Often, this comes from: Growing up where your needs weren’t voiced or met, so you learned to suppress them Believing love means instinctively knowing what the other person wants Fearing rejection if you’re too direct Feeling unworthy of asking for what you need It’s not that you’re “too needy.” It’s that your nervous system has paired love with silence.

This kind of guilt often shows up when: You set a boundary and someone reacts with disappointment You say no, and the other person tries to convince you you’re selfish Someone uses past sacrifices as leverage for your present choices You feel responsible for someone else’s emotions -when deep down, you know you shouldn’t This isn’t guilt you generated. It’s guilt that’s been projected onto you.

"Why can’t I just say no?” If you’ve asked yourself this, you’re not alone. Saying no can feel heavy, sticky—even impossible. It doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means at some point, your nervous system learned that saying yes was safer.

“Why didn’t I do something? Why didn’t I say something?” If you’ve ever replayed a difficult moment and asked yourself these questions, you’re not alone. And you didn’t fail. You froze. Freezing isn’t weakness. It isn’t inaction. It’s your body protecting you.

Valentine's Day can bring up a whirlwind of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and sadness. As a therapist, I frequently hear about the ups and downs people face on this day. The pressure to meet expectations—whether from partners or society—can be overwhelming, often leading to heightened anxiety or even depression. If you find yourself navigating these complicated feelings, you are not alone. Let’s go through some practical tips to help you remain calm and collect

As we approach the end of the year, many people begin to reflect on what they want to achieve in the coming year. New Year's resolutions provide a fresh start but can also lead to feelings of stress and disappointment. This post explores the significance of resolutions, their health impacts, and how to set realistic goals, all while practicing self-kindness throughout the journey.