Blog posts, news articles, and other resources from The Center • A Place of HOPE
If you’ve ever heard anything about mental health therapy, you’ve probably heard of cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. It’s arguably the most common and well-known therapy method today. It has been proven to be an effective treatment for a multitude of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),...
This article aims to educate readers about vicarious trauma, which occurs from exposure to the traumatic experiences of others, often common among caregivers, healthcare professionals, and even through media consumption. It offers insights into identifying symptoms, understanding their impact, and strategies for managing and mitigating its effects. What is vicarious...
The Impact of Tech Industry Pressure on OCD Symptoms in Seattle If you live in Seattle, chances are high that you work in the tech industry. Seattle's tech sector, home to giants like Amazon, Microsoft, and countless startups, has seen exponential growth in recent years – employing around 1 in...
As the saying goes, “You are what you eat.” New research shows this statement is more valid than we ever realized. Nutrition plays an incredibly important role not only in physical health but also in mental health. The mind and the body are deeply connected. The food you consume—and the...
When we think of people with eating disorders, we tend to imagine frail, thin young women who severely restrict calories or binge and purge. This image is based on a cultural stereotype of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, two of the most well-known eating disorders. But not only is this...
Just like physical illness, mental illness is caused by a complex combination of factors, including early childhood trauma, neurobiology, environment, stress, lifestyle habits – and genetics. Although researchers are still studying how, exactly, genetics comes into play when it comes to mental illness, they have found many, if not most,...
This article explores the process of healing from emotional trauma. It details how to identify emotional trauma, describes its effects on mental and physical health, and provides an overview of the effectiveness of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and EMDR, plus self-help strategies. Guidance on when to seek professional help...
This article explores the neurological and psychological effects of trauma on the brain. It explains how trauma can alter brain function, potentially leading to changes in behavior, and discusses the latest research in the field. Finally, information on therapeutic approaches that help in the recovery and rehabilitation of trauma-impacted brain...
Think about the last time you were in a frightening or stress-inducing situation. Not something like having too many deadlines at work, but something that was immediately scary – like almost getting into a car accident or finding out you may be losing your job. When this happened, you may...
We all struggle with memory and focus to a certain extent at times. For example, it’s a common experience to forget the name of someone you just met or misplace your keys. Several factors can cause memory loss, but research shows stress can worsen it. High stress can affect your...
One of the most immediately recognizable physical symptoms of stress is stomach troubles. When you’re feeling very scared or nervous, you might have a stomachache or even feel nauseous. But what, exactly, is the connection between digestive issues and stress, and how can you soothe your stomach when it’s acting...
You may have heard that going through severely stressful situations can cause clumps of your hair to suddenly fall out. But is stress-induced hair loss a myth, or can it happen? And if you’re noticing more hair going down the drain, what can you do about it? Here’s what we...
There is a severe health epidemic happening in America: the widespread epidemic of chronic stress. In the American Psychological Association’s 2023 report, around 25% of Americans rated their stress levels as eight or above on a scale of one to ten[1]. We tend to try to dismiss or ignore stress;...
This article is a comprehensive guide to identifying and breaking free from trauma bonds. As well as helping individuals to recognize the signs of a trauma bond in their relationships, the article covers the psychological dynamics at play. It offers guidance on seeking professional help, establishing healthy boundaries, and nurturing...
Burnout is so pervasive in American society today that it’s almost normalized. Three in 5 U.S. employees report burnout, which is even higher in certain professions[1]. Stress and burnout are often dismissed as natural parts of working life, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Although burnout is very...
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we’re all affected by stress to some degree. But gender inequalities in responsibilities and privileges can make stress feel even more unbearable for women – and it should come as no surprise women are much more likely to live under high stress...
This article defines and explains the concept of 'trauma dumping' - the act of unloading one's traumatic experiences onto others without consent or awareness. It also provides advice on how to handle situations where someone is trauma dumping, both as the sharer and the listener, while maintaining healthy boundaries. What...
This article explains what a trauma bond is, highlighting its characteristics and how it differs from healthy emotional attachments. It delves into the psychological underpinnings of trauma bonds, such as the cycle of abuse and intermittent reinforcement, and discusses why these bonds can be so powerful and hard to break....
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The whole person approach to treatment integrates all aspects of a person’s life: