Do you find yourself lying awake the night before a big game, your mind racing with worries about making mistakes? Or perhaps you've noticed that despite your physical preparation, anxiety seems to sabotage your performance when it matters most?

Have you ever wondered why some people seem naturally calm while others feel constantly on edge? Or why certain breathing exercises or activities instantly make you feel more relaxed?

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to navigate life's challenges with grace while others struggle with emotional overwhelm? The answer often lies in emotional intelligence—a set of skills that forms the foundation of mental well-being, healthy relationships, and personal resilience.

As a parent, watching your child struggle with anxiety can feel overwhelming. You want to help, but knowing exactly what to do—and what not to do—can be confusing.

As parents, few things feel more challenging than knowing how to talk to our children about difficult or traumatic experiences.

For many of us, especially those who have experienced trauma or learned early that showing our true selves isn't safe, vulnerability can feel like the most dangerous thing we could do.

Your body remembers what your mind might forget. Long after a traumatic experience, your nervous system may continue to hold onto protective responses that once kept you safe but now interfere with your daily life.

In the quiet moments after a game, when the cheers have faded and equipment is packed away, many young athletes face a complex mix of emotions.

Every athlete knows the feeling—you've put in countless hours of physical training, your technique is solid, your conditioning is excellent, yet when it comes time to perform, something holds you back. Maybe it's the voice in your head telling you you're not good enough, the overwhelming anxiety before competition, or the way one mistake seems to derail your entire performance.

When people first hear about EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), their initial reaction is often skepticism. How can something as simple as moving your eyes back and forth while thinking about a traumatic memory possibly help heal deep emotional wounds?

When we think about trauma, we often focus on its devastating effects—the sleepless nights, the flashbacks, the ways it can shatter our sense of safety and self. This focus is important and valid because trauma's impact is real and profound.

Every relationship faces challenges, and struggling doesn't mean your relationship is doomed—it means you're human, with hope for deeper connection ahead. At the Center for Healing & Personal Growth, we've witnessed countless couples transform their relationships by recognizing destructive patterns and choosing healing over harm.

Have you ever caught yourself feeling sad or nervous for no particular reason? What do you do when you feel blue or anxious?

Have you ever noticed couples who seem to be in a wonderful harmony together? Have you wondered what makes their relationship work?

Have you ever wondered what makes people happy? Do you consider yourself happy? Have you ever wondered how you can be happier?

Do you feel the need to be in control?  Do people tell you that you are stubborn and inflexible?

I was recently saddened by the tragic news of the death of a beautiful young woman who left many disbelieving friends and family members behind.  Of course, I had the same reaction as many: shock, disbelief, confusion, sadness, and many other conflicting emotions.