Thoughts from a therapist…

A Blog

If you find yourself struggling with various family dynamics, low motivation, depression, anxiety, low self esteem reach out today and find out how therapy can help.

Christina Castro Christina Castro

Understanding the Mother Wound: Healing Early Attachment Trauma

The concept of the mother wound revolves around the emotional and psychological scars left by a mother who, often unintentionally, causes harm through her actions or inactions. This wound stems from early attachment trauma and can profoundly impact adult women, especially when they become mothers or contemplate motherhood. Understanding the mother wound is crucial for healing and developing better self-esteem and confidence in making appropriate life choices.

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Anxiety, Depression Christina Castro Anxiety, Depression Christina Castro

Navigating the Mental Health Challenges of Traumatic Brain Injury Survivors

Recovering from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a deeply personal journey that encompasses not only the physical repercussions but also significant psychological hurdles. At Brighter Days Teletherapy, we understand the complexities that come with TBI and offer supportive, empathetic care through online therapy, helping individuals all across California find a pathway back to their best selves.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

How do I know if I am depressed or just sad and worried?

Feeling down or worried is a normal part of life. We all go through periods of sadness, stress, grief or worry in response to difficult life events or situations. But how can you tell if your sadness has crossed the line into depression?

Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a serious medical illness that affects how you feel, think and handle daily activities. Unlike normal mood fluctuations, depressive episodes last for weeks or months and can become progressively worse without treatment.

Here are some signs and differences that can help you determine if you may be depressed rather than just feeling temporarily sad or anxious:

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Transforming Life Transitions: EMDR Therapy for Attachment Trauma

Hey there! Let's chat about something we all face – life's constant game of musical chairs. One minute you're a carefree individual, and the next, you're a parent, or even an empty nester wondering what to do with all these spare rooms. Life's transitions are like surprise plot twists in our personal sitcoms. But what if these transitions feel more like thriller-dramas because of old attachment traumas? That's where Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, especially the attachment-focused kind, comes into play – like a superhero swooping in to save the day!

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Navigating Anxiety with EMDR: Healing from Attachment Trauma

Let's face it, anxiety can be like that uninvited guest who crashes your party, eats all your snacks, and just won't leave. But what if this party crasher has been lingering since your childhood days? Often, the roots of our adult anxiety stretch back to our early experiences, specifically to those all-important attachment relationships. Yes, I'm talking about those days when your biggest worry was whether you'd get an extra scoop of ice cream. But hey, let's dive a bit deeper and see how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help send this persistent gatecrasher packing.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Navigating Family Boundaries During the Holidays: A Guide to Less Anxiety and More Joy

The holiday season, often pictured as a time of joy and togetherness, can also bring a whirlwind of stress, particularly when dealing with family dynamics. For many, navigating family interactions while maintaining personal well-being can be a challenge, leading to heightened anxiety. This guide will explore practical strategies for setting boundaries with family during the holidays, aiming to reduce anxiety and increase enjoyment.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Let's Talk About Anxiety: From Caveman Days to Your Family's History

Hey there! So, we all deal with anxiety, right? Sometimes it feels like an unwanted guest that just won't leave. But have you ever wondered where it comes from? Let's dive into this together and understand not just where anxiety comes from, but also how it's passed down through generations. And yes, we're going to talk about therapy options too, including online therapy, because let's face it, we could all use some help sometimes.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

The Best Stress-Reduction Techniques for High-Anxiety Situations

Living with anxiety can feel like being in the eye of an emotional storm. One moment you may feel in control, and the next, a wave of worry washes over you, leaving you feeling helpless and overwhelmed. As an online therapy provider specializing in supporting women with anxiety, we understand how these high-anxiety situations can be not just challenging but utterly exhausting.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Anxiety vs. Stress: Knowing the Difference and When to Seek Help

Feeling overwhelmed by the juggling act of life is something we can all relate to. While stress and anxiety often go hand-in-hand, they are not one and the same. The distinctions may seem subtle, but understanding the difference can be transformative. In a world that often seems designed to trigger these emotional responses, it's crucial to discern between stress and anxiety to navigate the best path for your well-being.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Navigating the Maze of Anticipatory Anxiety: You're Not Alone

Anticipatory anxiety refers to the dread and fear experienced before an expected event. It's the tension you feel days, weeks, or even months before an event you consider stressful. This kind of anxiety can be a part of other anxiety disorders like generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. However, it's an experience that almost anyone can relate to, even without a formal diagnosis.

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Christina Castro Christina Castro

Finding Your Balance: How Online Therapy Can Support Busy Sports Moms

Whether you're struggling with life transitions, feeling disconnected from your partner, or battling feelings of inadequacy as a mom or wife, high-quality online therapy could be the lifeline you need. At Brighter Days Teletherapy, our highly skilled therapists with lived experience are here to guide you through the unique challenges you face. Let's dive into how therapy for moms can help you regain a sense of self and transform your life for the better.

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EMDR Therapy Christina Castro EMDR Therapy Christina Castro

What the Heck is EMDR and How Can It Help Me?

Helping your brain get unstuck from trauma.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Research has proven that EMDR is a successful treatment for trauma, anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders. Maybe you’ve been curious about EMDR or you recently learned about it while watching Oprah interview of Prince Harry. If you have suffered a traumatic event, whether you can recall the details or not, EMDR may be the therapy that can finally provide you relief from the triggers that send your mind and body back into survival mode.

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