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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
Letting Go Without Leaving: How to Support Others While Letting Natural Consequences Do the Teaching
We all want the best for the people we care about. When we see them making choices that might lead to hurt or failure, it’s natural to want to step in and protect them from pain. But overprotecting can sometimes unintentionally prevent important lessons and growth. Finding the right balance between offering support and allowing someone to face the natural consequences of their actions is one of the most challenging and valuable aspects of caring for others.
Stacey Alvarez
4 days ago15 min read
The Hidden Impact: How Codependent Parenting Can Fuel Suicidality and Attention-Seeking in Children
The ways a parent responds to, supports, and interacts with their child lay the foundation for how that child learns to manage emotions, form relationships, and understand their own self-worth. However, when a parent struggles with codependency—a pattern of excessively relying on another person for approval and identity—this dynamic can profoundly shape a child’s emotional world in ways that may be harmful, including influencing suicidality and attention-seeking behaviors.
Stacey Alvarez
Jun 2618 min read
Supporting Children with a Toxic or Narcissistic Co-Parent
As a parent in this situation, it is vital to provide your child with the support, stability, and tools they need to cope with the emotional rollercoaster they face.
Stacey Alvarez
May 2615 min read
How Lack of Emotional Tolerance Impacts Parent-Child Relationships
A lack of emotional tolerance in parent-child relationships can significantly disrupt the bond between parents and their children.
Stacey Alvarez
Mar 3114 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
Power Gap: How Family Dynamics Leave Children Feeling Helpless
Children feeling helpless and out of control within family dynamics can have profound implications on their emotional well-being.
Stacey Alvarez
Feb 2315 min read
Boundaries: It’s About You, Not About Controlling Others
Boundaries are about protecting your well-being, not about trying to control or change someone else’s behavior.
Stacey Alvarez
Feb 1010 min read
Teenager Emotional Withdrawal: When It’s Part of Growing Up and When It’s Not
External stressors such as school and family pressures can exacerbate feelings of withdrawal and may indicate deeper underlying concerns.
Stacey Alvarez
Feb 314 min read
Unseen Wounds: Understanding and Addressing Sibling Abuse
Sibling abuse is often overlooked because it can be mistaken for typical sibling rivalry, leading to dismissing harmful behaviors.
Stacey Alvarez
Jan 2617 min read
Understanding the Origins of Sibling Abuse
The origins of sibling abuse can often be traced back to a combination of individual, familial, and environmental factors.
Stacey Alvarez
Jan 1918 min read
Differentiating Sibling Rivalry from Sibling Abuse
While sibling rivalry can be resolved through constructive conflict resolution strategies, sibling abuse demands more serious intervention.
Stacey Alvarez
Jan 1216 min read
Helicopter Parenting 2.0: The Pitfalls of Phone Tracking
Monitoring can alter the dynamics of the parent-child relationship, leading to issues of trust, autonomy, and emotional development.
Stacey Alvarez
Dec 1, 202419 min read
Turning 'I Hate You' Into Connection: Responding with Compassion
Hearing a child utter the words “I hate you” can be a jarring and emotional experience for any parent.
Stacey Alvarez
Nov 17, 202416 min read
Defiance & Reaction: Shared Origins of ODD and Reactive Abuse
ODD and reactive abuse, while distinct in their nature, share notable similarities that can often blur the lines between them.
Stacey Alvarez
Nov 10, 202414 min read
Nurturing Foundations: Building Trust in Your Relationships
Building trust is the cornerstone of nurturing a strong and lasting relationship. Trust forms the foundation upon which all other aspects of
Stacey Alvarez
Nov 4, 202413 min read
How to Handle Teenage Sibling Tattling: Family Dynamics and the Struggle for Attention
Many people believe that sibling tattling is simply a normal part of childhood development, reflecting typical sibling rivalry and the quest
Stacey Alvarez
Oct 13, 202418 min read
Sibling Tattling: Just a Phase or a Sign of Deeper Issues?
While it may seem like a trivial aspect of family life, sibling tattling can be indicative of deeper dynamics at play.
Stacey Alvarez
Oct 13, 202415 min read
Criticism and Control in Codependent Parenting
For codependent parents, the desire for security often translates into criticism and unrealistic expectations of their children.
Stacey Alvarez
Sep 29, 202415 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
Constructive Criticism: Private Feedback Nurtures Growth
While criticism and feedback is a catalyst for growth, the setting in which it’s delivered can significantly impact its effectiveness.
Stacey Alvarez
Jun 2, 20248 min read
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