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The Art of Rest: How to Truly Unwind Without Guilt
In our fast-paced world, rest often feels like a luxury, or even a weakness. But what if the secret to your best self is simply learning the art of rest ? Here’s how to give yourself permission to unwind, guilt-free, and why investing in your mental wellness through EMDR therapy and trauma therapy can make every moment of rest even more restorative. Why Rest Isn’t Selfish—it’s Survival We’re conditioned to hustle. Between work emails pinging at midnight and our to-do lists gr
Ted Thao
21 hours ago3 min read


The Science of Rest: How Sleep Impacts Mental Health
Let’s be honest—most of us don’t get enough sleep. We tell ourselves we’ll “catch up later,” power through another late night, or scroll our phones long past when we should’ve been asleep. But here’s the truth: sleep isn’t just about feeling rested. Sleep is mental health’s silent partner. Why Sleep Is More Than Just “Shut-Eye” Think of sleep as your body’s built-in therapist. At night, your brain isn’t simply “off”—it’s working hard to process emotions, store memories, and r
Ted Thao
Oct 272 min read


10 Ways Self-Care Is More Than Bubble Baths
When people hear the phrase self-care , they often picture candles, spa nights, or bubble baths filled with rose petals. Don’t get me wrong—those moments can be soothing. But here’s the truth: if you think self-care only lives in bath bombs and face masks, you’re missing the point. Real self-care is deeper. It’s about protecting your energy, setting yourself up for success, and taking care of your mental health. And sometimes? It’s not cute. It’s not Instagram-worthy. But it’
Ted Thao
Oct 254 min read


Mindful Morning Rituals to Start the Day with Clarity
Mornings can set the tone for the rest of the day. You know those mornings when you hit snooze five times, rush out the door, and feel like you’re playing catch-up until bedtime? Compare that with mornings where you wake up with intention, move at your own pace, and feel clear-minded. The difference isn’t just about time—it’s about how you start . That’s where mindful morning rituals come in. They aren’t about creating a two-hour routine filled with yoga, journaling, and medi
Ted Thao
Oct 213 min read


The Long-Term Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationships
How your past experiences shape your present, and what healing really looks like TL;DR Childhood trauma often lives quietly in the...
Ted Thao
Jun 105 min read


The Hidden Costs of Perfectionism on Mental Health
Maybe you’ve told yourself, If I just work a little harder, if I just push myself more, then I’ll finally feel good enough. But the truth?
Ted Thao
Mar 174 min read


Mindfulness: Your Secret Weapon Against Stress and Anxiety
Life moves fast, and so does our mind. We juggle school, friends, family expectations, and all the little things in between. Sometimes,...
Ted Thao
Mar 144 min read


Understanding the Fight, Flight, Freeze, or Fawn Response: How Trauma Shapes Our Reactions
As a therapist specializing in trauma, I see this every day. It’s more than just a theory—it’s your body’s way of trying to protect you.
Ted Thao
Mar 103 min read


10 Ways to Calm Anxiety When It Hits
That sudden rush of worry, the tightness in your chest, the racing thoughts—it can feel like you're completely out of control.
Ted Thao
Mar 73 min read


Anxiety: Friend or Foe?
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health experiences worldwide—but here’s the twist: It’s not all bad.
Ted Thao
Mar 34 min read


Breakups Hurt, But Here’s How to Heal
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means learning to live with the scars.
Grief isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to how much you.
Ted Thao
Feb 284 min read


Why Heartbreak Hurts (And How to Heal From It)
And while we all know the saying "time heals all wounds," let’s be real, healing after heartbreak isn’t as simple as flipping a switch.
Ted Thao
Feb 244 min read


Honoring Your Emotions: Navigating Distress with the Window of Tolerance
Emotions are part of what makes us beautifully human.
Ted Thao
Feb 213 min read


What Does It Mean to Actually Know What You Want in a Relationship?
I used to think I knew what I wanted in a relationship. I had a checklist: someone kind, funny, loyal, and attractive. It left me unfilled.
Ted Thao
Feb 174 min read


Love: What to Do When You See Everyone in Love, But You’re Single – A Mental Health Perspective
Being single isn’t a problem that needs fixing. It’s a chapter in your story that can be full of growth, self-discovery, and even joy.
Ted Thao
Feb 145 min read


Common Struggles Identified in Relationships: Insights from a Counselor
With intentional effort and support, couples can develop stronger, more connected relationships.
Ted Thao
Feb 103 min read


The Role of Love in Mental Health: A Personal Reflection
Feeling seen and valued by someone can be the difference between surviving and thriving.
Ted Thao
Feb 73 min read


The Power of Love: Mental Health Benefits of Connection and Affection
Love, in all its forms, has this beautiful way of touching our lives. It can soothe a rough day,and fill our hearts with joy.
Ted Thao
Feb 33 min read


Breaking Down Mental Health Myths: Let’s Talk About What Really Matters
Mental health is such a crucial part of our well-being, yet it’s often misunderstood. Learn about the common myths about mental health.
Ted Thao
Jan 313 min read


Let’s Talk: Insights and Phrases That Transform Therapy
Therapy often involves unpacking emotions, thoughts, and behaviors; sometimes the language we use during these sessions can feel unfamiliar.
Ted Thao
Jan 273 min read
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