Fear and Anxiety

Conquering Canine Anxiety: Steps to Overcome the Fear of Dogs

Dogs, known for their loyalty and affection, are often cherished companions. However, for some individuals, encountering these furry friends can be a source of immense fear and anxiety. This fear, known as cynophobia, can stem from various experiences or perceptions. Overcoming this fear involves understanding it and taking gradual steps towards feeling more comfortable around […]

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Your brain is not the problem

In the attached Reddit article, I hear again what I have been hearing often from patients. They feel as if there is something fundamentally wrong and defective with their brain and their mind. However, this line of thinking often leads to feeling even worse. In good psychotherapy, one important goal is to help you understand

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Climate Anxiety and Nature Connectedness

IntroductionClimate change is a source of global concern that has both direct and general impacts on mental health. A recent study conducted following severe bushfires in Australia demonstrated relationships among nature connectedness, climate action, climate worry, and mental health; for example, nature connectedness was associated with climate worry, which in turn was associated with psychological distress.MethodsThe present study sought to replicate those findings while building on them in two important ways: on those findings in two ways: first, test similar relationships in a different geographical context that has been mostly spared from direct impacts by acute climate events; second, we take into consideration an additional factor, climate knowledge, which has been linked to relevant factors such as climate anxiety.ResultsThe results of a survey completed by 327 adults revealed a similar relationship between nature connectedness and climate anxiety, and between that and psychological distress. Further mirroring those previous findings, nature connectedness was associated with both individual and collective climate action, but the relationships between them and psychological distress differed.DiscussionThe proposed model was a better fit to the collected data among those with high levels of climate change knowledge than those with low levels, suggesting that such knowledge influences how the above factors relate to each other.

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The Fear of Intimacy derives from 3 Fears

To build and maintain healthy connections, it’s important to be open, trusting, and emotionally invested in relationships. Sadly, many individuals face anxieties that hinder their ability to form and sustain fulfilling bonds. These fears often originate from past experiences that have left emotional scars, deep insecurities, or negative beliefs about oneself and relationships in general.

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children avoidant dr jonathan haverkampf psychotherapy psychiatry

Empowering Avoidant Children to Overcome Challenges and Fears

Encouraging kids to step outside their comfort zone is crucial for their growth and development. Some children may seek safety by avoiding risks and new experiences, but this can limit their world and opportunities. Parents can help by creating chances to face challenges, and encouraging children to try new things.

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