Author: Dr. Sara Teta

Have you ever felt a sense of calm when talking to someone who genuinely listens? Or perhaps a sudden wave of unease in response to another person’s anxiety? These experiences highlight an essential psychological and physiological process known as co-regulation. Rooted in Polyvagal Theory, co-regulation plays a crucial role in emotional well-being, helping adults navigate complex social interactions. Mastering co-regulation can strengthen relationships, enhance self-awareness, and foster healthier social dynamics. Let’s explore what it means and how to incorporate it into daily life. What is Co-Regulation? Co-regulation refers to the mutual exchange of emotional and physiological cues between individuals that create a sense...

The journey to mental health and well-being is as diverse as the individuals seeking healing. From traditional psychotherapy to innovative body-focused approaches, there is a growing recognition that true recovery comes from addressing both the mind and body. This blog explores top-down and bottom-up processing therapies, their methodologies, and their transformative potential in mental health. Understanding Holistic Top-Down and Bottom-Up Approaches To fully appreciate these therapies, it’s essential to understand the key differences between top-down and bottom-up processing approaches. What is Top-Down Processing? Top-down approaches focus on the cognitive aspects of healing, utilizing conscious thought, reasoning, and awareness to manage emotions and behavior. Techniques...

What Is Integrative Mental Health? In recent years, the healthcare industry has increasingly recognized the need for a holistic approach to mental health. Rather than solely relying on traditional psychology, integrative mental health considers the whole individual—mind, body, and environment—to create a personalized treatment plan. This approach moves beyond symptom management and aims to uncover the root causes of mental health challenges, leading to long-term well-being. Understanding the Root Causes of Mental Health Challenges Many traditional mental health treatments focus on alleviating symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes of conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. Integrative mental health shifts this perspective by examining...

Have you ever felt uncomfortable accepting a compliment, a gift, or even an act of kindness? You’re not alone. While much of the self-help world emphasizes the importance of giving, we often overlook the emotional and psychological benefits of receiving. Yet, receiving is just as essential to our emotional wellness as giving. Receiving can be a powerful act, although it can be difficult. So, how do we learn to accept others’ generosity with grace and comfort, without awkwardness or discomfort? How do we foster a deeper connection, a sense of self-worth, and balance in life? The Importance of Receiving Receiving is more than...

How Light Boxes Can Transform Your Health As the seasons shift, they bring more than just cooler temperatures, shorter days, and longer nights. These changes can impact your mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. For many, winter’s dark and dreary months trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or general feelings of sluggishness and fatigue. Fortunately, light box therapy offers a powerful, science-backed solution to combat these seasonal challenges and improve your mental and physical health, mood, and productivity. What Is Light Box Therapy? Light box therapy, also known as phototherapy, involves exposure to a special device that mimics natural sunlight without harmful UV rays....

In today’s fast-paced world, physical manifestations of stress are more common than ever. Tense shoulders, clenched jaws, and furrowed brows are not just fleeting reactions—they are often signs of chronic tension that can drain energy and disconnect people from their bodies. Relaxing is essential to counteract these effects, as the tension we notice is just the tip of the iceberg, with deeper stress often lurking beneath the surface of our awareness. Why Relaxing is Key to Holistic Wellness True wellness goes beyond physical health—it involves harmony in the body, mind, and spirit. Relaxation isn’t a luxury; it’s an essential practice for maintaining...

Several years ago, I worked with a client, Jamie (name changed for privacy), who had a history of complex PTSD stemming from a challenging, chronically dysfunctional upbringing. Jamie’s parent had an unmanaged severe mental health disorder, leaving deep emotional scars. As an adult, Jamie made intentional efforts to seek healthier relationships and escape chaos. Yet, difficult people—those who betrayed their trust or took advantage of their kindness—continued to appear in Jamie’s life. Frustrated, Jamie asked, “Why do I feel like I’m attracting this? What am I missing?”   What Is Cortisol and Why Is It Important? Cortisol, commonly known as the “stress hormone,”...

“Someday you will be old enough to start reading fairy tales again.” This timeless quote from C.S. Lewis captures the enduring magic of fantasy fiction. Once thought to be a genre for children, fantasy books like A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) by Sarah J. Maas and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros have sparked a cultural phenomenon among adults. These stories are more than escapism—they offer a way to process emotions, heal, and connect with others. So, why do we keep returning to these enchanted worlds? Let’s dive into the psychology behind fantasy fiction’s appeal and why it’s more relevant than...