape the situation
  • Inability to answer questions in a clear and focused way

When discussing the signs of a panic attack, it’s important to remember that they don’t last long. Typically, a panic attack will appear suddenly, without any obvious warning. In the first ten minutes, the person will probably experience the peak of the panic attack, and its signs should start diminishing until they disappear entirely. The duration of panic attacks can be anywhere from a few minutes to 20 or 30 minutes. 

 

Helping a Person Having a Panic Attack

Being close to a person experiencing a panic attack might seem frightening, yet you will need to do your best to stay calm and provide support. How you handle this situation can have a tremendous impact on the person having the panic attack. 

 

1.Provide Stability Instead of Fear

There’s no doubt that you’ll be affected by such an experience; however, it’s crucial to provide stability and reassurance instead of making things worse. When you approach the person having a panic attack, make sure you speak slowly and gently. Raising your voice can only trigger them and push them further into this state of panic. Also, validate their feelings and show them you’re compassionate. This will take off the pressure and allow them to feel safe with you. 

 

2.Guide Them to Focus on Breathing

The best way to combat signs of a panic attack is through breathing. Guiding the person to do simple breathing exercises with you can calm their nervous system and help them feel more present. Suggest that they inhale and exhale slowly, while you count the seconds. Breathe with them and repeat this exercise several times until you notice they are starting to feel calmer. Slowing the exhale is especially important as calm breathing helps regulate the nervous system, which is crucial for someone experiencing a panic attack. 

 

3.Use Grounding Techniques

Once you’ve done the breathing exercises and you notice that the peak of the panic attack is gone, you should practice grounding techniques with them. Ask them to name five things they can see, four they can touch, three they can hear, two they can smell, and one they can taste. While doing this exercise, you can help them focus on the temperature of the floor, the material of the chair, the fabric of their clothes, etc. 

 

4. Give Them Space if Needed

Before you start doing any of the breathing or grounding exercises, make sure you’re aware of their personal boundaries. If a person seems to struggle or is nervous because of the techniques or support you’re providing, stop on time and do something that will help calm them down. Look for signs they may need less from you, whether it’s fewer words or fewer activities. Don’t over-question them and allow them to have a moment to simply breathe and become aware of what’s happening. 

 

5. Stay With Them Until They Recover

Some panic attacks last longer than others. Even if you’ve supported this person during a panic attack, it doesn’t necessarily imply that the next one will be the same. A person can experience different symptoms or have a longer or shorter attack period. Regardless of the duration, it’s important to stay with them even when you start noticing the symptoms are disappearing. Ask them if they need something like a glass of water or to stretch their body. Maybe they will want to talk about what just happened, or they will want you to sit with them in silence. Whatever it is, make sure you stay and show them you care. 

 

When to Seek Medical Help

Although it’s crucial to provide adequate and valuable support to the person having a panic attack, it’s best to seek medical help if you notice their symptoms don’t subside. If you suspect it is a medical emergency, don’t wait for more than a few minutes. 

Some people might confuse a heart attack for a panic attack, so it’s best to act quickly. Ask the person to list all the symptoms they are experiencing. This can help you have a better idea of the situation you’re encountering. 

If you’re not alone, ask the closest person to call the ambulance, while you ensure that the person is staying conscious and is focused on their breathing. Your help in such moments can be crucial, and it can decrease the intensity or duration of the panic attack. That is why it’s important to understand what the person is going through and which techniques to apply.

If you are suffering with anxiety, get the anxiety video for a step by step guide to help at home! 

 

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.

Emotional Arousal Definition

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Emotional Arousal Definition: Stop Trauma From Controlling You

 

What is the true emotional arousal definition, and why does it matter in your relationships?

When your heart races and your mind spirals during a fight, that’s emotional arousal in action. It’s the body’s natural alarm system, preparing you to react quickly to danger or threat. Elevated heart rate, shallow breathing, tightened muscles, and a flood of overwhelming thoughts are all signs of arousal taking over.

For trauma survivors, it’s more than stress; it’s the nervous system on overdrive. Past experiences can train the body to respond as if every conflict is life-or-death, even when it isn’t. That’s why small disagreements can feel explosive, and emotional regulation may seem nearly impossible in the moment.

Learning to recognize these signals is the first step toward reclaiming control. With the right tools—grounding techniques, therapy, and conscious communication—you can break the cycle, calm your nervous system, and build relationships that feel safe, steady, and supportive.

 

Couples Communication Strategies

 

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.

 

How Do I Forgive Someone & Move On?

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How Do I Forgive Someone & Move On?

 

If you’re wondering how do I forgive someone, you’ve come to the correct place. Some things are easier to forgive, while others are not so much. Whether you are able to forgive someone also depends on how close you are to that person and the act or words that caused you harm. Without a doubt, forgiveness is a complex topic.

Learn the best way to forgive someone and how it can allow you to live your life peacefully. This article also explains how to prepare yourself to forgive someone and how to share it with them. 

 

Forgive or Not to Forgive? 

Before we get into the steps of forgiveness, let’s take a moment to see how to determine whether or not you should forgive someone who did you wrong. This person might have lied to you, betrayed you, or hidden something from you. Whatever it was, you were hurt, and now you’re uncertain whether you should forgive them or not. 

Consider the following questions to determine whether forgiveness is possible:

  • Was the harm intentional or accidental?
  • Have they taken full responsibility without deflecting blame?
  • Did they make any effort to repair the damage or make amends?
  • Are they expressing sincere remorse, or are they primarily concerned about the consequences?
  • Do you feel safe around them now?
  • Are they willing to do the work needed to rebuild trust?
  • Is forgiveness something you’re doing for them or yourself?

 

How to Forgive Someone Important to You

Forgiving someone important to you can be tough because the hurt often cuts deeper. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the harm. It’s about freeing yourself from resentment and choosing peace over pain. Before jumping to the forgiveness part, you should ensure you’ve taken care of your emotional well-being first.

 

1.Acknowledge How You Feel

Even if somebody hurts us unintentionally, it still hurts. Don’t put yourself in their shoes until you’ve truly felt how it feels to be in your own. Many people will try to avoid the discomfort they feel after being hurt, and they might jump to empathize with or forgive the person right away. 

Instead, allow yourself to feel the pain. Familiarize yourself with the emotions you’re feeling and give them time to show up in different ways. Ask yourself how to support yourself more during this period, whether that’s through journaling, talking to your best friend, crying while watching sad movies, or listening to heartbreaking music. 

 

2.Understanding Over Justifying 

As much as you might love this person, don’t justify their actions or words. It’s one thing to think about why they did something and another to justify them completely. Justification takes away their responsibility, and it doesn’t allow you to truly heal. 

Being curious about the context of their behavior can help you see this person from a different perspective. Does what they did change how you see them as a person? Could you please let me know if there were any indicators before the oversight? Are they likely to repeat this behavior?

 

3.Deciding If You Want to Forgive

What is your motivation for forgiveness? Are you only trying to move past this awkward situation between the two of you? Do you feel under pressure to forgive what this person or other people in your life have done to you? 

Understanding whether the forgiveness is an opportunity to strengthen the relationship or not is also crucial for your well-being. If you’re scared that they’ll do the same thing again or you’re uncertain if they feel remorse, you’re not ready to forgive them. Take more time for yourself, regardless of what anyone might say or think about it.  

 

4.Having a Heart-to-Heart Conversation

Before you forgive them, make sure you have a conversation with them when you feel ready. Be very clear on what you want to say, yet be open to hearing their side of the story. Letting them say how this experience was for them in their own words can give you a better understanding of the person in front of you.

An open, honest dialogue is not the solution to your problem, yet it is a useful tool to assess the situation better. Are they aware of the impact this had on you? Could you please let us know what steps they are prepared to take to prevent this from occurring in the future? Lastly, don’t forget that you don’t have to forgive them during the conversation. You can take some time to digest this information first and then revise how you feel about forgiving them.

 

5.Releasing Anger

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to forget what has been done to you. But if you want to repair a relationship with someone who hurt you, you must do so without anger, revenge, or resentment. Forgiveness requires letting go of the thing that happened and focusing on repair. 

If you forgive them yet feel angry about it, it only means your forgiveness was premature. It’s crucial to honor your emotional process, even if it takes you longer than you expected. 

 

Forgiving Someone Who’s Not Here Anymore 

This often happens when people try to deal with their childhood traumas in adulthood, yet one or both parents are no longer alive. You might wonder if it is possible to forgive a person who is no longer alive and receive your forgiveness. The answer is yes, of course. 

Forgiveness is mostly dependent on how you feel about something and if you’re ready to forgive. Even if a person is not here to correct their wrongs, it doesn’t mean you can’t forgive them and let go of that burden. 

That said, make sure you’re not making yourself forgive someone just because they’re not alive anymore. You have every right to feel frustrated, sad, or betrayed, and ignoring your feelings will only hurt you. If you want to talk about it, we are here to help.

 

Conclusion 

Forgiveness is essential for moving on because it frees us from the emotional weight of anger, resentment, and pain. Holding onto past hurts keeps us in a cycle of suffering, while forgiveness creates space for healing, growth, and peace. It doesn’t mean condoning what happened or forgetting the impact; it means choosing not to let the wound define your future. By releasing blame, we reclaim our power, paving the way for emotional clarity and deeper self-respect. Forgiveness is not a favor to the one who hurt us, but a gift we give ourselves to move forward with a lighter heart.

 

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.

The Danger of Being a People Pleaser

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The Danger of Being a People Pleaser

 

Saying yes to everything and everyone might seem kind, yet few people realize the danger of being a people pleaser.

Who is a people pleaser? Someone who seeks approval and affection above all else, often at the expense of their own needs and desires.

Do you always say yes to avoid conflict or rejection? If so, and you want to change, there are practical techniques to minimize your need to please others. But before learning how to fix this pattern, it’s important to understand how people pleasing affects you and those around you.

Understanding People Pleasing

People pleasing often develops from deeper psychological and emotional patterns. Many learn it in childhood, especially in homes where love and approval were conditional. If a child’s needs were ignored or praised only when they were obedient, they may grow up believing safety comes from being agreeable and accommodating.

Emotional neglect or abuse can strengthen the belief that worth is tied to being useful or likable. Someone with low self-esteem and fear of rejection may use pleasing others as protection from being left alone.

Society also plays a role. In cultures that reward politeness and self-sacrifice, being agreeable often becomes a predictable path to praise and acceptance. Acts of kindness are not the problem, what matters is whether you consider your own needs first.

Signs of People Pleasing

You may be a people pleaser if you:

  • Say “yes” when you want to say “no”

  • Feel guilty about setting boundaries

  • Constantly worry about what others think

  • Avoid conflict even when issues need to be addressed

  • Feel responsible for others’ happiness

  • Overcommit and burn out

  • Struggle to express your real opinions or desires

Kindness is different from people pleasing. Kindness is rooted in love, generosity, and choice. People pleasing is driven by fear of rejection. While kindness nurtures both giver and receiver, people pleasing often ends in resentment, exhaustion, and loss of authenticity.

Consequences of People Pleasing

Constantly putting others first comes with consequences. The severity depends on how long you’ve been doing it and how far you go.

Loss of Identity and Boundaries

Many people pleasers eventually notice they have no clear sense of self. Always being available to others leads to burnout and the painful realization that they’ve neglected their own needs. Setting boundaries for the first time can feel uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for growth.

Stress and Exhaustion

Trying to make everyone happy is draining. People pleasers often carry chronic stress, emotional fatigue, and even resentment in relationships. Eventually, pleasing others becomes a chore. When you ask for change, others may resist because they’re used to your support. Breaking the pattern is tough, but worth it.

Loss of Authenticity

Over time, people pleasers lose touch with who they are. Small joys may feel pointless compared to helping others. Worse, people pleasers often attract toxic or manipulative personalities who exploit their need to give. Get more ideas on how to connect.

 

How to Break Free from People Pleasing? 

Breaking free starts with self-awareness. Ask yourself:

  • Why do I need to please others?

  • What do I gain from it?

Journaling, therapy, or inner child work can help uncover the early experiences that shaped these habits.

Learn to Say “No”

Saying no without guilt is a powerful skill. At first, it may feel uncomfortable, but each honest “no” reinforces your right to honor your time, energy, and well-being.

Practice Boundaries and Assertiveness

Boundaries aren’t about rejection. They’re clear agreements about what you can and cannot offer. Communicating calmly and directly allows others to understand your needs while protecting your emotional health.

 

Conclusion

To break free from people pleasing, reconnect with your values and desires. Ask yourself: What truly matters to me? What do I want from life without considering others’ expectations?

This process requires accepting discomfort. People pleasers often fear being disliked or seen as “difficult.” But real growth comes when you stop seeking universal approval. Freedom lies in embracing imperfection and choosing authenticity over perfection.

Are you ready to take the first step? If you’d like support, consider scheduling a session today.

 

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.

Impulsive Buying

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Impulsive Buying: How to Stop Yourself From Buying Things You Don’t Need

 

Impulsive buying refers to purchasing things without any plan or need. An impulsive buyer will buy something because it caught their eye, made them feel good, or triggered a specific emotional response. In other words, impulsive buying refers to purchases that we are not rational about. That said, we’re all guilty of buying things we actually don’t need. 

Impulsive buying refers more to people who can’t resist buying something. They will make more impulsive purchasing decisions than rational ones, which can ultimately affect their personal finances. Before we suggest tools that can help you stop making this type of purchasing decision, it’s important to take a look at the reasons why some people become impulsive buyers. 

 

Causes of Impulsive Buying Behavior 

A mix of emotional triggers, psychological tendencies, and environmental cues often drives impulsive buying behavior. On an emotional level, people tend to shop impulsively when they are feeling stressed, bored, or seeking a quick mood boost. Purchasing something new can release dopamine, the brain’s “feel-good” chemical, offering instant gratification and a temporary emotional lift. 

This makes impulsive buying appealing during moments of emotional vulnerability or when someone is trying to cope with negative feelings. Some people even have a natural tendency toward lower self-control or higher materialism, making them more prone to spontaneous purchases.

Social media amplifies this effect through influencer endorsements and viral trends, which create a sense of urgency and FOMO (fear of missing out). When combined with quick access to credit, one-click purchases, and constant exposure to advertising, the modern shopping environment makes it increasingly difficult for consumers to resist the urge to buy on impulse. 

 

Impulsive Buying Signs 

However, not every person who shops regularly is an impulsive buyer. To understand the true motivation behind your purchasing decision, honestly answer the following questions:

  • Do you often buy things you didn’t plan to purchase when shopping?
  • Do sales, discounts, or “limited time offers” encourage you to make quick purchases?
  • Have you ever bought something just because it looked appealing at the moment, even if you didn’t need it?
  • Do you sometimes regret purchases shortly after making them?
  • Do you shop to feel better when you’re sad, bored, stressed, or anxious?
  • Do you frequently buy items online late at night or while distracted?
  • Are there items in your home with tags still on or things you’ve never used?
  • Do you tend to justify unnecessary purchases by saying, “I deserve this” or “It was on sale”?
  • Do you find it difficult to stick to a shopping list or budget?
  • Have you ever hidden a purchase from someone or felt embarrassed about spending?
  • Do you buy things simply because others have them (influencers, friends, trends)?
  • Do you often check shopping apps or browse stores without needing anything specific?
  • Do you occasionally use credit or buy-now-pay-later options for purchases that are NOT urgent? Do you do this without fully considering the long-term costs?

 

How to Stop Buying Impulsively 

If you’ve answered most of our questions positively, it would be good to consider implementing a strategy that will help you make more rational decisions when buying things. Luckily, a range of such techniques exists, allowing you to try each of them and see which one is most efficient. 

 

1. Create a 24-Hour Rule

Before making a non-essential purchase, wait 24 hours (or even 72 hours for bigger items over $200+). This delay helps break the emotional urge and allows you to assess whether you genuinely need or want the item.

 

2. Shop with a List 

Always bring a written or digital list when shopping (online or in person). If it’s not on the list, please refrain from purchasing it. This keeps you focused and prevents wandering into temptation zones.

 

3. Use the “Cost in Time” Technique

Ask yourself, “How many hours of work is this worth?” Framing a purchase in terms of time rather than money can shift your perspective and reduce impulse decisions.

 

4. Unsubscribe and Unfollow

Unsubscribe from marketing emails, brand newsletters, and social media influencers or accounts that frequently trigger your spending urges. The less you’re exposed to shopping triggers, the fewer chances you’ll buy on impulse.

 

5. Remove Saved Payment Info

Delete saved credit card information from websites and apps to make it harder to buy impulsively. Adding extra steps to complete a purchase allows you more time to rethink it.

 

6. Track Your Spending

Use a budget app or journal to record every purchase. When you start seeing patterns in your spending habits, especially on impulse buys, it becomes easier to recognize and stop them.

 

7. Identify Emotional Triggers

Notice when you’re tempted to buy impulsively. Is it when you’re stressed, bored, or feeling low? Once you recognize the emotional root, find healthier coping mechanisms (like walking, journaling, or calling a friend).

 

Practicing Conscious Consumption

Practicing conscious consumption means making intentional, informed, and values-driven decisions about what you buy, how much you buy, and where your purchases come from. It’s about shifting from automatic or emotional spending to thoughtful, purposeful choices that align with your personal ethics, needs, and long-term goals. 

Rather than accumulating items out of habit, social pressure, or instant gratification, conscious consumers pause to ask questions like, Do I really need this? Who made it? What impact does this purchase have on the environment or the people involved in producing it? This mindset encourages quality over quantity and supports sustainability, ethical labor, and financial well-being.

In everyday life, conscious consumption can take the form of purchasing local or secondhand products, supporting brands with transparent practices, or simply purchasing fewer items overall. It entails becoming more aware of the marketing tactics and emotional triggers that lead to impulsive spending, as well as learning to pause and reflect before making a purchase.

This will not only help you cut down on waste and clutter, but it may also make the things you do choose to own more fulfilling and meaningful. In the end, mindful consumption gives you back control over your expenditures and helps you match your financial practices with your priorities and deeper values.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, impulsive buying can quietly drain your finances, clutter your space, and leave you with regret. With awareness and a few practical strategies, you can take control. 

By pausing before purchases, identifying emotional triggers, and aligning your spending with your actual values, you’ll stop buying things you don’t need and cultivate a more intentional, satisfying relationship with money.

 

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.

Negative Self Talk

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Negative Self Talk: Why We Do It and How to Stop

 

Negative self-talk is not uncommon, yet having constant negative thoughts can harm your mental health and impact the way you perceive the world around you. Negative self-talk is your inner dialogue that is critical, self-defeating, or pessimistic. It prevents you from having high self-esteem and enjoying life properly. After all, if you believe you’re unworthy of something, it’s likely that you won’t even attempt it or enjoy the experience.

Although we’re all aware that negative self-talk impacts us negatively, it’s not so simple to get rid of that critical voice inside your head. That is why we’ve decided to examine why some people have negative inner dialogues while others do not and explore ideas on how to overcome negative self-talk for good.

 

What Is Negative Self-Talk? 

Negative self-talk is the habit of thinking and speaking to yourself in ways that undermine your confidence, lower your mood, and limit your potential. It’s the voice in your head that says things like “I’m not good enough” or “I always mess things up.” Negative self-talk is more than just occasional self-doubt. It’s an ongoing internal narrative that can quietly shape the way you see yourself, others, and the world.

Negative self-talk often begins early in life and is mostly shaped by critical or perfectionist parents, teachers, or coaches. Social media and society can also shape how we perceive ourselves by setting unrealistic standards for beauty, success, or worthiness. Experiences that make you feel rejected, ashamed, or not good enough can lead to negative self-talk.

Most of the time, shame can be found at the core of this. Feeling like you’re not worthy enough for certain things in life or that you’re better off staying small is a big part of negative self-talk. However, when we’re ashamed to show ourselves to the world, it prevents us from growing and connecting with everything and everyone around us in a way we deserve. 

These beliefs operate like background software, influencing your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, often without your awareness. Negative self-talk is a habit, not your identity. Like any habit, it can be changed. With awareness, practice, and compassion, you can shift your inner dialogue into something more balanced and empowering.

 

How to Stop Negative Self-Talk

Although you might feel like you don’t have control over your negative self-talk, there are certain steps you can follow to reduce it. Don’t expect to get rid of it completely at first. Changing the way you talk to yourself takes time. 

 

1. Become Aware Of Your Negative Self-Talk

Most negative self-talk is automatic. In other words, you don’t even know that your inner voice is being criticized. However, it has a major impact on how you feel, the decisions you make, and how you communicate with people in your life. It would be impossible to change something if you don’t notice it. 

Start by observing your inner dialogue throughout the day. Pay attention to what situations tend to trigger negative self-talk. Consider scenarios such as encountering failure, perusing social media, or engaging in a disagreement with someone. Notice the tone of these thoughts: are they harsh, sarcastic, anxious, or overly critical?

Also, tune into your body. Where do you feel the impact of these thoughts? It may manifest as tightness in your chest, a sinking feeling in your stomach, or tension in your shoulders.

 

2. Name Your Voice

Give your inner critic a name or identity. This creates distance between you and the thought. Giving your inner critic a name can help you separate it from yourself and observe the thoughts that appear instead of being overwhelmed by them. 

You can start by giving it a name and then describing it. Playing around with your inner voice allows you to become more curious about the entire process of befriending your inner critic.  

 

3. Challenge the Thought

Once you’ve identified a negative thought, take a moment to question it. Ask yourself, “Is this 100% true?” Consider whether there is solid evidence to support the thought or if it’s based on assumptions or emotions.

Next, reflect on how you would respond if someone you loved were thinking this way. Ask, “Would I say this to a child or a close friend?” If the answer is no, then it’s likely not something you should say to yourself either. Finally, try to imagine what a more compassionate voice would say at that moment. Having compassion doesn’t mean denying your feelings but rather offering yourself kindness and truth.

 

4. Replace With Balanced Self-Talk

When you begin to shift your self-talk, it’s important to avoid toxic positivity. You’re not trying to lie to yourself or force overly cheerful thoughts. Instead, you’re offering yourself the truth spoken with kindness and compassion.

For example, instead of saying, “I’m so stupid,” you might reframe it to “I didn’t understand that, but I can learn.” Saying something like, “I’m feeling lonely right now, but that doesn’t mean I’m unlovable,” can help you overcome the feeling that no one likes you. You don’t have to be fake or overly positive—just be fair and gentle with yourself.

 

5. Use Grounding Techniques

When your inner critic starts to spiral and overwhelm you, gently bring yourself back to the present moment. One effective technique is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. It consists of naming five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This helps anchor you in your surroundings and calm your nervous system.

You can also take three deep belly breaths, slowly inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth, to soothe your body and mind. Another calming practice is to place your hand on your heart and quietly say to yourself, “I’m safe. I’m here. I’m doing my best.” This simple gesture can help you reconnect with a sense of safety, presence, and self-compassion.

 

Conclusion

Negative self-talk is a deeply ingrained habit that often stems from past experiences, fear, or a perfectionist mindset. While it may feel automatic, it’s not unchangeable. By tuning into your inner dialogue, questioning negative thoughts, and embracing self-kindness, you can slowly transform your relationship with yourself. 

This isn’t about stifling all criticism. It’s about replacing harshness with compassion and kindness. The way you speak to yourself matters, just as the way you would talk to a friend or child matters. With daily practice and patience, you can create a healthier inner world that supports your growth, confidence, and emotional well-being. Change begins with one kind thought at a time.

 

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.