Psychodyamic therapies were the original trauma therapies…
Trauma and Psychodynamic Therapy By Misty Newman, CMHC, Owner of Mountain Valley Counseling The notion of trauma and its healing has been central to psychodynamic therapy for over a century, yet contemporary therapeutic models often present trauma and “trauma-focused” therapies as novel ideas. These are not new ideas! In truth, early psychodynamic and psychoanalytic theorists, such as Sigmund Freud and John Bowlby, laid the foundation for understanding trauma, particularly in relation to early attachment wounds and unconscious processes. Freud, often regarded as the father of psychoanalysis, was one of the first to explore the impact of early childhood experiences on the developing psyche. He emphasized the role of repressed memories, early sexual traumas, and unresolved conflicts in shaping emotional and psychological issues later in life. Although Freud’s theories have evolved and been challenged over time, his insight into the connection between early life trauma and later behavioral patterns continues…
Great book recommendations to start out 2025 from Misty Newman, CMHC
As we begin 2025, there’s no better way to reflect, heal, and grow than through reading. For anyone interested in personal development, mental health, and emotional well-being, these books are exceptional starting points. They provide powerful insights and practical tools to navigate life’s complexities. Here’s a brief look at each one: “The Drama of the Gifted Child” by Alice Miller Alice Miller’s classic work explores how early emotional neglect can shape the lives of gifted children, often leading to internal struggles in adulthood. This book is essential for understanding how unresolved childhood trauma—often masked by outward success—can manifest in adulthood, making it an eye-opening read for those interested in understanding their emotional patterns and healing from past wounds. “What My Bones Know” by Stephanie Foo A profound memoir and exploration of complex PTSD, this book reveals Stephanie Foo’s journey through trauma and healing. It’s a personal and powerful narrative that…
The Difference Between Complex PTSD and PTSD By Misty Newman, CMHC, Owner of Mountain Valley Counseling Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known mental health condition that can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. However, not all trauma experiences lead to PTSD, and in some cases, trauma can result in a more complex form of the disorder known as Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). While both conditions involve symptoms of trauma, they differ in their causes, symptoms, and impact on a person’s life. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) PTSD typically results from a single traumatic event, such as a car accident, natural disaster, physical assault, or combat exposure. It can also occur after witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD often include: Intrusive memories: Flashbacks or vivid, distressing memories of the event. Avoidance: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such…
Creating joy around the holidays for yourself
Making the holidays enjoyable for yourself is all about being intentional with how you spend your time, energy, and resources, and not feeling pressured by external expectations. While it’s easy to get swept up in the busy, social, and often overwhelming nature of the season, you have the power to create a holiday experience that truly nourishes you. Here are some ideas for making the holidays more enjoyable and fulfilling for you: Focus on What Brings You Joy The holidays don’t have to look like a Hallmark movie or the picture-perfect social media posts you see online. Instead, think about what truly brings you happiness and peace. Is it cozying up with a good book? Spending time outdoors? Cooking your favorite comfort food? Find small, simple pleasures that make the season feel meaningful to you, rather than trying to meet others’ expectations. Tip: Make a list of things you enjoy…
Mental Health and the problem with “quick fixes”
Why Mountain Valley Counseling Emphasizes Deeper Healing At Mountain Valley Counseling, our mission transcends merely addressing the immediate concerns of our clients. We believe in the importance of delving deeper into the underlying issues that contribute to presenting problems. While short-term therapies can be effective for some, they often fall short in facilitating profound self-understanding and addressing the root causes of distress. By utilizing approaches rooted in psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, and depth psychology traditions, we aspire to support clients on a journey toward lasting change and emotional well-being. Understanding the Limitations of Short-Term Therapies In today’s fast-paced world, there’s a significant emphasis on quick fixes and immediate results, particularly in the realm of mental health care. Insurance companies often favor short-term therapy modalities, pushing therapists and clients toward solutions that promise rapid improvements. These approaches can certainly alleviate symptoms in the short term, but they frequently overlook the complexity of human…
Understanding Gaslighting and Its Impact on Mental Health Gaslighting is a form of psychological manipulation where a person or group seeks to make someone doubt their own perceptions, memories, or reality. This term, derived from the 1944 film “Gaslight,” where a husband manipulates his wife into questioning her sanity, has become a widely recognized concept in discussions of emotional abuse and manipulation. Gaslighting can occur in various relationships, including romantic partnerships, friendships, family dynamics, and workplace settings. Definition and Mechanisms of Gaslighting Gaslighting involves a series of manipulative tactics aimed at undermining the victim’s sense of reality. These tactics include denying facts, minimizing the victim’s feelings, and presenting false information as truth (Stark, 2018). The ultimate goal is to destabilize the victim’s perception of reality, thereby gaining control and power over them. Gaslighters often use subtle and gradual methods to erode the victim’s confidence in their own thoughts and…
Back to School
Are your kids struggling with back to school anxiety? Here are some great tips to help.
Grief and loss
Grief and loss do not discriminate. We will all be impacted by both at one point or another. Check this article out.
Avoidance of emotions and the negative impacts on health
Do you avoid feeling your emotions?
Siblings
Do you have any siblings? If so, what is your relationship like with them?