We all have core beliefs that shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. These deeply held beliefs often develop early in life and can be influenced by our experiences, relationships, and environment. For many people, these beliefs are positive and empowering. But for others, negative core beliefs, such as "I’m not good enough," "I am unlovable," or "The world is unsafe," can become the lens through which they view everything.

Living with complex PTSD (C-PTSD) can feel like carrying a weight that never fully lifts. Those with C-PTSD may experience a range of symptoms, from flashbacks and emotional numbness to difficulty with relationships and feeling detached from the world.  It’s overwhelming, isolating, and deeply impactful on a person’s life. But there’s hope—one of the most effective behavioral tools available for managing and reducing these symptoms is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Have you ever been going about your day when you’re suddenly struck by an overwhelming question: “What’s the point of all this?” The mundane rhythm of life—the job, the errands, the obligations—feels devoid of meaning. Everyone around you seems to be moving forward with certainty, but you struggle to shake the feeling that you’re lost. Or maybe it’s a sense of dread and hopelessness about the state of the world that seems to occupy your thoughts.

Trauma shapes us in ways we often don’t realize until much later. When we experience emotional or psychological wounds, our minds and bodies develop coping mechanisms to protect us from further hurt. In fact, two common coping responses that trauma survivors may exhibit are perfectionism and people-pleasing. While both behaviors may appear to some to be harmless or even admirable, they often have deep roots in unresolved pain and can quietly undermine our mental health in profound ways.

When it comes to improving mental health, therapy can be an effective and often life-changing way to maintain your wellbeing. But with so many therapeutic methods available, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is right for you. Today, we are going to compare and contrast two commonly used approaches: Traditional talk therapy & Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Both are designed to help individuals process emotional pain and trauma but vary in their approach to healing. So, how exactly does EMDR differ from talk therapy? Let’s break it down.

Trauma is a heavy burden to carry; its weight lingers long after the events that conceive it. Whether it stems from childhood emotional or physical abuse/neglect, a life-threatening accident, or the loss of a loved one, trauma can leave scars that aren't always visible, yet painful and troublesome. In some cases, our efforts to cope and heal from these unresolved emotional wounds can snowball into destructive habits of substance misuse or addiction. 

In a world where mental health is increasingly recognized as essential to overall well-being, various therapeutic techniques have gained prominence. One such approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT. When people first encounter CBT, they might hear phrases like “change your thoughts–change your life” or “just think positively.” While these ideas are part of the CBT process, they only scratch the surface. In truth, CBT is much deeper, offering profound tools for managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Mindfulness is a term that has become increasingly popular in mental health discussions over the past few years. It's often associated with meditation, breathing exercises, and a sense of inner peace. But for those of us practicing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness means something deeper—it's an essential tool for living a values-driven, flexible life amidst the challenges of human existence.

The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection, but for many, can create waves of stress and disruption. Holidays can be hard on our mental health due to a wide variety of reasons: increased expectations for perfection, feelings of loneliness or isolation, financial strain, and family dynamics that may trigger stress. The overstimulation from crowds and events, disruption of routines, inaccessibility to reliable coping resources, and nostalgia or grief from past experiences can also contribute to anxiety. Additionally, heightened substance use and the pressure of social comparison through social media further complicate mental well-being during this time.

Anxiety can be overwhelming and debilitating, leaving us feeling trapped in a cycle of worry and avoidance. In recent years, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has gained popularity as an effective approach for breaking the cycle of anxiety. But what exactly is ACT, and how does it work? Let’s explore the principles of ACT and its effectiveness in treating anxiety.

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, for many individuals, this time can also evoke painful memories and traumatic reactions. If you find that the holidays bring up unresolved issues or amplify your emotional distress, know that you’re not alone. Here are some insights and tips to help you navigate this challenging period.

Online therapy platforms have transformed the mental health landscape, making it easier for more people to access care. You might have seen ads for large platform companies touting therapy that offer perks such as convenience or accessibility, which can be quite lucrative. However, anecdotally you may have also heard concerns surrounding issues with privacy of client data or inconsistency in quality of care.  In this post, we are going to dive into the differences between bigger corporate platforms and small private group therapy practices so that you can be an informed consumer and get the care you deserve. 

Anxiety can feel like an ever-present cloud hovering over your daily life, affecting everything from your thoughts to your physical well-being. For many, anxiety becomes such a common experience that it’s hard to imagine life without it. But what if there’s more to the story? Often, people suffering from anxiety don’t realize that its roots may lie in trauma—experiences, sometimes long buried, that continue to influence how we feel and act. Understanding the connection between anxiety and trauma can be the first step toward lasting relief and healing.

Trauma can leave deep emotional and psychological scars that affect your day-to-day life, often making the path to healing seem overwhelming. Whether it stems from a single event, like a car accident or natural disaster, or prolonged experiences like childhood abuse or neglect, trauma shapes how you engage with the world and how you perceive yourself. The good news is that, thanks to advancements in technology, trauma survivors in North Carolina can now access professional help through online therapy—making recovery more accessible than ever before.

In recent years, mindfulness has become a “pop-psychology” buzzword, garnering attention to the practice. Deservingly so, it has been shown to be an effective tool for managing stress, improving mental well-being, and enhancing overall quality of life. However, as with any technique or tool, mindfulness is designed with an intended purpose in mind.

In our journey towards improved mental health and self-awareness, one of the fundamental aspects to explore is our core beliefs – the deeply ingrained thoughts and convictions that shape our perceptions and behaviors. These beliefs, often developed in childhood or through life experiences, can have a profound impact on our emotions, relationships, and overall well-being. Negative core beliefs are often formed in response to adverse experiences or trauma and can have a significant impact on our mental health and overall well-being.

We are excited to debut our Anxiety Recovery Course developed by Strive On’s Mike Comparetto, LCSW. Our three-module course is a free resource that is designed to help you understand anxiety and provide tools and strategies for its management. For those curious about therapy, this course can also be a glimpse into the world of therapy where you can get a taste of what parts of the process may be like. 

Online therapy offers access to a wide range of therapeutic approaches. Individuals can choose a therapist specializing in their specific needs and preferences, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment plan. Perks of online therapy can be great for people in remote locations or who have busy, non-traditional schedules.

Spending time in nature has been shown to have a variety of mental health benefits. Studies have found that simply being in a natural environment, whether it's a forest, park, or beach, can reduce feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. The sights, sounds, and scents of the outdoors can help to lower cortisol levels and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. Asheville, NC, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is a haven for nature enthusiasts seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world.

Unresolved trauma is like a wound that is invisible to the naked eye. It can have a profound impact on our mental well-being. Trauma can stem from a variety of stress inducing experiences, such as abuse, neglect, accidents, or witnessing a traumatic event. When these experiences are left unresolved, they can manifest in a multitude of ways and hinder our ability to lead a fulfilling and peaceful life. Let’s explore the effects of unresolved trauma on mental health and discuss strategies for addressing and healing these invisible wounds.