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Trauma Informed Treatment for mood disorders, addictions, grief/loss, stress, and life transitions
Explore the transformative world of mental health and therapy with our enriching blog posts. Praxis Counseling and Therapy PLLC sheds light on essential mental health awareness topics, guiding readers through personal growth, recovery, and emotional resilience. Stay informed and inspired as you navigate your mental health awareness journey with us.
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Strengthening Families Through Therapy: Family Therapy Benefits for Lasting Healing
When I first began my journey as a therapist, I quickly realized that healing is rarely a solo path. Families are the roots from which we grow, the soil that nourishes us, and sometimes the storms we must weather together. Strengthening families through therapy is not just about resolving conflicts; it is about weaving a tapestry of understanding, resilience, and love that can carry each member through life’s challenges. For those navigating addiction, trauma, anxiety, depres
James Saxton
3 days ago4 min read


Understanding Emotional Triggers for Effective Inner Healing
Emotional triggers can catch us off guard, stirring up intense feelings that seem to come from nowhere. These reactions often block our path to healing and personal growth. Understanding what emotional triggers are and how they work is key to managing them and moving toward inner peace. This guide explores emotional triggers and offers practical steps to support your healing journey. A serene lake reflecting colorful autumn trees, representing calm and healing What Are Emotio
James Saxton
7 days ago3 min read


Understanding the Link Between Shame and Taking Things Personally
Many people find themselves reacting strongly to criticism or negative comments, often feeling hurt or defensive. This reaction can sometimes seem out of proportion to the situation. One key reason behind this is the connection between shame and taking things personally. Understanding this link can help us manage our emotions better and respond more calmly in difficult moments. A person reflecting quietly on a park bench What Is Shame and How Does It Affect Us? Shame is a pow
James Saxton
Jan 33 min read


Embracing Guilt as a Pathway to Healing and Personal Growth
Guilt often feels like a heavy burden, something to avoid or suppress. Yet, when understood and embraced, guilt can serve as a powerful tool for healing and personal growth. Instead of letting guilt consume us, we can use it to reflect, learn, and transform our lives in meaningful ways. A candle flickering softly in a dark room, symbolizing hope and reflection Understanding Guilt and Its Role Guilt is an emotional response that arises when we believe we have done something wr
James Saxton
Jan 33 min read


Navigating the Journey of Depression Therapy
Understanding Depression and Its Impact Depression is not just a fleeting feeling of sadness. It can be a profound experience that affects every aspect of our lives. It can cloud our thoughts, drain our energy, and create a sense of hopelessness. Understanding the nature of depression is the first step toward healing. It’s essential to recognize that this condition is not a personal failure; it is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Ex
James Saxton
Dec 29, 20254 min read


How Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Improves Your Life: Exploring CBT Benefits and Uses
Life’s journey often brings us to crossroads where the weight of anxiety, trauma, addiction, or depression feels overwhelming. I understand how these challenges can cloud your path, especially when you are someone who dedicates your life to healing others. It’s a unique kind of burden, carrying the emotional weight of others while trying to maintain your own well-being. That’s why I want to share with you how cognitive behavioral therapy can gently guide you toward clarity,
James Saxton
Dec 22, 20254 min read


Coaching Counseling and Therapy What Each Offers and How to Choose the Right Fit for You
When life feels overwhelming or you want to improve your well-being, you might wonder whether coaching, counseling, or therapy is the best option. These three approaches often get mixed up, but they serve different purposes and use different methods. Understanding their differences can help you find the right support for your needs and goals. A welcoming space designed for coaching, counseling, or therapy sessions What Coaching Offers Coaching focuses on helping you achieve s
James Saxton
Dec 17, 20253 min read


Building a Foundation for Trauma Framework: A Gentle Path to Healing
When we embark on the journey of healing, especially from trauma, it often feels like standing at the edge of a vast forest. The path ahead is unclear, the shadows long, and the terrain unfamiliar. Yet, within this forest lies the promise of growth, renewal, and peace. Building a foundation for trauma framework is like laying down stepping stones that guide us gently through this landscape. It is a process rooted in understanding, compassion, and safety—qualities that every p
James Saxton
Dec 15, 20254 min read


A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners Starting Their Therapy Journey
Starting therapy can feel overwhelming. Many people hesitate because they don’t know what to expect or worry about how to find the right therapist. This guide will help you understand the therapy process, prepare for your first sessions, and make the most of your journey toward better mental health. A welcoming therapy room with a comfortable chair and soft lighting Understanding What Therapy Is Therapy is a space where you can talk openly about your thoughts, feelings, and c
James Saxton
Dec 15, 20253 min read


Understanding Therapy What It Is and What It Is Not
Therapy often carries many misconceptions that can prevent people from seeking the support they need. Some see it as only for severe mental illness, while others think it’s just talking without real results. Understanding what therapy truly is and what it is not can help clear up confusion and encourage more people to consider it as a valuable resource for mental and emotional well-being. What Therapy Actually Is Therapy is a professional process designed to help individuals
James Saxton
Dec 15, 20253 min read


Micro Habits for Lasting Change Strategies for Sustainable Growth
Change often feels overwhelming. Big goals can seem distant and difficult to reach, leading to frustration or giving up altogether. The key to lasting transformation lies in developing micro habits —small, manageable actions that build momentum over time and support sustainable growth. This post explores how micro habits work, why they matter, and practical ways to create them for long-term success. A small plant growing steadily from soil in a glass jar, symbolizing gradual
James Saxton
Dec 8, 20253 min read


Exploring the Connection Between Mental Health and Gut Health
Mental health and gut health may seem like separate issues, but growing research shows they are closely linked. Many people experience mood changes, anxiety, or depression alongside digestive problems, suggesting a deeper connection. Understanding this relationship can help improve both mental well-being and digestive health. Illustration of gut microbiome showing bacteria diversity How the Gut and Brain Communicate The gut and brain communicate through a complex network call
James Saxton
Dec 4, 20253 min read


How to Identify the Right Therapist for Your Needs: A Guide to Therapy Services
Choosing the right therapist can feel like stepping into a vast forest without a clear path. You know you need guidance, but the way forward seems tangled and uncertain. I want to walk alongside you in this journey, offering gentle assurance and practical steps to help you find a therapist who truly fits your unique needs. Whether you are seeking support for addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, this guide is crafted with care, especially for those
James Saxton
Dec 3, 20254 min read


Understanding Different Models of Addiction Recovery and Their Effectiveness
Addiction recovery is a complex journey that varies greatly from person to person. No single approach works for everyone, which is why understanding different models of addiction recovery is crucial. These models offer various paths to healing, each with unique methods and philosophies. Exploring these can help individuals, families, and professionals find the most effective support for overcoming addiction. The Disease Model of Addiction The disease model views addiction as
James Saxton
Dec 1, 20253 min read


Building a Trauma Framework for Healing and Growth
When we embark on the path of healing, especially from trauma, it can feel like stepping into a vast forest. The trees are tall, the shadows deep, and the way forward is not always clear. Yet, within this forest lies the promise of light, of new growth, and of a safe place to rest. Building a trauma framework is like creating a map for this journey - a guide that helps us navigate the complexities of pain, resilience, and recovery with gentle assurance. In my work with those
James Saxton
Dec 1, 20254 min read


Exploring the Feminist Approach in Therapy and Its Impact on Mental Health
Mental health care has evolved significantly over the years, yet many traditional therapy models overlook the influence of social, cultural, and gender-related factors on psychological well-being. The feminist approach in therapy offers a fresh perspective by addressing these elements directly. This approach not only challenges conventional therapy norms but also empowers individuals by recognizing the impact of systemic inequalities on mental health. A welcoming therapy spac
James Saxton
Nov 28, 20253 min read


Exploring the Benefits of Experiential Therapy for Personal Growth
Experiential therapy offers a unique approach to personal growth by engaging individuals in activities that promote self-awareness and emotional healing. Unlike traditional talk therapy, this method encourages active participation, allowing people to explore their feelings and behaviors through direct experience. This post explains how experiential therapy works, its benefits, and practical examples of how it supports personal development. A person engaging in creative art th
James Saxton
Nov 27, 20253 min read


Exploring the Foundations and Benefits of Psychodynamic Therapy
Psychodynamic therapy offers a unique approach to mental health by focusing on the unconscious mind and how past experiences shape current behavior. This form of therapy helps individuals uncover hidden emotions and unresolved conflicts that influence their thoughts and actions. Understanding psychodynamic therapy can provide valuable insight into how it supports emotional healing and personal growth. A calm therapy space designed for deep conversation What Is Psychodynamic T
James Saxton
Nov 25, 20253 min read


Trauma-Informed Care: A Gentle Guide Through Healing
Understanding Trauma-Informed Care: A Foundation of Compassion Trauma-informed care is more than just a method; it is a mindset. It acknowledges that trauma shapes how we see the world and ourselves. This approach is rooted in empathy, respect, and understanding. It invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and honor the courage it takes to face pain and vulnerability. At its core, trauma-informed care is about safety—not just physical safety, but emotional and psychological sa
James Saxton
Nov 24, 20255 min read


Key Principles of Trauma-Informed Care Explained
When we step into the world of healing, especially for those carrying the weight of addiction, trauma, anxiety, or depression, it’s essential to approach care with a heart full of understanding and a mind open to gentle guidance. Trauma-informed care is not just a method; it is a compassionate way of being with others. It invites us to see beyond the surface and recognize the invisible wounds that shape a person’s experience. In my work with healers—therapists, clergy, and ca
James Saxton
Nov 24, 20254 min read
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