PTSD vs. Complex PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder—PTSD. A disorder commonly referenced in popular culture, movies, and even in day-to-day conversation. “I get total PTSD flashbacks thinking about studying for that exam,” or “I have such PTSD from that time I [insert incident that would usually not warrant symptoms or a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder].” Hearing the casual nature […]

Raising Children with Compassion

There are three key principles of compassion: “I share this world with others,” “I feel for other people and they feel for me,” and “I am capable of helping others.” It is understandable for parents to want to see their child act with empathy and kindness, but fostering compassion requires a proactive approach from parents. […]

What Can a 250-year-old Philosopher Tell Us About Empathy?

It might come as a surprise to learn that one of the major therapeutic approaches used by psychologists today has its theoretical roots in a theory of logical reasoning and historical progress. That approach is “Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT),” which was developed by psychologist Dr. Marsha Linehan to help therapists empathize and work with patients […]

Why Anger is Often Misunderstood

Anger—a primitive emotion that we have all felt at one point in our lives. What can stir up this complicated and powerful emotion? Perhaps, we may feel angry when we are betrayed, hurt, or even threatened by a circumstance, whether that be someone or something. However, we often feel angry before we can even comprehend […]

All About the Vagus Nerve (Seriously!)

Vagus Nerve

The Vagus Nerve, how it plays a role in your health, and how you can stimulate it The vagus nerve, also known as the “wandering nerve,” is an intricate cranial nerve that starts in the brain and continues through the face, into the thorax (the chest region), and into the abdomen; this nerve is the […]

Dealing with Social Distancing

Social Distancing

Dealing With Distancing While Larimer County may have downgraded their stay-at-home protocol in response to flattening rates of COVID-19 cases, the importance of “social distancing” (or preferably – physical distancing) remains. For those that are not able to physical distance, even formerly mundane task like going to work may feel like a threatening venture. However, […]