Posts

Motherhood and Identity Loss

No one talks enough about how becoming a mother can feel like losing parts of yourself. Maybe your creativity, friendships, confidence, or body feel distant. You’re still you, but parts have gone quiet. This isn’t about regret. It’s about grief,  the quiet, unspoken kind. Grief for the freedom you once had. Grief for the version of you who wasn’t always thinking ten steps ahead for someone else. Grief for spontaneity, rest, even boredom. Motherhood Can Be Beautiful and Overwhelming You can love your child deeply and miss your old self. You can be grateful and exhausted, fulfilled and unseen, all at once. These truths don’t cancel each other out. They live side by side. But when we don't acknowledge them, shame grows in the silence. The Pressure to Be "Everything" There’s a cultural pressure to lose yourself in motherhood, to be endlessly selfless, constantly available, and grateful at all times. This can leave little space for your own needs, identity, or g...

Anxiety Doesn’t Always Look Like Panic

 Not all anxiety looks like rapid breathing or spiraling thoughts. In women, it often shows up as: – Over-preparing for everything – People-pleasing to avoid conflict – Trouble sleeping even when exhausted – Avoiding decisions or social plans You might appear “high-functioning” on the outside, but feel tense and overwhelmed inside. Therapy can help you understand your patterns and create room to breathe again. 🌀 Journal Prompt: What part of your anxiety do others rarely see—but impacts you the most? www.clairvilletherapygroup.com

When One Partner Shuts Down and the Other Leans In

In many couples, one person tends to retreat while the other pushes harder to connect. It’s not a character flaw, it’s a dance rooted in attachment. This dynamic can feel frustrating and lonely for both people. The pursuer feels ignored. The withdrawer feels overwhelmed. At Clairville Therapy Group, we help couples understand and shift these patterns so both people feel safe and seen. 🌀 Try This Together: Pause an argument and ask, “What do you need right now to feel calmer with me?” www.clairvilletherapygroup.com

What If the Problem Isn’t You, It’s Chronic Stress?

It’s easy to blame yourself when you’re irritable, unfocused, or withdrawing from loved ones. But often, the “problem” is prolonged stress, and your nervous system is doing its best to cope. Chronic stress can look like: – Reactivity in your relationship – Forgetting simple things – Feeling numb or shut down – Constant fatigue, even after sleep If this resonates, know that your body is not betraying you. It’s protecting you. Therapy can help you reset your stress responses and reclaim calm. 🌀 Reflection Prompt: What small signals has your body been sending that you might be overlooking? www.clairvilletherapygroup.com

Sunday Reset: Mental Health Rituals That Work

Sundays can bring up a mix of dread, pressure, or the urge to overhaul everything. But healing happens in rhythm not extremes. Here are 3 simple rituals to build into your Sunday: Mental Check-In: How am I feeling physically, emotionally, and socially? Gratitude Debrief: Share one small thing that brought comfort this week with your partner or journal. 5-Minute Reset: Tidy one small area, stretch, or go outside. These aren’t fixes, they’re foundations. When you show up gently for yourself, you build a life that’s sustainable, not just productive. 🌙 Today’s Invitation: Choose one ritual and make it yours. www.clairvilletherapygroup.com

You’re Not Lazy, You’re Overwhelmed: When Getting Out of Bed Feels Like a Lot

Struggling to do things that “should” be easy? That’s not laziness it’s often a nervous system in overdrive. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and burnout can all show up as: Brain fog Low motivation Shame for not doing “more” Instead of pushing through, try asking: “What would this look like if it felt 10% easier?” Therapy can help you understand your patterns and build habits that don’t rely on willpower alone. 🌿 Micro-Goal: Pick one thing today that feels doable. Celebrate completing it—even if it’s just brushing your teeth. www.clairvilletherapygroup.com

Are We Arguing… or Avoiding? The Conflict-Avoidance Loop in Relationships

Some couples fight often. Others never raise their voices but feel miles apart. Both are signs something’s stuck. Conflict-avoidance isn’t peace. It’s often: Fear of being rejected. Belief that “talking makes it worse.” A childhood pattern of walking on eggshells. We all carry attachment styles from early relationships that shape how we relate now. Therapy helps couples understand these dynamics and find new ways to connect—even during conflict. 💬 Ask Yourself: “Am I expressing my needs, or hoping my partner reads my mind?” www.clairvilletherapygroup.com