Anchor Psychotherapy, Inc.

Being a cycle breaker is not easy! Every family operates as a complex social system in which members interact and influence each other’s behavioroften in subtle ways. Sadly, some family systems seem to be plagued by transgenerational trauma passed down from one generation to another. Although independent, we are also interconnected and part of a number of important systems (e.g., family, work culture/coworkers, social support network). Dr. Murray Bowen, father of family ...systems theory, highlights the importance in not only understanding an individual, but also how the individual functions within the system as a whole. In other words, families are systems of interconnected and interdependent individuals, none of whom can be understood in isolation from the system. As you have likely experienced within your own family, each family system has its own rules to respect and there can be great consequences to family members that fail to fill their assigned role in the system. Like any system, the family system will go to great lengths to sustain the equilibrium of the system. Cycle breakers are incredibly brave as family has a powerful pull on us. It takes incredible courage to disrupt the family system as this can result in harsh ridicule, judgement, shame, and even excommunication from the family. Fortunately, the cycle breaker has a unique superpowera fundamental and (often) unwavering drive to heal and grow; they recognize the system is flawed and they are committed to improving it regardless of the cost; they live by the code this stops with me! If you are a cycle breaker, I honor your incredible sacrifices and the healing journey you have embarked upon. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #NAMI #mentalwealth #trauma #ptsd #generationaltrauma #youcandohardthings #cyclebreakers #familysystems #MurryBowen

You don’t have to wait until burnout arrives to start taking better care of yourself. You don’t have to wait until things couldn’t possibly get worse in order to justify making necessary changes in your life. You don’t need to wait until you’re physically, emotionally, or psychologically depleted to start prioritizing yourselfand you sure as hell don’t need anyone’s permission to make self-care your first priority! It may be cliché to say, but you cannot pour from an empty cup. Fill your cup, and you can help to fill the cups of those you love the most! #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #NAMI #mentalwealth #mentalhealthstigma #trauma #ptsd #peoplepleasing #selfcare #takecareofyou #prioritizeyourself

I came across the above this morning and it spoke to me. What I loved most was the beautiful authenticity this student showed. The stress of cold-calling is an experience to which every single person can relate. Performance anxiety results from the fear regarding one's ability to perform a specific task. It's a universal experience that can occur in under a variety of circumstances; the severity and level of impairment of such anxiety can differ among individuals. Underl...ying performance anxiety is often a fear of failure, rejection, or humiliationsimply put, it’s the fear of being vulnerable. Research has shown that the awareness we are being observed can operate as either a performance inhibitor or enhancer, depending on the circumstances. If we feel confident in a skill (e.g., I know how to solve quadratic equations), then knowing that I am being observed is likely to enhance my performance. However, if I lack confidence in a skill (e.g., I’m just learning this new skill), then knowing that I am being observed is likely to impair my performance. Knowing about this phenomenon can help us to combat performance anxiety when it creeps in and causes us to begin to doubt ourselves. It allows us to validate and normalize our own experience, giving us the opportunity to pause and take a deep breath, and remind ourselves that we know the information we are trying to recall and just need a moment to focus our efforts. So, the next time someone calls on you and you begin to feel a sense of panic, take a breath and remind yourself that you’ve got this! #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #EMDR #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #mentalhealth #traumaresponse #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthtips #depression #mentalhealthquotes #parenting #education #shame #stigma #anxiety #panic #panickattacks #selftalkmatters #selftalk

A grief resource for the self-exploration of grief: https://griefdeck.com/

One in five adults (an estimated 43 million people) experience a mental illness in the United States every year (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2019). Although both men and women are affected by mental illness, it is frequently overlooked in males. Mental health among men often goes untreated, in part, because they are far less likely to seek mental health treatment than women. This is particularly concerning given that depression and suicide are ranked as a le...ading cause of death among men. Six million men are affected by depression in the United States every single year. Men (79% of 38,364) die by suicide at a rate four times higher than women (Mental Health America [MHA], 2020). They also die due to alcohol-related causes at 62,000 in comparison to women at 26,000. Men are also two to three times more likely to misuse drugs than women (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2017). These statistics are particularly troubling because they reinforce the notion that males are less likely to seek help and more likely than women to turn to dangerous and unhealthy means of coping. Even with the various mental health treatment modalities available, there is a disproportionate difference between the number of males experiencing mental health disorders and those seeking treatment. Mental health, particularly among men, has gained momentum in becoming the other silent killer. There is general agreement among experts that stigma is a significant barrier not only to those in need of mental health treatment, but can be an extreme barrier for men. (Chatmon, B. N., 2020) #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #reducestigma #mentalhealth #suicide #mensmentalhealth #depression #anxiety #NAMI #mentalwealth #mensmentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthstigma

https://anchorpsychotherapy.com/parenting-through-a-pandem/ We are currently living in incredibly uncertain times, resulting in feelings of distress, overwhelm, and for most, a deep sense of vulnerability. Being a parent during these unprecedented times only increases the already existing stress. The article, Parenting Through a Pandemic, provides practical advice on how to support your child through these times. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy ...#bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #cptsd #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #traumaresponse #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthtips #depression #mentalhealthquotes #childdevelopment #parenting #FirstFive #earlychildhooddevelopment #pandemic #parentingduringcovid #covid #coronovirus See more

In response to overwhelming stress, young children may present with symptoms that can be misinterpreted by even the most well-intentioned adults in their lives. The experience of hypoarousal is one of the most misidentified neurobiological responses to distress. Young children have a limited capacity for effectively negotiating overwhelming stress and the experience of fear. Hypoarousal is an automatic neurobiological stress response. Children have limited freedom of move...ment, which can make it increasingly more difficult for them to escape distressing circumstances. As a result, children may be at greater risk for responding to stress by shutting down and dissociating in an effort to psychologically separate from circumstances outside of their control. To others, it may appear that a child is non-responsive, lacking attention and focus, or at times, may even be labeled as defiant, resulting in the child being further isolated. Understanding the experience of dissociation in response to distressparticularly in young children, increases the likelihood of accurately identifying your child’s experience, thereby increasing your ability to meet your child where they truly are in the moment and support them in the most effective manner. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #cptsd #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #traumaresponse #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #youmatter #mentalhealthtips #depression #mentalhealthquotes #childdevelopment #parenting #FirstFive #earlychildhooddevelopment #playtherapy #0-5 #0-5mentalhealth

Great opportunity for support at a time when COVID feals overwhelming!!!

Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), previously known as Multiple Personality Disorder, is an extremely complex condition. It is frequently misdiagnosed and poorly understoodeven within the mental health field, and misrepresentation in the media only reinforces the stigma associated with such a condition. Arguably, even within the psychology field, DID is one of the most stigmatized conditionsand heated debates within the field cover whether or not DID is even real continu...e. This speaks to just how poorly understood this serious condition really is. Research estimates that 1-3% of the population meet clinical criteria for DIDwith actual prevalence being much higher due to the prevalence of sex trafficking in our society. DID involves the systematic splitting of one’s core sense of self into parts. Most often this occurs within the context of spiritual abuse. For those of you that know me well, you likely know I believe our brains serve as our own personal superpowers. The brain has the capacity to protect us from trauma that is so profound we are unable to fully metabolize it and survive. In cases of extreme abuse, the brain will often limit an individual’s access to memories (or parts of a memory) in order to protect the individual from psychic death. This is true for all individuals (and is not specific only to those with DID). Simply put, one of the ways in which the brain protects individuals from the most extreme and unimaginable trauma is by splitting the self into parts, wherein each part of the self holds responsibility for protecting the entire self and frequently holds a piece of the trauma. Treatment for DID requires intensive work with a trauma professional that has specialized expertise working with this condition. This is a complex condition and increasing awareness is essential. #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #ptsd #traumaresponse #DID #dissociativedisorders #dissociativeidentitydisorder

The benefits of yoga, not only on our physical health, but also on our mental health, have been studied and documented extensively. Yoga’s positive benefits on mental health have made it an important adjunctive tool to psychotherapy. The following are just some of the benefits of incorporating yoga into your life: Yoga increases blood flow to your core, which reduces stress and strain on your heart. Yoga promotes health eating habits by controlling blood sugar, reducing... inflammation, muscle tension, and chronic pain, and by improving digestion and gut health. Yoga sharpens attention and concentration. Yoga reduces depressive and anxious symptoms, and eases stress. Yoga promotes an increase in restorative (restful) sleep. Yoga improves healthy breathing and lung capacity. Yoga can reduce the frequency and severity of stress headaches and migraines. Yoga increases strength, balance, and flexibility in our body and our mind. Yoga increases body awareness, helps us to ground ourselves in the present, and increases our ability to naturally regulate our nervous system responsean important practice for everyone, but particularly for those with a history of trauma. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #cptsd #cptsdawareness #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #traumaresponse #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #youmatter #mentalhealthtips #depression #mentalhealthquotes #anxiety #yoga #yogabenefits #mindfulness #groundingexercises #theyogilife

We do not have to attend every argument we are invited to attend. When stress is high and coping is low, the conflict we engage in often increases. In the midst of the current pandemic, we see this phenomenon unfolding on an epic level. Conflict, in and of itself, is not unhealthy. It can be an important stimulus to growth in our close relationships. However, conflict can also come at a great personal cost; it can leave us feeling depleted, disappointed, or even alone. ... Equally important, some battles are personal deal breakers for usand it’s important to know what yours are before choosing to step in the arena. The ability to battle is a limited resource for each of us and for this reason, it’s important we make a conscious choice as to where we want to spend that energy. When someone attempts to engage us in a battle, we have a choice as to whether or not we accept that invitationand often, making the choice to disengage or walk away takes even more strength. This can be particularly difficult if we are experiencing our trauma history being triggered. I encourage everyoneespecially right now, while all our coping skills are being taxed, to make a conscious choice about what battles are worth fighting for and those that we can give back or allow another to take the lead on. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalweath #mentalhealth #pandemic #COVID #conflict #NAMI #pickyourbattles #couplestherapy

https://anchorpsychotherapy.com/breastfeeding-vs-formula-l/ The common belief that breastfeeding is natural, and every woman is inherently capable of doing it, is setting up many new moms to feel inferior during a time when they may need support the most. This article explores stigma around the use of formula and the importance in determining what is best for you and your baby. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complext...rauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #chrissyteigen #johnlegend #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #traumaresponse #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthtips #depression #mentalhealthquotes #childdevelopment #parenting #FirstFive #earlychildhooddevelopment #breastfeeding #breastisntalwaysbest #breastfeedingstigma #stigma See more

There are many different forms of safetya felt sense of internal safety being a fundamental need. The experience of trauma can result cause our internal and external world to feel confusing and, at times, disorienting. The experience of trauma alters the lens through which we experience the world. Following a traumatic event, we may be free from the external threat, but it’s often far more challenging to feel free from the anticipation that something bad could happen ag...ain at any moment. You may feel like you’re drowning and there’s no one there to throw you a life preserver. Our response is often to become hypervigilant and continually monitor our environment for threat. We likely felt blindsided before; hypervigilance is an attempt to prevent ourselves from ever being caught off guard again! Being able to feel an internal sense of safety and a safety with other is one of the single most important aspects of our mental health. Healing takes time and it is not a straight roadwe all experiences missteps, setbacks, and disappointment along the way, but it’s important to stay the course. Resiliency allows us to recover more quickly and continue to seek safe connection with othersand safe connection is fundamental to our ability to lead a meaningful and satisfying life. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #realtalk #mentalhealth #attachment #besselvanderkolk #peterlevine #somaticexperiencing #recovery #healingtrauma #personalgrowth #triggers

Last chance to sign up and join this CEU approved virtual workshop! Great way to pick up a few extra CEU's before the end of the year!!! Hope to see you there!!! https://anchorpsychotherapy.com/taking-hunger-out-of-the-e/

"Half a million American children are in foster care. Over 40% of foster children will be homeless, incarcerated, or die within 3 years of leaving the foster care system." This is unacceptable! We need to do better! #anchorpsychotherapy Bren M. Chasse, MA, LMFT #fosterboy #trauma #sexualabuse #fostercaresystem #dcfs #thesystemisbroken https://youtu.be/EJJ2tWSHAeY

#mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #cptsd #cptsdawareness #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #traumainformed #therapyworks #mentalhealth #traumaresponse #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #youmatter #reducestigma #mentalhealthtips #invisibleillness #depression #mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealth #anxiety

In moments of frustration, when you’ve reached your limit and your children continue to challenge your best coping strategies, it’s easy to throw out what seems like a harmless threat. It’s often effective in that it gives you a chance to regroup and it typically seems to resolve any immediate behavioral issues. Unfortunately, for young children who don’t, yet, have the developmental capacity to understand all the dangers that exist in the world, and who may just be learnin...g about the role first responders play in response to dangerous events, may develop a belief system that first responders are people to be feared. This may be further reinforced by the commanding presence of a uniformed officer carrying a gun. Children frequently look to their parents for cues on how to respond to others in their environment. Humanizing first responders can help to ensure that if your child ever finds themselves in need of help, they know to whom they can run. So, next time you find yourself in close proximity to an officer, take the opportunity to take your child over and introduce them to the officer. Give your child every opportunity to have positive experiences with first responders. It takes a bit of effort and time out of your day. But, if the day ever comes when your child needs help, you will be grateful you made the effort! #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #officersinuniform #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #traumaresponse #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #firstresponders #fear #mentalhealthquotes #childdevelopment #parenting #FirstFive #earlychildhooddevelopment #parentingthreats

Sometimes even the smallest gesture reminds another that you see their struggle and you will walk through the darkness, disappointments, and loss with them. Never underestimate the power of showing up! https://www.instagram.com/p/CGZ1PoigUkm/

We live in a world where vulnerability is often perceived as weakness. We are inundated with messages suggesting the perfect body, although unachievable by any reasonable standard, is the only one of any value. When I first considered sharing this photo, I felt the insecurity quickly creep: My arms are so fat. This photo isn’t flattering, and potential clients may judge you. I even began to negotiate with myself: Wait until you feel better about your weight and then you’...ll feel more comfortable sharing it. Looking for validation and reassurance, I sought the advice of loved ones on the potential impact of sharing a photo of me in a bathing suit and a body I’m still learning to lovebut then I stopped, and I remembered what this photo really represents. Truthfully, this is one of my favorite photos with my niece and the memories of that day bring me incredible joy. When I pause and take a step back, I don’t see the rolls of fat or even my body; I see an immersive moment where I was fully present and engaged, building a safe and secure attachment with one of my favorite little humans. Brene Brown says, Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen. With this post, I’m doing just thatand it feels really good! #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #cptsd #cptsdawareness #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #youmatter #yougotthis #believeinyourself #selfesteem #realtalk #selftalk #bestself #eatingdisorders #bingeeating #healthatanysize #HAES #anxiety #depression #obesity #bodypositive

Anchor Psychotherapy, Inc. is excited to share there are available spots open in my Sexual Abuse Survivors’ Group for Women. If you are interested or know someone that may benefit from participating, please contact me directly for more information at (626) 765-9944 or by e-mail at [email protected]. Thanks!

A psychiatric advance directive (PAD) is a legal document that details an individual’s preferences for future mental health treatment, services, and supports, or identifies an individual to make treatment decisions if that individual is in crisis and unable to make decisions on their own behalf. A PAD is established during a time of mental health stability and is intended to be a temporary directive giving the identified individual the ability to make critical decisions and ...advocate on your behalf until the mental health crisis is over and you are stable enough to resume making decisions on your own behalf. A mental health crisis can be incredibly stressful for the individual and their loved ones. A PAD can be empowering in that it allows an individual to preserve their autonomy while ensuring an appropriate level of care is provided. A PAD allows an individual to clearly communicate their own needs and increases the likelihood of developing a collaborate relationship between the client and their treatment team. Further, it has been shown to reduce the trauma that often results from invasive and coercive crisis interventions. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #cptsd #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #traumaresponse #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthtips #depression #anxiety #traumacrisis #mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthcrisis #nami #psychiatricadvancedirective #PAD #takecontrolofyourmentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate

As both a clinician and an advocate, I have worked with families that have experienced intimate partner violence and domestic violence for more than 15 years. The impact of family-based violence is unimaginable. The neurobiological and traumatic wounds are something all survivors carry with them long after any physical wounds may heal. In spite of the fact that a woman is killed by a domestic partner every nine minutes in the Unites States, domestic violence continues to b...e grossly underfunded crisis issues we face today. In October of 2018, La France a un incroyable talent (the French version of the popular show America’s Got Talent), bravely showcased a stunning (and controversial) lyrical jazz piece (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-q6CQAppxSU) in an effort to reduce the invisibility and stigma that surrounds domestic violence, and to bring awareness to this important issue. #mentalhealthmatters #mindfulmoments #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft #trauma #realtalk #complextrauma #survivor #resilience #ptsd #ptsdawareness #traumatherapy #somatictherapy #mentalhealth #traumaawareness #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthtips #depression #mentalhealthquotes #dv #domesticviolence #partnerviolence #reducestigma #americasgottalent #lafranceaunincroyabletalent

Important way to signal for help! Know the sign!

Beautiful message and reminder during such difficult times! #walkwithpeople

Yes, 100% this!!!

Building forts is a sign of resilience!

The following is a great resource addressing how to discuss the current events surrounding the death of George Floyd: https://www.embracerace.org//i-still-cant-breathe-supporti Additionally, for those of you looking for children's books to address the current events, the following provides a great list of books: https://www.embracerace.org//26-childrens-books-to-support

There is nothing more powerful than a person that says, This stops with me! Never underestimate a survivor! They are the ones that go on to change the world in powerful and meaningful ways! #cyclebreakers #breakthecycle #dontunderestimatesurvivors #resilience #survivors #trauma #anchorpsychotherapy #bchassemft

This article explores the importance in taking time to dream about a bright future beyond the current COVID crisis. Additionally, the article discusses positive changes I anticipate we will experience in our community as we move through this difficult time. https://anchorpsychotherapy.com/i-too-have-a-dream-collect/ #covid #covid19 #coronavirus #trauma #PTSD #firstresponders #essentialworkers #covid19crisis #coronacrisis #MLK #martinlutherking #ihaveadream #workforce #productive #performance #business #bchasselmft #anchorpsychotherapy

Please take a moment to follow my professional page on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bchassemft776/