The Grouport Journal

Explore all things mental health. Check out some of our latest journals below.

Breaking Trauma Bonds with Narcissists

PTSD

Breaking Trauma Bonds with Narcissists

Trauma bonds, especially with narcissists, can create a painful cycle of abuse and dependency that is challenging to escape. The term refers to a deep emotional attachment that forms between a victim and an abuser within a harmful relationship. These bonds can feel almost unbreakable due to the manipulative tactics often employed by narcissists. This article will provide insights into how to identify, understand, and ultimately break a trauma bond with a narcissist.

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The Lifelong Impact of Childhood Trauma on Health

PTSD

The Lifelong Impact of Childhood Trauma on Health

A growing body of evidence indicates that experiences of trauma during early development can profoundly impact an individual's physical and mental health across their lifespan. Childhood trauma can leave lasting effects that extend far beyond the initial incident. This article explores how childhood trauma can influence health outcomes through adulthood.

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Understanding the Relationship Between Trauma and ADHD

PTSD

Understanding the Relationship Between Trauma and ADHD

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity patterns. While genetics is widely accepted as playing a significant role in the development of ADHD, researchers are exploring the potential influence of other factors, including trauma. This article delves into the possible connection between trauma and ADHD.

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Exploring the Connection Between Emotional Trauma and Thyroid Problems

PTSD

Exploring the Connection Between Emotional Trauma and Thyroid Problems

Emotional trauma is a distressing or life-threatening event that leads to an emotional response of fear, sadness, anxiety, or helplessness. It can lead to various mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety disorders. Recent research suggests emotional trauma may also contribute to physical health problems, including thyroid disorders.

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Understanding the Complexities of Religious Trauma

PTSD

Understanding the Complexities of Religious Trauma

Religious trauma is a complex and often misunderstood phenomenon. This type of trauma refers to the deep psychological harm caused by negative religious experiences. For some individuals, religious environments, teachings, or practices can become sources of significant distress and pain, causing severe emotional and mental health issues that may persist long after they leave the religious environment.

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Guiding Lights: The Five Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

PTSD

Guiding Lights: The Five Principles of Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care represents a paradigm shift in healthcare delivery. This approach emphasizes understanding, recognizing, and responding to the effects of all types of trauma. Five core principles guide the implementation of trauma-informed care. Each principle supports individuals who have experienced trauma, providing a compassionate, sensitive framework that promotes healing and recovery.

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Exploring the Connection between Trauma and Schizophrenia

PTSD

Exploring the Connection between Trauma and Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a severe, chronic psychiatric disorder that alters a person's perception of reality. Despite decades of research, its exact causes remain elusive. However, growing evidence suggests trauma could play a role in developing schizophrenia. This article explores the possible link between traumatic experiences and the onset of schizophrenia.

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Unseen Chains: Understanding How Trauma Gets Passed Down in the Womb

PTSD

Unseen Chains: Understanding How Trauma Gets Passed Down in the Womb

Exploring how trauma might be passed down in the womb takes us into the fascinating field of epigenetics. This study of how external factors can influence gene expression without altering the DNA sequence itself can provide insights into the mechanisms that might allow the transmission of trauma from a pregnant person to their unborn child.

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Exploring the Connection Between Trauma and Memory Loss

PTSD

Exploring the Connection Between Trauma and Memory Loss

The relationship between trauma and memory loss is a complex one that neuroscience and psychology have explored for many years. Trauma can have a profound effect on the brain, and one of these effects can be memory loss or alterations in how memories are formed and retrieved.

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Understanding Trauma Response: Insights into the Body's Reaction to Trauma

PTSD

Understanding Trauma Response: Insights into the Body's Reaction to Trauma

Trauma response is a term used to describe the range of reactions that an individual can have following a traumatic event. It includes physical, emotional, and behavioral responses, and everyone's experience with trauma is unique.

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Releasing Trauma from the Body: Effective Strategies for Physical and Emotional Healing

PTSD

Releasing Trauma from the Body: Effective Strategies for Physical and Emotional Healing

The body and mind share a profound connection, and trauma impacts both dimensions. Often, even after psychological trauma begins to heal, our bodies might still bear the invisible imprint of distress. Understanding how to release trauma from the body is critical for comprehensive healing.

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The Impact of Trauma on the Brain: A Closer Look

PTSD

The Impact of Trauma on the Brain: A Closer Look

Trauma can profoundly affect the brain, altering its structure and functionality. This happens regardless of whether the trauma is a one-time event or a prolonged experience. These changes can lead to psychological issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, and depression.

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Generational Trauma: Unraveling the Legacy of Trauma Across Generations

PTSD

Generational Trauma: Unraveling the Legacy of Trauma Across Generations

Generational or intergenerational, or transgenerational trauma is a psychological theory suggesting that trauma can be transferred from one generation to the next. This occurs when the effects of trauma experienced by one generation are passed down to subsequent generations, even if these younger generations have not directly experienced the traumatic events themselves.

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Complex Trauma: A Deeper Insight into Prolonged Traumatic Experiences

PTSD

Complex Trauma: A Deeper Insight into Prolonged Traumatic Experiences

Complex trauma is a type of trauma that occurs repeatedly and cumulatively, usually over time and within specific relationships and contexts. Unlike single-incident traumas, which are associated with a singular, disruptive event, complex trauma is typically associated with a series of traumatic events, often invasive and interpersonal.

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Pathways to Healing: Practical Steps for Recovering from Trauma

PTSD

Pathways to Healing: Practical Steps for Recovering from Trauma

Trauma is an emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's coping ability. It can have profound psychological and physiological effects, with symptoms ranging from intrusive thoughts and heightened anxiety to physical manifestations such as insomnia or changes in appetite. Recovery is a complex process involving various steps tailored to the individual's unique experience and needs. This article outlines some general guidelines for healing from trauma.

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Unraveling the Intricacies of Trauma Bonding: Its Formation, Effects, and Overcoming

PTSD

Unraveling the Intricacies of Trauma Bonding: Its Formation, Effects, and Overcoming

In the realm of psychology and interpersonal relationships, a phenomenon known as trauma bonding carries significant importance. Trauma bonding is a complex and often misunderstood aspect of human connections that arises from toxic or abusive situations. This article aims to shed light on trauma bonding, how it forms, its impact on individuals, and how people can work towards breaking these harmful bonds.

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Understanding Trauma: Its Impact and Manifestations

PTSD

Understanding Trauma: Its Impact and Manifestations

Trauma is a complex and multifaceted concept that permeates numerous aspects of psychology and mental health. It stems from experiences that deeply distress or disturb an individual, often leaving lasting impacts. Understanding trauma involves exploring its origins, effects on the mind and body, and its manifestation in various forms.

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Can PTSD Lead to Dementia?

PTSD

Can PTSD Lead to Dementia?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex mental health condition that results from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. But can PTSD lead to dementia? This article delves into the connection between PTSD and the risk of developing dementia and the science that seeks to understand this relationship.

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Delving into EMDR Therapy: Sessions Needed for Complex PTSD

PTSD

Delving into EMDR Therapy: Sessions Needed for Complex PTSD

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is an innovative and highly effective therapeutic approach used for treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including its more severe form, Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). A common question asked by those considering EMDR therapy is: How many sessions will it take to alleviate C-PTSD symptoms? This article aims to shed light on the therapeutic process of EMDR and explain the number of required sessions.

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The Ripple Effects: Consequences of Untreated PTSD

PTSD

The Ripple Effects: Consequences of Untreated PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event — experiencing or witnessing it. PTSD can manifest in various ways and may include symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. But what happens when PTSD goes untreated? This article explores the potential outcomes and consequences of leaving PTSD untreated.

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Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

DBT

Minimizing Symptoms of PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can occur in individuals who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and intrusive thoughts about the event. While PTSD is a serious condition, there are effective ways to minimize its symptoms and regain control over one's life. This article will explore strategies for reducing symptoms of PTSD, including mindfulness, exposure therapy, and cognitive restructuring.

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DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Radical Acceptance

The concept of Radical Acceptance is rooted in the idea that all suffering originated not in pain, but in our attachment to pain. In fact, Radical Acceptance has origins in Buddhism with the tenant that relief from suffering begins first and foremost with acceptance. ‍As a Dialectical Behavior Therapy skill, Radical Acceptance refers to the ability to accept our situation when the circumstances are out of our control, which can reduce the suffering we feel. Instead of being attached to our

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DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - Emotional Regulation

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches critical skills relative to Emotional Regulation, which is arguably relevant for people of all backgrounds, behavior types, and with or without mental health conditions. We can all benefit from greater emotional regulation. ‍While emotions are important and feelings are relative in our relationships and day to day life and processing (they help us communicate and understand our experiences), they can also create a great deal of emotional suffering

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DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - How to Think and Act Dialectically

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is, at its core, founded upon principles of Dialectical thinking, which involves an integration of two foundational opposites: acceptance and change. ‍Learning to think and act in a dialectical manner can open up your thought process and increase your awareness of the different nuances in the world around you, rather than allowing you to exist in extreme black and whites. Extreme highs and lows are what drive many of the mental health conditions DBT is use

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DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

DBT

DBT Skills to Know - What is a “Wise Mind”?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), is a specific type of psychotherapy under the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy umbrella that was curated for Borderline Personality Disorder. However, this type of therapy has been proven to be successful in the treatment of a myriad of other mental health conditions, including but not limited to anyone struggling with: Overwhelming emotions.Impulsive behavior.Self injury.Suicidal thoughts.Substance abuse.Eating disorders.PTSD and other trauma disorders.&nbsp

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How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

DBT

How DBT Skills Help Manage Eating Disorders

Over 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Eating disorders are generally classified as a type of mental illness characterized by harmful behaviors related to food. Those with eating disorders (such as bulimia, anorexia, binge eating, ad more) usually struggle with impulsivity, compulsive behaviors, negative body image, and even coexisting conditions like depression, anxiety, and more. ‍Eating disorders are the second most deadly mental illness (the first is

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How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

DBT

How DBT Helps with Managing Anxiety Disorders

These days over 18% of US adults are living with an anxiety disorder. For many people living with chronic anxiety, experiencing a daily, significant and ongoing sense of fear or anxiety can lead to restlessness, panic attacks, isolation, poor sleep, and physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, body aches, stomach pain, and more. These and a host of other symptoms can be debilitating and may significantly decrease the sufferer’s quality of life. ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is usu

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

DBT

Dialectical Behavior Therapy: An Effective Approach for Depression

Depression is a common mental health condition characterized by persistent sadness, decreased interest in activities, and difficulty functioning daily. While there are many treatment modalities for depression, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is particularly effective in providing individuals with tools to manage their symptoms. This article will delve into the ways DBT can aid in coping with depression.

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Essential Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills: Distress Tolerance and Mindfulness

DBT

Essential Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills: Distress Tolerance and Mindfulness

Are you interested in learning more about Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)? This unique form of psychotherapy - a variation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can be used for a wide variety of mental health issues and conditions. While DBT was specifically developed for treating individuals who have difficulty managing and regulating their own emotions, (such as with Borderline Personality Disorder), this treatment type has also been proven to be effective for a variety of other condi

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Is Group Therapy Beneficial for Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD

Is Group Therapy Beneficial for Borderline Personality Disorder?

Living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a difficult challenge for many. The struggle to control thoughts, actions, and reactions permeates their everyday lives and relationships. Their sense of self is highly dependent on their mood swings and often chaotic relationships with others, and they have difficulty managing stress, conflict, and the emotions of others. Living with BPD essentially means coping with a pattern of regular instability that spans mood, behaviors, identity, commu

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Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Right for Me?

DBT

Is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Right for Me?

Do you have intense emotional highs and lows? Maybe regularly find yourself engaging in self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse, self-harm, eating disorders, and interpersonal conflict? Have you been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder? Or maybe you can identify with one of the following: ADHDAnorexia NervosaBulimia NervosaAnxiety DisordersMajor Depressive DisorderSuicidal BehaviorOCDPTSD‍If so, Dialectical Behavior Therapy may be the right treatment to get you back on

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How is DBT Different from CBT?

DBT

How is DBT Different from CBT?

Psychotherapy offers exclusive benefits as a treatment method which differs from traditional talk therapy. If you’re at all familiar with psychotherapy, you’ve probably heard the terms “DBT” and “CBT.” DBT stands for Dialectal Behavior Therapy, and CBT stands for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. If you’re trying to decide which one is right for you, it’s important to understand the differences between the two. ‍Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT is closer in concept to traditional talk ther

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What Everyone Should Know About Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT

What Everyone Should Know About Dialectical Behavior Therapy

If you’re considering Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for you or a loved one, you probably already know the basics: DBT was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan specifically for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). DBT is a highly beneficial treatment for many individuals for various mental health disorders and conditions, and traditionally follows the same path or protocol of treatment through 4 key modules to achieve success. The 4 main stages of DBT are:&n

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How to Talk About Mental Health

All Articles

How to Talk About Mental Health

In today’s day and age, mental health is a HOT topic, and we’re excited about that! However, for many people entering a new, sometimes scary world of discussions about inner workings, mindset, worldviews, diagnoses, emotions, and more, it may be daunting to get pulled into a discussion about mental health. ‍If you’re struggling to understand what kind of language to use to participate in discussions around mental health, or even to discuss your own, this guide will help you get started on t

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4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting Dialectical Behavior Therapy

DBT

4 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Starting Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a modified version of another well-known type of psychotherapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The primary goal of DBT is to help individuals struggling with certain behaviors and mental health conditions to better cope with stress, regulate their emotions, stay present in every moment, and consequently improve the health of their relationships with others. ‍While DBT was initially developed to treat a specific condition - Borderline Perso

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The Top 5 Benefits of Online DBT Group Therapy

DBT

The Top 5 Benefits of Online DBT Group Therapy

When approaching Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), many people are surprised to find that online group sessions actively work on the skill development required to succeed. While it’s often presumed that DBT is most effective in a one-on-one setting, in reality DBT skills are best adopted in a group setting where members can actively practice their new skills and participate in discussion around common mental health challenges. ‍Benefit 1: Community & AccountabilityFor the majority of

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What Therapy is Best For Borderline Personality Disorder?

BPD

What Therapy is Best For Borderline Personality Disorder?

When it comes to Borderline Personality Disorder, there is currently only one empirically-supported treatment protocol for this condition: Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT. A form of psychotherapy developed in the late 1980s by Dr Marsha Linehan, this treatment protocol is based on cognitive behavioral principles applied in specific ways in order to target common symptoms of BPD such as chaotic relationships, emotional lability, instability, and impulsivity. Over the last few decad

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What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Used For?

DBT

What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy Used For?

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, or DBT, was developed in the late 1980s by Dr. Marsha Linehan following extensive use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). DBT was developed specifically because it became clear that CBT was not fully effective for patients with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). In order to improve treatment for BPD, Dr. Linehan and colleagues created and tested additional techniques in order to achieve greater success as they sought to improve the health and wellbeing of t

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What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

DBT

What Is Dialectical Behavioral Therapy?

Dialectical Behavior Therapy, or DBT, is a modified version of another well-known type of psychotherapy called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The primary goal of DBT is to help individuals struggling with certain behaviors and mental health conditions to better cope with stress, regulate their emotions, stay present in every moment, and consequently improve the health of their relationships with others. ‍While DBT was initially developed to treat a specific condition - Borderline Perso

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What Are Therapies For OCD?

OCD

What Are Therapies For OCD?

The road to treatment for OCD can be a difficult one, and often requires significant courage and determination to succeed. Establishing a healthy level of support from a group can encourage you during the treatment process and is a healthy and beneficial step as you get started. ‍ERP & SRIsThe majority of psychologists will agree that the best and most effective treatments for OCD are Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in combination with medication such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (

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