Author: Dr. Sara Teta

Living with chronic health challenges and medical diagnoses (note: I intentionally choose not to use "illness" here) can often feel like an invisible battle — a struggle fought silently, yet deeply felt. Emotional experiences such as confusion, overwhelm, anger, determination, grit, and hope weave into the daily lives of individuals facing these challenges. Despite the hidden nature of these experiences, the impacts are profound, influencing not only those living with chronic conditions but also their caregivers and healthcare professionals. It’s time we bridge the gap between struggle, support, and advocacy. The Unseen Struggles of Chronic Health Conditions Chronic health conditions often don’t show...

Do you often feel paralyzed by your own high standards? Maybe you delay starting projects because you're waiting for everything to feel "just right," or you're overwhelmed trying to control every tiny detail. While perfectionism can sometimes fuel success, it often leads to anxiety, procrastination, and disconnection from true self-acceptance. If you find yourself caught in the perfectionist trap, you’re not alone. What Is Perfectionism Really About? Striving for perfection can seem admirable. Many people wear their perfectionism as a badge of honor, linking it to productivity, high achievements, and excellence. However, beneath the surface, perfectionism often brings emotional exhaustion, chronic stress, and a...

The Struggle: Society vs. Creativity Have you ever felt the pressure to “stay in the lines”? Society often rewards conformity while quietly discouraging creative freedom While structure has its place, this mindset can smother authentic self-expression. I remember painting a mural for a school play in the late ‘80s—armed with neon paints and inspiration from Brandy and Monica. Although it was just a backdrop, it lit me up. But when my teacher reacted with confusion rather than encouragement, I felt misunderstood. That moment stuck with me and made me question my instincts. It’s these subtle experiences that highlight the quiet tension between creativity and...

Many people on a healing journey reach a point where traditional talk therapy isn't enough. That was the case with one of my long-term clients—let’s call him Jax. After years of therapy, nervous system retraining (like DNRS and Gupta Program), health coaching, breathwork, and even cryotherapy, Jax would still say, “It just feels like there is something stored in my body that I can’t reach.” That feeling isn’t unusual. Trauma often lives not only in the mind but also in the nervous system. Somatic Experiencing® (SE), a body-based therapy, offers a powerful, holistic approach for releasing deeply held trauma by reconnecting...

Rethinking Vulnerability: Strength in Emotional Openness For many, the word vulnerability immediately conjures images of weakness, insecurity, or even neediness. In today’s world, we're often rewarded for appearing self-assured, invulnerable, and always in control. But what if vulnerability isn’t weakness at all? What if it's actually one of life’s greatest strengths? Rather than avoiding it, what if we embraced vulnerability as the key to deeper relationships, emotional strength, and personal growth? Vulnerability Doesn’t Equal Weakness It’s essential to recognize the difference between genuine vulnerability and emotional dependency. Vulnerability is a conscious, authentic act — sharing your truth, your fears, your hopes, or even your failures....

"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire." These powerful words remind us that chasing our dreams requires courage, even when fear threatens to hold us back. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative dreamer, or someone exploring personal growth, fear is a universal experience in the pursuit of the extraordinary. But how do we push past fear? How do we move beyond the what-ifs and use fear as fuel rather than a roadblock? In this blog, we’ll explore how to overcome fear, shift your mindset, and take action toward your dreams. Understanding Fear Fear is a primal emotion designed...

Do you feel stuck yet still manage to keep up with daily responsibilities? This paradox could indicate a lesser-known stress response called high-functioning freeze. While many recognize the fight-or-flight response to stress, the freeze response is equally significant—and more common than we realize. High-functioning freeze occurs when you appear outwardly productive but feel internally disconnected, overwhelmed, or paralyzed. It's as if both the brake and the gas pedal are being pressed simultaneously. You meet deadlines, maintain relationships, and appear "normal," yet inside, you feel depleted, numb, or stuck. Essentially, you are functioning on auto-pilot.  What Causes High-Functioning Freeze? This response is rooted in...

Expand Your Comfort Zone by Understanding the Window of Tolerance (or as I call it… The Window of Welcome!) The nervous system acts as our body’s command center, constantly shaping how we respond to the world. An essential concept— the Window of Tolerance (WoT)— or what I like to refer to as the Window of Welcome (WoW), plays a crucial role in regulating stress, resilience, and social connection. But what do these terms mean, and how do they affect our emotional well-being? What Is the Window of Tolerance? The Window of Tolerance refers to the range in which a person can effectively function on...

Welcome the Spring Equinox with Fresh Energy and New Beginnings Spring brings the promise of warmer days, longer daylight, and nature’s renewal. As I bike to work each morning, I’ve noticed the birds chirping a little louder, as if they too sense the shift in seasons. Spring is a time of growth, transformation, and fresh starts. Many cultures around the world celebrate the arrival of spring as their New Year—from the Holi Festival of Colors in India to Higan in Japan, the Lunar New Year in China, and Baba Marta Day in Bulgaria. These traditions mark a collective awakening—a time to shake...

Challenging Fear Means Building Resilience in the Unknown Stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging fear can be unnerving. The fear response kicks in, and suddenly, you’re second-guessing your decision to try something new. What’s the benefit? What’s the payoff? How do you tap into motivation to keep going? Yet, beyond that fear lies personal growth—a place where you push your boundaries, deepen resilience, and transform your life in ways you never thought possible. This is often referred to as the “growth edge”—the intersection of fear and opportunity. But what exactly is this growth edge? How do fear, unfamiliarity, and even your...