Feel Like Shutting Down or Lashing Out? Try This Instead.
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Feel Like Shutting Down or Lashing Out? Try This Instead.

ByNicky Patino, Psychotherapist

Sometimes our feelings get so big, we just want to react. Maybe that means canceling plans when anxiety hits, giving the silent treatment when we’re hurt, or spiraling into self-doubt when things feel uncertain. It’s easy to think “This emotion is so strong, I have to do what it’s telling me to do.” But what…

Want to Ask for Something Without the Guilt? Meet DEAR MAN.
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Want to Ask for Something Without the Guilt? Meet DEAR MAN.

ByNicky Patino, Psychotherapist

Let’s be honest — asking for what you need isn’t always easy. You might worry you’re being “too much.” You replay the conversation in your head a dozen times. Or you convince yourself it’s not worth bringing up because “you’ll just deal with it.” Sound familiar? The truth is, so many of us were never…

“I Don’t Belong Here”: Working Through Imposter Syndrome
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“I Don’t Belong Here”: Working Through Imposter Syndrome

ByNicky Patino, Psychotherapist

Have you ever found yourself in a room, heart racing, thinking, “I have no idea what I’m doing. How did I even get here?” That small voice whispering, “Soon they’ll figure out I’m not as good as they think I am,” — that’s imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome can show up in all kinds of places:…

Is Your Mind Jumping to Conclusions? Here’s How to Ground Yourself.
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Is Your Mind Jumping to Conclusions? Here’s How to Ground Yourself.

ByNicky Patino, Psychotherapist

Ever had one small thing happen and suddenly your brain spirals into the worst-case scenario?​ Your partner doesn’t respond to a text, and your mind whispers, “They’re pulling away.”​ A coworker sounds short, and you think, “I must’ve done something wrong.” This is totally normal — our brains are wired to protect us, and that…

How Do I Know If My Partner and I Need Couples Therapy?
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How Do I Know If My Partner and I Need Couples Therapy?

ByNicky Patino, Psychotherapist

Many couples wait until things feel unbearable before seeking support. But what if therapy could be a space for prevention — not just crisis management? If you’ve ever wondered whether couples therapy is “serious enough” to consider, you’re not alone. I often hear clients say, “We’re not on the brink of divorce, but something feels…

Staying Grounded During Election Turbulence
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Staying Grounded During Election Turbulence

BySara Vivens

As this election season intensifies, it’s common to experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety. You may notice this physically through sleep disturbances, increased headaches, stomach issues, or muscle tension. Emotionally, you may experience uncontrollable worry, restlessness, irritability, panic attacks, or feelings of numbness. The media coverage, impending political debates, and discussions about the future…