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Insights and Resources for Your Mental Health Journey
Welcome to my blog, where I share valuable insights, tips, and resources to support your mental health and well-being. From managing stress and anxiety to building stronger relationships, my articles are designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to live a fulfilling, balanced life.
Explore my latest posts and take a step toward positive change today.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for general educational and informational purposes only. The information on this blog is not meant or implied to be a substitute for professional mental health treatment or any other professional advice.
Authentic Living Therapy
Serving California from San Jose
Anger as a Normal Part of Healing, But Is It Okay to Stay There?
Anger is often treated as a “negative” emotion, something to suppress, control, or feel ashamed of. Yet for many survivors of trauma, abuse, or relational betrayal, anger is not only natural but also an essential and normal part of the healing process. Society frequently tells us that anger is dangerous, inappropriate, or a sign of weakness.
Stacey Alvarez
Nov 1721 min read
Supporting Sobriety: The Critical Role of Mentorship, Coaching, and Work
The path to recovery is often nonlinear, marked by periods of progress and setbacks. While detoxification and clinical treatment address the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction, they represent only the beginning of a lifelong process. The deeper work of rebuilding a life, restoring purpose, reconnecting with community, and creating stability, often begins after treatment ends.
Stacey Alvarez
Nov 1023 min read
The Risks of Relying on AI for Therapy and Why Human Connection Still Matters
The rise of artificial intelligence is transforming nearly every industry, and mental health care is no exception. From therapy apps and chatbots to clinical tools that analyze patterns in speech and behavior, AI is making its way into how we understand and support emotional well-being. But as these technologies evolve, they raise an important question: Can AI truly play a role in therapy?
Stacey Alvarez
Nov 321 min read
Caring Without Carrying: Why Emotional Detachment Can Be Necessary
Emotional detachment is often misunderstood, misrepresented, and sometimes vilified. At its core, emotional detachment is the conscious choice to create distance from the overwhelming emotional experiences of others, not as a form of rejection, but as a protective, boundary-setting tool. It is not about shutting down your heart, numbing your feelings, or turning off compassion. Rather, it is about maintaining clarity, preserving your well-being, and refusing to be consumed by
Stacey Alvarez
Sep 2731 min read
The Psychology of Stalking
Stalking is best understood not as a single act, but as a pattern of repeated, unwanted attention, contact, or surveillance that invades another person’s life. Unlike romantic persistence or healthy pursuit, stalking is rooted in control, obsession, and intrusion, not in genuine love or care. It strips away a person’s sense of safety by turning ordinary spaces like home, work, school, or even the online world into places where they feel watched, followed, or targeted.
Stacey Alvarez
Sep 1834 min read
Understanding School Shootings – Causes, Prevention, and Healing
Despite the intense media coverage and public concern surrounding school shootings, there are several persistent myths that distort understanding and hinder effective prevention.
Stacey Alvarez
Sep 127 min read
How ADHD Impacts Relationships: Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities
Understanding how ADHD impacts and influences relationships is key to fostering healthier, more supportive connections.
Stacey Alvarez
Jun 219 min read
The Illusion—and Legacy—of “Old Happy”
Old Happy becomes an illusion we cling to, a legacy passed down to preserve harmony at the cost of honesty.
Stacey Alvarez
May 2122 min read
Emotional Regulation, Processing, and Resolution: Understanding the Differences
Emotional regulation, emotional processing, and emotional resolution each play a distinct role in how we experience and heal from emotional pain. Understanding the differences between them can be the key to moving from simply surviving emotions to truly healing them.
Stacey Alvarez
May 118 min read
Transactional Parenting: The Costs of Conditional Love and Approval
Transactional parenting is a parenting style where interactions between parent and child are driven by a system of rewards and punishments.
Stacey Alvarez
Mar 2314 min read
Balancing Love and Limits: Supporting a Suicidal Loved One Without Enabling
Supporting a loved one who struggles with suicidal thoughts or threatens suicide is a complex and deeply challenging experience.
Stacey Alvarez
Feb 1029 min read
Relationship Crossroads: Signs It's Time for Couples Counseling
Recognizing when to seek help is a crucial step towards achieving a healthier, more fulfilling partnership.
Stacey Alvarez
Jan 513 min read
Calm in the Chaos: Helping Someone Manage Intense Emotions
Emotional dysregulation can feel overwhelming, both for the person experiencing it and for those trying to offer support.
Stacey Alvarez
Dec 22, 202419 min read
Spotting Red Flags: 22 Indicators of Emotional Immaturity
Emotionally immature relationships or friendships can be draining, confusing, and ultimately unfulfilling, and is a significant barrier to..
Stacey Alvarez
Nov 24, 202419 min read
The Transformative Power of Self-Compassion
At its core, self-compassion involves treating oneself with the same kindness, care, and understanding that one would offer to others.
Stacey Alvarez
Aug 4, 202412 min read
The Interplay Between Shaming and Bullying
While they may manifest in different forms, both shaming and bullying share common roots in the exertion of dominance over others.
Stacey Alvarez
Jul 28, 20249 min read
Effective Time Management Strategies for ADHD
Did you know that individuals with ADHD often perceive time differently, making traditional time management strategies less effective for th
Stacey Alvarez
Jul 21, 20248 min read
The Challenge of Self-Awareness
Achieving self-awareness is often a challenging and intricate journey riddled with complexities that make introspection and self-reflection.
Stacey Alvarez
Jul 13, 202414 min read
The Nature of Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is not merely a destination but a lifelong journey of exploration and discovery.
Stacey Alvarez
Jul 7, 202410 min read
Beyond Joy: How Inside Out 2 Enhances Our Understanding of Emotions
The sequel highlights the necessity of integrating all emotions, even those that are uncomfortable or challenging, into our daily lives.
Stacey Alvarez
Jun 30, 202411 min read
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