Author: Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh

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Understanding 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...
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Choice 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...
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Pet 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...
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How 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...
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What is a Trauma Bond and How to Break Free

by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghSeptember 26, 2024 abuse, abusive relationship, domestic violence, emotionally immature parents, gas lighting, gaslighting, love bombing, manipulation, narcissist, Narcissistic mother, Narcissistic parents, narcissistic personality disorder, Personality disorders, red flags, relationship red flags, signs of a toxic relationship, stockholm syndrome, toxic relationships, trauma, trauma bond, Unhealthy relationships, victims0 comments
What is a Trauma Bond and How to Break Free A trauma bond is a complex psychological and emotional attachment that forms in an abusive or toxic relationship. These bonds differ from healthy attachments, as they are built through cycles of intense emotional experiences, often involving pain, manipulation, and abuse. Trauma bonds can be difficult to recognize and...
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Bed Rotting: Self Care or Slippery Slope to Depression?

by Counseling and Wellness Center of PittsburghAugust 29, 2024 bed rotting, bed rotting trend, depression, depression counseling, Depression in Men, depression therapy, depressive episode, gen z, generation z, major depressive disorder, managing depression, self care, tik tok, what is bed rotting, worsening depression0 comments
Bed Rotting: Self Care or Slippery Slope to Depression? In the digital age, trends and terminologies often originate from social media, shaping how we view various aspects of life. One such trend that has gained traction among Gen Z is “bed rotting.” Popularized on platforms like TikTok, the bed rotting trend is embraced by many as a form of self-care...
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