Navigating Avoidant Attachment in a New Relationship: A Holistic Approach to Feeling Safe in Connection
A new relationship can feel exciting, but if you tend toward an avoidant attachment style, it can also bring discomfort, a need for space, or even a desire to withdraw. You might catch yourself feeling overwhelmed by the idea of intimacy, shutting down emotionally, or prioritizing independence to avoid feeling vulnerable. If this resonates with […]
Tend to Yourself Thursday {2/20}: Four Qualities of a Safe Relationship
So often in healing work, we focus on checking in with ourselves—tuning into our needs, emotions, and boundaries. And while that’s essential, something I’ve come to appreciate deeply is the power of checking in with each other. Healing isn’t just about self-awareness; it’s also about creating relationships that feel safe, reciprocal, and nourishing. One of the most […]
Tend to Yourself Thursday {2/13}: Navigating the Balance Between Love and Space
With tomorrow being Valentine’s Day, let’s talk about love—not the kind that’s about self or other, but the delicate balance between the two. True self-love isn’t just an individual practice; it’s the foundation of how we show up in relationships and is reflected back to us by others. When we set healthy boundaries, communicate clearly, and […]
Freedom From the Trap of Overthinking
Have you ever found yourself replaying a conversation over and over, analyzing every word, every pause? Wondering if you said too much, too little, or if the other person secretly thinks you’re too much? Overthinking has a way of creeping into our relationships, making us second-guess ourselves and even pull away out of fear of […]
Navigating Anxious Attachment in a New Relationship: A Holistic Approach to Feeling Like Yourself Again
Entering a new relationship can be exciting, but it can also stir up deep-seated fears and insecurities—especially if you have an anxious attachment style. You might find yourself overanalyzing texts, feeling preoccupied with your partner’s feelings, ruminating, or struggling with self-doubt. If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. As an Oakland therapist specializing […]
The Power of Self-Compassion for Anxiety and Emotional Resilience
Embracing Self-Compassion: The Medicine for Anxiety and Emotional Resilience Self-compassion has been at the heart of my personal growth and healing journey over the last 15 years. As the new year begins, many of us are setting ambitious resolutions—habits to build and patterns to break. But what if, instead of striving for perfection, we focused […]
Emotional Wellness Through Mindfulness: A Psychotherapist’s Guide To Managing Anxiety
Emotional Wellness Through Mindfulness: A Psychotherapist’s Guide to Managing Anxiety Have you ever experienced anxiety, but couldn’t quite name it? That nameless feeling that sits in your chest or stomach, asking for attention? As a psychotherapist, I’ve worked with countless people who struggle with vague, unsettling emotions, leaving them feeling lost and disconnected from their […]
Tend To Yourself Thursday {11/21}: Navigating Triggers With Skill & Grace
Imagine this: your mom or partner just made that comment again. Your chest tightens, heat rises to your face, and you feel trapped in a familiar wave of frustration. You don’t feel like yourself anymore – maybe you shut down, snap back, or get stuck in a loop you then judge yourself for. Many of […]
Tend To Yourself Thursday {11/14}: How To Develop Emotional Intelligence With A Mind-Body Technique
Have you ever felt something stirring inside but couldn’t quite name it? That nameless feeling that sits in your chest or stomach, asking for attention? I used to struggle with vague, unsettling emotions I couldn’t identify, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected. Lately I’ve been thinking about emotional intelligence (EQ), and how it can support […]
Tend To Yourself Thursday {10/31}: A Journal Prompt to Support Facing Our Fear of Unworthiness
Today seems like an appropriate day to explore a topic that affects us in ways we might not always recognize in the moment: fear and self-protection. While we often think of fear in terms of obvious phobias or anxiety, its influence can be more subtle and far-reaching. Fear, in its quieter forms, can masquerade as […]
