Silhouette of a large hand wielding scissors poised to cut the strings of a puppet-like businessman holding a briefcase, symbolizing control, manipulation tactics, and the effort to counter them.

Top 10 Manipulation Tactics and How to Counter Them

Manipulation involves controlling or influencing someone’s feelings, thoughts, or actions for selfish reasons. In this article, you will learn to identify various manipulation tactics and discover effective ways to counteract them. Key Takeaways Emotional manipulation in relationships involves tactics like gaslighting, guilt-tripping, and passive-aggressive behavior to control another person’s feelings and actions. Recognizing signs of

A couple sits on a couch talking to a San Francisco premarital therapist in an office adorned with bookshelves and plants, discussing important premarital counseling topics.

8 Best Keystone Habits to Transform Your Life Today

Keystone habits are powerful actions that trigger beneficial changes across multiple aspects of your life. By adopting keystone habits like regular exercise and mindful planning, you can improve your health, productivity, and well-being. This article will guide you through the best keystone habits to transform your daily routine and long-term outlook. Key Takeaways Keystone habits

A woman is attempting to kiss a man, who is gently pushing her away with a disinterested expression, illustrating classic symptoms of rejection sensitive dysphoria.

Exploring Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)

Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) causes intense emotional pain from perceived rejection or criticism. This article explains what RSD is, its symptoms, and ways to manage it. Key Takeaways Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is characterized by intense emotional distress triggered by perceived or actual rejection and is often linked with ADHD, though it is not officially

Four colleagues engage in one of the best conversations while holding coffee mugs in a modern office setting, seamlessly using conversation starters to break the ice.

75 Best Conversation Starters to Break the Ice

Struggling to start a conversation? Check out these 75 conversation starters to make your interactions easy and engaging, whether with strangers or friends. Key Takeaways Effective conversation starters can enhance interactions in various settings, from casual gatherings to professional environments. Specific topics like favorite food, past events, and life lessons help to deepen connections among

Two people, a man and a woman, standing next to each other receive a kiss on the cheek from another man and woman respectively, while a third woman stands to the side looking concerned, perhaps noticing signs of triangulation. Representing and needing therapist san francisco

Understanding Triangulation: Effects and Strategies to Cope

Triangulation involves one person using a third party to manipulate and control relationships, often causing emotional turmoil and distrust. If you have ever felt caught in someone else’s conflict or seen relationships around you deteriorate due to hidden agendas, understanding triangulation is key. This article explores the effects of triangulation and offers strategies to cope

A woman mastering productivity with the Pomodoro Technique, sits on a large checklist clipboard nearby a vintage alarm clock and a target with an arrow in the bullseye.

Mastering Productivity: The Pomodoro Technique Explained

The Pomodoro Technique is a simple time management method that breaks your work into focused 25-minute intervals called ‘pomodoros,’ followed by short breaks. It’s designed to improve productivity and reduce burnout. In this article, we will explore how the Pomodoro Technique works, its benefits, and how you can start using it to enhance your focus.

Illustration of two people in a living room interacting with a large computer screen displaying virtual therapy services logos, including those of McDonald's, BetterHelp, TalkSpace, and Amazon among other brands and icons, subtly highlighting the hidden dangers of unregulated online therapy and the needing for licensed expert therapists San Francisco

The Hidden Dangers: Can Therapy Be Harmful?

Can therapy be harmful? Therapy can sometimes be harmful, exacerbating issues or introducing new problems. This article explores the potential risks and negative outcomes, helping you make an informed decision about therapy. Key Takeaways Therapy carries risks, including potential psychological harm, negative outcomes, and complexities due to lifestyle changes; approximately 10% of clients may experience

A woman is crouching next to a crying baby on the floor in a room, appearing to comfort the child. Toy blocks are scattered around them, perhaps suggesting symptoms of reactive attachment issues and needing treatment for rad San Francisco

A Guide to Understanding Reactive Attachment Disorder

Reactive attachment disorder (RAD) disrupts a child’s ability to form emotional bonds due to early neglect or abuse. Children with RAD struggle with connecting emotionally and often reject comfort. This article covers the causes, symptoms, and support strategies for RAD. Key Takeaways Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a severe condition that hinders children’s ability to

A San Francisco EMDR therapist doing effective EMDR bilateral stimulation

How Does Bilateral Stimulation (BLS) Work in EMDR Therapy?

Bilateral stimulation (BLS) in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy uses sensory stimuli like eye movements, taps, or sounds to engage both hemispheres of the brain. This process helps in reprocessing and healing traumatic memories. In this article, we will explore how does bilateral stimulation BLS work in EMDR therapy and why it’s a

A San Francisco therapist and a woman converse in a bright, modern SF therapy office with large windows revealing a bridge and waterway view. The room, perfect for an in person or online therapy session SF, is furnished with a sofa, armchair, coffee table, shelves, and plants.

Top 5 Things to Do Before Your First Therapy Session

Nervous about your first therapy session? You’re not alone. Knowing what to do beforehand can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll share 5 things to do before your first therapy session to help you feel prepared and ease your anxiety. Let’s make your first step towards better mental health a confident one. Key

A person sitting at a desk, holding a phone to their ear with one hand and using a laptop with the other. The laptop screen shows a site listing the best San Francisco therapists. Books and plants are in the background.

Top Tips for Calling a Therapist for the First Time

Wondering about calling a therapist for the first time how to assess the right fit? This guide will show you how to prepare, what questions to ask, and what to look for in a therapist to ensure they meet your needs. Key Takeaways Preparation is key before calling a therapist, including personal introspection and researching

A San Francisco counselor sits on a couch and chair in a room with large windows showing a cityscape and a bridge. A bird flies outside. The room, promoting understanding, has plants, a clock, and framed pictures on the walls—ideal for debunking therapy myths related to mental health.

10 Therapy Myths Debunked for Better Mental Health

Many misconceptions surround therapy, preventing people from seeking the help they need. In this article, we’ll discuss 10 therapy myths debunked to give you a clearer understanding of what therapy really involves. Key Takeaways Therapy isn’t just for people with diagnosed mental illnesses; it’s also for those dealing with everyday stress and life transitions. Seeking

Bride and groom holding hands and smiling at each other while walking down the aisle, surrounded by seated guests in an outdoor setting. Bride holds a bouquet of flowers, radiating the top signs of a strong marriage and relationship health.

Top Signs of a Strong Marriage & How Marriage Therapy Can Help

Curious if your marriage is strong? This article outlines top signs you have a strong marriage. These indicators will help you evaluate your relationship’s strength and identify potential growth areas. Key Takeaways Effective communication, including active listening, open expression of feelings, and conflict resolution, is essential for a strong marriage. Mutual respect and support strengthen

A bearded man in a gray t-shirt and pants sits cross-legged on a rug with his arms crossed over his chest as a woman in casual clothing, seated on a chair, places her hands on his shoulders, engaging in San Francisco EMDR therapy in a well-lit room.

Boosting Attachment Therapy with Bilateral Stimulation

Boosting attachment therapy outcomes with EMDR and bilateral stimulation can transform therapeutic results. This article shows how these methods address past traumas and enhance emotional bonds, leading to stronger, healthier relationships. Discover the benefits and techniques for effective integration. Key Takeaways Attachment therapy focuses on healing emotional bonds and addressing past traumas to facilitate secure