Navigating the Decision to Establish Distance from Family
Lauren Bartholomew Lauren Bartholomew

Navigating the Decision to Establish Distance from Family

The decision to establish no contact with family members is not made lightly, but it can be a necessary step towards reclaiming one's sense of self and fostering emotional well-being. By recognizing toxic dynamics, setting boundaries, prioritizing healing, and choosing self-preservation, individuals can navigate the complexities of family relationships with courage and resilience. It's a journey towards greater authenticity, empowerment, and inner peace.

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Embracing Childfreedom: Why Some Choose to Live Without Children
Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

Embracing Childfreedom: Why Some Choose to Live Without Children

In a world where the societal norm often revolves around marriage, kids, and a white picket fence, the decision to forgo parenthood can sometimes raise eyebrows. However, for a growing number of individuals and couples, the choice to remain childfree is a deliberate and empowering one, rooted in personal values, lifestyle preferences, and a desire for freedom and fulfillment.

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Exploring the Inner Landscape: How Can I Connect with Self?
Internal Family Systems, Mental Health, Teen Mental Health Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Internal Family Systems, Mental Health, Teen Mental Health Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

Exploring the Inner Landscape: How Can I Connect with Self?

Connecting with your Self, as defined in the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, involves tapping into your core, which is characterized by qualities such as compassion, curiosity, courage, and calmness. The Self is considered the natural state of your being, your true and authentic core, and moving from Self can lead to increased self-awareness, resilience, and emotional well-being.

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Exploring the Inner Landscape: The Concept of Exiles in Internal Family Systems
Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

Exploring the Inner Landscape: The Concept of Exiles in Internal Family Systems

Within the realm of Internal Family Systems, exiles represent the parts of ourselves that carry the burden of our deepest wounds. These wounds are often rooted in early life experiences, trauma, or moments of intense vulnerability. Exiles hold the memories and emotions associated with these painful experiences, and in an effort to protect the individual, the mind often pushes them into the shadows of consciousness.

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Exploring the Inner Landscape: The Role of Managers in Internal Family Systems
Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

Exploring the Inner Landscape: The Role of Managers in Internal Family Systems

Managers can be thought of as the responsible, organized, and often controlling aspects of our psyche. They operate with the intention of maintaining order, stability, and functionality in our lives. Like diligent caretakers, managers strive to keep us safe by setting rules, adhering to routines, and avoiding situations that may trigger distress or chaos, all in service of keeping the exiles they protect safe and not triggered.

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A Deeper Look at Gaslighting
Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

A Deeper Look at Gaslighting

Building awareness of gaslighting empowers individuals to reclaim their reality and establish boundaries that safeguard their mental and emotional well-being.

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Beginner Mindfulness Exercises
Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

Beginner Mindfulness Exercises

Consistent mindfulness practice can lead to increased mindfulness and a greater sense of calm in your daily life.

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Nurturing Well-being: The Art of Setting Boundaries
Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

Nurturing Well-being: The Art of Setting Boundaries

Boundaries act as the invisible fences that define the limits of our emotional, physical, and mental spaces. Just as a garden flourishes when protected by a fence, our well-being thrives when we establish and maintain healthy boundaries.

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Navigating Relationships: Ask Culture vs. Tell Culture
Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

Navigating Relationships: Ask Culture vs. Tell Culture

In the rich tapestry of human relationships, the interplay between Ask Culture and Tell Culture shapes the dynamics of communication. Embracing the diversity of these styles allows partners to navigate the complexities of their connection with understanding and compassion.

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Self-Care Strategies
Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D Lauren Bartholomew, Psy.D

Self-Care Strategies

Sometimes people feel overwhelmed by the concept of self-care, thinking it means spending a day at the spa or going on vacation. But there are many, smaller ways to incorporate self-care into your daily routine that can make a difference.

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