Toxic Masculinity and Its Role in Men’s Mental Health
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghDecember 20, 2024 gender roles, men's mental health, men's mental health awareness, men's mental health statistics, men's mental health stigma, mens mental health, toxic masculinity0 comments
Toxic Masculinity and Its Role in Men’s Mental Health
Why do so many men feel like they have to “man up” and keep their feelings locked inside? For generations, boys have been told to be tough, never cry, and always stay in control. But what happens when this pressure becomes too much? The answer lies in a concept called toxic masculinity — a set of...Learn MoreNo Contact vs. The Silent Treatment
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghDecember 4, 2024 abuse, adult children of emotionally immature parents, emotional abuse, emotionally immature parents, family estrangement, how to deal with a narcissist, narcissist, Narcissistic mother, Narcissistic parents, narcissistic personality disorder, no contact, no contact rule, silent treatment, toxic family, toxic parents, toxic relationships, trauma bond, Unhealthy relationships0 comments
No Contact vs. The Silent Treatment
In relationships, communication is key. Two common strategies used to withdraw emotionally are the No Contact rule and the Silent Treatment. While they may appear similar, these two approaches differ significantly in their intent, duration, and emotional impact. Understanding the distinction between these strategies is essential...Learn MoreUnderstanding the Freeze Response and Dorsal Vagal Shutdown
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghNovember 22, 2024 collapse, deb dana, disassociate, disassociation, dorsal vagal shutdown, freeze, freeze response, functional freeze, nervous system, nervous system regulation, peter levine, polyvagal ladder, polyvagal theory, shutdown, somatic therapy, Stephen Porges, stress responses, sympathetic nervous system, trauma responses0 comments
Understanding the Freeze Response and Dorsal Vagal Shutdown
Have you ever felt frozen in the face of stress—unable to act or make a decision? This experience, often described as “freezing,” is a common yet misunderstood survival response. While many people refer to all forms of immobility as “freeze,” there are important distinctions within...Learn MoreChoice Theory: Can Our Choices Shape Our Well-Being?
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghNovember 14, 2024 accountability, basic needs, belonging, choice theory, choices, decision making, decisions, Emotional Health, emotional intelligence, emotional iq, emotional resilience, empowerment, personal power, personal responsibility, resilience, responsibility0 comments
Choice Theory: Can Our Choices Shape Our Well-Being?
In a world overflowing with daily choices—where to focus our time, how to handle stress, who to trust, and how to build fulfilling relationships—understanding Choice Theory can be a powerful tool for navigating life’s complexities. Developed by psychiatrist Dr. William Glasser, Choice Theory suggests that our...Learn MorePet Loss: Validating Grief Often Overlooked by Society
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghOctober 25, 2024 death of a pet, death of pet, disenfranchised grief, grief, grief counseling, grieving process, mourning, pet loss, types of grief0 comments
Pet Loss: Validating Grief Often Overlooked by Society
The loss of a pet can be one of the most heart-wrenching experiences many of us face. Pets are more than just animals; they are family members, companions, and sources of unconditional love. The bond we share with them often transcends words, making their loss profoundly felt.
In the UK, the charity...Learn MoreHow Feeling Left Out Affects Mental Health
by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghOctober 22, 2024 belonging, complex post traumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, cptsd, feeling left out, hopelessness, invalidation, isolation, lack of belonging, loneliness, low self esteem, self compassion, social isolation, support system, toxic family, toxic relationships, trauma0 comments
How Feeling Left Out Affects Mental Health
Feeling left out from friends and family can be one of the most challenging and isolating experiences in life, where feelings of loneliness, rejection, and despair become a constant companion. It’s a deeply alienating experience, leaving you questioning your worth and place in the world and longing for a sense of...Learn More