Tag: dysregulation
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Building Tolerance for Uncertainty: A Step-by-Step Guide
By Stacy Hixon, MA, LPC-S, CCTP, FRTP One of the biggest challenges in life is uncertainty. When we cannot predict an outcome, we often try to control it instead. That need for control can show up in our relationships, our work, our family life, our habits, and even in the way we manage our emotions.…
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What Trauma Actually Does to the Brain and Body
By: Stacy Hixon, MA, LPC-S, CCTP, FRTP Trauma is not simply a bad memory. It is not weakness, overreacting, attention seeking, or an inability to “move on.” Trauma is an experience that overwhelms the brain and body’s ability to cope, process, and return to a felt sense of safety. When someone experiences trauma, especially repeated…
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Understanding Metacognition: Enhance Your Thinking Skills
By Stacy Hixon, MA, LPC-S, CCTP, FRTP Metacognition is the practice of increasing awareness of how our thoughts influence our emotions, behaviors, and patterns. In simple terms, it means thinking about how we think. Often, we move through our thoughts automatically. We may react to our emotions, treat feelings as facts, or make assumptions without…
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Understanding Moral Injury: Causes and Impact
By Stacy Hixon, MA, LPC-S, CCTP What Is Moral Injury and Why Does It Matter? A closer look at the guilt, shame, and inner conflict that can happen when life, work, or circumstances clash with your core values. Moral injury is psychological distress that occurs when a person does, witnesses, or feels unable to prevent…
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When You’re the Strong One: The Hidden Cost of Suppression
By Stacy Hixon, MA, LPC-S, CCTP In mental health, we often see people equate being “the strong one” with suppressing their emotions and avoiding difficult experiences. When humans feel emotional pain, our instinct is to push against it and try to stop the discomfort. The problem is, feelings do not go away. They get pushed…
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Strengthen Your Emotions: Consistent Regulation Practices
By Stacy Hixon, MA, LPC-S, CCTP Emotional regulation is the ability to notice and understand your emotions. It also involves managing them so they do not control your behavior or decisions. It involves pausing, tolerating emotional discomfort, and responding in a thoughtful way rather than reacting impulsively. Most people delay thinking about implementing emotional regulation…
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Understanding Stress: How It Affects You
By Stacy Hixon, MA, LPC-S, CCTP Stress is something every human can relate to. It does not discriminate as it affects everyone at some point. So what is stress? Stress is an activation response in your mind and body. It is like a switch that turns on when you are faced with a challenge. That…
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