Healing from Religious Trauma as an LGBTQIA+ Person
For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, faith and identity have long existed in conflict. While spirituality can be a powerful source of comfort and community, it can also be a site of deep pain—especially when religion is used to shame, reject, or erase who you are. Religious trauma occurs when spiritual teachings, leaders, or communities inflict emotional […]
Understanding Minority Stress: What It Is and How to Cope
Living as a member of a marginalized group in a society shaped by systemic inequality comes with a unique set of stressors. These aren’t just occasional frustrations—they’re chronic, cumulative experiences that can impact mental, emotional, and even physical health. This is what psychologists call minority stress. If you’ve ever felt like the world expects you […]
Managing Anxiety Around Body Image During Swimsuit Season
As temperatures rise and summer kicks into full swing, so does the pressure to look a certain way. Swimsuit season—marketed as a time for carefree fun—can stir up deep anxiety for many people, especially around body image. Whether it’s fear of judgment, comparison, or internalized shame, navigating these feelings can be challenging. If you’ve ever […]
Sunshine & Serotonin: How Summer Impacts Your Mood (and What to Watch For)
For many people, summer brings a sense of lightness—longer days, warmer weather, vacations, and social gatherings. You may have even heard that sunshine boosts your mood. And it’s true: there’s a biological connection between sunlight and serotonin, one of the brain’s key mood-regulating chemicals. But summer doesn’t affect everyone the same way. While it can […]
How to Find an LGBTQ+-Affirming Therapist
Finding a therapist can feel overwhelming. For LGBTQ+ individuals, it often comes with an added layer of vulnerability: Will this person truly see me? Will they affirm who I am? The right therapist can offer more than mental health support—they can be a safe space where you don’t have to explain or defend your identity. […]
Building Bridges: How to Build Emotional Intimacy in Relationships
In a world where texts are often quicker than conversations and “How are you?” can be answered with an emoji, emotional intimacy can feel elusive — yet it’s the very foundation of truly meaningful relationships. Emotional intimacy isn’t just about knowing someone’s favorite song or how they take their coffee. It’s about being able to […]