Learn All About High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms

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Learn All About High Functioning Anxiety Symptoms

 

If someone has called you a perfectionist on more than one occasion, it could be that you have high functioning anxiety symptoms. Being one of the best students, cum laude at college, excellent employee, devoted spouse, and present parent has consequences. We are raised to be great and always improve. However, this can harm our mental health and indicate high-functioning anxiety. 

Being successful in a few areas of your life is not the same as being a perfectionist. When trying to be perfect in every environment and situation, there is often an emotional roller coaster of anxiety, fear, and self-consciousness behind that perfect facade. 

 

What is High Functioning Anxiety?

Although it comes with mental health consequences, you will not find high-functioning anxiety symptoms in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). Why? Because people benefit from you performing at this rate, they would not say there is anything wrong with you in our world. 

I like to think that all people with high-functioning anxiety symptoms can access therapy if they want it, yet insurance won’t cover individual therapy unless you are diagnosed. 

A person with high functioning anxiety will typically be a high achiever, also referred to as a “perfectionist.” However, their striving to be great in all these areas can produce anxiety, fear, depression, loss of self-esteem, etc. Typically, a person with an anxiety disorder will struggle to complete their tasks and reach their goals. They may also display fear or worrying thoughts, which can result in a variety of physical reactions, such as:

  • racing heartbeat
  • headache
  • restlessness and/or agitation
  • panic attacks
  • disrupted concentration
  • muscle tension
  • higher blood pressure
  • gastrointestinal symptoms

 

High-functioning anxiety sufferers may experience some of these symptoms but can complete their tasks and reach their goals. Many people with high-functioning anxiety use anxiety to fuel their accomplishments. For instance, having that fear of failure will motivate them to work extremely hard to avoid it. 

That’s why you might have heard of many successful people who have struggled with this type of anxiety. As motivated professionals, they are often successful and strive for more each time they achieve a goal. However, success that is based on anxiety is not sustainable and often affects other areas of life, like mental health and relationships. We understand as we have a team of therapists and coaches able to provide guidance if this is what you are going through. 

 

High-Functioning Anxiety Symptoms

A person with high functioning anxiety might experience some of the above-mentioned signs; however, they will more likely demonstrate some of these characteristics:

  • Be extremely organized
  • Strong need to control situations
  • Being a perfectionist
  • Biting nails,
  • Restless legs
  • An intense inner critic with high standards
  • Uncontrolled anger or irritation when things don’t go as planned
  • Lack of trust in others to complete tasks

 

When looking at this list, it’s pretty evident that none of these characteristics are bad. On the contrary, they will often be celebrated and used to explain the success of high-achieving people. What’s important to know here, however, is that these signs also have a darker side. For instance, even if they worked hard to get that promotion at work, if someone else gets it, they might feel dysregulated and reach for extraordinary measures to be in control again. 

The darker side of these characteristics is the emotional rollercoaster underneath. People with high functioning anxiety will look perfectly happy and satisfied on the outside, but on the inside, they might overthink too much or have a strong need for constant affirmation. This might result in situations that are dangerous for both mental and physical health. Regardless of its shiny side, high functioning anxiety is still a form of anxiety, and not addressing it with someone who might be of help to you can only make things worse. 

 

Safety Seeking Behaviors

When dealing with high functioning anxiety, a person might expose themselves to certain safety-seeking behaviors, which can be counterproductive and dangerous. Some of such behaviors might include: 

  • Avoidance
  • Escape
  • Compulsions
  • Addictions
  • Procrastination

 

If a person is behaving in any of these ways excessively, these behaviors will interfere with their functioning, so they might end up having issues at work or in their relationships. Because they are wired to constantly thrive, people with high functioning anxiety will find it difficult to relax and rest, which can have physical consequences as well. 

For instance, taking a vacation with their family might be stressful instead of relaxing. Or, they will plan the entire vacation and fill it with numerous activities because it’s almost impossible for them to unplug. 

A person with high-functioning anxiety needs to control almost every moment of their life and often the lives of people around them, and, unfortunately, it doesn’t lead to mental health and wellness. To be mentally well, a person needs to know and practice ways to decrease stress in their life, prioritize their healthy habits, and enjoy their time when relaxing and doing nothing. 

 

Tips For Combating High Functioning Anxiety

If you or anyone you know has high-functioning anxiety, they should assess their stress levels with screening tools. Also, if you notice a frequency in symptoms or strong signs of anxiety, you should start seeing a therapist who will help you manage your symptoms and find your way to living a happy, fulfilled life. Typically, cognitive-behavioral therapy and/or dialectical behavioral therapy, with a trauma-informed lens, will be recommended as they’re focused on changing behaviors. This makes it a good tool to successfully manage the downside of this type of anxiety. 

With DBT, CBT, and EMDR coaching, our clients learn coping strategies to lower counterproductive safety-seeking behaviors while also developing new perspectives to feel good about themselves and reduce the unnecessary suffering they often experience. 

One of the best ways that a person can feel better is by practicing mindfulness, a technique that is focused solely on the breath. Mindfulness is focused on the ‘now,’ and it reduces all the noise that is leading to more anxiety every time.

In general, any activity where a person takes a step back and starts practicing what makes them feel at peace will be beneficial. They can start reading more, drinking their morning coffee in silence on their balcony, go for long walks alone, listen to classical music, play an instrument, etc. After all, the more peaceful moments a person learns to enjoy and cherish, the less their mind and body will feel stressed. If you want to begin your journey of meditation at home, start here! 

Quick Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

quick ways to reduce anxiety and stress

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Define EMDR Therapist and Learn How They Can Help You

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Define EMDR Therapist and Learn How They Can Help You

 

Are you uncertain about how to define EMDR therapist? If you’re unsure whether this type of therapy could benefit you, continue reading this article. We will explain EMDR therapy in detail and how EMDR therapists can help you understand and manage your emotional challenges.

 

What is EMDR?

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy designed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories. It is a body-included psychotherapy that aids in processing and healing past events impacting your mental health and overall well-being. EMDR therapy has been shown to be effective in treating trauma more rapidly compared to traditional psychotherapy, which can often take years. Research suggests that EMDR therapy facilitates psychological trauma recovery in a manner similar to how the body heals physical wounds. Just as a cut needs time and care to heal without further irritation, EMDR helps clear the blocks preventing emotional recovery.

 

Definition of an EMDR Therapist

To properly define EMDR therapist, it is important to understand that EMDR is a specialized technique requiring specific skills and knowledge. This treatment should only be administered by qualified and licensed mental health professionals. An EMDR therapist is responsible for assessing the client’s readiness and creating a tailored treatment plan. They work with clients to identify potential EMDR processing targets, which may include upsetting recollections and current emotionally taxing situations, as well as relevant past incidents. The goal is to address negative perceptions, beliefs, and physical experiences connected to traumatic events to foster positive changes.

 

Difference Between EMDR and Other Therapy Types

EMDR treatment assists the brain’s natural healing process rather than attempting to alter feelings, thoughts, or behaviors related to traumatic situations. Unlike other psychotherapies, EMDR can achieve substantial progress in fewer sessions for many clients. The brain’s information processing system inherently aims for mental wellness, but emotional wounds can persist if not adequately addressed. EMDR therapists help clients initiate their recovery by using various protocols and procedures tailored to their individual needs.

 

Treatment Areas

The primary use of EMDR therapy is for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with recognition from both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). However, EMDR therapy is also beneficial for a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addictions, behavioral issues, marital problems, and more severe disorders like psychosis and personality disorders.

 

How EMDR Therapy Works

An EMDR therapist guides you through several phases within a specialized framework. They evaluate how your history influences your present, assess your current symptoms, and determine your readiness for EMDR. The therapy aims to alter the emotional significance of traumatic experiences. For instance, a survivor of a traumatic event may shift from feeling intense fear to developing a stronger sense of self-belief. Unlike traditional therapy, EMDR clients often gain insights through their own rapid mental and emotional processes rather than through the therapist’s interpretations.

 

Benefits of EMDR Therapy

If you haven’t tried EMDR therapy yet, you might be surprised by its wide-ranging benefits. These advantages are becoming increasingly recognized as effective therapeutic interventions. EMDR therapy helps individuals share their experiences and gain new perspectives as they work through trauma. It can also address anxiety and panic-related disorders, helping people manage stress and avoid relapses triggered by trauma.

 

Final Thoughts

Engaging in EMDR therapy is a significant step toward a more fulfilling life. Its greatest benefit lies in its ability to improve the lives of those affected by mental triggers and trauma. Like any treatment, the benefits of EMDR therapy increase with the effort and commitment invested. Over time, you may notice reduced sensitivity to past triggers and a greater sense of control over your life, ultimately leading to enhanced self-care and well-being.

Reach out and ask to schedule an appointment with Melody virtually for EMDR. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Trauma Informed Therapist Near Me

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Trauma-Informed Therapist Near Me

 

If you search online for a ‘trauma-informed therapist near me’, numerous options will appear. That might make it difficult for you to understand which therapist would be the best for you and why. Working with a trauma-informed therapist is incredibly important for your mental and emotional health. So we’ve decided to share all important pieces of information about understanding this type of therapy and finding the right person to guide you to your recovery. 

 

What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

The consequences of a person’s trauma on their behavior, mental health. And treatment capacity are all vital elements of trauma-informed therapy. Trauma-informed therapists take precautions to prevent unintentionally triggering or re-traumatizing their clients because they are aware of their trauma history.

The term “trauma-informed” refers to the idea that trauma is frequently present in our lives and that it is essential to include it in therapy for successful results. Trauma-informed therapy is a practice that recognizes and treats the impact traumatic events may have on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical health. 

Trauma-informed practitioners work in several domains, including mental health clinics, schools, social service organizations, and healthcare facilities. Their purpose is to provide trauma survivors with a secure and affirming environment for their unique needs and obstacles.

Trauma-informed therapists strive to build a patient’s sense of safety and trust before going deeper into the trauma. By respecting their clients’ voices and choices about what they are looking to get from their treatment, trauma-informed therapists aim to empower their clients. 

 

Understanding Trauma

In trauma-informed therapy, you will learn to understand your traumatic experience and the impact it had on your life. There are many different definitions of trauma, and there is no one right way for someone to experience trauma or to react to it. People will be affected differently by the same incident, and not everyone who goes through a traumatic experience will suffer from trauma in the future.

A defined list of events that can be considered traumatic doesn’t exist. It matters more how you respond to them. After all, trauma is a personal experience. Nobody else can understand how you feel about your personal experiences or whether they have traumatized you. Similar events may occur to you, yet they may affect you differently or for longer.

That said, trauma-informed therapists have shared events that are more common to be considered traumas among their patients:

  • Road accident
  • Terrorism
  • Domestic violence
  • Sexual abuse
  • Emotional abuse
  • Bullying
  • Natural disaster
  • War
  • Serious illness
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Neglect
  • Unexpected death of a friend or a family member

 

Of course, many other events are not on this list yet can be traumatic for a person. More than the event itself, the emotional reaction is what helps therapists define whether an event can be considered traumatic. If, as a result of a certain event, you feel frightened, humiliated, rejected, unsafe, abandoned, powerless, trapped, or unsupported in any way, this might be a sign of trauma. 

 

How Trauma-Informed Therapy Works 

The main focus of trauma-informed therapy is how previous traumatic events affect relationships and life experiences. Your therapist will help you understand the impact of trauma on your feelings, actions, and thought processes throughout treatment. Trauma-informed therapy has a more comprehensive approach, considering the underlying causes of your present behaviors rather than only concentrating on the ones you’re attempting to change with therapy.

Even if a person doesn’t think they have experienced trauma in their life, trauma-informed therapy can help them safely identify traumatic events. Trauma can arise from a variety of stressful circumstances, some of which are more obvious than others. 

Many people will not even understand they have been traumatized by certain events, others might develop unhealthy coping techniques. In both cases, trauma-informed therapy can be quite beneficial to learn how to cope with your trauma history in a way that truly works best for you. As you start creating a safe environment with your therapist, you will become more aware of your trauma and the impact it had on you. This way, you will be able to learn new techniques that help you deal with it better. 

 

Seeking a Trauma-Informed Therapist

Finding a trauma-informed therapist might be challenging. Adopting a trauma-informed approach differs from the numerous approaches that exist in the field of psychology. Pay attention to how your potential therapist explains their treatment philosophy while making your first contact with them. 

Giving both physical and mental safety is a priority to establish a healing-friendly environment for clients who have experienced a traumatic event. Once you start talking to them. Consider if they are truly helping you understand how you are dealing with your trauma and what alternatives are available to you. 

If you feel uncomfortable talking to your therapist even after several sessions, ask yourself if it’s something about them that’s not allowing you to feel safe and share your thoughts and emotions with them. You can even share how you feel with them and see if their response will change your mind. If they don’t provide you with the answer that relaxes you and ensures you’re in the right place, a good idea would be to look for a new trauma-informed therapist. 

 

In Final Words

Trauma treatment can last months or even years, so be ready to dedicate yourself fully to the process and anticipate that therapy may not always be easy. You might need some time to open up to your therapist and to trust them, yet it’s an incredibly beneficial process for those who have experienced any type of trauma. 

Keep in mind that sometimes, recalling and discussing upsetting experiences from your past might have an impact on your mental state and overall well-being. With the right therapist, you should feel safe enough to go through these experiences. And they should be there for you every step of the way. Dealing with trauma is not easy, yet it is the only way to truly recover from it and stop allowing it to control 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 flexible. Multi-technique approach and pleasure-skills training provided by systematically-trained and licensed therapists!

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

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

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

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

 

Return to Office Anxiety Help

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Return to Office Anxiety Help

 

If you need to return to the office and feel anxious about it, this article is for you. Like many others, you’ve probably also gotten used to working from home, sometimes in your pajamas, and having more flexibility in general. With more companies asking their employees to work at the office, you might feel strange.

Packing a lunch from home, eating out, and traveling may all have an effect on you once you return to office life. To assist you in overcoming these challenges, we have put together a few practical tactics for you to try.

 

Companies Asking Employees to Go Back Into the Office

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, working remotely has become the new normal. This makes it really difficult to come back from vacations and holidays and return to the office. 

During 2020 – 2021, all across the world, businesses were closing their physical locations, allowing their staff to work from home, and developing policies to help staff members get used to working remotely. However, many of these companies are now urging their workers to return to work and resume normal operations.

Naturally, this is difficult. Employees have already gotten used to working from home. You will have to give up having meetings in your pajamas, not having to get up earlier than 10 minutes before work, and doing housework while working when you return to work. Unsurprisingly, many employees are struggling to adjust to this work environment. 

Those of you who are, you are not alone. Adjusting to major changes takes time and patience. 

 

Common Challenges of Going Back Into the Office

Employees noticed challenges when they returned to work. However, you can overcome these challenges and start seeing the benefits of office work as you become more comfortable. 

 

Commuting Time

Returning to work has increased commute times, a major drawback. Remote work has reduced commute costs and time for many workers. Additionally, commuting may be exhausting and stressful, especially for people with lengthy commutes or who must use public transit.

 

Lower Flexibility

Employee flexibility may be lost if they return to the office. Many employees have valued the flexibility to work from home because it has made managing their personal and professional lives easier. Losing this freedom when returning to the office could result in lower job satisfaction and a greater turnover rate.

 

Ways To Get Used to Being Back At the Office

Luckily, there are several ways to adjust to the above and other challenges of returning to on-site work. If you try one of these techniques and you’re not feeling better, try again the next day. 

 

  • Slow Down

Though you may not enjoy returning to work, remember that your coworkers feel the same way. As they adjust, chatty coworkers may avoid talking to everyone. As you go at your own pace, so will they. 

 

  • Be Intentional with Your Time

Commutes will likely affect your time during this transition. Furthermore, you must learn that you cannot be in two places at once. Cooking and working from home are possible. When you return to work, you will have to give up that luxury. Ensure you use your time wisely, such as listening to books on the way to and from work, so you have more time at home to exercise, engage in hobbies, spend time with others, and cook.  

 

  • Create a New Routine

If you work from home, you are probably good at jumping on Zoom at the last minute. Having a morning ritual may seem antiquated.

Yet consider how you may combine your existing routine with the one you need. Determine when you should wake up and what kind of help you might need at home. Implement these steps gradually to have enough time to get used to them. 

 

  • Set Healthy Boundaries

Many boundaries were blurred by working from home. It may be quite difficult to keep business and home life distinct when you’re seated at a makeshift desk in your kitchen or bedroom. Now, you have the opportunity to establish boundaries about your availability, communication style, and the location and hours of your job with this return to the workplace. Consider what is most effective for your emotional and professional well-being, and let your boss and coworkers know what you discover.

 

  • Don’t Ignore Your Mental Health

Preparing for stressful events is a common practice, so it’s very acceptable to feel anxious. Consider taking these three actions: Set a time to go back to work, talk to others about your feelings, and have an internal discussion. Specific worries are not as bad as generalized anxiety. It is not unexpected or abrupt since it has an anchor date, which grounds it. You may better address your emotions and adjust to pressure by asking yourself questions.

Conclusion

Returning to the office is a complicated matter with advantages and disadvantages for both companies and workers. While returning to work might foster creativity and teamwork, preserve a positive workplace culture, boost output, and enhance employee wellbeing, it can also be expensive for companies, increase employee commutes, and reduce flexibility. 

When determining whether to have employees return to the office, businesses should carefully weigh these considerations and try to strike a balance that benefits both the business and the employees. With time, you will adjust well and be able to make the most of this new work environment. 

Quick Ways to Reduce Anxiety and Stress

quick ways to reduce anxiety and stress

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Stopping Self-Sabotage: Reasons Behind It and How To Stop It

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Stopping Self-Sabotage: Reasons Behind It and How To Stop It

 

Understanding the causes of self-sabotage can help us find the tools for a happy, fulfilled life. Have you ever forgotten your charger and spent the day waiting for an important call, worrying about your phone dying? 

Perhaps you feel like your romantic partner is not listening, so you use more words to express yourself. However, this may cause your partner to tune out, making you feel like you are losing your connection.

Whether you realize it or not, you are sabotaging yourself and every relationship in your life, causing unnecessary frustration and stress. So, how can you know with certainty if you are sabotaging yourself?

 

Detecting self-sabotage

With self-sabotage, the person who is stopping you from being productive, satisfied, and fulfilled is you. Sometimes, you will be fully aware of this fact, and oftentimes, you won’t. You might impulsively decide to buy a big chocolate cake a few days after you’ve decided to go on a healthier diet. 

As we get so distracted with other things in life, we tend to forget that we’re self-sabotaging and think that other problems are causing us to feel this way. This often happens in relationships when you, for instance, feel competitive with another mom in your child’s school, so you’ll get into a passive-aggressive dance with them and try to be better than your competitor. 

This type of behavior prevents you from seeing the good side of that person and potentially becoming good friends with them. However, understanding that self-sabotage is behind all of it and learning how to cope with it is not as easy as most would assume. 

 

Identifying Your Thinking Patterns

Behind each of our behaviors is a predominant mode of thinking. The issue is that often we only focus on the way we behave instead of the thinking patterns that are leading us to such behavior. One of such examples might be that people with anxiety tend to be hypervigilant to any sign of threat, which results in detecting threats where there aren’t any. One of the common examples is also seeing problems as much bigger than they actually are, or when asked to do something, overreacting internally and feeling like someone has added too much pressure. 

So, instead of reacting as you used to before, you will need to start detecting these thoughts once they start appearing. When you notice them, try to use common sense and reduce the noise. A way of dealing with this might involve you saying to yourself that something is not a threat; it’s a great opportunity. 

To be able to affect your thinking biases, you will need to intervene once your initial reaction kicks in and take a look at it from a fresh perspective. Understanding how your thinking pattern works requires a lot of effort and reflection. What are the thoughts that appear often and are limiting you in some way, whether it’s with yourself or connecting with others?

 

Reducing The Noise

Many times, we’ll be so enthusiastic about changing aspects of our lives that we’ll want to change them all at once. When it comes to self-sabotage, you will need to reduce the noise around your life-changing decisions and focus on one at a time. For instance, if you’re constantly late for work and want to get promoted, think about the techniques that will help you achieve that goal.

For instance, you can set up an alarm 30 minutes earlier every workday or plan to go to work with a colleague, which will help keep you accountable for arriving early to the office. Wherever self-sabotage appears, think about the ways you can change your thinking about it, which will lead to changing your behavior as well. 

Apps on your phone can be quite handy for most of the areas where self-sabotage appears; however, if you prefer more conventional ways, by all means, go for it. You can have post-it notes around your apartment or office or write things down in a notebook you carry around with you. 

 

Make Your Rules

Although rules sound too strict, they will help you be more accountable for things you wish to improve in your life. Let’s say you’re a freelancer who struggles with organizing your workload and being more productive. To avoid being overly stressed when deadlines are approaching, you can have a rule that requires you to put all the tasks on your calendar as soon as you accept them. 

If you’re trying to improve communication in your relationship, you can make a rule with your partner to dedicate a certain amount of time each Friday evening to talking about what’s important to you. 

The common error that most people with self-sabotage make is to rush into changing everything and end up with the same results. You need to approach this systematically. Understanding what’s truly preventing you from reaching your goals will help you change how you act and think about them. 

 

Celebrate Small Wins

As much as stopping self-sabotage is a long-term process that often has its ups and downs, it’s important to celebrate small wins. By acknowledging progress, you will feel more motivated to continue changing your life for the better. Going back to the example from the article, if you want to get a promotion at work, celebrate each time you get to work on time by doing something you love in the evening.

The celebration of your small wins doesn’t have to be related to the area you’re trying to improve. For instance, if you have a healthy, constructive conversation with your partner, you can celebrate it with a nice bath just for yourself the next day. As long as it’s something that will make you feel good about this process, you should think of it as a celebration of leaving self sabotage behind.

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Emotional Abuse in Relationships

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Emotional Abuse in Relationships

 

Emotional abuse in relationships involves manipulating, causing shame, disgrace, criticizing, or controlling the victim. Despite its prevalence in romantic and marriage partnerships, mental or emotional abuse can occur in any relationship, including with friends, family, and coworkers.

When there is a history of bullying and hurtful comments that hurt the victim’s sense of self-worth and mental health, the relationship is usually seen as emotionally abusive.

Get help if you or someone you know is being emotionally abused in a relationship, and learn some important information below. 

 

What Is Emotional Abuse?

Not all forms of abuse have outward indicators or cautions. Certain situations, such as emotional abuse, may have an impact on you before you ever know it.

Psychological maltreatment and abuse can manifest in several ways. It can occasionally ambush you and conceal itself in charming phrases. Sometimes, it comes in waves of total stillness.

Many of the clear indicators of emotional abuse and manipulation may be well-known to you. However, it’s easy to overlook the early warning signals that are mild and gradually develop into an ongoing pattern of abusive conduct when you’re in an abusive scenario.

Attempts to terrify, control, or isolate are considered emotional abuse. Although threats of violence against you or your loved ones may be used, actual physical harm and violence are not included here. Emotional abuse in relationships is defined by the words that are used, the tone, and the lack of empathy in an individual’s conduct towards another. Even though emotional abuse may begin gradually, it often does not stop without conscious efforts to learn tools to regulate the brain.

Anyone of any age or gender can be abused. Abusive behavior does not only happen in romantic relationships either. The abuser may be your spouse, love partner, business partner, parent, caregiver, or adult child.

 

Signs of Emotional Harm

Emotional abuse has several indicators. Remember that even if your partner, parent, coworker, or friend only does some of these things, your relationship is considered emotionally harmful.

Remember that emotional abuse is often hidden when considering your relationship. Thus, identifying symptoms may be difficult. Trying to figure out if your relationship is abusive? Consider if you experience empathy and compassion from someone. 

 

  • Shaming and Humiliating

Any act or statement that embarrasses you is in the realm of shame. Shaming may make you doubt your actions or beliefs. Embarrassing someone is among the most overt types of emotional abuse. This might manifest as humiliation in public or as actions in private that make you feel less than others. In the middle of a conversation, for example, saying you are not sure when to stop talking could be considered emotional abuse.

 

  • Criticizing

Cruel or unhelpful criticism has the potential to be emotionally damaging. “Why would you do that?” may be asked. It could also be negative comments about your appearance. 

 

  • Blaming

Flipping the switch or abruptly placing the blame on another person’s actions or feelings is an example of emotionally abusive blaming.

“I wouldn’t have done it if you hadn’t made me so angry” is an example of blame that absolves the abusive person of any accountability.

 

  • Guilting

Guilt is a potent manipulative tool. You could alter your conduct in the future to prevent feeling like you’ve disappointed someone, that you’re not good enough, or that you’ve let them down.

 

  • Accusing

Unjust charges can coerce you into actions that would appease others. You could go above and beyond to show someone you are paying attention to them if they are persistently accusing you of adultery, for example. You could also quit going outside for fear that they’ll find you and confront you.

 

  • Neglecting

Neglect may occur when your emotional or physical needs aren’t addressed. Deliberately withholding affection or subjecting you to silent treatment are examples of emotional neglect.

 

  • Monitoring

Your sense of privacy can be destroyed by monitoring. Monitoring includes checking your social media, reading your communications, and attending events.

 

Impact of Emotional Abuse in Relationships

Studies reveal that the repercussions of mental abuse are equally as dire as those resulting from physical violence. However, instead of noticeable scars and bruising, your wounds are concealed behind any feelings of worthlessness, self-loathing, and self-doubt you may have.

Severe and continuous emotional abuse might cause you to lose your sense of self completely. Gaslighting, verbal abuse, name-calling, accusations, and critiques can gradually weaken your sense of self to the point where you are unable to see yourself in the true light.

Thus, you may agree with the person causing the harm and become disapproving. You may feel like you will never be good enough for others and are stuck in a violent relationship. You could eventually distance yourself from friends and withdraw from social interactions because you think no one likes you.

 

How to Deal with Emotional Abuse

Recognizing the abuse is the first step in resolving an emotionally abusive relationship. It is crucial to first and foremost identify any instances of emotional abuse you may have detected in your relationship.

You may regain control over your life by being truthful about what you are going through. Here are seven additional life-reclaiming techniques that you can start doing right now.

Put yourself first when it comes to your physical and emotional well-being. Give up trying to win over the abusive individual. Attend to your needs. Take a step that will encourage positive thinking and self-affirmation.

If you have spent any length of time in an emotionally abusive relationship, you could think that there is a severe problem with you. However, you are not the issue. Abuse is the act of choosing. Give up blaming yourself for circumstances beyond your control.

 

Leaving Your Abusive Partner

You cannot stay in an abusive relationship indefinitely if your partner does not want to improve or change their bad decisions. You’ll ultimately experience bodily and emotional consequences from it.

You might have to take action to break up with the person, depending on your circumstances. Every circumstance is unique. So, review your ideas and thoughts with a counselor, family member, or trusted friend. While emotional abuse can have detrimental long-term ramifications, it can also signal impending physical abuse or violent acts.

If you feel rage or have an abusive partner, consider asking them to get help or getting yourself help. Start today in the comfort of your own home. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Therapy for Children of Divorce: Especially if Your Child Lives With You

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Therapy for Children of Divorce: Especially if Your Child Lives With You

 

Divorce also affects teenagers, so it’s only natural to consider therapy for children of divorce as an option. Research shows that most people, including most children, struggle because they lack the necessary resources to deal with divorce, despite the fact that it is an extremely traumatic event. 

Media outlets such as newspapers, journals, and television shows regularly emphasize the long-term impact divorce causes, especially on the children of the divorcing parties. Despite making for dramatic headlines, this is not how scientific evidence works. Divorce in itself has no long-term impact on children’s mental health or academic achievement, according to research. The way in which parties treat one another as they are uncoupling can impact all ages of children whose parents are getting divorced. 

Children face various problems due to divorce, but most of them can overcome them after some adjustment. Although divorce is nearly always traumatic, it does not cause permanent harm if handled appropriately.

 

How to Explain Divorce To Your Child 

Children of various ages interpret divorce in different ways. Young children certainly have no concept of divorce, yet they do have a concept of changes in their daily routine. They value consistency and security above anything else. 

Younger children and teenagers may have similar questions: 

  • Where will I live now?
  • Will you leave me alone?
  • Where will all my things be now?
  • When will I see my other parent?
  • Will you still love me? 

Teenagers need information the most. As such, they need a brief but clear explanation. It is appropriate for children to know the reasons behind their parents’ divorce, but not all the details of their parents’ marriage. They are children, not friends.

 

Signs Your Child Needs Therapy After Divorce

Trauma and psychological anguish can have long-lasting effects that can drastically change a person’s life, well into adulthood. Because trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder are frequently invisible, it is important to notice this in others and suggest therapy if you can. 

These are some of the things you should pay attention to:

  • Atypical behavior,
  • Changes in eating and/or appetite,
  • Changes in daily functioning,
  • Lack of interest in things they used to enjoy, 
  • Sudden medical issues. 

 

Types of Therapy

Divorce may be challenging for the whole family, so it’s even more critical for all individuals to have the support they need. Fortunately, a variety of therapy services can assist in adjusting to the emotional and psychological repercussions of divorce.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) are some of the most popular types of treatment. Depending on the circumstances, starting therapy as a family might be beneficial to show you are a family, no matter what. 

The benefit of children of divorce going to therapy is coping mechanisms and an increased ability to process their emotions. Individuals benefit from therapy by having access to an objective person. A therapist can support and mentor them while they process their feelings around their parents’ divorce.

A therapist, for instance, can assist in identifying underlying problems brought on by the divorce, such as anger, anxiety, humiliation, guilt, and grief. With this knowledge, you may encourage them to express their feelings securely in a safe setting rather than suppressing or acting out inappropriately. People can better accept and get through challenging life transitions with the assistance of a qualified adult without experiencing long-term psychological issues.

Therapy for children of divorce can help mend complex concerns between parents and their children. According to research, a successful outcome in family therapy after divorce depends on parental participation. A therapist can suggest the most important ways for parents to support their children during this time. Therapists can also provide insightful advice on any possible parenting problems that must be addressed.

Collaborating with a skilled therapist ensures everyone gets the most out of the therapeutic process and lays the groundwork for long-term, healthy family interactions.

 

Conclusion

Much of what people believe about divorce will be different from what they are seeing. When parents provide information intended to assist their children rather than relieve themselves of responsibility or place blame on the other parent, it is easier. In all of this, the help of a skilled family therapist is valuable. They can support in ways that others cannot. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

Trauma Therapist Near Me

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Trauma Therapist Near Me

 

If your latest Google search shows ‘trauma therapist near me,’ this article is for you. It will explain trauma therapy, how it can help you, and everything else you need to feel better.

Everyone has heard “trauma” in reference to horrific events. This includes surviving a car accident or losing a family member unexpectedly. Every person has unique experiences and perspectives. Several factors may trigger trauma reactions; therefore, it is best if the individual reaches out to a trauma therapist they trust and begins the healing process. 

 

What is Trauma?

Trauma is a psychological reaction to a catastrophic event, like a rape or a natural disaster. After a traumatic event, shock and denial are typical reactions. Over time, responses can cause erratic emotions, strained memories, strained relationships, and even physical discomfort such as headaches and nausea.

Even though these emotions are common, some people find it difficult to continue with their lives. They can learn healthy coping mechanisms for their emotions by working with a trauma therapist near me.

Most adults can recall at least a few excruciatingly unpleasant experiences. Funnily enough, those awkward situations still make you cringe decades later. Harder topics include heartache, loss, and regret. When we think of these memories, we feel strong emotions that make us queasy.

Trauma intensifies this phenomenon. Due to their emotional impact, even slight reminders of traumatic memories can be debilitating. For example, just a familiar scent or a vehicle siren can cause uncontrollable emotions.

 

How Trauma Therapy Works

Simply put, trauma therapy is a type of talk therapy used to address trauma’s emotional and mental health effects. To use clinical terminology, a traumatic incident is one in which a person’s life was in danger or they saw another person’s life in danger. Vulnerable people may potentially experience trauma-related issues after witnessing another person’s death. How and why different people respond to trauma in various ways is uncertain. Genetics, temperament, and repeated exposure to stressful situations are all possible risk factors.

Some can recover from trauma without long-term effects. Some people may be more susceptible to psychological harm. Following the threat, trauma occurs when a person struggles to cope. Sometimes, traumatic scars affect individuals more than others who were exposed to the same event. 

Trauma therapy refers to various therapies explicitly designed to address the aftereffects of trauma. It is also known as trauma-informed care, and it is more of an umbrella term that encourages mental health doctors and other health care providers to consider a patient’s past experiences while offering therapy. 

Guidelines for providing the best treatment possible to patients with a history of trauma are provided through trauma-informed methods, which also involve training professionals in the best ways to treat trauma and collaborating with other organizations. 

 

Types of Trauma Therapy

We have not yet covered all types of treatment frequently used to treat trauma sufferers. 

 

Trauma-Focused Cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) 

TF-CBT is essentially cognitive behavioral therapy developed specifically for victims of trauma. This type of brief conversation therapy aids patients in confronting and controlling their thoughts connected to the trauma.

 

Psychodynamic Treatment 

You will talk about your symptoms and your trauma in psychodynamic therapy. A solid client-therapist relationship is essential for this type of treatment. Its foundation lies in exposing internal problems that the client is suffering from. It also gives a lot of attention to how connections impact people, particularly how they influence their attitudes, feelings, and actions. 

 

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

The fundamental objective of EMDR is to eliminate obstacles to the client’s progress. External stimuli (such as hand tapping or eye movement) achieve this. The stimulation the therapist gives as you discuss your experience focuses your attention outward.

The information mentioned above may be helpful to you during your treatment process, or you may require more counseling. Additionally, remember that often, healing from trauma necessitates using many types of treatment.

 

Benefits of Trauma Therapy

Traumatic events can have an impact on relationships and life. Its consequences can also make life challenging at work, in social situations, and even in school. Thus, trauma therapy can enhance the quality of life. Before receiving trauma treatment, a client might not even be aware of how much their trauma has changed how they live.

Though it may be difficult to talk about terrible events with a doctor, trauma treatment can reduce symptoms over time. Additional advantages of trauma therapy include:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) causes and symptoms can be eliminated or reduced
  • Enhancing intimate connections and interactions with others
  • Developing coping mechanisms to deal with erroneous or unfavorable thoughts and emotions
  • Lowering rage, frustration, and irritation while raising calmness
  • Putting the unpleasant event in a new light and trying to make sense of it

 

Finding the Right Trauma Therapist

It’s crucial to locate a trauma therapist with credentials to support this assertion. Examining the therapist directories on the websites of organizations for professionals who specialize in trauma is one place to start. These organizations include the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation, the American Psychological Association Division of Trauma Psychology, and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies.

Finding a qualified trauma therapist can be challenging since there is frequently a higher need than available professionals. We advise visiting a conventional therapist in the interim if you have problems locating a trauma therapist. However, don’t entirely postpone your search for a trauma therapist. 

Recovery from a traumatic experience is feasible with the aid of a qualified specialist. Though overcoming traumatic memories is complex, it is possible. With the right therapist, you will be able to recover from your trauma and live a meaningful life!

 

You can begin sessions now with Chastity from the comfort of your own home. 

Chastity Rodriguez, LMFT, MEd, EMP, PC, CME

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

 

Why Celebrities with Mental Health Issues Need Individual Therapy

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Why Celebrities with Mental Health Issues Need Individual Therapy

 

Celebrities with mental health issues are no strangers to the spotlight. Their fame often overshadows their struggles, leaving many wondering how they can reach out for help. As a trauma therapist, I’m here to shed light on the path to healing.

Celebrities with mental health issues often struggle in the spotlight. But how can they benefit from individual therapy?

 

Why Do Celebrities Need Individual Therapy? 

Individual therapy offers celebrities with mental health issues a safe space to explore their emotions privately. It’s a non-judgmental environment where they can be themselves. It provides: 

  • Privacy: Private therapy sessions offer a confidential setting away from the paparazzi’s prying eyes.
  • Isolation: Celebrities often feel isolated. Therapy provides a safe space for them to connect.
  • Performance Pressure: Therapy helps them cope with the constant pressure to perform.

Celebrities with mental health issues have a unique opportunity to break the stigma surrounding therapy. By seeking help, they not only heal themselves but inspire others to do the same. Celebrities hold immense influence. Your openness about therapy can be a catalyst for change, encouraging society to prioritize mental health. Your journey can empower countless individuals to seek the support they need. Be the change you wish to see in the world.

 

Common Concerns:

Q: Won’t attending therapy reveal my issues to the public?

A: Therapists prioritize confidentiality. What’s discussed in therapy stays there. Your privacy is paramount.

 

Q: How can I make time for therapy with my busy schedule?

A: Therapists offer flexible scheduling, accommodating your lifestyle. Your mental health is worth the investment.

 

Coping Strategies for Celebrities with Mental Health Issues

  • Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness for stress management
  • Meditation: Techniques for emotional balance
  • Journaling: Expressing emotions through journaling can be therapeutic

 

Celebrities with mental health issues can greatly benefit from individual therapy. It’s a confidential, personalized journey toward healing that can also contribute to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. By taking the first step, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, they can lead the way in normalizing therapy and inspire countless others to seek help. Remember, your mental health matters, regardless of your celebrity status.

Celebrities face unique challenges but can greatly benefit from individual therapy. Let’s destigmatize therapy, support their journey, and help them heal.

Remember, they may be in the spotlight, but they’re humans too. 

 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

 

Healing Intergenerational Trauma: Guide to Breaking the Cycle

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Healing Intergenerational Trauma: Guide to Breaking the Cycle

 

If you’ve heard about healing intergenerational trauma but are unsure what it is, this article is for you. Trauma that is passed down through generations is referred to as intergenerational trauma. It starts when a group goes through a traumatic occurrence that produces suffering in the family, culture, and economy. People in that group have physical or psychological problems as a result.

This theory has long provided an explanation for family issues. This practice perpetuates the harmful effects of oppressive or traumatic events in the past on subsequent generations. An example would be a grandmother who learned to survive by “cutting off” her emotions while imprisoned in a concentration camp. As a result, this woman could have emotionally distant interactions with her family, and that is what her children may continue in their future lives and homes. 

Therefore, understanding these traumas is crucial for healing and breaking the cycle. In order to provide you with useful information on how to live your life as you should, we have further investigated generational trauma.

 

Healing Intergenerational Trauma within the Family

Families that have experienced extreme trauma (such as sexual abuse, murder, etc.) frequently experience intergenerational trauma issues, including oppression. If a therapist or other mental health practitioner brings up the subject, it is very unusual, if ever, that the effects of intergenerational trauma are explored. 

Although it is a crucial subject, many mental health practitioners are either unsure or unaware of how to discuss this process. Investigating how trauma may have harmed previous generations of family members is essential for healing.

For instance, a mother dealing with the sexual abuse of her daughter may also have experienced sexual abuse from her father, who may have experienced sexual abuse from his father. 

Trauma passed down through generations has a big impact. It may be quite challenging for a parent or grandparent to offer emotional assistance to a family member dealing with trauma if they have never fully recovered from or processed it. Tragically, families frequently heal intergenerational trauma by using two harmful coping mechanisms:

  • Denial (refusal to accept that the trauma occurred)
  • Minimization (the act of downplaying the significance of the trauma)

How family members “cope” with intergenerational trauma may influence younger generations. For instance, a grandma who refused to consider the effects of her trauma may have mistakenly or consciously taught her grandchildren to disregard the effects of their trauma. There is a good chance that something will sooner or later provoke the trauma. No matter how hard you try, trauma is not something you can hide from.

 

Generational Trauma Signs and Symptoms

There are a variety of symptoms and signs that someone may be experiencing generational trauma, such as:

  • Lack of self-worth,
  • Anxiety,
  • Feeling detached from yourself and your surroundings,
  • Depression,
  • Feeling numbness when it comes to emotions, 
  • Impaired life skills,
  • PTSD symptoms.

There is some evidence that generational trauma may impact the immune system. A 2021 study examined genes associated with immunological health in the offspring of Holocaust survivors. Some of those genes were less active than usual, the researchers discovered. Therefore, the subjects had poor innate immunity, or immunity present at birth.

 

Causes of Generational Trauma

Generational trauma begins to form when a group experiences a traumatic event like abuse, prejudice, a natural disaster, racism, or war together. For those who directly experienced those events, PTSD, sadness, and anxiety are potential negative side effects. Following that, those people’s children may continue to experience trauma, and so on. 

One way that trauma is passed down through the generations is through epigenetic modifications. The idea is that trauma changes the way your genes work. Then, your kids inherit those modifications. 

 

Diagnosing Intergenerational Trauma

The “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition” (DSM-5) states that there is no particular diagnosis for generational trauma. The DSM-5 is the reference manual that mental health professionals often use to identify mental health problems. However, experts generally agree that the phenomenon exists and that the DSM is a limited medical model with various limitations. 

Inherited, learned beliefs, behaviors, and patterns may also conceal intergenerational trauma.

A healthcare professional can use a mental health screening to check for mental diseases if your family has a history of trauma. However, there is no test to identify generational trauma. A mental health screening includes questions regarding your hunger, sentiments, mood, sleep, and other activities. 

You might answer a questionnaire or discuss your results with a healthcare professional. To effectively assess your problem, you must respond honestly. If you exhibit symptoms of a mental illness, your healthcare practitioner may suggest that you consult a psychologist or psychiatrist who focuses on mental health. To identify mental diseases like anxiety, sadness, or PTSD, a mental healthcare professional may pose additional inquiries.

 

Generational Trauma Treatment

There is no unique treatment for generational trauma, yet there are certain steps that will probably be part of healing, such as:

  • Accepting the trauma, how it affected your life, and what you can do to manage emotions
  • Understand signs and sensations that may relate to the trauma.
  • Constant retelling of the story with those who are not trained or skilled in empathetic listening, which may only worsen the effects of the trauma.

The consequences of generational trauma can be lessened or eliminated via psychotherapy or talk therapy. You can identify the trauma and how it affects you through talk therapy. 

An expert in mental healthcare might suggest coping mechanisms based on your experiences. For instance, they could suggest breathing techniques and meditation to reduce feelings of anxiety. Personal or family therapy may be used in talk therapy to discuss the systemic implications. Therefore, see an MFT if you need more help with systemic patterns. 

 

In Final Words

One of the most important strategies for breaking the cycle is educating people about healing intergenerational trauma. It might be easier to process the trauma if you realize that you are not helpless or alone and that there might have been other influences. Breaking the cycle of recurring trauma is essential, and this may require a lot of encouragement and support.

Possible sources of assistance include engaging in cultural practices, reading or watching content that speaks to you, talking with loved ones about your culture, and engaging in traditions.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

 

High Functioning Depression Symptoms: What You Need to Know 😔

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High Functioning Depression Symptoms: What You Need to Know 😔 

 

As a depression expert, we often see clients with high functioning depression symptoms. These individuals may appear successful on the surface, yet they are struggling with depression in their daily lives.

What is High Functioning Depression?

High functioning depression is a type of depression that is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. However, unlike individuals with major depression, individuals with high functioning depression symptoms maintain their daily activities. So, even if you get through your day, you may still have it. 

 

Signs of High Functioning Depression

Some common high-functioning depression symptoms include:

  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Feeling sad or hopeless most days
  • Fatigue or lack of energy
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • Difficulty sleeping or oversleeping
  • Thoughts of suicide

 

Why It’s Important to Seek Help

Many people who suffer from high functioning depression might not be aware that they are depressed. They may believe their feelings are normal or that they can manage them. Since depression can worsen over time, it’s crucial to seek mental health care if you feel suicidal.

 

How Can You Help Yourself? 

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of high functioning depression, it’s important to prioritize self-care and community care. This can include getting enough sleep, walking outdoors regularly, maintaining a balanced diet, and going to events in your community. 

Treatment Options: Treatment for high functioning depression may include therapy, medication, meditation, or more. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common type of therapy used to treat depression. Meaning that because it focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, there is relief. Of course, antidepressant medication may also be prescribed to help alleviate symptoms.

Support from Friends and Family: In addition to professional help, support from friends and family can also be beneficial for individuals with high functioning depression. Having a support system can make people feel less alone and give them emotional support when things are hard.

Remember, depression is a treatable condition, and seeking help is the first step towards recovery. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of high-functioning depression, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for support. Meaning that reaching out to a mental health professional is the best way to approach it. This will help the person in need find adequate treatment and work on improving the quality of their life. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

 

Uncovering the Secrets of Hollywood Therapy

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Uncovering the Secrets of Hollywood Therapy

 

In recent years, Hollywood Therapy services have grown in popularity as many wealthy couples explore its benefits to strengthen their bonds. Hollywood therapy near you is a common option for individuals seeking to strengthen their relationships and deepen their connection. 

Do you want to learn about the most recent developments in Hollywood therapy and how they could make your life more fulfilling?  Look no further!

The secrets of Hollywood therapy, especially in the form of text, are discreet and private.

 

Hollywood Therapy Via Text 

Text coaching at our practice, Life Coaching and Therapy, is a type of systemic treatment that seeks to improve bonding between couples by addressing the fundamental dynamics in their interactions. Unlike most psychotherapy and graduate programs, this text therapy looks at the relationship as a whole.

The discretion of Hollywood therapy packages is one of their main advantages. So, texting gives celebrities a private, secure space to focus on their relationships.  

It emphasizes confidentiality, making it ideal for couples who want to improve their relationship without public scrutiny.

 

The Advantages of Treatment

  • Putting connections first: Relationship development is a key component of Hollywood treatment. Couples who are having problems with trust, communication, or other aspects of their relationships may find this extremely helpful.
  • Systemic strategy: Text therapy can assist couples in addressing the fundamental problems affecting their relationship by focusing on the relationship as a whole.
  • Discretion: For individuals who wish to focus on their relationship away from the public eye, Hollywood therapy through text is a discrete choice. 
  • Expertise: Couples therapy is a specialty area in which Hollywood therapists excel. They are able to provide pertinent counsel and direction to help couples strengthen their bond.

Hollywood therapy can help couples strengthen their relationship regardless of the specific issue by addressing the underlying issues and focusing on communication and trust.

 

What Is the Process of Text Therapy?

The first step in text therapy is an initial assessment, during which the therapist will assess the dynamics of the situation and create a unique treatment strategy. The couple will work with the therapist to address the specific problems and strengthen their bond.

It employs a number of important approaches, such as the following:

  • Enhancing communication abilities
  • Increasing trust Acknowledging underlying principles
  • Enhancing one’s ability to resolve disputes

Hollywood therapy can assist couples in strengthening their bonds and enhancing their relationships by using different methods.

 

FAQs

  • How does Hollywood text therapy differ from conventional therapy?

While traditional therapy frequently concentrates on the individual, Hollywood therapy is a type of systemic therapy that focuses on building relationships. Hollywood therapy is a popular option for celebrity couples since it provides a higher level of discretion.

 

  • Does text therapy work?

Text therapy is a well-respected type of treatment, and many couples have experienced success with it. The effectiveness will, however, vary based on the unique circumstances and the couple’s dedication to the procedure, just like with any therapy.

 

  • Is it private and confidential? 

Yes, text therapy is very private. The emphasis on secrecy and discretion is one of the main factors contributing to text therapy’s popularity with celebrity couples.

 

Start Your Adventure!

Hollywood therapy via text is an effective method for enhancing connections and fortifying relationships between lovers. With its holistic approach, prudence, and relationship-centered focus, text therapy is a powerful tool for improving relationships and building stronger bonds between partners. 

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

 

Body Dysmorphia Treatment: What Is It & Who Needs It

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Body Dysmorphia Treatment: What Is It & Who Needs It

 

Body dysmorphia is a condition that can heavily affect your mind and your perspective, and the best way to get help is with a body dysmorphia treatment. If you have body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), you could be upset about how your body looks and how it interferes with your life. Not being able to go about your daily activities is awful. Many of us believe that we have aesthetic defects. If you suffer from body dysmorphia, how you feel and see this “flaw” could get out of control.

You might find it challenging to stop having negative thoughts about your appearance. Honestly, even a few hours a day can be spent worrying about how you look. Some people occasionally consider suicide if negative and persistent thoughts are severe enough. Without a doubt, it is a more severe issue than being self-conscious about the things you don’t like about your body. 

 

What Is Body Dysmorphia? 

A person who suffers from body dysmorphia spends a lot of time fretting about their flaws. It can affect people of any age and is stated to be most prevalent in adolescents and young adults. Both men and women can get body dysmorphia. Keep in mind that it’s not a sign of vanity or self-obsession. For people with BDD, it can be unpleasant and significantly affect their lives.

Body dysmorphic disorder is often diagnosed based on the following:

  • An analysis of poor self-image risk factors, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through psychology,
  • Individual, societal, family, and medical background,
  • Symptoms and signs.

It is believed that a combination of environmental, psychological, and biological variables are the root causes of body dysmorphic disorder. The emotions of inadequacy, embarrassment, and fear of mockery may be induced or cultivated due to bullying or teasing.

 

Common Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia

There are certain symptoms that people who are struggling with body dysmorphia will experience in their daily lives. Keep in mind that having one of these symptoms is not a sign of body dysmorphia, and it’s best to consult an expert to get adequate treatment.

These are the most common body dysmorphia symptoms: 

  • Worry too much about a certain area of your body (e.g., your face),
  • Spend hours comparing your looks with other people’s, especially people you see on social media, 
  • Spend too much time looking at yourself in mirrors or completely avoid them,
  • Doing your best to conceal flaws (e.g., spending a lot of time choosing clothes that cover the areas you don’t like, applying strong make-up to cover your skin tone or skin condition, etc.). 
  • Think about unnecessary plastic surgery and see it as something that will grant you happiness. 

 

Body Dysmorphia Treatment

Based on your symptoms and how much they interfere with your life, a mental health specialist will determine whether you have body dysmorphia or not.

To be identified as someone with body dysmorphia, you will need to experience the following:

  • An unusual preoccupation with a minor or nonexistent physical imperfection,
  • Self-consciousness about your physical flaw needs to be so severe that it prevents you from having a normal life,
  • Discard other mental health conditions as the source of the symptoms you’re experiencing.

Those who are experiencing BDD could also suffer from other health conditions. The most common ones are eating disorders, depression, social anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. With treatment, you will notice your BDD symptoms may improve.

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

You may be recommended for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a type of talking therapy where you talk about your body dysmorphia and get the tools to start seeing your appearance in a more positive light. Together, you and your therapist will decide on the therapy’s objectives and collaborate to try and achieve them.

If you’re experiencing depression or anxiety as well as trauma in addition to your body dysmorphia treatment, practicing DBT skills may be beneficial. 

 

How to Help Yourself

Body dysmorphic people may benefit from support groups. Discuss local groups with your doctor. If there are not any, you can find many online. Meaning, attending their meetings to feel supported and have your own community that understands you. 

To enhance their mental health, some people may find it beneficial to gather with friends or family or to try something new. Exercises for relaxation and breathing can also help you reduce tension and anxiety.

You can also consider reading books about body image issues. Understanding the issue you are dealing with can also help you understand what is making you feel negative about your physique. Whichever of these options you choose, make sure you don’t do it on your own. Talk to a friend or a family member who could be there for you. Sometimes, even one conversation with the person who cares can help you feel better. 

 

In Final Words

People can recover from body dysmorphia, yet it takes time. Despite the difficulties associated with BDD, treatment may be able to enhance a person’s overall quality of life.

This does not imply that symptoms will always be completely gone. Particularly during times of stress or trauma, symptoms can recur. Because thoughts are the primary symptom, there may be numerous triggers that cause symptoms to persist over the course of a person’s life.

Although it might be difficult to treat, help is available for individuals who require it. People dealing with BDD can undoubtedly recover and have fulfilling lives with the right care.

 

Body Image Therapy: Learn to Love Your Look

Positive Body Image: Learn to Love Your Look

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

 

self-sabotaging behaviors

Breaking Free from Self-Sabotaging Behaviors: Overcome Patterns for Personal Growth

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Breaking Free from Self-Sabotaging Behaviors: Overcome Patterns for Personal Growth

 

Self-sabotaging behaviors are those that cause problems in everyday life and impede long-term goals. For example, procrastination, self-medication with drugs or alcohol, binge or restrictive eating, and self-injury are among the most common self-destructive activities.

Connecting a behavior to self-defeating consequences does not guarantee that the person will stop doing it. People are not always aware that they are causing themselves harm. However, almost all forms of self-sabotage can be defeated. Behavioral therapy can assist in breaking up ingrained thought and behavior patterns while also improving reflection and self-control. Similarly, motivational therapy can help a person reconnect with their goals and values.

 

Why Do Some Self-Sabotage?

There are various reasons why someone could behave in a way that is harmful to their own well-being. Of course, some people struggle for the majority of their lives with intense cravings for food, alcohol, gambling, or other temptations that have a severe impact on their relationships or health.

The factors that cause self-sabotage, however, can also be subtle and not so obvious to everyone else. For instance, a buildup of erroneous and dysfunctional ideas might cause someone to underrate their skills, repress their emotions, or snap at others around them.

People may block their own progress for a variety of reasons. Procrastination, perfectionism, relationships, jobs, finances, time, and change are common forms of self-sabotage. For instance, a perfectionist who strives to do work precisely may discount incremental advancements when even a small amount of development might help them reach their objective.

 

Causes of Self-Sabotage 

For a number of reasons, people prevent their own advancement. They may deliberately or subconsciously engage in self-destructive behavior. The root causes might be traced back to early relationships or childhood difficulties. Low self-esteem, coping issues, and issues with cognitive dissonance are some other causes of this sort of harmful conduct, which will be detailed below.

People frequently employ self-sabotage as a coping strategy to deal with difficult events and painful memories. Unfortunately, it frequently worsens issues and restricts one’s capacity to move forward in a healthy manner.

Self-sabotaging individuals may be conscious of their behavior. For instance, a dieter who is overweight could purposefully undermine their efforts by devouring the entire carton of ice cream.

Or they could behave unintentionally. A person misses a deadline at work. It appears like he was late at first glance, yet in reality, he is terrified of failing. By missing the deadline, he undermines his efforts to advance within the organization.

These are the most common causes of self-sabotaging behaviors:

  • Difficult childhood,
  • Problems in your romantic relationships,
  • Low self-esteem,
  • Cognitive dissonance

 

Types of Self-Sabotaging Behaviors

Mental health professionals have recognized typical instances of self-sabotage. Procrastination, perfectionism, and self-medication are three simple examples. However, you will be able to find more of them, depending on the person and their previous life experiences. 

 

Procrastination

Those who self-sabotage delay gratification frequently. Procrastination is a strategy to demonstrate to others that you are never prepared and delay a positive result. People are afraid of disappointing others, failing, or excelling, which is why.

 

Perfectionism

It will take longer and lead to setbacks if you hold yourself to an unattainable standard. Aiming for everything to go off without a hitch may sound like a good idea, yet perfectionism stifles achievement. Perfectionists fall apart when something goes wrong, as it will invariably occur. They experience humiliation as a result. They are prone to sadness and believe that they have let everyone down.

 

Self Medication

Many people turn to drugs, alcohol, and self-injury to cope with the ongoing conflict between their desire to succeed and the voice in their heads telling them they can’t.

 

Preventing Self-Sabotage

An essential part of avoiding self-sabotage is tracking and evaluating behavior. People prone to self-defeating habits might become aware of when they are stressed and record the cause of that stress as well as their reactions. They may examine if that decision is based on any false or harmful ideas, and if so, train themselves to react in a different, healthier way by, for example, talking to others about their feelings, working out, or picking up a new interest.

Your best course of action is to seek assistance from your therapist or counselor, if you are working with one. Here are some things to think about to stop you from doing further harm if you want some advice on how to stop this bad conduct.

Look for patterns in your life to understand what might cause a certain behavior. Have you a tendency to consistently undermine your own good intentions? Did these deeds take place while you were about to succeed or on the verge of fulfilling your own goals?

As previously stated, this behavior might have developmental origins. Some parents encourage their children not to think too big, either because they don’t know any better or because they are concerned their kids won’t be happy.

 

In Final Words

People who self-sabotage frequently strive for perfection. Perhaps you obsess over minor details and expect everything to be flawless. Instead of aiming for perfection, strive for excellence. Begin to make small adjustments and track your progress as you get closer to your goal.

Professional therapy can help you understand and unlearn self-sabotaging behaviors. After all, self-sabotaging behavior doesn’t just appear and disappear. It took many actions and experiences, especially with your parents and family, to cultivate it, so it will take time to replace it with rewarding, healthy behaviors. 

If you know someone who self-sabotages, forward them this blog.   

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About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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

 

Transform Your Well-being with a Trusted Holistic Therapist Near Me

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Transform Your Well-being with a Trusted Holistic Therapist Near Me

 

If you’ve stumbled upon this article after searching for a Holistic Therapist Near Me, you’re in the right place. It is crucial to understand what holistic therapy implies before starting to see a counselor who practices it. 

Holistic therapy addresses your mind, body, and spirit as a whole. Because these aspects of ourselves are treated individually in traditional therapy, you will learn a systemic approach with holistic support. You might assume that specific components of who we are are to blame for our issues, yet our problems rarely apply to just one aspect of who we are. Even when we cannot identify a deeper relationship immediately, the solution is often connected to ourselves entirely, not just a part of us.

To help people deal with these issues and recover more thoroughly, holistic therapists assist in looking at those deeper connections. Unlike traditional therapists, holistic therapists will focus on the mind, body, heart, and spirit as components of a larger whole to ensure success. 

What Is Holistic Therapy?

Holistic therapy is a type of therapy that uses methods not commonly seen in conventional, mainstream care to treat a variety of mental and emotional illnesses. Meaning, it emphasizes treating and improving all aspects of a person’s life rather than focusing on one health issue.

An integrated approach combines traditional and complementary therapies, such as psychotherapy, medicine, acupuncture, and yoga. Also, holistic therapy combines an evidence-based approach with a comprehensive framework and is frequently customized to meet the particular requirements of the person. The majority of holistic treatments are used in both private and public settings.

How Does Holistic Therapy Work?

Holistic therapy functions best when a professional and the patient receiving treatment cooperate. Together, they create a unique therapeutic strategy that incorporates both conventional and non-conventional therapies, such as holistic therapy. When feasible, the holistic approach will emphasize prevention, use scientific methods, and tap into the body’s innate ability to heal itself.

In general, the purpose of holistic treatment is to aid in a person’s growth in self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-confidence. Holistic psychotherapy addresses body and soul issues as well as life events, stressors, memories, and thought patterns.

Your therapist will help you create a unique therapy that incorporates traditional and alternative methods. Furthermore, this approach will prioritize prevention, use cutting-edge scientific techniques, and draw upon the body’s natural capacity to heal itself where practical.

Which Issues Can Be Treated with Holistic Therapy?

Holistic treatment can be beneficial for a variety of mental health issues, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • PTSD
  • Managing stress 
  • Existential crisis

It can also help psychologically-caused physiological symptoms like muscle tension or digestive issues. You don’t need mental health symptoms to see a holistic therapist. Holistic therapy may help you discover who you are and how to balance your health.

Although holistic psychotherapy is a good option for everyone, you should treat the procedure seriously. As a culture, we frequently fail to care for our bodies and souls. As a result, some of us struggle to accept both our physical and spiritual selves. We learn to act in this manner at times, and at others, fear or trauma causes us to overlook these aspects of ourselves. Whatever the reason, be willing to accept this healing method and develop a close relationship with yourself.

Your therapist may use holistic psychotherapy to assist clients in making long-term changes. Although some people visit therapists on a regular basis as part of their self-care routines, the goal is for you to leave therapy feeling connected, healed, and confident. 

What to Expect from Holistic Therapy?

The use of holistic treatments is known to involve a number of processes. The integration of knowledge of psychological and physiological systems is frequently emphasized in holistic treatment. Energy work, which focuses on removing imbalances and obstructions in the body’s natural energy flow, is sometimes used as the foundation of holistic treatments. As an example, reiki is the best-known example of energy work in holistic healing.

How long do you expect sessions to last? Well, the number of sessions might vary significantly. While some treatments take place on a weekly basis, others do so more or less frequently. Furthermore, the combination of many holistic treatments is available. 

The first part of a therapy appointment is frequently a check-in regarding your mental and physical well-being. This initial stage sets up long-term care to assess your progress and discuss treatment. 

The goal of holistic therapy is not predetermined. You and your therapist will decide on treatment objectives early on in the therapeutic process, just as in any talk therapy. 

 

Final Thoughts

No matter what form of holistic treatment you select, be careful to engage with a practitioner with considerable training in applying their approaches to address the problems you wish to solve. Also note that psychotherapists are not usually required to be holistic therapists.

Check in with those you are going to work with! Many practitioners of holistic therapies hold certificates and licenses that allow them to provide particular treatments, such as Reiki, yoga, or clinical therapy.

 

About Life Coaching and Therapy

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

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

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

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

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