Window of Tolerance and Addictive Behavior Rainbow
It’s not just negative feelings that can prompt a relapse- positive emotions can, too. Whether the addictive behavior is substance use, self-harm, gambling, shopping, or …
Psychology
Trauma Origami: How Trauma Impacts Our Sense of Time
One of the most unique impacts of trauma is the way that it informs a person’s sense of time. 🕰️ In this illustration, all of …
The C-PTSD Symptom Wheel
Recently, I discovered an academic journal article exploring the symptoms of Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and I was inspired to create this illustration. In …
Going No Contact with Parents: How to Be Estranged
Estrangement (also called cut-off or “no contact”) always brings heartache and loss for everyone involved. However, when we set boundaries with kindness as our “north …
How to Choose a Therapist – Illustrated
When you’re new to therapy and aren’t really sure what therapy is supposed to feel like, it can be really confusing to try and figure …
Rainbow of Emotional Regulation – A Social Emotional Learning Printable Infographic
All of us have some resiliency to cope with challenges. When we encounter difficult experiences that take us past the range of our ability to tolerate, the ways we tend to respond fall into one of two categories: those of us who get agitated, and those of us who shut down.
Emotional regulation refers to our ability to stay present, engaged, and able to listen and learn despite challenges. My rainbow of emotional regulation is a social-emotional learning resource that can help teach this concept in the classroom, in counseling sessions, or at home.
Desire is Not Pathology: Affirming Neediness via Radical Self-Compassion
Pop-culture “wellness” often pathologizes desire. We are promised that if we can ignore physical hunger, meet our own needs emotionally, and keep our sexual desire …
Triggers vs “Triggered”: Trauma Triggers and Modern Language Shifts
Feeling upset, anxious, or extremely uncomfortable when we encounter difficult content is normal. Having a strong reaction to information that is generally considered troubling or …
3 Ways to Prepare for Conversations about Self-Harm & Suicide
Asking if someone is suicidal won’t give them ideas, but it may help them feel less alone. A 2014 meta-analysis (that’s a study that gathers …
Creating a Crisis Plan: A Free Printable Worksheet for Safety Planning
The best time to do good crisis work is when you (or your client, child, partner, friend, etc.) aren’t currently in crisis. Take some time …
Intergenerational Trauma – Illustration and Quiz
If you aren’t naming and breaking the cycles that have entangled you, you are participating in them. This is true in most systems we are …
Emotion Sensation Feeling Wheel Handout by Lindsay Braman
[CLICK TO JUMP TO DOWNLOAD ] The Emotion Sensation Feeling Wheel WHAT IS IT: It’s an adaptation of the “feelings wheel” that many therapists and …
Expectation vs What Therapy is Really Like – Illustrated
Even if you’ve never been to therapy or studied psychology, you’ve probably heard of “breakthroughs” in therapy. It’s a word that Hollywood loves – but …
A Flowchart for Getting to Sleep – A Playful Take on Sleep Hygiene
A flowchart for getting to sleep. We all know how elusive sleep can be, but quality sleep is essential for physical and mental health. When …
Trigger-Tracker Worksheet for Mental Health Journaling and Self-Advocacy
Dismantling mental health triggers often involves a little detective work. Although awareness of “being triggered” can be very obvious, for many people, figuring out specific …
Pyramid of Crisis Response & Planning – A Visual Resource
The nature of crisis is that it is (1) overwhelming, and (2) inevitable. Whether you are a clinician in the helping professions or a person …
Urge Surfing, Alternatives, and Harm Reduction
To follow my post earlier this week on developing (new) coping skills rather than attempting to just desert our old ones, here are a few …