Through the Woods Therapy Center

This Self-Care Sunday is all about digging in and thinking about what our hopes and dreams for the new year might be. Take some time today to make yourself a warm cup of tea, find a comfy place to sit, and write out some of what you hope to accomplish this coming year. It doesn’t need to be exact or perfect, it could be as simple as deciding this year you’re going to be learning to make more soups! My personal favorite prompt to use is @susannahconway 's unravel your ye...ar template, which is free on her website. It might be a bit intimidating for some, but if you’re looking for something that has a few more writing prompts and will push you to dig a little deeper than this is a great method for you. One thing that comes up for many people at the beginning of the year is their decision to finally find a therapist and set up sessions. This is a great goal and we are here for you if you’re in California and you’d like to set up a free consultation call to talk with our intake coordinator about making this step towards your personal growth and healing in the new year. [Image description: journal and cup of tea sit on table surrounded by leaves. Image text reads: Self-care Saturday - think about your goals for 2021.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #SelfCareSunday #SelfCare #Journaling #Goals #2021Goals #Journaling #JournalInspiration #JournalingPrompts

We did it folks! We survived 2020! Our post yesterday talked about how New Year’s eve isn’t a magic bullet where things are suddenly perfect when the clock strikes midnight, but that doesn’t mean that today you shouldn’t celebrate YOU and how far not only you’ve come, but how far we’ve collectively come over the past year. So today, take some time to relax and focus on the present. Tomorrow is a new day and right now we’ve earned this break.... [Image description: person sits with their feet kicked up, holding a warm cup of coffee in their hands. Image text reads: Happy New Year from Through the Woods Therapy Center.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #NewYears #Relax

Parenting is a high pressure gig. Working from home while parenting ups the ante. Your kids care a lot more about your emotional well-being than they do about elaborate home-cooked meals or Pinterest-inspired crafts. ... Be kind to yourself. It’s a hard time. You deserve peace of mind. And your kids deserve the best version of you that you can summon - which is to say the one who bucks perfectionism and shows up, not the Stepford wife (or husband) who successfully maintains the illusion of flawlessness. If you feel the pressure to be perfect all the time, share this post to remind yourself and others to show yourself kindness [Image description: Dad sits drinking coffee with his child on his shoulders, he is on a computer and has electronic gadgets all around him, implying he might be in a meeting right now. Image text reads: It’s okay to not be a Pinterest parent.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #FearlessFriday #FridayReads #FridayFun #FactFriday #TGIF #Parenting #ParentingTips #Perfectionism #PerfectParent #TherapyWorks

Some people have had Big Grief this year. They’ve lost their health, loved ones, or economic stability. But even those of us who have been fortunate enough not to have those losses have had smaller things to grieve. And this grief is also completely valid. Here are some things you might be grieving:... The plans - big and small - that you’d made in January Existential grief over lost or wasted time A sense of connectedness to others, including in-person interactions, hugs, and collective experiences (like being in a theater or stadium) Faith in other people’s fundamental drive to take care of each other These are REAL losses! The fix is meaning-making - or, colloquially put, finding a way to make lemonade. But you can only do that once you’re through the loss or trauma, not while you’re still in it. A return to normalcy (or maybe a new normal) is within sight. So hunker down, let yourself feel the sadness and loss of 2020 and the months to come, and then, once we’re through the woods (see what I did there?), get to work on beginning to heal those wounds, which we're here to support you with. [Image description: holy berries sit on snow covered branches behind text that reads: Let yourself grieve the smaller losses of 2020.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #Grief #Grieving #Grieving2020 #CopingTips #CopingSkills #CopingStrategies

This #SelfCareSaturday we wanted to take a moment to share about Kwanzaa, which starts today. Kwanzaa celebrates what its founder called the seven principles of Kwanzaa. While each principle is an important piece in the whole puzzle, one that stood out to us in particular was: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility): To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.... We encourage you to take a moment today and think about how you might be able to help and maintain your community, especially with all of the current uncertainties. Perhaps that’s ordering food from a favorite restaurant, bringing food to the local community fridge like @valleycommunityfridges or donating to a local theater or organization that’s important to you. This can look like many different things, and each one is just as important as the others. If you take some time to participate in building your community this weekend, we’d love to hear in the comments which community project feels close to your heart right now! [Image description: a table is set with Kwanzaa decorations, including multicolored candles, a gift, and seasonal fruits and vegetables. Image text reads : self-care Saturday - what Kwanzaa teaches us about community.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #SelfCareSaturday #SelfCare #Kwanzaa #CommunitySupport

When it’s time for a gifting occasion, like a birthday or the holidays, do you get a little voice in your head that says: -If I get them the wrong thing, they’ll think less of me. -I’m such a bad gift buyer. Does that make me a bad friend?... -Other people know me so much better than I know them? Gift giving is just one of many ways to express love. Instead, dial back the pressure on yourself, and ask, how do I let my friends and family members know that I love them on a day-to-day basis? Let us know some ways you do this in the comments! [Image description: A red gift with matching bow sits on a grey backdrop. Image text reads: You don’t have to get the perfect gift to let someone know you love them.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #ThankfulThursday #ThoughtfulThursday #ThursdayThoughts #HolidaySeason #HolidayStress #GiftGiving #GiveYourselfABreak #LoveLanguage #LoveLanguages #Love #appreciation

A few months ago, someone said to me, cussing is my self-care. And I was like, FUCK YEAH! The thing is, the world can be really shitty, and it can be very fucking hard to express how it makes you feel. Cussing is a fan-fucking-tastic way to drive the point home. It’s a versatile and totally valid use of the English language. As always, it’s important to make sure your behavior isn’t harming anyone - so let’s pause and highlight that there’s a difference between c...ussing (I’m so fucking angry!) and cussing *at* someone (Fuck you!) So as long as your cussing isn’t directed at another person, have at it: When you’re happy, cussing pings your endorphins (happy brain chemicals). Hell yes! When you’re angry, cussing gives you an outlet. How fucking great! When you feel embarrassed or afraid, cussing can mitigate your discomfort. That’s some powerful shit! So let the 4-letter words fly. Because self-care matters, and you deserve it. [Image description: Man excitedly faces the camera and cussed! He's wearing a red shirt. Image text reads: "Self care Saturday : Cuss!"] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #SelfCareSaturday #SelfCare #SaturdayNight #SaturdayNightFever #SaturdayShoutOut #Cuss #Endorphins #endorphinsmakeyouhappy #AnxietyRelief

Happy Holidays from all of us at Through the Woods Therapy Center! We’re so happy you’ve made us a part of your 2020 and we’re excited for what the future holds!

Instead of fighting against your stress, get curious about it. What’s causing it, and what is it telling you? If you can learn about and work *with* your stress, it will always be more effective than working *against* your stress.... Share these slides with others if you think they could benefit from healthy stress coping thoughts too! [Image description: sun rise coming up beyond pine trees is behind text that reads the following - Slide 1 - Some questions to ask yourself about your stress Slide 2 - Is this a situation I can control or a situation I can’t control? Slide 3 - What is my stress trying to communicate to me? Slide 4 - Is it possible I made a wrong turn and that’s why I’m feeling so stressed out? Slide 5 - Is the best self-care in this moment to address the source of the stress, or to find something relaxing to do?] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #TransformationTuesday #TipTuesday #SelfCare #StressManagement #StressRelief #StressCoping

As we move through the next few days of the holiday season, remember to take time to breathe and remind yourself that things don’t always need to be perfect. Since things are likely out of the ordinary from our average holiday plans, you may be feeling a bit more pressure right now to make up for the change. During this time be kind to yourself and know that whatever your holiday looks like, it can be special for what it is, even if that’s as simple as spending tonight ea...ting dinner at the table as a family (no matter how big or small that family is). [Image description: Femme presenting individual with curly hair and a Christmas sweater look at their phone and their computer simultaneously while also wrapping presents, image text reads : reminder - things don't always need to be perfect.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #ThoughtfulThursday #ThursdayThoughts #ThankfulThursday #HolidaySeason #HolidayStress #Breathe #DontStriveForPerfection

A lot of people avoid uncomfortable conversations, but there is much to be gained from talking about hard things. Here are a few things to be gained: Uncomfortable conversations help you get your needs met.... Uncomfortable conversations deepen your connection with others. Uncomfortable conversations mitigate shame. Share a time in the comments that taking the courageous leap to have an uncomfortable conversation improved your relationship with a loved one! [Image description: Two college students have a conversation together as they work to strengthen their relationship. Image text reads: We need an uncomfortable conversations revolution!] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #LGBTAffirmativeTherapy #LGBTCouplesTherapy #RelationshipGoals #CoupleGoals #WhyILoveCouplesTherapy #MondayMotivation #MotivationMonday #UncomfortableConversations #vulnerability #vulnerabilityisstrength

A continuation of our series of videos about boundaries! This is video #2 of 3 in this set, and it focuses on what to expect when you set a boundary, why it often plays out that way, and what you can do about it. This video series is about boundary setting in general, but also focuses specifically on boundary setting in the time of COVID. (Note: We filmed this a few months ago, so the thing we discussed - going to restaurants - isn't a thing that's available right now.) https://youtu.be/CMTw80mhPX8

In honor of Men’s Health Awareness Month, let’s take a look at the psychological impact of The Man Box. After all, mental health is health! Research out of the American Psychological Association looked at traits that are traditionally associated with masculinity - things like rigid gender roles, self-sufficiency, acting tough, stoicism, hypersexuality, and homophobia. Research participants who demonstrated high levels of these characteristics also presented with high ...levels of: Violence against others and sexual harassment Depression and suicidal ideation In other words, when men place a high value on these traits, they are not only more likely to harm others; they also suffer themselves. When we work with male clients, we encourage them to reconsider the value they place on these characteristics. Men who are able to be more flexible about their definition of masculinity generally live happier, fuller, and more connected lives. [Image description: Group of men stand together outside of a jeep, laughing and talking together, enjoying each other's company. Image text reads: "It’s Men’s Health Awareness Month! Beware the Man Box] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #MensHealthAwarenessMonth #MensHealth #MensHealthAwareness #MensMentalHealth

Connection is why we’re all here - and what better way to stay connected than to send a holiday card to someone you love? Rather than doing a generic blast to your whole mailing list, try writing personalized messages to your closest friends and family members. This will cause you to spend time sitting with your warm, fuzzy feelings about those people. [Image description: plaid background with brown envelope with red wax seal in the foreground. Image text reads: Self-ca...re Saturday: send a holiday card!] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #SelfCareSaturday #SelfCare #SaturdayShoutOut #HolidaySeason #SendACard #salutations

Often, the feeling you’re holding back is anger. A lot of people are afraid of their own anger. And a lot of people associate anger with frustration because anger is a secondary emotion, which means it’s playing a protective role for something more vulnerable like sadness, fear, or shame. In other words: Frustration covers up anger, which protects you from feeling sadness, fear, hurt, embarrassment, or shame. If you feel frustrated, dig down a few layers and get ...curious about what you’re protecting yourself from. [Image description: Man sits with his head in his hands looking at the computer, he looks frustrated. In his room there are plants on the shelf behind him. Image text reads: "Frustration is the feeling of holding back a feeling."] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #ThoughtfulThursday #ThursdayThoughts #Frustration #Frustrated #FrustratedThoughts #CopingTips

Yesterday's presidential election took a huge emotional toll, and it doesn't help that we're still sitting in limbo. It can be harder not to analyze every blip on the map as swing state votes continue to be counted. A lot of people are feeling pretty bleak right now, even as things appear to be going fairly well. I want to validate this emotion, because it's a coping skill. Most of us still haven't fully recovered from the day after the election in 2016. Do you rememb...er that day? Everyone was in disbelief. I remember feeling like I'd been hit by a Mack Truck. Then I did therapy sessions with a bunch of people who also felt like they'd been hit by a Mack Truck. All of us had started the previous day brimming with hope. So it's understandable if you find that you keep trying to bat away feelings of hope this time. We've been burned before, and the higher you climb, the farther you can fall. (Pardon the mixed metaphor, it's been a long night.) If you can't allow yourself to feel hope right now, that's okay. It's your brain's way of protecting you. But if there's a little flicker as you continue to watch the numbers, try to lean into it a bit. That feeling is, ultimately, a good thing. It says, "stuff is so, so hard - but maybe there's a part of me that still believes in people's abilities to make it better." [Image description : dandelion seeds blow off into the wind. Image text reads : "Hope is vulnerable AF."] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #SelfCare #TuesdayTips #ElectionAnxiety #ElectionDay2020

Some thoughts from owner Jennie Steinberg: I've seen so many posts expressing bafflement and grief about the fact that, win or lose, so many people voted to reelect Trump. It's really made me think about how we are (or aren't) wired to take care of each other? So I made this video and, spoiler alert, it has a glimmer of hope at the end - not only for the outcome of the election, but also for perspective on the ways we tend to each other in hard times. https://youtu.be/jKL0TRsA4ts

Feeling big feelings about today’s election? You’re not alone. It feels like everything is on the line. Here are a few things you can do to get through the day:... 1. Vote, if you haven’t already. If you feel helpless, or like you lack influence, it’s the most basic thing you can do to assert change. Yes, this is even true if you live in California. 2. Do something mentally stimulating and distracting. Once you’ve voted, unless you’re volunteering at the polls, you’ve done all you can. Give yourself a break from worry by doing something that demands the use of your whole brain. 3. Set media boundaries and don’t obsessively check the results. Be deliberate about when and how often you’re going to check the news. Make sure you don’t spend the whole day monitoring election results as they tally up. Doing this feels like getting more information, but it is the thing that is most likely to SPIKE your anxiety! 4. Feel your feelings. Your feelings exist for a reason. You’re not supposed to feel calm today. Fear tells you that you need to protect yourself. Anger tells you that you need to defend yourself. Sadness tells you to lean on others for empathy. And resisting these things will only intensify the pain they cause. It’s okay to cry, to yell, to lean on friends. It’s a hard day, and your feelings are valid. #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #SelfCare #TuesdayTips #ElectionAnxiety

There's a lot to be stressed out about. What are your best tips for how to manage stress? Some of our favorites are:... Centering yourself by focusing on your breathing Boosting endorphins by moving your body joyfully Singing your favorite song at the top of your lungs Channeling your feelings into art or music Talking to a supportive loved one Having a good cry We’d love to hear your tips! [Image description: Person sits in front of computer, phone, and notebooks and has their head in their hands on a motion of exasperated. Image text reads: "It's International Stress Awareness Week. How are you coping?"] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #SelfCare #InternationalStressAwarenessWeek #InternationalStressAwarenessWeek2020 #CopingTips #SelfCareTips #SelfCareSuggestions #DealingWithStress #Stress #StressAwareness

Feeling anxiety about this week? US TOO. Here's a video about collective experiences of overwhelm, and how connection can help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8afXq584Bs

Are you a transgender person who is also a parent? Children thrive when they know they can be their most authentic selves. Parents of all genders can communicate this to their kids by providing unconditional love, and by modeling authenticity in their own lives. Trans parents: We see you, we celebrate you, and we believe your kids are lucky to have you. ... [Image description: Couple lifts their child up in the air, all three are smiling. Image text reads: "Happy trans parent day."] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #SelfCare #GenderAffirmingTherapy #LGBTAffirmativeTherapy #LGBTQAffirmativeTherapy #TransAffirmingTherapist #TransLivesMatter #TransPride

Happy Halloween! While today may look a bit different than past Halloween festivities, this holiday still gives us so much room to explore things about ourselves, plus dressing up makes us feel good! Maybe you've been on a serious sweatpants kick since the beginning of the pandemic? Well today presents us with the perfect excuse to dress up, even if just for a few minutes with items we pull out of our closet. ... Not only does dressing up feel good, but even as adults it allows us to tap into parts of ourselves that we don't often get to explore - whether that's bringing out your silly side as a clown, your sexy side as a vampiress, or maybe even exploring gender with your costume in a way you can't do in your everyday life. Today is a day where just about anything goes when it comes to the clothes that we wear, so embrace that to the fullest and let yourself break loose and dedicate some time to play with fashion this evening [Image description: model @chrissasparkles wears custom @abigailgreydanus #latex ice cream design swimsuit. Image text reads: "Happy Halloween!"] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #SelfCareSaturday #SelfCare #LGBTAffirmativeTherapy #DressUp #ImportanceOfPlay #Halloween #Halloween2020 #HalloweenCostume #HalloweenDressUp #SaturdayStyle

At Through the Woods Therapy Center, we celebrate the entire diversity of gender, sexual, and relationship minorities! For Asexual Awareness week, let’s dispell some common misconceptions. 1. Asexuality is common. A lot of people think it’s extremely rare, but some studies show that 1% of the population is asexual. This means that if you are asexual, you’re not alone. 2. Asexuality is a spectrum. It’s an identity that encompasses anyone who does not feel sexual attraction... to others, or who feels significantly less than most people. Demisexual means you only feel sexual attraction in the context of a close, emotional bond, and graysexual means you experience sexual attraction but only very rarely. 3. Some aces still want romantic relationships. Romantic interest and sexual attraction are two different things. A lot of asexual folks are heteroromantic (desire a romantic relationship with someone of a different sex), homoromantic, biromantic, etc. And some asexual folks are aromantic, meaning they don’t want a romantic relationship. 4. Allosexual is the opposite of asexual. A lot of people erroneously use the phrase sexual people, but that phrase is already loaded with a different kind of meaning. 5. Asexuality is not brokenness. This is the most common and most damaging assumption that a lot of people (including mental health professionals) make. Asexual people may struggle with mental illness and may have a trauma history - but these things exist at the same rate as the general population, and an asexual identity isn’t a result of these conditions or experiences. As with any of the marginalized identities we serve, we strive to validate the lived experiences of members of the asexual community. We stand with you, and want to support you as you explore the intersecting facets of your identity. [Image description: Asexual flag Image text reads as above text]. #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #Asexuality #AsexualAffirming #AsexualPride #AsexualAwarenessWeek

We spoke to our therapist Alejandro Romero this week about what his #TherapistConfession would be to clients. He told me : "As a strength-based therapist, I have an assumption that all people have inherent strengths that have supported them in coping and surviving so much. It's my goal to support you and facilitate conversations that further solidify your empowerment. Some people get very specific about why they come to therapy, and only need a tune up of a few sessio...ns. Sometimes clients need to process trauma that takes more time. Whatever the therapeutic goal is, my hope is to put myself out of a job, so that eventually you trust that you can handle any conflict or challenge. [Image description: Couple sits on a couch across from therapist, Image text reads: "You don't have to be in therapy forever"]. #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #TherapistConfessions #TherapyWorks #TherapistThursday #ThoughtfulThursday #ThursdayThoughts #TherapyThoughts #TherapyThursday #TherapyIsCool #LGBTAffirmativeTherapy

Today is the final day in our series talking about ideas that help combat feelings of burnout. Our final idea in this series that may help you in dealing with these feelings is: Talk to other people - When you talk to someone else and they tell you they’ve also felt that way, it normalizes your experience.... [Image description: Woman stands against a white wall, talking on a cellphone, Image text reads: "Combating Burnout : Talk to other people.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #Burnout #BurnBrightNotOut #BurnoutPrevention #BurnoutRecovery #TalkToPeople

Today we're continuing with our discussion on how to combat feelings of burnout. Like depression, burnout tells you a lot of lies about yourself. Our next suggestion to help deal with these feelings and combat the lies our mind tries to tell us is:... Act as if - Acting as if is exactly what it sounds like: pretend something is true, and then act as if it were. When you tell yourself, maybe I’m just a lazy person who hates work, ask yourself, but what would I do if I weren’t? [Image description: Group of people hike on a hill covered with dry grass, Image text reads: Combating burnout : Acting "As If.] #ThroughTheWoodsTherapy #CaliforniaTherapist #CaliforniaTherapy #CaliforniaMFT #LosAngelesTherapist #LosAngelesTherapy #LAtherapy #LAtherapist #DTLAtherapy #DTLAtherapist #MentalHealth #MentalHealthAwareness #MentalHealthCounseling #BenefitsOfTherapy #WordsOfWisdom #BiteSizedWisdom #TherapistsOfInstagram #Burnout #BurnBrightNotOut #BurnoutPrevention #BurnoutRecovery #ActAsIf