Welcome to our journal here at Empower and Elevate! We aim to provide additional insight, psycho-education, and therapeutic tips as additional resources for clients in our community. Hopefully, you will find something that sparks your interest!

Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

Understanding Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD): Unraveling the Layers of Trauma

CPTSD, or Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition that can develop after exposure to prolonged traumatic events. Unlike regular PTSD, which is often associated with a single traumatic incident, CPTSD is linked to ongoing trauma, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or long-term exposure to extreme stress.

Individuals with CPTSD may experience a range of symptoms, including emotional dysregulation, negative self-perception, and difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships. They may also struggle with intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and a heightened startle response.

Recovery from CPTSD is possible with the right support and resources. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can be beneficial in helping individuals manage their symptoms and develop healthy coping strategies.

It's important to raise awareness about CPTSD and increase understanding and support for those affected by this condition. If you or someone you know is struggling with CPTSD, seeking professional help and building a strong support network can make a positive difference in the healing journey.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

Differences in Trauma Therapy: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) vs. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

When it comes to trauma therapy, various modalities have been effective in helping individuals heal from past experiences. Two prominent modalities, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), have gained recognition for their positive impact on trauma survivors.

CPT is a structured therapy that helps individuals understand and challenge the impact of their traumatic experiences on their beliefs and emotions. By addressing and altering negative thought patterns, CPT aims to reduce the distress associated with trauma.

On the other hand, EMDR utilizes bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to help individuals process distressing memories. This modality aims to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories, leading to a reduction in their emotional impact.

Both CPT and EMDR are effective in treating trauma-related conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and have provided hope and healing for many individuals. Trauma survivors need to explore these modalities with a qualified therapist to determine which approach may be the most beneficial for their unique needs.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

What to Expect in Session with an Anti-Diet Registered Dietitian

When you decide to work with an anti-diet dietitian, you can expect a refreshing and empowering approach to nutrition and wellness. Instead of focusing solely on weight and calorie counting, your anti-diet dietitian will prioritize your overall well-being and relationship with food. They will guide you in embracing intuitive eating, body acceptance, and self-care, helping you reframe your mindset around food and health. You can look forward to compassionate support, personalized strategies, and a non-judgmental environment that encourages you to listen to your body's needs. Stay tuned for more upcoming blog posts, where we will share more about what to expect when working with an anti-diet dietitian and how it can positively impact your life.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

Building Resilience: The Art of Developing Coping Skills

Building resilience is an essential part of navigating life's challenges. One effective way to develop resilience is by using coping skills. Coping skills are tools and techniques that help individuals manage stress, emotions, and difficult situations. They can include activities like deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, physical exercise, journaling, and seeking social support.g coping skills into our daily lives, we can enhance our ability to bounce back from adversity and grow stronger in the face of difficulties. In the blog post, we will explore various coping skills and how they can contribute to building resilience in our lives.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

The Process of Setting Boundaries: A Guide to Empowerment and Self-Care

Setting boundaries is an essential part of maintaining healthy relationships and is a process that involves self-reflection, clear communication, and the willingness to prioritize your own needs. By defining and communicating your limits, you create a framework for your interactions with others. Setting limits is not always easy, but it is an important step towards establishing and maintaining positive and fulfilling connections with those around you. In this blog post, we'll explore the process of setting boundaries and provide practical tips for doing so effectively.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

canvas rebel article feature

We had the pleasure of being featured as the Empower and Elevate team for an article with Canvas Rebel, and it was an incredible experience. We as a team are passionate, dedicated, and full of innovative ideas. We look forward to sharing our story and the work we are doing within our in the community.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

shoutout htx magazine feature

We are excited to share that our practice was proudly featured in the latest issue of Shoutout HTX magazine. It's an honor to be recognized for the work we do and to have the opportunity to showcase the team’s expertise to a wider audience. I'm grateful for the support from my peers, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to the industry.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

voyage houston article feature

We were thrilled to be featured as the daily inspiration. It was such an honor to have our practice recognized in this way. We hope that our story and experiences can inspire others to pursue their passions and never give up on their dreams. We are thankful for the opportunity to share the journey and hopefully encourage others to keep pushing forward, no matter the obstacles.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

connection: couples & parent-child relationships

Parent-child relationships are one of the most influential facts of life. The way we interact with our parents during our formative years can shape our attitudes, behaviors, and relationships as adults. Nurturing a strong and healthy bond with our children is essential for their emotional and psychological development. It's important to foster open communication, mutual respect, and a supportive environment to build a strong parent-child relationship.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

how to find a therapist that is the best fit for you

Finding the right therapist can be a transformative experience. It's crucial to take the time to research and meet with potential therapists to ensure that you find someone who is the right fit for you. Consider factors such as their areas of expertise, their approach to therapy, and their personality. Don't hesitate to ask questions and express your needs during initial consultations. Remember, finding a therapist with whom you feel comfortable and understood is essential for the success of your therapeutic journey.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

how are you coping? here are coping strategies to consider

In times of stress and difficulty, it's important to have a toolbox of coping skills to help navigate through challenges. Whether it's deep breathing, practicing mindfulness, engaging in physical activity, or seeking support from loved ones, utilizing coping skills can make a significant difference in managing stress and maintaining well-being. By incorporating these strategies into daily life, it becomes easier to cope with the ups and downs that come our way. Remember, everyone's coping skills may look different, and it's important to find what works best for you.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

resources: maintaining recovery with social media

In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. While it has many benefits, it can also be a triggering environment for individuals in eating disorder recovery. However, when used mindfully, social media can also be a valuable resource for those seeking support and guidance in their journey towards recovery.

Navigating social media in eating disorder recovery can be challenging, but there are many positive and supportive resources available online. From recovery-focused accounts and hashtags to online support groups and forums, social media offers a sense of community and understanding for individuals who may feel isolated in their struggles.

It's important to curate a positive and empowering social media feed by following accounts that promote body positivity, self-love, and mental health awareness. Engaging with uplifting and supportive content can help individuals feel less alone and more encouraged in their recovery journey.

Ultimately, finding a balance with social media use in eating disorder recovery is key. Setting boundaries, being mindful of triggers, and seeking out positive and supportive resources can help individuals harness the potential of social media as a tool for healing and growth.

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Rachael Reed Rachael Reed

new year, new intentions

As the new year approaches, many of us are thinking about our intentions for the upcoming year. Setting intentions can help guide our actions and focus our energy on what truly matters to us. Whether it's improving our health, strengthening our relationships, or pursuing personal growth, being intentional about our goals can set the stage for a fulfilling year ahead. As we reflect on the past year and look forward to the new one, let's take the time to set clear intentions and commit to making positive changes in our lives.

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