When the Smoke Clears: Navigating Grief After the LA Fires
This article explores the collective trauma experienced by the Los Angeles community after the recent wildfires. It provides information on coping mechanisms, available resources, and the importance of seeking support from therapists and community organizations. Learn how to navigate grief, anxiety, and survivor's guilt while rebuilding your life after this devastating event.
The Profound Lessons of Soul: Walking Into 2025 With Meaning and Presence
This article explores the profound message of the Disney Pixar film "Soul," which emphasizes that the meaning of life lies not in achieving grand goals but in savoring the simple joys of living. The film follows Joe Gardner, a musician obsessed with achieving fame, who learns to appreciate the beauty of everyday moments after an unexpected accident. The article encourages readers to reflect on their own lives and consider how they can incorporate the lessons of "Soul" into their own journeys, such as by prioritizing presence, redefining success, and letting go of the pursuit of perfection. Ultimately, the article suggests that by embracing the present moment and finding joy in the everyday, we can experience a more fulfilling and meaningful life in 2025.
24 Reflection Questions and 25 Aspirations
This article provides a structured framework for reflecting on the past year and setting intentions for the new year. It encourages deep introspection through reflective questions covering various aspects of life, including personal growth, relationships, challenges, and memorable moments. The article then guides you through setting goals and aspirations for the new year, covering areas such as personal development, travel, relationships, career, and well-being. It suggests using the bullet journal method to answer the questions and track your progress. By prompting you to identify your strengths, weaknesses, values, and areas for improvement, the article aims to increase self-awareness and help you envision your ideal future.
The Growing Pains of Outgrowing Friendships
Outgrowing friends is a natural part of life, but it can be a difficult and emotional process. This article explores the challenges of navigating changing relationships, from the sadness of letting go to the excitement of finding new connections. Learn how to cope with the grief, celebrate your personal growth, and embrace the friendships that truly align with who you are becoming. Discover that letting go of old friendships doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong; it's simply a testament to your evolution. Read now and gain a deeper understanding of your changing relationships.
CPT-SA: Therapy for Sexual Assault Survivors
The article emphasizes Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) as a highly effective treatment for sexual assault survivors. It aims to inspire hope, provide guidance, and help potential clients determine if CPT is the right therapeutic approach for them. For those not yet ready for therapy, the article offers various resources to support their healing journey.
Seasonal Depression: Why Winter Feels So Heavy
The article outlines common symptoms of SAD, including low energy, mood swings, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, and loss of interest in activities. It then provides several strategies to cope with SAD, such as light therapy, exercise, spending time outdoors, maintaining a healthy diet, establishing a routine, staying socially connected, and seeking professional support from a therapist. The article emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and understanding that SAD is a real and treatable condition.
There is No Excuse For Mean: The Need For Emotional Safety in Relationships
There is No Excuse For Mean—Kindness is the cornerstone of a strong and fulfilling relationship. By prioritizing kindness, empathy, and understanding, we can create a safe space for vulnerability and open communication. It's important to remember that healthy relationships involve both love and conflict. However, it's how we navigate these conflicts that determine the strength of our bond. By choosing kindness, even in the face of disagreement, we can build a lasting and loving partnership.
Dreading The Holiday Feasts
People can face many challenges during the holiday season, particularly those with disordered eating or body image issues. It highlights the pressure to conform to societal expectations of appearance and food consumption, often leading to feelings of shame, anxiety, and isolation. The article emphasizes the importance of self-compassion, setting boundaries, and seeking support to navigate these challenges. It offers practical tips for managing stress, such as mindfulness techniques, planning ahead, and reframing holiday goals.
‘Modern Loneliness’: More Connected Yet More Alone Than Ever
The phenomenon of "modern loneliness," where people feel increasingly isolated despite being hyper-connected through technology. Social media often leads to superficial interactions and a sense of disconnection from authentic relationships. This post emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, setting boundaries, and actively seeking meaningful connections to combat loneliness. It encourages readers to acknowledge their feelings, identify their needs, and take courageous steps toward building deeper relationships.
How to Set Boundaries Without Feeling Like the ‘Bad Guy’
Boundaries to protect one's mental and emotional well-being. Boundaries are not about being selfish but rather about creating healthier and more sustainable relationships. This article provides practical tips on how to set boundaries effectively, such as communicating clearly, anticipating pushback, and being consistent. It also addresses common challenges like guilt and fear of conflict, offering strategies to overcome them.
Fishing for Stability: Navigating Borderline Personality Disorder in Families
The "Fishes" episode of The Bear offers a raw and relatable portrayal of life with a parent who has Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). The chaotic dinner scene, marked by intense emotions and unpredictable behavior, mirrors the experiences of many who have grown up in similar households. By exploring the Berzatto family's struggles, we can gain a deeper understanding of the impact of BPD on individuals and families.
EMDR Therapy Unveiled: Clearing Up Myths and Relieving Fears
Feeling overwhelmed by the past? EMDR therapy offers a gentle yet powerful approach to processing traumatic memories. Learn how this innovative technique can help you overcome anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. Discover the science behind EMDR, bust common myths, and understand how it works in real-time. Whether you're new to therapy or seeking a fresh perspective, this comprehensive guide will empower you to take the first step towards healing.
An Adult Who Had to Grow Up Too Fast
Did you grow up feeling like an adult before your time? Forced to shoulder responsibilities beyond your years, you may have sacrificed your childhood for the sake of others. The weight of early adulthood can leave lasting impacts, from burnout and anxiety to difficulty forming deep connections. But it's never too late to heal. By understanding the roots of these challenges and taking intentional steps toward self-care, you can reclaim your childhood, set boundaries, and live a more fulfilling life.
Why Curiosity Is So Important For Strong Relationships
By asking open-ended questions, actively listening, and embracing each other's passions, couples can foster deeper understanding, stronger communication, and effective problem-solving. Exploring new experiences together can also keep the relationship exciting and prevent stagnation. Couples therapy can provide guidance and tools to cultivate curiosity and strengthen the bond between partners.
Defeating Depression: Setting Healthy Intentions for Coping
While activities like exercise and socializing can be beneficial, they can become harmful if driven by negative motivations such as self-punishment or obligation. By shifting your focus to positive intentions, such as self-care and genuine connection, you can optimize your coping strategies for improved mental well-being. Remember that rest is also crucial, and seeking professional support can be invaluable in navigating depression and developing healthy coping skills.
Navigating Grief: 3 Practical Steps for Where To Start
Where to Start After a Loss: This blog post offers guidance on navigating grief after losing a loved one. It provides the first three practical steps I recommend as a grief therapist, focus on taking care of self, helping other to support you, and keeping your loved ones memories alive. Grief therapy is also explored as a valuable tool for processing emotions, creating meaningful rituals to keep your loved one's memory alive, and finding support from a therapist or grief group.
Welcome to Angel City Therapy
Angel City Therapy, a new Los Angeles-based practice with therapists offering online services throughout California, offers individual therapy and couple therapy for those seeking emotional well-being and to move past challenges they might be facing. Our team of experienced therapists utilize a collaborative approach to help clients navigate life's challenges, build resilience, and achieve joy.