Going through a breakup brings with it many overwhelming feelings like sadness, denial, panic, rage, or just loss of motivation. The feelings of abandonment or questioning your worth leads to poor self-judgment. Your nervous system goes into overdrive, causing anxiety, anger, or immobilization, distorting your perception of reality. You may feel hopeless, triggered by grief or shattered self-esteem, but you must stay focused on your own … Read More
If you’ve ever wondered if you’re enabling someone you care about, or maybe contributing to the problem, read below to see how much of this information resonates with you. Someone with an enabler personality has a desire to help others, so much so that they help even when their behaviors can harm someone. They often step in to fix problems, shield loved ones from consequences, or … Read More
Imago therapy views attachment styles as a key framework for understanding how early childhood experiences with caregivers influence adult relationships. The core idea is that people unconsciously seek partners who remind them of their childhood caregivers, which re-emerges in adult relationships and often triggers old emotional wounds and attachment patterns. The word “imago” refers to the unconscious image of a loved one formed in childhood, which … Read More
Parents may be jealous of their children due to a variety of reasons, including envy of their opportunities and successes, feelings of inadequacy when their own past shortcomings are highlighted by their child’s achievements, or psychological issues like narcissism. This jealousy can manifest as resentment over their child’s talent, youth, looks, or achievements that the parent feels they never received themselves. Reasons for parental jealousy: To … Read More
“Self-esteem is your reputation with yourself.” – Nathaniel Branden YOU ARE YOUR PATTERNS. Self-esteem is built through your own actions and adherence to your moral code. It means that your self-worth is not determined by external factors, but by how you see yourself based on your behavior, consistency, and integrity. Internal Dialogue: The “voice in your head,” aka your self-talk, plays a significant role in how … Read More
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) is a condition that can develop from prolonged exposure to traumatic events, often occurring in situations where escape is difficult or impossible, such as childhood abuse or neglect. It shares some symptoms with PTSD but also includes additional challenges in emotional regulation, self-perception, and interpersonal relationships. Key differences & symptoms of CPTSD: Prolonged Trauma: CPTSD typically arises from ongoing, repetitive … Read More
As an Imago Relationship Therapist on Long Island, David Weber’s primary goal is to help couples stop blaming, criticizing, and negatively reacting to each other and instead become more understanding and empathetic. Imago relationship therapy is a form of counseling and coaching designed to help people work out misunderstandings, reduce conflict, and rediscover ways to communicate. Much of the work that takes place in Imago therapy … Read More
Some individuals find it difficult to say “no” due to a combination of factors, including fear of disappointing others, a desire to avoid conflict, and a strong need for social approval. These challenges can stem from past experiences where saying “no” was negatively received, or from a deeply ingrained sense of obligation or guilt. Effective “no” communication is direct, concise, and respectful. Learning to say “no” … Read More
Gaslighting and other forms of emotional abuse have a significant effect on someone’s well-being. The mental health impact of gaslighting includes feelings of powerlessness, confusion, isolation, disorientation, and low self-esteem. The more awareness about this form of emotional abuse can help people avoid threatening and unhealthy relationships. To spot gaslighting, look for patterns of behavior where someone consistently denies, distorts, or minimizes your reality, feelings, or … Read More
Codependency is a learned behavior that involves one person in a relationship sacrificing their own needs for the other person. Codependency can occur in any type of relationship – romantic, platonic, or familial. It can be passed down from one generation to another. Here are some signs of codependency: Over time, this unhealthy pattern can interfere with relationships and contribute to depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and feeling … Read More