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What is EMDR Therapy?

One of the most efficient ways to heal from past experiences and cultivate fulfilling relationships is through EMDR therapy.

If you have heard the term EMDR therapy from family or friends, but have questions about how it actually works, you are in the right place. This article will cover what EMDR therapy is, how it works, and how to find a trained EMDR therapist.

Hanna Stensby Hanna Stensby

Go Slow to Go Fast: How Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy is Helping People Heal from PTSD

In Los Angeles, where the pace of life can be frenetic, ketamine-assisted therapy for PTSD is helping folx to slow down, and titrate into the healing process with a trauma-informed approach. This innovative form of treatment is not only making waves in addressing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder but is also proving effective for treatment-resistant depression. Let's explore the transformative potential of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in Los Angeles, CA, and how this unique modality is providing hope and healing to those who need it the most.

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EMDR Hanna Stensby EMDR Hanna Stensby

EMDR: A Pathway to Relationship Resilience through Attachment-Focused Healing in Los Angeles

Do you find yourself seething in the checkout line at Eataly because you are trying to buy your partner their favorite Harry’s Berries and they aren’t answering their phone? Or maybe you picked a fight with them after a lovely dinner at The Great White, when they didn’t offer to stay at your place for the night. Wondering why these seemingly small moments cut so deep? Read on to learn how attachment wounds can cause reactivity in relationships and how EMDR therapy can help you stay calm and connected.

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Relationships Hanna Stensby Relationships Hanna Stensby

Dating in LA: Top 5 Strategies for Healing After a Breakup

Healing after a breakup is a multifaceted and individualized process that requires time, self-reflection, and intentional effort. As a couples therapist in Los Angeles, I have witnessed the transformative power of embracing emotional expression, establishing boundaries, prioritizing self-care, seeking professional support, and cultivating a vision for the future. By incorporating these strategies into their healing journey, individuals can navigate the emotional landscape of a breakup and emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever before.

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Hanna Stensby Hanna Stensby

Demystifying Ketamine Therapy: A Therapist's Perspective on Dispelling Myths and Easing Worries

As a licensed therapist, dispelling myths and easing worries around ketamine therapy requires a multifaceted approach. By providing accurate information, addressing concerns openly, and emphasizing the collaborative and comprehensive nature of mental health care, therapists can guide clients toward informed decisions about ketamine therapy. Ultimately, fostering a supportive and transparent therapeutic relationship empowers individuals to explore innovative treatment options, contributing to their journey toward improved mental well-being.

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Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby

Strategies to End Relationship Conflict from a Couples Therapist

Navigating the complexities of a relationship and putting an end to persistent fighting requires commitment, self-awareness, and a willingness to learn and grow together. As a couples therapist, I have seen couples transform their dynamics by embracing effective communication, developing emotional intelligence, establishing clear expectations and boundaries, honing conflict resolution skills, and prioritizing quality time and intimacy.

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Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby

Unlocking Passion: Navigating Sexual Brakes and Accelerators for a Fulfilling Sex Life

Enter the concept of sexual brakes and accelerators, a paradigm that can transform how couples approach intimacy. Proposed by sex researcher Emily Nagoski, this framework sheds light on the factors that inhibit (brakes) or enhance (accelerators) sexual arousal. By delving into these aspects, couples can unlock a deeper connection and create a more fulfilling sexual experience.

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EMDR Hanna Stensby EMDR Hanna Stensby

Healing Through Dual Attention: Exploring EMDR Therapy at Flourish Mindset in Walnut Creek, California

Flourish Mindset, based in Walnut Creek, California, distinguishes itself by incorporating an attachment-informed approach into their EMDR therapy. Attachment theory emphasizes the importance of early relationships in shaping an individual's psychological well-being. By considering attachment dynamics, therapists at Flourish Mindset create a safe and secure therapeutic environment, promoting healing through the lens of secure attachment.

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Hanna Stensby Hanna Stensby

Navigating Consensual Non-Monogamy: A Trauma-Informed Therapist's Perspective on Healthy Attachment

Let’s be honest, if you have not done couples therapy before, it can feel overwhelming and confusing not fully understanding what to expect throughout the process. The Gottman Method of couples therapy has a specific structure and format that can help make sense of the perplexity. Building love maps is the foundational practice of the Gottman Method. This article works to explain what love maps are, why they are important in strong and long lasting relationships, and offer some confidence and hope for paletting the powerful journey of couples therapy one step at a time

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Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby

The Importance of Fathers: The Gottman Evidence

Fathers do not have to live by the stigmas and media representation that is laid out before them. And while “perfect dad” is an impossible goal, they are not expected to know how to be the best father they can be all on their own without any support. This is where therapy can be helpful. Gottman method trained therapists and perinatal counselors are trained to support new and expecting parents in navigating the concerns and challenges of being a father and all of the other hats they wear simultaneously. For couples or individuals who want to be intentional parents and focus on creating meaningful and curative relationships with their children, looking for counseling services can be an exceptional resource.

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Hanna Stensby Hanna Stensby

Flourish Mindset: Providing High-Quality Mental Health Care Through Aetna Insurance

Our partnership with Aetna Insurance signifies a significant stride toward making mental health care more accessible and affordable for everyone. By embracing a holistic approach to mental health and working alongside reputable insurance providers like Aetna, Flourish Mindset is setting a positive example for the mental health industry. Accessible, high-quality mental health care is not a luxury; it is a fundamental right that every individual deserves. Through our dedication and commitment, Flourish Mindset is paving the way for a future where a flourishing mindset is within reach for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

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Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby

Build Love Maps to Deepen Your Connection with Your Partner, Improve Communication, and Build a Strong Foundation for Your Relationship

Love maps help couples work toward and accomplish this practice. They act as aids that give a general outline of the history, pivotal growth moments, challenges, important relationships, and shadow parts of each partner in a relationship. They are important because when one has understanding of their partner’s worldview, they can be more empathetic and therefore support and connect with them more authentically and intimately. Gottman Method couples therapists are excellent resources in guiding couples through this process and consistently building this as a strength factor of the relationship.

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Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Hanna Stensby Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Hanna Stensby

The Neurobiological Marvels of Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in the Treatment of Anxiety and Depression

Recent meta-analyses, including the comprehensive review by Iadarola et al. (2021), underline Ketamine’s effectiveness in rapidly alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Through its impact on glutamate receptors and synaptic plasticity, Ketamine not only provides swift relief but also fosters emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility, essential components in managing anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms.

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Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby

Stop Being Nice so You Can Be Kind: A Couple’s Guide to Boundaries

Finding equilibrium in a relationship involves balancing consideration for your partner's needs with self-awareness of your own. Establishing clear boundaries is key to fostering a deeper emotional connection, leading to more profound and intimate relationships. Prioritizing both empathy towards your partner and self-awareness creates a healthy equilibrium that strengthens the bond between individuals.

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Hanna Stensby Hanna Stensby

How to Avoid Blowing Your Top: Understanding The Window of Tolerance

The Window of Tolerance defines the emotional arousal zone where an individual can function optimally. Within this window, feelings of safety, engagement, and connectivity dominate. Stray outside, and one grapples with hyperarousal (over-reactivity, anxiety, anger) or hypoarousal (disconnection, numbness). Building and maintaining strong, healthy relationships can be a challenging endeavor. In bustling hubs like Los Angeles, couples therapy has emerged as an invaluable resource for partners navigating relationship challenges.

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Hanna Stensby Hanna Stensby

Baby Steps: Support for Parents Facing Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Perinatal or Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) is the new and more inclusive label for the formally known Postpartum Depression (PPD). Hormonally and environmentally, having a baby creates drastic changes in our bodies and in our lives. Often these changes begin to impair our daily functioning in various areas of life beyond just inconvenience. That is the signal that maybe something more serious is going on. More often than we think, many birthing people and parents experience the clinical effects of these changes. In fact, about one in every five to seven women is forced to deal with a PMAD. Some may be surprised to hear that even parents who are not pregnant or giving birth are still at risk for PMAD.

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Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Hanna Stensby Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy Hanna Stensby

The Crucial Role of Set and Setting in Psychedelic-Based Therapy

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in psychedelic-based therapies, including ketamin-assisted therapy, as potential tools for addressing various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. One of the cornerstones of successful and safe psychedelic experiences is the concept of "set and setting." This dynamic duo plays a pivotal role in shaping the outcome of these therapies and ensuring a transformative and healing journey.

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Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby Couples Therapy Hanna Stensby

How the Gottman Method Helps Couples Reconnect, and Navigate Conflict in a Healthy Way

The Gottman Method of Couples Therapy is an approach that has proven to be effective for couples looking to improve their relationships with a variety of issues. Gottman Method trained therapists practice cultural humility and are prepared to support couples with a diverse background of genders, ages, sexual orientations, socio-economic statuses, and cultural backgrounds respectively. Evidence-based research of the Gottman Method of Couples Therapy has revealed that the work to disarm unhelpful communication patterns, build intimacy, respect, and friendship, and increase partners’ empathy for one another are the most effective and measurable focuses to creating change for couples long term.

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EMDR Hanna Stensby EMDR Hanna Stensby

Embracing Alternatives: Exploring the Transformative Power of EMDR Therapy in Walnut Creek, CA

The landscape of mental health treatment is evolving, giving rise to alternative therapies that can offer profound healing where traditional approaches may fall short. The recent Apple TV+ docuseries titled "The Me You Can't See" has illuminated the significance of alternative therapies, with Prince Harry's revelation about the therapeutic benefits of EMDR therapy capturing the spotlight.

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