Why ‘Fake’ Treatments Sometimes Work for Pain: The Brain-Body Connection in Pain Management
Have you ever felt true relief from pain after trying something you weren’t sure would work? Maybe it was a mindfulness practice, a guided visualization, or even a sugar pill. It might have surprised you—how could something so simple make a difference? The truth is: there is real science behind why certain treatments that seem […]
Political Anxiety and Insomnia: How to Rest When the World Feels Restless
As a sleep therapist in the DC Metro area, I have a unique perspective on how politics affects our mental health. Here in Washington, politics isn’t just something that happens on TV—it’s woven into the fabric of our community. Many of my clients work in politics, government, or adjacent fields, and even those who don’t […]
Light Sleeping: Why It Happens and How to Sleep Deeper
Have you ever felt like the lightest noise wakes you up? Maybe you’re the person who hears every creak in the house while your partner sleeps through a thunderstorm. Or you find yourself waking multiple times a night, struggling to get back to sleep, only to feel exhausted the next day. If this sounds familiar, […]
ISTDP for Lasting Chronic Pain Management
You’ve tried everything for your chronic pain—doctors, medications, physical therapy, and even traditional talk therapy—but nothing seems to provide lasting relief. The pain lingers, disrupting your daily life, relationships, and emotional well-being. What if your pain isn’t just physical, but also connected to unprocessed emotions? Research shows that emotional suppression can heighten pain perception and […]
How to Calm Your Racing Thoughts at Night: Managing Nighttime Anxiety for Better Sleep
It’s midnight. The house is quiet, the lights are out, and you’re ready to drift off to sleep. But your brain has other plans. Thoughts start swirling, replaying conversations, creating to-do lists, or catastrophizing the future. Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone. Racing thoughts at night is a common struggle, often tied to nighttime […]
Understanding Emotional Bypassing: How Suppressed Emotions Worsen Pain and Fatigue
Imagine feeling constantly fatigued or experiencing persistent pain with no clear medical cause. What if the root of these symptoms wasn’t purely physical but emotional? Emotional bypassing—the act of suppressing emotions—is more common than you might think, and its impact can ripple through your body, worsening pain and fatigue. In this article, we’ll explore what […]
Are You Having Stress Dreams or Nightmares? Understanding and Treating Them
Imagine waking up drenched in sweat, heart racing, from a dream so vivid it feels real. Maybe it’s a recurring nightmare that’s haunted you for years or a stress-fueled dream that mirrors the anxieties of your daily life. Nightmares and stress dreams can leave us shaken and disrupt our sleep, impacting our mental and physical […]
Embracing Emotions: A New Year’s Resolution for Healing Chronic Symptoms
Each New Year, we set resolutions to improve ourselves—eat healthier, exercise more, or advance our careers. But how often do we focus on the one thing that could truly transform our well-being? Our emotions. Research shows that repressed emotions—like anger, sadness, or shame—don’t just fade away. They can manifest as chronic pain symptoms or other […]
Anxiety vs. Fear: What’s the Difference and Why it Matters
Have you ever felt anxious for no apparent reason? You’re not alone. Many people struggle to distinguish between anxiety and fear, yet understanding the difference is crucial for managing these emotions effectively. While they often feel similar, anxiety and fear arise from different triggers and have unique impacts on our mental and physical health. This […]
Understanding Your Circadian Rhythm: How Your Body’s Internal Clock Controls Sleep
Ever wondered why you feel tired at the same time every night or why waking up before sunrise can feel impossible? It all comes down to your circadian rhythm—your body’s internal clock. This natural cycle regulates your sleep-wake pattern, mood, digestion, and overall well-being. When your circadian clock is running smoothly, it supports healthy sleep […]