Fear that others will leave, often rooted in early relational experiences.
A heightened emotional or physiological response triggered by stress.
A validating therapy approach supporting identity and expression.
A distortion where situations are viewed in absolute extremes.
The predictable escalation and resolution pattern of anger.
Relational patterns formed in early caregiving (secure, anxious, avoidant, disorganized).
A style marked by emotional distance and discomfort with closeness.
A style involving fear of rejection and reassurance seeking.
Limits that protect emotional and physical wellbeing.
Emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
Imagining the worst-case scenario as the most likely outcome.
Unhelpful thinking patterns contributing to emotional distress.
Calming nervous system response through supportive connection.
Repeated or long-term trauma affecting identity and regulation.
Deep internal beliefs formed from early experiences.
Automatic defensive responses when feeling threatened.
A mental disconnection triggered during overwhelm or trauma.
Overwhelm that activates fight-or-flight responses.
Skills used to manage emotional states.
A state where someone wants change but feels unable to move.
People-pleasing to maintain safety and avoid conflict.
Manipulation that causes someone to doubt their perception.
Techniques that reconnect someone to the present moment.
The process of developing one’s sense of self.
Avoiding emotional closeness due to fear or past injury.
Major life changes impacting emotional stability.
Negative beliefs about oneself.
Intentional present-moment awareness.
When the stress system becomes overly activated or shut down.
Prioritizing others’ needs at the expense of one’s own.
Setting unrealistically high standards associated with self-worth.
Compulsive use of pornography impacting functioning.
A shame-free, healthy approach to sexuality.
Attributing one’s feelings to someone else.
Immediate emotional responses triggered by stress.
Repeated ways people relate based on past experiences.
A small action aimed at easing tension or repairing connection.
Ignoring one’s needs to maintain connection or peace.
Understanding one’s authentic sexual identity.
A cycle of negative beliefs leading to emotional collapse.
A goal-oriented therapeutic model focusing on change.
Biological system behind fight, flight, freeze, fawn.
Bond created through inconsistent or intense relational cycles.
Approach prioritizing emotional safety and trauma awareness.
Cues that activate emotional memory or stress.
Affirming and acknowledging someone’s emotional experience.
Willingness to be emotionally open.
Optimal emotional zone for functioning and regulation.