Somatic Psychology

Relationships

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on December 2, 2024

Allowing division to deepen can lead to emotional isolation, eroding community and support. Building connection through dialogue and empathy helps us strengthen bonds.

Forgiveness

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on August 16, 2022

Would you rather forget than forgive? Letting go can allow you to enter and inhabit the present moment, relieve stress created by negative thoughts, and access newly freed energy.

Trauma

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on October 25, 2020

Have you noticed that people are more aggressive since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Trauma

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on May 13, 2020

Traumatic memories can be linked to face masks. But even if you have never experienced major trauma, the sight of a mask can make you feel uncomfortable.

Trauma

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on February 27, 2019

It is a myth that only sexual-abuse survivors suffer from intimacy issues.

Neuroscience

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on May 1, 2018

We don’t have to risk our lives to make a difference in someone else's. How to move from being the bystander to becoming an active “helper.”

Anxiety

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on March 11, 2016

Feeling nervous while dating is normal but when the experience feels like a psychological hangover, you may be dealing with abandonment anxiety caused childhood trauma.

Forgiveness

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on April 15, 2015

Apologizing is difficult for many of us...No one wants to be seen as a bad person, and we usually want to protect our image.

Sexual Abuse

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on August 29, 2014

Responding to a reader who was confused about her experience and trying to put the puzzle pieces together.

Trauma

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on November 18, 2013

Perceived support, providing long-term and local community support, taking care of your nervous system, donating blood, volunteering or helping volunteers, and not sending hand me downs can all be additional ways to help the survivors of the Philippine disaster.

Anxiety

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on June 21, 2013

Sometimes emotions don’t tell us the truth. However, you might not know how to change the beliefs.

Sexual Abuse

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on March 12, 2013

Sexual abuse is a sinister type of trauma because of the shame it instills in victims. When not properly treated, this can result in a lifetime of PTSD and depression.

Trauma

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on February 7, 2013

Incest is a form of sexual abuse. As a form of abuse, it is highly damaging to a child’s psyche and most often results in prolonged PTSD.

Child Development

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on November 14, 2012

Memories of unresolved feelings from childhood are carried into our adult life and often become buried in the subconscious.

Attention

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on September 20, 2012

There’s a distinction between giving of yourself and giving up yourself.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on August 9, 2012

Recognize and understand how PTSD can affect you as a student. Receive support by knowing your resources.

Compassion Fatigue

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on July 4, 2012

Anyone who witnesses or helps a trauma survivor can experience secondary trauma symptoms.

Friends

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on May 26, 2012

Dianna grew up in the Middle East and escaped her emotionally and verbally abusive father by emigrating to the United States.

Trauma

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on April 2, 2012

Stress

Susanne Babbel MFT, PhD on February 22, 2012

The cost of keeping the foster care system running is staggering... and yet is not nearly enough.