Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), is a complex and nuanced condition and emerges from prolonged exposure to traumatic events that often occur in interpersonal relationships or environments where one feels trapped or powerless.

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize and adapt in response to experiences. It is a lifelong process that allows us to create new neural pathways and change the way our brains function. Many people seek therapy because they want to change something in their lives.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a therapeutic technique that offers practical tools to navigate the complexities of mental health. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT has evolved to aid a broader range of issues. One of its core components that garners significant attention is Interpersonal Effectiveness. But what exactly is it, and why does it matter?

In our current culture, especially online, there are many discussions about red flags in relationships. Red flags serve as warning signs that a relationship may not be healthy or may have underlying issues that need to be addressed. However, among our awareness of these warning signs in relationships, it’s equally important to recognize the signs that a relationship is healthy.

Self-esteem and self-compassion are two concepts that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and implications for our well-being.

In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health and therapy, somatic therapy has emerged as a powerful holistic approach that addresses the connection between the body and mind. Most traditional talk therapies focus on verbal communication. Somatic therapy utilizes verbal communication and additionally integrates the wisdom of the body to foster healing and well-being.

“Diet culture” refers to a set of beliefs and practices that idealize a specific body size or shape, frequently emphasizes thinness with beauty and health. Within diet culture, there is an importance placed on dieting and weight loss as a means to gain happiness and social acceptance and normalizes the stigma of fat people and large bodies. 

Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects how you feel, think, and act. It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest, hopelessness, and guilt. It can also interfere with your daily functioning, such as your work, school, relationships, and hobbies.

Transitioning from negative to more neutral or positive self-talk is a powerful strategy that can alleviate stress, enhance confidence, and elevate overall well-being. We can start shifting your negative self-talk by implementing the following steps…

Relationship Cultural Theory (RCT) is a psychological approach that emphasizes the importance of connection, empathy, and mutual growth in human relationships. RCT proposes that we are inherently relational beings, and that our psychological health and development depend on the quality and quantity of our connections with others.

We are excited to welcome Hannah Grove (she/her) to our team at Bellamy & Associates. Hannah comes to this clinical placement with prior experience as a massage therapist and energy healer and we’re excited to welcome her expertise into our team. Read along to get to know Hannah a bit more.

Have you ever felt frustrated, hurt, or angry by the way someone spoke to you? Have you ever regretted saying something harsh or hurtful to someone else? Have you ever wished you could communicate more effectively and peacefully with the people in your life? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might benefit from learning about nonviolent communication (NVC).

The holiday season is often perceived as a time of joy, warmth, and togetherness. However, for many individuals, it can trigger heightened stress, loneliness, and emotional challenges. We understand the significance of navigating these difficult emotions and offer coping strategies to help you thrive during this season.

Helping professions bring fulfillment but also come with many unique challenges, including burnout and compassion fatigue. One way to prevent burnout, compassion fatigue, and stress is to improve psychological flexibility, a concept developed from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) can be challenging and distressing conditions that affect millions of people around the world. If you or someone you know is struggling with BFRBs, we are here help you understand these behaviors, their underlying causes, and most importantly, how to cope with them effectively.

In today's fast-paced corporate world, workplace wellness has become a pivotal factor in fostering a healthy, thriving, and productive workforce. Employees who feel well-supported in their physical, mental, and emotional well-being are more engaged and tend to perform better. That's where we come into play.

Have you ever felt like you are not good enough, that everything always goes wrong for you, or that no one understands you? If so, you may be experiencing a common human phenomenon called cognitive distortions. Simply put, these are irrational or exaggerated thoughts that can negatively influence your emotions and behaviors. They can leave you feeling anxious, depressed, angry, or hopeless, and prevent you from achieving your goals and enjoying your life.

The concept of online therapy has revolutionized the mental health landscape. With advancements in technology and the increasing demands of our fast-paced lives, online therapy has emerged as a viable and effective alternative to traditional in-person therapy. As you explore the world of online therapy in Chicago and Illinois, you'll find that it offers a multitude of benefits, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking mental health support.

Attachment styles are patterns of behavior and emotional responses that develop in childhood and persist throughout our lives. While attachment styles are not set in stone, just like learning any new skill, it takes understanding and practice to learn new ways of relating with others.

In women's sports, the focus on performance, mental toughness, and aesthetics can sometimes lead to a condition known as the Female Athlete Triad. If/when the triad impacts athletic performance, athletes may be at a higher risk of developing mental health issues, including eating disorders, body image issues, depression. anxiety, and other psychological struggles.

Whether you’re brand new to therapy or you’ve navigated finding a therapist before, we hope this is a helpful guide on how to start therapy. Read all about how to know you need therapy, how to find a therapist, how to reach out to a therapist, how to prepare for therapy, what to do if you don’t like your therapist, and how to end therapy.

Fear and anxiety are emotional messages, sometimes helpful, sometimes not, conveying information about our beliefs, needs, and relationships within and around us. They are not emotions we necessarily need to eliminate, but instead, are emotions that are there to guide us and keep us safe.

We are so lucky to have Petru Ilie on our team here at Bellamy & Associates. Here’s an interview with Petru to get to know him a bit more. Petru offers telehealth therapy in Chicago and Illinois.

Sober curiosity means being curious about your relationship with alcohol or other substances. Simply put, sober curiosity means exploring a life involving a different relationship with alcohol or other substances. It can help foster positive change without the added negative self-talk of shame.