Anxiety can feel overwhelming, like a constant companion that follows you everywhere. It might show up as racing thoughts, shortness of breath, or a pounding heart. For some, it can lead to panic attacks—sudden and intense waves of fear that feel paralyzing. Whether you experience social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, or panic disorder, these feelings …
Relationships can be a beautiful source of love, connection, and personal growth. But when the balance of power shifts—whether due to people-pleasing, insecurity, or unhealthy relationship dynamics—it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost control of your life. Taking power back isn’t about gaining the upper hand or creating a power struggle. It’s about self-respect, setting …
Understanding PTSD and Trauma in Relationships Loving someone who has experienced a traumatic event—whether it was military combat, sexual assault, domestic violence, or a natural disaster—requires patience, empathy, and a deep understanding of how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect their daily life. PTSD is more than just painful memories; it can reshape how a …
Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging roles in life. It can bring deep connection, joy, and love—but for many, it also comes with fear, self-doubt, and old wounds from childhood. If you grew up in a home with intergenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), or emotionally unavailable caregivers, you might struggle with …
Trauma leaves deep imprints on how we see ourselves, relate to others, and navigate the world. If your early childhood experiences lacked emotional support, guidance, or stability, you might still feel the effects today in the form of self-doubt, emotional dysregulation, or difficulty building healthy relationships. But healing is possible. Re-parenting your inner child allows …
Breathing is something we do without thinking, every moment of our lives. It’s the first thing we do when we enter the world and the last thing we do before we leave. But beyond keeping us alive, our breath is also one of the most powerful tools for healing—especially for those recovering from trauma. If …
Trauma doesn’t just stay in the past—it can shape how you feel in the present and how you see your future. If you’ve been through something painful or overwhelming, you may still feel the weight of it, even if the event happened years ago. Maybe it lingers as exhaustion, waves of sadness, or a sense …
In our fast-paced, mind-centered world, it’s easy to think of our bodies as simply the vessels that carry us through life. But they do much more than that—they hold onto our experiences, both joyful and painful. When we go through trauma, it doesn’t just affect our thoughts and emotions. It can leave lasting imprints on …
Trauma leaves a lasting imprint on both the mind and body, often in ways we don’t fully understand. One of the most common responses to trauma is dissociation—a sense of disconnect from reality, emotions, or even from your own body. For many trauma survivors, dissociation can feel like zoning out, watching life from a distance …
Trauma, whether from a single life-altering event or prolonged distress, leaves an imprint on both the body and mind. Often, people downplay their experiences, unaware of how unresolved trauma silently shapes their emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and relationships. This can look like brushing traumatic events under the rug or convincing yourself that “it wasn’t that bad.” …
How Trauma Affects Sleep Trauma can impact every part of your life—your emotions, relationships, and even your ability to get a good night’s sleep. If you’ve been through a traumatic experience, you may find yourself struggling with nightmares, sleep disturbances, or even full-blown sleep disorders, making it hard to wake up feeling rested. Nightmares, in …
Have you ever had a stranger pay for your coffee, or found a kind note tucked inside a library book? Maybe someone let you go ahead of them in line at the grocery store, or you received a handwritten letter from a loved one when you needed it most. These small moments may seem insignificant …
We all hesitate when making decisions sometimes. Maybe you’re weighing two job offers, debating a move, or deciding whether to leave a relationship. Small choices—like picking a restaurant or committing to a new hobby—can feel overwhelming. Occasional hesitation is usual, but when indecision becomes a habit, it can take a toll. You may feel stuck, …
Life rarely unfolds exactly as we plan. Just when we think we’re on a steady path, something unexpected happens—a job loss, a relationship ending, or a sudden shift in priorities. These moments can feel overwhelming, but they also present an opportunity: the chance to choose how we respond and, in doing so, shape our future. …
Do you ever second-guess yourself, even when you know the right choice deep down? Maybe you replay conversations in your head, wondering if you were too sensitive or took something the wrong way. As a highly sensitive person (HSP), your empathy and deep perception are gifts, but without self-trust, they can feel more like a …
In recent years, self-compassion has become a hot topic in mental health research. Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading expert in this field, has shown that self-compassion can significantly boost happiness and emotional resilience. Her research, published in Annual Reviews, highlights the importance of treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Studies by other researchers, like Lee …
Why Trauma Makes It Hard to Trust Yourself Self-trust allows us to feel confident in our decisions, set boundaries, and navigate life autonomously. But when trauma occurs—whether from childhood experiences, abusive relationships, or a sudden, life-altering event—it can shatter that trust. Many trauma survivors struggle to believe in themselves, questioning their instincts, choices, and even …
Grief is one of life’s most profound and most personal experiences. It reshapes our world, affecting our emotions, thoughts, and physical well-being. At Firefly Therapy, we know healing isn’t about “getting over” a loss. Instead, it’s about finding ways to carry the love and memories forward while making space for joy, purpose, and connection. Healing …
Do you ever feel like you’re waiting for the perfect moment to change your life? Maybe you second-guess yourself, afraid of making the wrong choice. Or perhaps you’ve been listening to other people’s opinions for so long that you’re unsure what you really want. The truth is that creating a life you love isn’t about …
Co-parenting can feel like uncharted territory after a divorce or separation. It’s about working as a team with your ex-partner to provide your child with a stable, loving environment—even though your relationship has ended. While this process can be challenging, prioritizing your child’s well-being is key to helping them feel secure and supported. Co-parenting requires …