Have you ever had that feeling after you share something super personal—maybe in a meeting or at a social event—and then suddenly, you wish you could grab those words right back out of the air? That’s what Brené Brown calls a "vulnerability hangover." You go from feeling open and honest to questioning if you spilled way too much. It's like the emotional version of wondering why you thought tequila shots were a good idea last night.

Let's talk about something that gets most peoples' palms sweaty and hearts racing - public speaking. It's one of the most common fears out there! Whether you’re stepping up to the mic at a big conference or pitching an idea in a meeting, the anxiety can be daunting. But don't worry, I'm going to share 6 effective strategies to crush public speaking anxiety. I used all 6 of these techniques when I was preparing for my recent TEDx talk, so I can personally attest to the fact that they're effective.

In this fast-paced world we're living in, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget what truly matters—connecting with others. Not just any connection, though. I'm talking about the real, sit-down-and-talk kind of connection. You know, the type that doesn't involve staring at a screen.

Today, I'm diving into a subject that's all too common in social settings, yet complex in its psychological implications: alcohol. Specifically, I'm exploring its effects on anxiety, the intertwining relationship with sleep, and how a recent movement toward becoming "sober curious" might be more beneficial than you thought.

In the heat of an emotionally charged moment, our instincts often drive us toward an immediate reaction. It's a primal response, deeply ingrained in the fabric of our nervous system, where the amygdala—the brain's fear & anxiety center — takes the helm, steering us into the volatile waters of raw emotion. This is the juncture at which the power of the pause becomes not just beneficial, but essential. It's a simple concept, yet its implications on our personal and professional lives are profound. This blog post delves into the essence of pausing when triggered, highlighting how this mindful intermission can lead us to more reasoned, constructive outcomes.

In the realm of psychology, understanding defense mechanisms is akin to decrypting a complex code that governs human behavior. Among these, immature defense mechanisms stand out for their fascinating, albeit often counterproductive, roles in our lives. Harvard psychiatrist George Vaillant's seminal research has shed light on these mechanisms, offering us a roadmap to navigate the intricate psychological terrains we often find ourselves in. Today, let's embark on an explorative journey into the world of immature defense mechanisms, focusing on acting out, fantasizing, passive aggression, and somatization, with Vaillant's insights guiding our path.

When it comes to human psychology, neurotic defense mechanisms emerge as fascinating tools the mind employs to protect itself from emotional distress and psychological discomfort. These mechanisms, while sometimes seen as roadblocks to emotional well-being, play a critical role in our mental health landscape, offering temporary relief from the pressures and anxieties of life. Today, I delve into the depths of neurotic defense mechanisms, exploring their nuances and presenting relatable examples to illuminate their presence in our daily lives.

Let's take a fascinating journey through the corridors of our minds, exploring the guardians known as defense mechanisms. Picture these mechanisms as invisible shields, ever so cleverly designed by our psyche to protect us from emotional distress. But not all shields are created equal. They range from the mighty and mature, to the reactive neurotic, and the often whimsical immature. Ready to dive in? 

Have you ever felt like there's a mini-conference happening inside your head, with different voices offering their two cents on every decision you make? Well, you're not alone, and there's a fascinating explanation for this internal chatter. It's a concept explored in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy, developed by Dr. Richard Schwartz. This therapy approach gives us a unique lens to view our inner world, akin to a family setup, with various members playing distinct roles. Let's break it down in a way that's digestible, even if you're just stepping into the world of psychology.

Intrusive thoughts can be unsettling and often feel like uninvited guests in our minds. These thoughts can range from mildly irritating to intensely distressing, and they are more common than many people realize. Understanding their connection to anxiety and learning strategies to manage them can significantly improve one's mental well-being.

In the realm of mental health, there exists a pervasive stigma that often shadows the real, tangible aspects of psychological conditions, such as anxiety. This stigma can obscure the fact that anxiety isn't merely a byproduct of external stressors or a weakness in character, but can have deep-rooted physiological and genetic components. A prime example of this is the role of serotonin, a key neurotransmitter, in modulating mood and anxiety.

In our fast-paced world, the tug-of-war between time and money is a constant battle. As a therapist specializing in anxiety, I've observed how this struggle impacts mental health. The age-old adage "time is money" might hold some truth in the economic sphere, but when it comes to our well-being and mental health, this equation becomes far more complex.