Dissociation is a term you may have heard in conversations about trauma or mental health, but it can feel elusive or hard to describe. At its core, dissociation is a psychological response to overwhelming stress or trauma—an adaptive mechanism that allows a person to “disconnect” from experiences, emotions, or memories that feel too painful to process in the moment. While it can protect you in the short term, chronic dissociation can interfere with your ability to feel present, connect with others, and live fully in your body.

Think trauma therapy is only for trauma survivors? Learn why working with a trauma-informed therapist can benefit anyone—especially if you're dealing with anxiety, boundaries, or relationship issues.

In our hustle culture and mental toughness era, being told you're “strong” might feel like the highest compliment. As a therapist, though, I often see the hidden pressure behind that word. The truth is, being strong all the time isn’t sustainable, and constantly striving for it can quietly erode your emotional well-being. It’s ok to not be ok. Being strong doesn’t mean you can’t express your feelings. Have a soft heart and a strong back. 

Mental health affects people of all ages, including children and teens. Many parents feel uncertain about how to start conversations about mental health struggles. Whether your child is experiencing anxiety, depression, or simply having a tough time, open, compassionate discussions are key to building emotional intelligence, resilience and a strong support system at home. Here’s how to approach these topics with your kids.

People-pleasing is a common coping skill among individuals that have experienced trauma. Learn more about this coping skill and how it is developed as a result of trauma.