Abri Psychotherapy Blog

You meet someone you like. The first few dates go well. There's attraction, conversation flows, you're enjoying yourself. And then it starts. The questioning. The analyzing. The constant internal interrogation about whether what you're feeling is real or enough or...

You're trying to date differently this time.Not rushing into commitment. Keeping things light. Exploring connections without the pressure of figuring out if someone is "the one" within three dates. You've decided that casual dating might actually be what you need...

The New Year often arrives with a familiar weight — an unspoken expectation that you must transform, improve, or become a “better version” of yourself overnight. But real, sustainable progress doesn’t come from pressure. It comes from clarity, compassion, and...

Every new year brings a quiet pressure to reinvent ourselves — to set resolutions, build better habits, or “finally get it right this time.” But real change doesn’t come from rigid promises or unrealistic expectations. It comes from choosing personal growth goals that...

When it comes to therapy, many people assume insurance is the only—or the best—way to cover costs. But for professionals who want faster results, full privacy, and the ability to choose the right therapist, working with a private pay provider can actually be the...

As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, many people notice a shift in their mood.  You might feel more tired, unmotivated, or emotionally low as the colder months settle in. This experience, often linked to changes in daylight, is known as seasonal...

The holidays are often portrayed as joyful and filled with laughter, yet for many people, this season can feel lonely, stressful, or emotionally heavy.  Holiday loneliness is more common than most realize. You might look around and see smiling families, sparkling...

Let's talk about mastering feedback management. Receiving feedback can feel like walking a tightrope. Whether it’s from a friend, family member, roommate, or colleague, criticism often triggers a stress response. Your heart races, your muscles tense, and your mind...

The holidays can bring warm lights, nostalgic traditions, and cherished moments—but they can also stir up complicated emotions when you’re spending time with a dysfunctional family.  Maybe it’s that one relative who always finds a way to criticize your life choices,...

Why the Holidays Bring Unique Challenges For many, the holiday season brings joy, celebration, and reconnection. But let’s be honest—it also brings stress, tension, and the resurfacing of old conflicts. Gathering with family can sometimes mean stepping back into old...

Why Values Matter in Everyday Life It’s easy to get caught up in the grind of day-to-day responsibilities—work deadlines, family obligations, social expectations—without stopping to ask: Am I living in line with what matters most to me? When our actions are guided by...

Being a social introvert comes with both strengths and challenges.  You might enjoy connecting with others but feel drained after too much social interaction. You may crave meaningful relationships yet struggle with environments that demand constant engagement. Over...

We often think of food as fuel for the body—something that keeps us moving, working, and living day to day.  But what about the mind?  Growing research suggests that what we eat doesn’t just influence our physical health—it also affects mood, memory, and overall...

Nutrition isn’t just about eating more vegetables or following the latest diet trend. For many people, what they eat plays a direct role in their health outcomes—shaping how they manage chronic conditions, recover from illness, and maintain long-term well-being. While...

For many individuals and families, Medicaid is the only way to access consistent mental health care. In Oregon, thousands of people rely on this coverage for therapy, psychiatric services, and essential support. But in 2025, new policy changes are reshaping how...

Relationships are built on trust, respect, and mutual understanding—but when one person holds significantly more influence or control than the other, a power imbalance in relationships can develop. These imbalances are not always obvious at first. Sometimes they show...

We’ve all experienced moments when our actions create ripple effects that come back to us—sometimes in helpful ways, sometimes in not-so-helpful ones. That’s the essence of a feedback loop. From the way your thermostat controls the temperature in your house, to how...

In a culture obsessed with clean eating, calorie tracking, and body “optimization,” the idea of intuitive eating can feel like a radical act. For those in recovery from disordered eating or chronic dieting, letting go of food rules and returning to your body’s inner...

Today, teenagers are navigating an emotional landscape more complex than ever. From academic pressures and social comparison to identity struggles and family expectations, teens are grappling with high levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional isolation. While...

Relationships can bring so much joy and connection. But for some, love can also bring relentless doubt—a voice in your head whispering, “Are you sure? What if this isn’t right?”  That’s not just normal worry—it might be relationship OCD. At Abri Psychotherapy, we...

We’ve all heard the phrase, “nobody’s perfect.” But if you live with maladaptive perfectionism, that phrase can feel more like a challenge than a truth. Instead of striving for healthy goals, you might find yourself stuck in a cycle of constant self-criticism, fear of...

Restrictive eating is often misunderstood. In a culture that praises willpower, discipline, and "clean" eating, the warning signs of a deeper psychological struggle can easily go unnoticed. But beneath the surface of counting calories, cutting out food groups, or...

Making new friends as an adult is not as simple as it once was. Unlike the built-in social settings of childhood—classrooms, sports teams, or college dorms—adulthood often brings isolation, long work hours, and fewer opportunities for spontaneous connection. If you...

If you're constantly prioritizing others' needs over your own, avoiding conflict at all costs, or feeling guilty when setting boundaries, you're not alone. Many individuals live their lives caught in the cycle of people pleasing—saying “yes” when they want to say...

In a world that praises ambition, discipline, and success, high achievers are often placed on a pedestal. They are the ones who push boundaries, exceed expectations, and strive for perfection in all aspects of life. Their drive fuels innovation, leadership, and...

If the sound of someone chewing, tapping, or clicking makes you want to run for the hills (or scream into a pillow), you’re not alone. Misophonia—an intense emotional reaction to specific sounds—can feel like a constant battle against your own environment. Learning...

Power dynamics in relationships play a central role in how couples communicate, make decisions, and connect emotionally. While many people associate the concept of power with control or authority, in relationships, power can be more subtle—showing up in who...

Social anxiety can make everyday interactions feel daunting, but therapy can provide powerful tools for managing those fears. One effective approach for many individuals is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). While DBT is often associated with treating emotional...

When it comes to therapy, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Two popular methods that often come up in discussions are EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Both have unique benefits, but which one is right...

You hear the phrase "you are what you eat" all the time, and you're probably wondering what's the link between diet and mental health? In this blog, we're breaking down how the two go hand in hand and why it's important to fuel yourself with nutritious food that...

Tired of waking up in a panic from nightmares? You’re not alone. Nightmares can leave you feeling anxious, exhausted, and even fearful of going to sleep. If your nightmares are connected to trauma or stress, EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) might...

Anxiety can feel like being stuck on a hamster wheel—your thoughts race, your body tenses, and before you know it, you’re spiraling. That’s the anxiety feedback loop in action. But the good news? You can step off the wheel. Let’s talk about how. How to Get Out of the...

OCD can feel like a relentless cycle—those intrusive thoughts just won’t quit, and the compulsions keep pulling you back in. If you’ve been exploring therapy options, you might have come across Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). But is DBT actually helpful for OCD?...

Ah, the holidays—time for family, food, fun… and maybe a little bit of family drama. But, it can also be an opportunity for family healing! While many of us look forward to seeing loved ones, holiday gatherings can sometimes bring out the not-so-jolly side of family...

Let’s dig into a juicy topic: diet and mental health!  That’s right—what’s on your plate can impact how you feel mentally just as much as it affects your physical health. Imagine your brain as a high-performance machine.  You wouldn’t fill up a sports car with cheap...

Let’s talk about perfectionism and anxiety—a duo that often pairs up like peanut butter and jelly, only way less delicious. Picture this: You’re at a social gathering, trying to keep your cool, but inside, you’re worrying about every little detail.  Did you say the...

Adolescence is like a rollercoaster ride: full of ups, downs, and a whole lot of drama. Teenagers today face unprecedented academic pressure to excel academically and socially, often leading to perfectionism, anxiety, and social withdrawal. It's like trying to juggle...

Relationships can be a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs. But sometimes, it feels like we're stuck on a broken track, stuck in a never-ending loop of conflict and misunderstanding. To foster true intimacy, emotional connection, andhealthy power dynamics in...

Anxiety disorders can be a real buzzkill, but for some individuals, the root of their anxiety lies in a pervasive need for control. It's like trying to hold a jellyfish together with a rubber band—impossible and totally frustrating. Anxiety and controll issues can be...

The journey to eating disorder recovery can feel like a never-ending uphill battle. Societal pressure to conform to idealized body standards and deep-seated control issues can make it feel like you're trapped in a maze. But there's a way out. Radical openness and body...

Ever heard the saying, "You are what you eat"? Well, it's more true than you might think. The gut-brain connection, is a complex network of communication between the digestive system and the brain. This is one reason nutrition and mental health are undeniably linked....

For those who thrive on high achievement, it can sometimes feel like being stuck in a beautifully decorated but confining space. On the surface, everything may look perfect, but internally, the pressure can feel stifling. Therapy for burnout can be of great benefit...

Get ready for a mind-blowing update on the future of therapy: telehealth mental health therapy is taking over! Expanding Access to Marginalized Communities Telehealth is breaking down barriers for marginalized communities.  People living in rural areas, those with...