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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
Caught in the Cycle: Emotional Reactivity Keeps You Bound to the Abuser
Long after the relationship ends, or even while it continues, many survivors find themselves swept up in powerful and strong emotional reactions: rage that won’t subside, fear that surfaces unexpectedly, or a looping urgency to explain, prove, or defend. These emotional states aren’t random. They’re the echo of violation, of boundaries crossed and trust broken. And they deserve compassion, not shame.
Stacey Alvarez
Jun 1720 min read
Through Their Eyes: How Witnessing Abuse Alters Children's Lives
Witnessing emotional or physical abuse can leave deep and lasting scars on children, influencing their development and well-being in profound ways.
Stacey Alvarez
Apr 2115 min read
Why We Can All Be Gabby Petito: Why No One Is Immune to Abuse
Gabby's story forced us to confront an uncomfortable truth: abuse doesn’t always look the way we expect, and no one is immune to abuse.
Stacey Alvarez
Mar 222 min read
Behind the Van Life: Breaking Down Brian Laundrie’s Abuse of Gabby Petito
Brian’s behavior repeatedly showed hallmarks of control, manipulation, and emotional abuse—red flags that experts immediately recognized.
Stacey Alvarez
Mar 223 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
Beyond 'Just Leave': Effective Support Strategies for Abuse Victims
Leaving an abusive relationship is not as simple as walking out the door with victims facing a range of barriers.
Stacey Alvarez
Dec 15, 202411 min read
How the Holidays Can Fuel Abuse and Ways to Help
For abuse victims, the holidays can feel anything but festive, with countless individuals navigating increased fear, isolation, and harm.
Stacey Alvarez
Dec 8, 202424 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
When Love Becomes a Cage: The Emotional Trap of Abuse
Victims of abuse frequently maintain a deep, genuine love for their abusers, a love that complicates their ability to recognize the abuse...
Stacey Alvarez
Sep 8, 202413 min read
Why Victims Stay: Silence and The Power of Trauma Bonds
One of the most powerful forces keeping victims in these relationships is the formation of trauma bonds.
Stacey Alvarez
Sep 1, 202416 min read
From Power to Pain: Understanding Abuse Dynamics
Abuse is a deeply unsettling issue that manifests in various forms, from physical violence to emotional manipulation, and its prevalence...
Stacey Alvarez
Aug 25, 202416 min read
Decoding Abuse Dynamics: Primary Abuse vs. Reactive Abuse
Primary and reactive abuse are two concepts that are crucial to understand when examining the dynamics of abusive relationships.
Stacey Alvarez
Aug 17, 202414 min read
Harnessing Healing and Resilience: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that offers a holistic approach to cultivating a life worth living.
Stacey Alvarez
Apr 1, 20249 min read
How Parents Create Unintentional Trauma Bonds with Their Children
In situations where a parent or caregiver is the source of trauma or abuse, even if through unintentionally passing on intergenerational...
Stacey Alvarez
Mar 25, 20249 min read
Parent-Child Trauma Bonds: A Pitfall of High Expectations
When compliance becomes the primary means of securing approval, a complex dynamic of a parent-child trauma bonds emerge.
Stacey Alvarez
Mar 16, 20249 min read
The Golden Child’s Experience of Abuse in a Dysfunctional Family Dynamic
While the golden child may appear to have a privileged position within a dysfunctional family, their experience is far from idyllic.
Stacey Alvarez
Mar 11, 202413 min read
Emotionally Immature Parents: Understanding Their Impact
Emotionally immature parents often struggle to meet the emotional needs of their children, leaving a lasting impact on their well-being.
Stacey Alvarez
Mar 4, 202417 min read
Understanding and Healing the Mother Wound
Not all mother-child connections are nurturing and supportive, which may leave behind a lasting imprint, known as the “mother wound."
Stacey Alvarez
Feb 26, 202416 min read
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