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DC Metro Therapy

Take on Sleep, Pain, Trauma, and Anxiety with Confidence
Visit My Website Free Personality Trait Rating Scale My Course: Calm Your Brain, Heal Your Pain Try The Sleep Calculator Free QUIZ: Which Type of Therapy is Best For You? Free Download: 5 Things to Avoid if You Want Better Sleep

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@dc.metro.therapy

Why do we sometimes feel stuck in uncomfortable em Why do we sometimes feel stuck in uncomfortable emotions?

Let’s break down the Triangle of Conflict from Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)

Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Feelings: You experience a deep emotion, like anger, sadness, or love, often tied to a core need or conflict.

2️⃣ Anxiety: The feeling triggers a sense of discomfort or tension—this is the brain’s way of signaling internal conflict. (And remember, anxiety isn’t a feeling, it’s a response!)

3️⃣ Defenses: To avoid the discomfort, we turn to coping mechanisms like avoidance, denial, or intellectualization (to name a few examples).

For example, imagine feeling upset about a boundary violation. Instead of addressing it, you might avoid the person or minimize your feelings. While this may temporarily reduce anxiety, it prevents you from fully processing the emotion.

Understanding this triangle helps us recognize these patterns and learn healthier ways to navigate emotions.

Do you have any questions? 
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#emotionalhealthmatters #emotionalhealthsupport #anxietysufferer
Struggling with insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety or Struggling with insomnia, chronic pain, anxiety or trauma?

I’ve created a Resource Library packed with free + paid tools to support your healing journey—all in one place. 💻💡

From downloadable PDFs and symptom assessments to webinars and self-paced courses, these resources are designed to help you manage your symptoms with more clarity, confidence, and ease.

Whether you’re just starting out or deep in the work, you’ll find something here to support you.

🔗 Explore now via the link in bio—or head straight to the Resources page on my website to dive in!
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#chronicpaintherapist #sleeptherapy #traumatherapy
Here’s why I won’t stop ⬇️ Because unproc Here’s why I won’t stop ⬇️

Because unprocessed emotions don’t just go away they get stored in the body.

You might not even realize you’re avoiding your feelings…

But your body does.

That tension in your jaw.
The chronic pain that won’t let up.
The sleep that never feels deep.
The anxiety that flares up for no clear reason.

These are signals—not defects.

🧠I help people understand the real connection between emotions and symptoms. Because when we ignore what we feel, we’re not protecting ourselves—we’re prolonging the stress response.

✨Ready to explore what your symptoms might be trying to tell you? Follow for mind-body tools, sleep insights, and emotional support that makes sense.
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#chronicpainawareness #emotionalregulation #emotionalsupport
Do you ever worry what people will think if they r Do you ever worry what people will think if they really saw your pain? 😔

There’s a unique kind of vulnerability that comes with letting others see your pain—whether it’s physical or emotional.
Sometimes, the hardest part isn’t the pain itself… it’s the fear of being misunderstood, judged, or seen as “too much.”

Maybe you’ve:

- Downplayed your symptoms
- Smiled through the ache
- Worried people might think you’re exaggerating
- Feared being seen as unreliable or less competent

But here’s the truth:
💬 Being in pain is hard enough—don’t add shame on top.
💬 Your experience is valid, even if others can’t see it.
💬 Real courage is letting yourself be seen, even when it’s uncomfortable.

If you’ve ever feared being judged, doubted, or dismissed—you’re not alone.
This is a space where your pain is believed, your story is respected, and you don’t have to pretend.

💙 Have you ever hidden your pain out of fear? Drop an emoji or share your experience below. 
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#chronicpainawareness #chronicpainrelief #chronicpainlife

At DC Metro Therapy, we specialize in holistic, data-driven approaches and evidence-based therapy to help adults and teens find relief from the chronic symptoms of insomnia, pain, and trauma.

We offer online and in-person therapy sessions at our office in Cabin John, MD

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6500 Seven Locks Road
Suite 206
Cabin John, MD 20818

Phone: (202) 656-3376
Fax: (202) 810-9206

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