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When You Feel Flooded or Numb: Understanding Your Stress Response and Finding Your Calm Again
Have you ever noticed how some days, even small things feel like too much , your heart races, your patience disappears, and you just want to escape? Other days, it’s the opposite; you feel flat, checked out, or like you’re moving through life underwater. These reactions aren’t “overreactions” or “weakness.” They are signs that your nervous system is doing exactly what it’s designed to do: protect you. The key is learning to understand what’s happening inside your body so you

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
12 hours ago4 min read


Understanding the Basics of Mental Health Support
Mental health is an essential part of overall well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act in daily life. Understanding the basics...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Oct 273 min read


Discover Effective Mental Health Therapy Options
Mental health is a vital part of overall well-being. When challenges arise, seeking support through therapy can make a significant difference. Understanding the various mental health therapy options available helps individuals find the right path to healing and growth. This article explores effective approaches, practical advice, and key insights to guide you in discovering the best therapy for your needs. Exploring Different Mental Health Therapy Options There are many menta

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Oct 134 min read


Part 3 - Understanding EMDR Therapy: Real Stories of Healing
The Transformative Power of EMDR Therapy “Samantha,” 34 — Healing From Childhood Sexual Assault Samantha carried the weight of childhood sexual abuse for decades. She often felt overwhelmed by flashbacks and shame. In EMDR, we targeted her most distressing memories and the belief, “It was my fault.” Over time, her brain reprocessed those experiences. She was able to replace that painful belief with “I was a child; I am not to blame.” This shift is significant. The memory be

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Sep 224 min read


Part 2 - Is EMDR Right for You? Who Can Benefit Most and What to Expect
Is EMDR Right for You? Benefits and What to Expect. EMDR isn’t one-size-fits-all. While research shows it’s an effective, evidence-based...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Sep 153 min read


Part 1 - EMDR Therapy for PTSD: Why Eye Movements Work
If you’ve ever wondered how moving your eyes back and forth could help heal old hurts, you’re not alone. Eye Movement Desensitization and...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Sep 83 min read


How to Be a Good Friend When Someone is Experiencing Abuse
When someone opens up about experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), it can be hard to know what to say or do. You might feel...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Jul 75 min read


Staying Calm in the Chaos: The Hardest (and Most Powerful) Part of Parenting
Let’s be honest—sometimes the hardest part of parenting isn’t the tantrums, the slammed doors, or even the relentless “Mom! Mom! Mom!”...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
May 154 min read


Understanding the Benefits of Professional Counseling
Seeking help from a professional counselor can be a significant step towards improving mental health and overall well-being. Many people...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
May 114 min read


Gentle Parenting: A Compassionate Approach to Raising Children
Gentle parenting isn’t just a parenting “style”—it’s a philosophy grounded in connection, respect, and understanding. It’s about seeing...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
May 34 min read


Helping the Planet, Helping Ourselves: How Environmental Action Supports Emotional Resilience
The Psychological Impact of Climate Concerns (Eco-Anxiety) In the mental health world, people are increasingly talking about eco-anxiety...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Apr 224 min read


When Parenting Styles Clash: Navigating Authoritarian vs. Gentle Parenting
Parenting can be tough on its own, but when you and your partner have different ideas about how to raise your kids, things can get a...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Apr 175 min read


Things I’ve Learned from Being Both a Therapist and a Therapy Client
After spending time in therapy myself and working as a therapist myself, I’ve realized there are so many things I wish I had known...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Apr 53 min read


Balancing Career and Motherhood: Strategies for Self-Care and Resilience
Struggling to balance career and motherhood? Discover practical tips to set boundaries, manage stress, and thrive in both roles.

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Mar 212 min read


Feminism and Mental Health: Why Advocacy Matters
International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate progress toward gender equality while recognizing the challenges that still exist. Women...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Mar 86 min read


Building Self-Esteem: How to Silence Your Inner Critic
We all have an inner critic—that nagging voice that tells us we're not good enough, smart enough, or capable enough. While it may seem...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Feb 182 min read


Access to Medical and Mental Health Care for Black People: A Critical Conversation
February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on the contributions, struggles, and resilience of Black communities throughout...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Feb 17 min read


The Power of Self-Compassion: How to Be Kinder to Yourself in 2025
As we enter 2025, it’s easy to get caught up in the pressure to start fresh, make drastic changes, or set lofty goals. The idea of...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Jan 13 min read


Co-Parenting During the Holidays: A Therapist’s Guide
The holidays can bring joy and togetherness, but for separated or divorced families, they may also bring stress, tension, and complex...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Dec 18, 20243 min read


Surviving Holiday Perfectionism: Letting Go of Expectations
The holiday season is often seen as a time for joy, togetherness, and making memories. However, for many people, the pressure to create...

Alicia Hawley-Bernardez
Nov 27, 20244 min read
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