https://www.hellobritta.com/post-traumatic-growth daily 0.75 2024-06-15 https://www.hellobritta.com/post-traumatic-growth/reclaiming-haunted-anniversaries monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/bf98d622-6d8e-4785-8879-a2300428b307/26.png Trauma Recovery - Reclaiming Haunted Anniversaries - If you feel discouraged that you’re experiencing difficult emotions around this time, it may be time to reflect with more self-compassion instead of getting caught in the trap of analyzing your responses. Regardless of where you are in your recovery journey, the fact that you’re choosing to show up each day deserves a celebration. It’s common to lose connection with ourselves after these experiences, so reconnecting and creating new rituals or celebrations may help strengthen our sense of self. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/2c0cb733-c2ff-4be0-9bef-2a4dcdc887a1/Resources+%283%29.png Trauma Recovery - Reclaiming Haunted Anniversaries - These posts are not intended as a substitute for therapy. If you are in the state of Florida and in need of therapy services you can contact me for scheduling at the link below. Outside of the state of Florida, Psychology Today is a resource that can be used to locate a therapist in your state. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/561dd122-0e1b-48b8-bf2f-4f265d782673/27.png Trauma Recovery - Reclaiming Haunted Anniversaries - Regardless of how you choose to cope with these experiences, the most essential piece is choosing safety and building trust with yourself to maintain it. When you know it’s unsafe for you to communicate with people associated with past events, you’re allowed to choose your safety over responding to them. Set up your phone to only allow communication from people you trust and help you feel safe. Make a plan for what to do if someone triggering contacts you. Or, if you’re concerned about how you’ll react to intense emotions and whether you’ll feel safe when they come up, seek help from professionals, support groups, or safe, loved ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/789fe406-eb57-492a-be67-1deb86af0112/25.png Trauma Recovery - Reclaiming Haunted Anniversaries - For some, the healing journey can feel lonely for various reasons. We may be grieving the loss of our closest support. Or, some may choose not to share what they’ve experienced with their loved ones. For those coping with the anniversary of relationship betrayal, they still may feel detached from their support system as a result of the relationship itself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/d975cf5c-2cf2-4ec7-9c57-59dbf9c7a21b/23.png Trauma Recovery - Reclaiming Haunted Anniversaries - After experiencing trauma one of the first steps in the healing process is identifying triggers. This allows you to work together with your therapist to reclaim the power the intense emotions hold over you while rebuilding your sense of trust and safety. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/64e3d237-9dcf-4c45-88a3-fdb103a70f69/17.png Trauma Recovery - Reclaiming Haunted Anniversaries - As the anniversary of a traumatic event draws near, our bodies and minds may become flooded with familiar sensations and emotions, as if we are transported back to the very day it occurred. The memories replay, overwhelming us with their intensity. Amid these triggers and the effort to navigate the haunting memories, some moments hold the potential for healing and growth. There’s no roadmap for the journey of healing from these moments. However, we may already have all we need to compassionately tend to ourselves as we repair and recover more each year. and out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/bf6adc83-bc75-4f54-8a44-88d2d2ac458e/24.png Trauma Recovery - Reclaiming Haunted Anniversaries It can be just as empowering to learn how to pay close attention to glimmers in your life. These are the moments that provide joy and comfort in our lives and help us re-establish our sense of self. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/6de9054f-fb8a-429f-b8f1-78895b271449/22.png Trauma Recovery - Reclaiming Haunted Anniversaries - When confronted with overwhelming emotions, one common defense mechanism is avoidance. It is natural to prefer pretending that these emotions do not exist by pushing them away or denying their impact on us. For instance, after experiencing a betrayal in a relationship, we may reject the idea that our partner's behavior was harmful, deflecting blame onto ourselves or others involved. Although this may temporarily relieve the painful emotions, maintaining such a defense becomes challenging when faced with reminders of the event. https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health daily 0.75 2025-03-01 https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/understanding-self-injury-the-truth-behind-the-struggle monthly 0.5 2025-03-01 https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/how-to-drop-out-of-the-blame-game monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/afbaf66f-3ffc-4f3f-8d00-7aec7dd8d41e/Blog+Thumbnails+%281%29.png Mental Health - It’s Time to Break Up with Blame While it may be uncomfortable to accept, each person is responsible for their actions and whether they contribute to painful ruptures in the relationship or act in ways that create a space for safety and growth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/b107fcb2-ba1f-40cc-ae13-810904879609/Blog+Thumbnails+%282%29.png Mental Health - It’s Time to Break Up with Blame - When a betrayal occurs in a relationship and both parties refuse to take responsibility or hold each other accountable, they may resort to scapegoating as a means to avoid addressing the underlying issues within the relationship. As illogical as it may sound, some partners find solace in avoiding accountability by joining against others such as ex-partners, friends, or family. In cases of infidelity, those in the relationship may choose to target an affair partner rather than accept accountability for the health of their relationship. This allows the partner who initiated the affair to deflect blame and the other partner to focus their hurt and anger on a person outside of the relationship. Targeting someone outside of the relationship allows the hurt partner to avoid accepting that their partner has betrayed them. https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/when-we-hurt-others-to-heal-ourselves monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/has-self-improvement-become-self-destructive monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/1683832568406-XJL5EJT5M3TDTV5PM8L8/3.png Mental Health - Has Self-Improvement Become Self-Destructive? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/1683832569565-1MXPEFRT59VPXYFHB56H/4.png Mental Health - Has Self-Improvement Become Self-Destructive? https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/signs-youre-healing-part-1 monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/11991c19-8c3e-4c21-89bc-1e1cf98b69df/Healing+often+means+leaving+boxes+we%E2%80%99ve+outgrown+because+we+refuse+to+shrink+ourselves+in+order+to+fit+there+anymore.+%281%29.png Mental Health - Three Signs that You’re Healing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/4b2d2c85-c1d7-483b-b1a1-214af465fc1b/I+bet+you+think+about+me.gif Mental Health - Three Signs that You’re Healing - Yes, that was a Taylor reference. No, I don’t regret it. https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/diagnosis-not-decision-ocd monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/19ca0f6b-1f42-40fc-9a26-67d77dbe5991/The+OCD+%281%29.png Mental Health - Diagnosis not Decision: OCD - This cycle could begin with any obsession or trigger. The relief experienced isn’t authentic and long lasting, but just enough to give a false sense of comfort until the loop resets. https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/write-your-permission-slip-to-grow monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/pity-vs-kindness monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://www.hellobritta.com/mental-health/self-care-isnt-silent monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships daily 0.75 2025-08-20 https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/reconnecting-with-clarity monthly 0.5 2025-08-20 https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/ethical-non-monogamy-after-betrayal monthly 0.5 2025-03-21 https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/the-myth-of-closure monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/86d5a6aa-54a7-41f0-8039-dbb52e9b9acf/3.png Relationships - Breakup Myth: Closure - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/dea504a6-527a-428f-8d2e-e67c0d57da1c/5.png Relationships - Breakup Myth: Closure - Seeking closure is not an excuse to engage in unhealthy communication patterns. If you respond to those messages promising you answers, be prepared to walk away from that conversation with more questions and confusion. Typically, closure is an internal process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/93ed1583-5d6e-45f9-a4a7-0129ac1f6dab/Resources+%282%29.png Relationships - Breakup Myth: Closure - Reminder: These posts are not intended as a substitute for therapy. I am not currently accepting new clients for therapy. However, if you are in need of professional services Psychology Today is a resource that can be used to locate a therapist in your state. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/15de920b-d648-43a4-9dc2-53a788031089/2.png Relationships - Breakup Myth: Closure - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/24ec1f41-a5b5-4277-8d2a-22defc35289d/1.png Relationships - Breakup Myth: Closure - You deserve peace after a relationship ends. And you might be looking for peace in places that can’t hold it for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/216cb228-cfea-409a-b425-c889dd6a1879/4.png Relationships - Breakup Myth: Closure - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/6f475ef7-78a6-430a-a301-31d12cbc03f9/6.png Relationships - Breakup Myth: Closure - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/the-overlapping-points-of-an-affair-triangle monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/acbadda0-772d-4fbc-98ff-67ef2024619f/Affair+Triangle4.png Relationships - The Affair Triangle - It’s hard to admit that someone who loves us is also willing to act in ways that hurt us. And it’s hard to admit that we’re willing to hurt the people we love. This is often why blame gets spread across the whole affair triangle after infidelity has been discovered. The unfaithful partner throws blame at the unknowing partner for neglecting their needs. Or the unknowing partner may package up the blame and ship it outside of the relationship to the affair partner. The affair partner may blame all parties involved- including themselves - at some point based off the limited information they’ve actually been given. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/f12e63c8-9453-41ed-9671-187d095557d4/Resources+%281%29.jpg Relationships - The Affair Triangle - Reminder: These posts are not intended as a substitute for therapy. I am not currently accepting new clients for therapy. However, if you are in need of professional services Psychology Today is a resource that can be used to locate a therapist in your state. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/ec33fa16-ae88-4a11-bfa7-ee1d185945ec/Affair+Triangle6.png Relationships - The Affair Triangle - Perhaps the strongest thread woven through each party’s experience after an affair is loss. Both the unknowing partner and the affair partner are faced with a loss of their current relationship with the unfaithful partner - regardless of whether they stay together. While the relationship as a whole may persevere, each person is losing the relationship they once had and the idea of a relationship that they believed was developing. The unfaithful partner may also be faced with the realization of how much they have disconnected from themselves in the midst of the affair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/af235235-a729-445e-8e6c-d60c512b5fb4/Affair+Triangle2.png Relationships - The Affair Triangle - Yes, even the unfaithful partner might experience betrayal due to their actions. If infidelity and dishonesty goes against their core values then they are betraying themselves each day they continue the affair. This self-betrayal can negatively impact their ability to trust themselves. Numerous studies indicate a link between partners with narcissistic traits and infidelity, suggesting that these traits may contribute to a greater likelihood of deceit and exploitative behaviors while experiencing lower levels of remorse in seeking alternative sexual partners. Many unfaithful partners utilize deceptive techniques such as gaslighting to manipulate partners into questioning themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/7756d4f4-ae5c-4b5d-a4ad-945d27f5f56c/Affair+Triangle+3.png Relationships - The Affair Triangle - The unknowing partner may issue an ultimatum regarding contact with the affair partner as an attempt to regain a sense of control over the unfaithful partner’s actions. While ultimatums typically transform into unhealthy demands quickly, in this case the unknowing partner is likely trying to communicate a boundary that would benefit each party involved. Unfortunately, unfaithful partners often continue contact with the affair partner or even prolong the affair after it has been discovered. It could potentially benefit the affair partner just as much as the other partners if the communication from the unfaithful partner ceased, especially if the unfaithful partner continues to deceive both the affair partner and the unknowing partner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/dd8a91ea-28a1-4ec0-8f7f-68b05b4e6daf/Affair+Triangle+Final.png Relationships - The Affair Triangle - The unknowing partner, unfaithful partner, and affair partner may all grapple with pain, confusion, and betrayal as they navigate the aftermath, untangling the web of shattered trust, unmet expectations, and lingering complexities. The lack of understanding within the affair can lead to emotional isolation for each party involved. This isolation, however, presents an opportunity for individual healing and moving beyond a victim mentality. Taking back personal agency allows each person to actively construct their healing path, breaking free from a sense of helplessness against the circumstances. https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/cautious-communication-how-to-navigate monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/2ffe2537-9e64-49d2-8528-7c5b6016486c/Resources.png Relationships - Allow Silence to Shout These posts are not intended as a substitute for therapy. If you are in the state of Florida and in need of therapy services you can contact me for scheduling at the link below. Outside of the state of Florida, Psychology Today is a resource that can be used to locate a therapist in your state. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/e271e369-20d2-4c7c-b37e-c4cb91c2266f/1.png Relationships - Allow Silence to Shout - No matter the need for continued communication, one or both partners will need to set limits how they are willing to communicate while also healing from the relationship itself. Ex-partners that still work together or in the same field may need to remind themselves that their personal feelings toward each other don’t reflect their professional abilities. Those who must co-parent with an ex-partner could struggle with resentment that impacts their views of each other as a parent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/96a0e559-61db-4c90-bfec-41ccf416414b/3.png Relationships - Allow Silence to Shout - It may feel impossible initially, but eventually, we can find peace and accept the newest version of ourselves after a relationship ends. When we invest time in self-discovery and understanding our needs, we appreciate the importance of safeguarding our inner peace. Consequently, when that sense of peace is at risk, we feel a stronger sense of urgency to prioritize our needs instead of neglecting them while catering passively to someone else's.out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/7972816a-72c1-42ac-81d3-ec952e4f3ccd/2.png Relationships - Allow Silence to Shout - In a breakup, our inner critic may sound louder, or we may not feel equipped to battle the narrative it’s building against us. It may be hard to remind ourselves that it’s okay to feel hurt while grieving the loss of a relationship. In our search for meaning, we try analyzing events and risk believing our inner critic when it tells us that a breakup reflects our worth. Instead, try reminding yourself that you deserve compassion and softness while you heal. And that you’re the most important person who can provide that right now. Don’t “should” yourself into feeling less worthy or try pushing through alone. Care for yourself in the same ways you would for a friend who needs you. https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/boundaries-vs-ultimatums monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/forsomecouples-therapyshouldntwork monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/1631073811278-GOTXW62ELEAOFBVV7SCW/pexels-anna-shvets-4557507.jpg Relationships - For Some Couples Therapy Shouldn’t “Work” There are still factors that could get in the way of achieving these goals that clients and counselors should be attuned to collaboratively. Not always, but generally, if one of these is present, alternatives to couples therapy might be recommended before joining sessions as a unit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/1631073332086-AHC96QDDP63PU9J61O2T/When+a+partner+continues+to+lie+and+deceive+after+an+affair+is+discovered+by+downplaying%2C+minimizing%2C+or+only+providing+half-truths+then+they%E2%80%99re+actively+choosing+to+manipulate+and+betray+their+partner+daily..png Relationships - For Some Couples Therapy Shouldn’t “Work” - 3) Betrayal & Deceit Finally, and perhaps most importantly, when ongoing betrayal is present in a relationship, it can cause a divide that prevents progress toward goals and likely will result in endless cycles with no resolution in each session. https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/you-dont-have-to-walk-through-every-open-door monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/b01dfd64-14f2-49f9-a5af-8688a35ffd81/2+copy.png Relationships - You Don’t Have to Walk Through Every Open Door - You’re allowed to leave the messages unopened. It’s okay to shut doors that don’t lead to the places you want to be - or need to be. Sometimes silence is the loudest answer. And sometimes doors need a couple of extra locks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/4c6c9e9b-1fb0-4255-a87d-420b195dc14c/1+copy.png Relationships - You Don’t Have to Walk Through Every Open Door - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/what-makes-a-relationship-unsafe monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://www.hellobritta.com/relationships/youre-worth-more-than-crumbs monthly 0.5 2024-06-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/e2a0f7be-36a1-4709-80bf-a574040dd38e/Cream+Terrazo+Minimalist+Cycle+Infographic+Build+Mental+Health+Instagram+Post.png Relationships - You’re Worthy of More than Crumbs https://www.hellobritta.com/homepage daily 1.0 2024-06-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/ecc0838d-d1da-4535-9879-853f1c086bf8/Badge+PD+Certificate.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/626975e3-6cec-48a4-a991-6e9cc7b59026/For+Website.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/277be213-6230-4343-bac6-afbe868d193d/7200DC06-EB73-4478-A704-B82D51448F21.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/80bf08c3-800a-4a5d-b867-3b2e487964c0/3E20F9C4-586E-484B-9DEE-1DDA1A79D74E.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5e63e6622811491d01874a6c/cceae320-d635-47d1-a671-fbb1648cf680/national-certified-counselor-ncc+%281%29.jpg