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Abusive head trauma (AHT) is one of the most serious forms of child abuse affecting infants and young children. It occurs when a caregiver violently shakes, hits, or intentionally harms a baby, causing damage to the brain and surrounding tissues. Medical experts use the term abusive head trauma to describe a range of injuries involving the skull, brain, and spinal cord caused by intentional force. This condition is considered a severe traumatic brain injury in an infant and c

Many people notice physical health changes after going through intense emotional stress, trauma, or prolonged anxiety. Symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, weight fluctuations, and brain fog often raise questions about the connection between emotional trauma and thyroid dysfunction. The thyroid gland plays a critical role in regulating metabolism, energy, mood, and hormone balance. When the body experiences chronic stress, it releases stress hormones that may interfere with no

The idea that trauma might cause serious mental illness is both intuitive and widely discussed. If someone begins experiencing paranoia, hallucinations, or emotional instability after a distressing event, it’s natural to wonder whether trauma is the root cause. One of the most common questions people ask is whether trauma can directly lead to Schizophrenia. The answer, however, is more complex than a simple yes or no. Current research shows that trauma does not directly cause

The idea that the body holds onto emotional experiences has gained widespread attention in recent years. Especially, the belief that trauma stored in the hips can manifest as tightness, pain, or restricted movement. Many people notice unexpected emotional reactions during stretching or yoga and begin to wonder: how long does it take to release trauma from the hips? The honest answer is that it varies. Healing is not a fixed timeline. It is a deeply personal process influenced

Childhood trauma refers to deeply distressing or disturbing experiences that occur during early life and leave lasting emotional imprints. These experiences can shape how a person thinks, feels, and responds to the world well into adulthood. Whether it stems from neglect, abuse, loss, or instability, the impact can be profound. But it’s important to understand that healing childhood trauma is possible with the right awareness and support. The long-term emotional and psycholog

Trauma isn’t only something you remember, it’s something your body can carry. If you have been searching for how to release trauma from the body, you are likely noticing patterns like chronic tension, anxiety, or a sense of being “on edge” that doesn’t fully go away with logic alone. That’s because trauma often lives in the nervous system and physical tissues, not just in thoughts. This guide walks you through what that means, how it shows up, and, most importantly, how to wo

Do you find yourself fearing that the people you love will leave, even when everything seems fine? If so, abandonment trauma may be shaping how you experience relationships in ways you might not fully realize. Abandonment trauma can deeply affect emotional connection, trust, and relationship stability. It often leads to patterns like overthinking, insecurity, or pushing people away - all rooted in a fear of being left. The good news is that these patterns can be understood an

Do you constantly fear being left, even when everything seems fine? You may be experiencing abandonment trauma, a deeply rooted emotional wound that can affect how you think, feel, and connect with others. Abandonment trauma often develops from experiences of emotional abandonment, neglect, loss, or inconsistent relationships, especially during childhood. Over time, it can shape your sense of self-worth, making you feel unlovable, insecure, or not “enough.” This can lead to a

Play therapy for kids is a specialized form of counseling that uses play as a natural way for children to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Unlike adults, children often struggle to communicate emotions verbally. This is where play therapy for children becomes powerful — it allows them to “speak” through toys, games, and creative activities in a safe and supportive environment. The importance of play therapy lies in its ability to meet children at their level

Seeking mental health support is one of the most courageous decisions a person can make. But in today's world, that decision comes with a follow-up question that simply did not exist a generation ago, like should you meet your therapist face to face, or connect through a screen? The rise of telehealth has transformed mental health care. Today, millions of people access therapy through video calls, phone sessions, and chat platforms right from their homes, offices, or wherever

The journey toward mental wellness is deeply personal, and for many, the first step is the most daunting: deciding to seek help. Once that decision is made, a new question arises: with so many different types of therapy available, how do you know which one aligns with your specific needs? Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Just as you would see a specialist for a physical ailment, mental health care offers various modalities designed to address specific challenges,

Eating disorders affect millions of people worldwide, often causing deep emotional pain and serious health risks. Recovery can feel overwhelming, but specialized therapy offers hope and healing. Desta Therapy provides compassionate support tailored to individuals facing these challenges. Understanding Eating Disorders Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by unhealthy relationships with food, body image, and self-worth. Common types include: Anor

Life often challenges us in ways that test our strength and resolve. When facing emotional struggles, mental health issues, or personal setbacks, the path forward can feel overwhelming. Yet resilience, which is the ability to keep moving despite difficulties, is something that can be nurtured and developed. At Desta Therapy, we focus on helping individuals build that resilience. Through a supportive and compassionate environment, clients learn practical tools to manage stres

Jimmy and Rachel Gross, Founders of Desta Therapy and Desta Provisions, standing in front of Mother Teresa's Missionaries of Charity Home - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - 2010 Desta Therapy was born from a story of compassion, community, and a deep belief in the power of human connection. Founders Jimmy and Rachel Gross began their journey in nonprofit service, launching a grassroots organization called No Ordinary Love to serve vulnerable communities in Ethiopia. Their work centere

I was listening to a beautiful, profound podcast this morning about a powerful concept: living the questions. What does that really mean? Throughout our lives, every one of us carries questions, but we are rarely taught how to live with them — how to sit with them, embrace them, hold them gently, and be okay with not knowing. The truth is, we don’t always understand why things happen, and we don’t always get clear answers. Why do I binge eat when I’m already unhappy with my

When people first hear about Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), the most common question is simple: Does EMDR work? The short answer is: Yes. EMDR is widely recognized as one of the most effective treatments for trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Although it is recognized as an evidence-based treatment for trauma, its effectiveness extends far beyond PTSD. Today, EMDR is successfully used to treat anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, addiction,

As a child, did you ever watch Charlotte’s Web? Remember where Charlotte encourages Wilbur, the little pig, to stay hopeful even when things look bleak? “Chin up, chin up, put a little laughter in your eyes. Brave it, save it, show them that you’re strong.” It’s simple advice, yet so meaningful. Life is full of moments that test our courage. Sometimes, the world feels heavy, and our heads naturally tilt downward — from sadness, stress, or exhaustion. But lifting our chin, eve

The beginning of the year often comes with a familiar kind of pressure. New resolutions. New habits. New versions of ourselves we are “supposed” to step into right away. Even when we do not consciously buy into it, the message is everywhere. Start fresh. Do more. Be better. For many people, that pressure feels misaligned with how they actually feel in January. In calendar terms, it is a new year. In seasonal terms, at least where many of us live, it is still winter. The earth

A new year often arrives with hope, motivation, and the promise that this will be the year things finally change. You might tell yourself: I’ll stay fit I’ll reduce my anxiety I’ll become a better parent If you’ve made New Year’s resolutions before, you’re not alone if they quietly faded by February. These goals are meaningful and well‑intentioned — so why are they so hard to maintain? Often, the struggle isn’t a lack of motivation. It’s the pressure to create a “new me,” un

Negative words can trap us in cycles of doubt and fear, while positive words can open doors to hope and confidence. Words are more than just tools for communication. They shape how we see ourselves, others, and the world around us. The language we use influences our thoughts, emotions, and even our mental health. This post explores how words create worlds, focusing on the effects of negative and positive language and how this impacts our mental well-being. How Words Shape Our