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Welcome to Safe Space Counseling Services' blog! Here, we share insights, tips, and stories to support your journey towards mental wellness and personal growth.
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What Anxiety Really Looks Like (It’s More Than Just Worrying)
As a therapist, I often hear people say, I do not think I have anxiety, I am just always on edge. And honestly, that makes sense. Anxiety does not always look like constant worry or panic. A lot of the time, it shows up quietly, in your body, in your relationships, and in how hard it feels to actually relax. What’s really going on and why this happens Anxiety is not just about thoughts. It is your nervous system staying on high alert for too long. Your body is acting like som
Yourdeline Sertyl
1 hour ago3 min read


How Unprocessed Trauma Shows Up in Daily Life
Many people live with the effects of trauma without realizing that trauma is at the root of what they are experiencing. They may describe themselves as anxious, emotionally overwhelmed, or constantly exhausted, without understanding why these patterns persist. Unprocessed trauma often blends into daily life. When survival responses become familiar, they can feel normal—even when they are quietly draining your energy, relationships, and sense of ease. What’s Really Happening (
Yourdeline Sertyl
2 days ago3 min read


What Trauma Really Means (It’s Not Just the Big Events)
Many people begin therapy wondering if what they experienced truly “counts” as trauma. You may tell yourself that nothing extreme happened, that others had it worse, or that you should simply be over it by now. From a clinical perspective, trauma is defined by how your nervous system experienced an event , not by how dramatic it looks from the outside. If something overwhelmed your capacity to cope or made you feel unsafe; emotionally or physically, it deserves care and atten
Yourdeline Sertyl
7 days ago3 min read


Anxiety in the New Year: Why Fresh Starts Can Feel Overwhelming
Starting a new year is supposed to feel exciting, but for many people, it can bring unexpected stress and worry. If you’ve been feeling tense, uneasy, or overwhelmed as the calendar flips, you are not alone. Anxiety during this time is common and normal, and it does not mean there’s something wrong with you. Why New Year Anxiety Happens The start of a new year comes with unspoken expectations. You might feel pressure to set goals, “level up,” or fix everything that felt off l
Yourdeline Sertyl
Jan 122 min read


You’re Not Behind: Letting Go of the New Year Comparison Trap
The start of the year can make it feel like everyone else is moving forward while you’re stuck in the same place. If you find yourself comparing achievements, career progress, or lifestyle choices to others, you’re not alone. This pressure is real, and it’s okay to feel it—but it doesn’t have to dictate your path. Why Comparison Feels Strong in January January brings a cultural and social spotlight on achievement. Many people, including those in Caribbean communities, feel pr
Yourdeline Sertyl
Jan 52 min read


Why Trauma Responses Show Up in Relationships More Than You Think
Many people don’t realize how deeply past experiences shape the way they show up in relationships. You might be loving, loyal, and giving, yet still find yourself overwhelmed, triggered, or misunderstood. As a trauma therapist, I often help clients understand that their reactions in relationships aren’t random. They’re responses are built from the past, even when the current situation seems safe. Why This Happens Trauma teaches the body and mind how to survive. Whether your t
Yourdeline Sertyl
Dec 9, 20253 min read


What to Do When You Feel “Mentally Stuck”
There are times when you feel trapped in your own mind, unable to make decisions, find motivation, or move forward. You might feel frustrated with yourself, anxious about the future, or weighed down by past experiences. Feeling stuck is common, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. This mental gridlock often happens when life feels overwhelming or when old patterns limit your ability to take action. Trauma, anxiety, and depression can create roadblocks that make even simple dec
Yourdeline Sertyl
Dec 5, 20252 min read


The Link Between People-Pleasing and Past Trauma
Many of us find ourselves saying yes when we really want to say no. You might put others’ needs above your own, avoid conflict at all costs, or feel guilty when setting boundaries. These patterns often start early, shaped by experiences in childhood and sometimes passed down through family or cultural expectations. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone, and it’s not your fault. People-pleasing often comes from experiences where your feelings or needs were minimized or ign
Yourdeline Sertyl
Nov 25, 20252 min read


Healing Childhood Patterns Passed Down Through Culture
Many of us carry ways of thinking, feeling, or reacting that don’t fully serve us. These habits often feel automatic, and we might not realize they were shaped by cultural expectations, family traditions, or unspoken rules. If this feels familiar, you’re not alone. Why This Happens Patterns Start in ChildhoodFrom a young age, we absorb messages from our family and culture. This could be about how to manage emotions, what success looks like, or how to interact with others. For
Yourdeline Sertyl
Nov 19, 20253 min read


Why It’s Completely Normal to Feel Nervous Before Your First Therapy Session
Starting therapy is a meaningful step toward caring for your mental health, but it can also bring up a mix of emotions. Excitement. Hope. Hesitation. And yes, nervousness. If you’re feeling anxious before your first session, you’re not alone. Most people feel this way, and there are very real reasons behind it. This guide walks you through why those nerves show up and how to make the experience more comfortable. You’re Doing Something New Meeting a therapist for the first tim
Yourdeline Sertyl
Nov 12, 20253 min read


Why Healing from Trauma Isn’t Linear; And That’s Okay
Introduction Healing from trauma is often spoken of as a journey, and yet many people expect it to follow a straight path: get hurt → heal → return to “normal.” But the reality is far more complex. Trauma recovery is rarely linear — it’s more like a spiral, a winding road with ups, downs, detours, and surprises. And that’s okay. In this post, we’ll explore why healing is non-linear, what that looks like in everyday experience, and how you can hold space for your own process w
Yourdeline Sertyl
Oct 16, 20254 min read


How Therapy Helps When You’ve Tried Journaling, Meditation, and Podcasts But Still Feel Anxious
Introduction It’s common to turn to self-help tools like journaling, meditation, or podcasts when you feel anxious. These practices can...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Oct 7, 20253 min read


The Hidden Link Between Anxiety and Perfectionism
Introduction At first glance, perfectionism may look like a strength — the ability to hold yourself to high standards, pay attention to...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Sep 26, 20254 min read


The Profound Impact of Trauma on the Brain
When we think of trauma, we often picture the emotional pain and psychological scars it leaves behind. But trauma also reshapes the brain...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Sep 17, 20252 min read


Why Rejection Feels So Intense with ADHD — and How to Cope with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD)
Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is a painful ADHD symptom that makes rejection feel overwhelming. Learn what causes RSD and effective...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Aug 26, 20252 min read


Teletherapy vs. In-Person: What Works Best for Trauma and PTSD?
With therapy more accessible than ever, many people seeking help for trauma and PTSD face a new question: “Should I go to therapy in...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Aug 1, 20253 min read


5 Ways CBT Can Help Overcome Anxiety and Panic Attacks
Anxiety and panic attacks can feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and isolating. Many people suffer in silence, unsure of what’s happening...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Jul 29, 20253 min read


How to Know if Therapy Is Right for You Right Now
In today’s fast-paced world, many people find themselves wondering: “Do I really need therapy?” It’s a question that crosses the minds...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Jul 24, 20253 min read


Healing from Trauma: Types of Therapy & How They Help
Discover how therapy helps heal trauma. Learn about EMDR, CBT & more. Start your journey toward feeling safe & whole again. Trauma is...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Jul 8, 20252 min read


5 Simple Ways to Reduce Anxiety in Your Daily Life | Safe Space Counseling Service Therapy
Feeling anxious is a normal part of life, but when it starts to interfere with your daily routine, it’s time to explore gentle ways to...
Yourdeline Sertyl
Jun 29, 20251 min read
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