The term Mother-Enmeshed Man gets thrown around online as an insult. It’s a shorthand for a partner who can’t take your side over his mother’s. It’s not that. It’s a real clinical term, and understanding what it actually describes tends to be a relief for both the men who recognize…

You’re forty-one. You have a mortgage, a team of nine, and a kid of your own who asks you for permission to do things. Then you drive to your parents’ place for Sunday dinner, and somewhere around the second exit your shoulders come up. By the time you’re at the…

Being a CSAT, I often encounter the question of whether masturbation is a behaviour to avoid. Let’s be clear – I’m a therapist, not the morality police. My job is to gain a clear clinical picture and make recommendations that fit each individual case. Regardless of presenting concern, my steadfast…

Polyvagal Theory has emerged as a comprehensive framework for understanding the intricate interplay between the autonomic nervous system and our social and emotional experiences. Developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, Polyvagal Theory sheds light on the physiological underpinnings of our responses to stress, safety, and social connection. Polyvagal Theory is a…

Trauma is a powerful force that can leave enduring imprints on the human psyche. While many are familiar with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), there is a lesser-known but equally impactful condition known as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD). CPTSD, is a psychological condition that may develop in individuals who have…

When this trust is shattered through acts of betrayal, it can give rise to profound emotional distress and trauma. Betrayal trauma refers to the emotional distress experienced when individuals perceive a breach of trust or loyalty in a relationship, particularly by someone close to them. Key Elements of Betrayal Trauma:…

Embarking on the path to recovery from sex addiction is a courageous and transformative journey. A pivotal aspect of this process is the disclosure – a structured and intentional conversation where individuals with sex addiction share their betrayals with their partners. The disclosure process in sex addiction recovery involves a…

Codependency is a relational pattern where individuals excessively engage in self-sacrifice for validation, approval, attachment, worth, and a sense of identity. This term originally emerged in the context of addiction by Melodie Beatty, describing the enabling and dependent behaviors observed in relationships with individuals struggling with substance abuse. Over time,…

Recovery coaching is a supportive and collaborative process designed to assist individuals in achieving and maintaining their recovery goals. Recovery coaches work with people who are navigating the challenges of addiction recovery. Unlike therapists or counselors, recovery coaches do not provide clinical treatment; instead, they offer guidance, encouragement, advice, and…

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a therapeutic technique that has gained prominence for its effectiveness in treating trauma and other mental health issues. EMDR is a therapeutic approach developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 1980s. Initially designed to address post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), EMDR has since been…

Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) is a distinctive model that delves into the complexities of the inner self, examining the different parts that make up our internal world. In this blog post, we will explore what Internal Family Systems Therapy is, its key principles, and how it can foster self-discovery…