Individualized Mental Health Therapy for All Ages – Trauma-Informed, Holistic Care

Life is full of changes, and while transitions can bring growth and new opportunities, they can also create stress that impacts your emotional and physical well-being. From career changes and relationship shifts to moving, parenting challenges, or unexpected events, navigating these periods of adjustment can feel overwhelming. Though these stressors may not always develop into long-term mental health concerns, the adjustment period itself can be emotionally taxing.

During these challenging times, seeking support from a therapist can be a transformative step. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can process and navigate the changes you’re experiencing. 

Our skilled therapists offer an objective perspective, helping you make sense of your emotions and guiding you toward clarity amidst the uncertainty.

How We Can Help

• Emotional Support: It’s natural to feel a mix of emotions during life changes—grief, anxiety, excitement, or even guilt. Therapy allows you to explore these feelings in a constructive way, helping you build emotional resilience.
• Stress Management Tools: Life transitions often disrupt routines and add layers of stress. TTherapy can help you learn and integrate practical coping strategies to manage stress effectively, mitigating negative impact to your mental or physical health.
• Skill Building: Our therapists can help you develop tools like mindfulness, grounding techniques, and communication skills. These tools not only help you through your current transition but also equip you to handle future challenges with confidence.
• Perspective and Clarity: Our therapists can help you reframe your situation and identify the opportunities for growth within your transition, creating a sense of purpose and direction during uncertain times.

When to Seek Help

It’s important to recognize when the stress of a life change becomes difficult to manage on your own. If you’re experiencing persistent anxiety, irritability, trouble sleeping, or difficulty concentrating, therapy may be the support you need to regain balance.

At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we specialize in helping individuals navigate life transitions with compassion and holistic care. By addressing both the emotional and physical impacts of stress, we empower you to embrace change and create a fulfilling path forward.

If you’re facing a life transition and need support, contact us to schedule an appointment. 

Anxiety is more than just occasional worry—it can feel like a constant state of unease, with worry that’s out of proportion to the situation at hand. For many, anxiety manifests as a sense of dread, nervousness, or being on edge, making it difficult to control or quiet these overwhelming thoughts. This persistent worry can disrupt daily life, making it challenging to relax or focus.

Emotional symptoms like irritability or heightened sensitivity are often accompanied by physical signs of anxiety. You might notice an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, excessive sweating, or even muscle tension. These physical sensations are part of your body’s natural fight-or-flight response, but when anxiety becomes prolonged or intense, it can spiral into panic attacks.

What Are Panic Attacks?

A panic attack is an episode of intense fear or discomfort that arises suddenly, often without an obvious trigger. During a panic attack, you may experience:

• A racing or pounding heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or a feeling of choking
• Sweating or shaking
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• A sense of losing control or impending doom

These episodes can feel overwhelming and even mimic the symptoms of a medical emergency, leaving individuals feeling scared and unsure of what’s happening.

How We Can Help

Therapy offers a supportive environment to help you understand and manage anxiety and panic attacks. Our therapists can work with you to identify the underlying causes of your anxiety, whether they’re rooted in stress, trauma, or other factors.

• Building Awareness: Therapy helps you recognize anxiety triggers and patterns, empowering you to anticipate and manage symptoms before they escalate.
• Developing Coping Strategies: Through therapy, you’ll learn practical tools like mindfulness, grounding techniques, and breathing exercises to reduce the intensity of anxiety and panic.
• Addressing Root Causes: For many, unresolved trauma or chronic stress contributes to anxiety. Therapies like EMDR or somatic practices can address these underlying issues to create lasting relief.
• Regulating the Nervous System: Anxiety and panic are often tied to nervous system dysregulation. By incorporating nervous system education and somatic work, therapy can help you feel calmer and more in control.

Seeking Help for Anxiety

Living with anxiety or panic attacks can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we specialize in helping individuals reduce anxiety and regain control of their lives. By combining compassionate care with evidence-based practices, we’ll work with you to create a personalized plan for healing and growth.

If you’re struggling with symptoms of anxiety or panic attacks and need support, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant shifts in mood, energy levels, and activity that can make daily life feel unpredictable. These changes typically occur in episodes that range from emotional lows (depression) to emotional highs, referred to as mania or hypomania (a less intense form of mania). Each episode can last for days or even weeks, significantly impacting one’s ability to function effectively in daily life.

Recognizing Bipolar Episodes

• Depressive Episodes: During depressive episodes, individuals often experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness. Activities that once brought joy may no longer feel engaging or worthwhile, leading to a loss of interest in daily routines or relationships. Low energy, difficulty concentrating, and changes in appetite or sleep patterns are common during these periods.
• Manic or Hypomanic Episodes: On the other end of the spectrum, manic episodes bring an overwhelming sense of more intense levels of euphoria, high energy, and sometimes irritability. This can lead to impulsive decision-making, decreased need for sleep, and an unrealistic sense of confidence or optimism. Hypomania is a milder form of mania but can still disrupt relationships and responsibilities if left unaddressed.

These mood shifts don’t just affect emotions—they can disrupt sleep, impair judgment, and impact physical health, relationships, and work-life balance.

How We Can Help

Receiving a diagnosis of bipolar disorder can feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that this condition does not define you. Therapy offers a pathway to understanding and managing the challenges of bipolar disorder while promoting personal growth and stability.

• Education and Awareness: Therapy provides essential education about bipolar disorder, helping individuals and their loved ones understand the condition, recognize patterns, and prepare for potential triggers or warning signs.
• Mood Management: Therapists work collaboratively with clients to develop skills and tools for managing mood swings, including creating a structured routine, improving sleep hygiene, and integrating stress-reduction techniques.
• Emotional Resilience: Therapy helps individuals process the emotional impact of living with bipolar disorder, including feelings of shame, frustration, or self-doubt. Developing self-compassion is a key focus of care.
• Nervous System Regulation: Learning how to integrate nervous system regulation practices, such as somatic practices, can help individuals with bipolar disorder by promoting greater balance in emotional and physiological states, reducing the intensity of mood swings. These approaches support awareness of bodily sensations and the nervous system's cues, fostering resilience and a sense of stability during emotional shifts. 
• Behavioral Strategies: Cognitive-behavioral techniques can help clients address impulsive or risky behaviors that sometimes accompany mania, while also providing strategies to navigate depressive periods effectively.
• Support for Healthy Relationships: Bipolar disorder can strain relationships. Therapy can offer guidance on setting boundaries, improving communication, and fostering healthy connections.

How We Can Help

Bipolar disorder can feel like a rollercoaster, but with the right support, you can find balance and stability. Therapy empowers individuals to move beyond the diagnosis, build coping skills, and lead a fulfilling life.

At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we understand the complexities of bipolar disorder and offer compassionate, holistic care tailored to your needs. Our approach combines education, emotional support, and skill-building to help you manage moods, improve relationships, and create a sense of stability.

If you’re struggling with the complexities of bipolar disorder and need support, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Codependency, often referred to as relationship addiction, is a term that can feel both misleading and difficult to fully grasp. At its core, codependency is a learned emotional and behavioral condition that affects an individual’s ability to engage in healthy, balanced, and mutually satisfying relationships. It often leads to patterns of self-sacrifice, people-pleasing, and dependency on others for self-worth or emotional stability. 

Understanding Codependency

Those who struggle with codependency often find themselves in one-sided relationships—whether with family members, intimate partners, or friends—that may be emotionally destructive or even abusive. These relationships are marked by an imbalance where the individual struggling with codependent traits puts forth significant effort to "help" or "fix" others, often to their own detriment.

Common characteristics of codependency include:

• Low Self-Esteem: Feelings of inadequacy or seeking validation from others to feel worthwhile.
• People-Pleasing: Prioritizing others’ needs over one’s own, even at the expense of personal well-being.
• Difficulty Setting Boundaries: Saying “no” or maintaining personal boundaries feels uncomfortable or impossible.
• Caretaking Behaviors: Taking responsibility for others’ emotions, problems, or behaviors, often neglecting oneself in the process.
• Fear of Abandonment: Staying in unhealthy relationships out of a deep fear of being alone or rejected.

Over time, these patterns can lead to feelings of exhaustion, frustration, and emotional emptiness, as the effort to "fix" others often results in little to no change. This creates a cycle of compulsive, defeating behaviors that reinforce feelings of inadequacy and dependency.

How We Can Help

Breaking free from the cycle of codependency requires a deeper understanding of its origins and a commitment to self-growth. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space to explore these patterns and build healthier ways of relating to yourself and others.

• Unpacking the Roots: Codependency is often tied to early life experiences, such as growing up in a family system with addiction, neglect, or emotional instability. Therapy can help you uncover these roots and understand how they’ve shaped your current behaviors.
• Building Self-Esteem: A therapist can guide you in developing a stronger sense of self-worth, independent of external validation, and help you rediscover your personal strengths.
• Learning to Set Boundaries: Healthy relationships thrive on clear and respectful boundaries. Therapy can help you identify your needs, communicate them effectively, and establish limits that protect your well-being.
• Healing the Nervous System: Codependency often results in chronic stress and nervous system dysregulation. Integrating somatic practices into therapy can help you reconnect with your body and create a sense of safety and calm.
• Creating Balanced Relationships: Therapy focuses on fostering mutually satisfying relationships built on trust, respect, and reciprocity.

Moving Toward Healthier Connections

Recovering from codependency is not about rejecting relationships—it’s about transforming the way you connect with others and, most importantly, with yourself. Therapy empowers you to break free from old patterns, prioritize your needs, and cultivate relationships that are fulfilling and healthy.

At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we specialize in helping individuals identify and overcome codependent behaviors through compassionate, holistic care.

If you’re struggling with the dynamics of codependency and need support, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Depression is a common but complex mental health condition that affects the way an individual feels, thinks, and functions in daily life. It goes beyond occasional sadness or feeling "down"—depression can significantly interfere with your ability to engage in relationships, work, or enjoy activities that once brought joy.

Recognizing the Signs of Depression

The experience of depression varies from person to person, but common signs and symptoms include:

• Emotional Symptoms: Persistent sadness, feelings of hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities that once felt meaningful or enjoyable.
• Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, changes in appetite (eating too much or too little), difficulty sleeping, or sleeping excessively.
• Cognitive Symptoms: Trouble concentrating, making decisions, or remembering details.
• Self-Perception: Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or viewing oneself as a failure.

For some, these symptoms can also lead to thoughts of self-harm or suicide, making it crucial to seek support when depression becomes overwhelming.

The Impact of Depression

Depression doesn’t just affect emotions—it impacts physical health, relationships, and your ability to manage everyday responsibilities. Left untreated, it can lead to a cycle of withdrawal and disengagement, further deepening the sense of isolation and hopelessness. However, it’s important to remember that depression is treatable, and with the right support, healing and recovery are possible.

How We Can Help

Therapy offers a supportive, non-judgmental environment to explore the root causes of depression and develop strategies for relief and long-term well-being.

• Understanding Depression: Therapy helps you identify the factors contributing to your depression, whether they stem from life circumstances, unresolved trauma, or biological factors. Understanding these triggers is the first step toward meaningful change.
• Cognitive and Emotional Tools: Therapists use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking and coping.
• Developing Healthy Routines: Depression often disrupts daily habits like sleep, nutrition, and physical activity. Therapy can help you create a structured routine that supports your mental health and builds momentum toward recovery.
• Nervous System Regulation: Depression often coincides with a dysregulated nervous system, leaving individuals feeling stuck or shut down. Somatic practices and nervous system education can help restore balance and create a sense of safety in the body.
• Building Resilience: Therapy fosters emotional resilience, helping you navigate difficult emotions and life’s challenges with greater confidence and strength.

You’re Not Alone

Depression can make you feel isolated, but you don’t have to face it alone. Seeking help is a courageous step toward healing and reclaiming your sense of self.

At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we understand the challenges of living with depression. Our compassionate, holistic approach combines evidence-based practices and personalized care to support your journey toward recovery.

If you’re struggling with depressive symptoms and need support, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Domestic violence is often misunderstood as solely physical abuse, but it encompasses a much broader spectrum of harmful behaviors. At its core, domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by one partner to establish power and control over another in an intimate relationship. This can manifest through various forms of abuse, including emotional, financial, psychological, sexual, and physical means.

Recognizing the Forms of Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can take many forms, and some may not be immediately visible:

• Emotional Abuse: Includes insults, threats, humiliation, or manipulation designed to undermine self-esteem and create dependency.
• Financial Abuse: Restricting access to finances, preventing employment, or using money to exert control.
• Psychological Abuse: Gaslighting, isolation, or intimidation to create confusion and self-doubt.
• Sexual Abuse: Non-consensual sexual acts or coercion, even within a relationship.
• Physical Abuse: Hitting, pushing, or other physical harm.

These behaviors often escalate over time, becoming more severe with increased commitment or dependency in the relationship. Tragically, domestic violence can lead to lasting psychological trauma, serious physical injuries, or even death.

The Impact of Domestic Violence

The effects of domestic violence reach far beyond the relationship itself, impacting every aspect of a survivor’s life. Survivors may experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, or feelings of shame and helplessness. They may also face challenges in rebuilding trust, financial stability, or independence.

Despite these challenges, healing and recovery are possible with the right support and resources.

How We Can Help

Therapy provides a safe and confidential space for survivors to process their experiences and begin the journey toward healing.

• Creating Safety: Our therapists can help survivors assess their current situation, develop safety plans, and connect with additional resources when needed.
• Processing Trauma: Therapy can address the psychological effects of abuse, such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression, through evidence-based approaches like EMDR and somatic practices.
• Rebuilding Self-Worth: Domestic violence often erodes a survivor’s sense of self. Therapy supports the process of rediscovering personal strengths, values, and boundaries.
• Empowering Independence: Survivors learn strategies for setting boundaries, building healthy relationships, and regaining autonomy over their lives.
• Addressing Nervous System Dysregulation: Chronic exposure to abuse can dysregulate the nervous system. Somatic practices in therapy can help survivors restore a sense of safety and calm.

Support Is Available

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, it’s important to remember: that you are not alone, and help is available.

If you need immediate assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “BEGIN” to 88788. Their trained advocates are available 24/7 to provide confidential support and resources. You can also access more information via their website here:   National Domestic Violence Hotline. 

At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we are committed to providing compassionate care for survivors of domestic violence. We aim to empower individuals to heal from their experiences, regain control over their lives, and create a future free from abuse. 

If you want to explore your needs and foster healing in these areas, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Emotional abuse is a form of psychological harm that, while often verbal and non-physical, is just as damaging as other forms of abuse. It involves behaviors that are used to control, isolate, or instill fear in the individual experiencing the abuse. Over time, emotional abuse erodes self-esteem and self-worth, creating a dependency on the abuser and making it harder for the individual to recognize or break free from the cycle of harm.

Recognizing Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse often includes behaviors that may not leave visible scars but deeply impact mental and emotional well-being. Examples of emotional abuse include:

• Threats: Using fear to gain control or compliance.
• Insults and Name-Calling: Persistent criticism or belittling language aimed at undermining confidence.
• Jealousy: Overbearing or possessive behaviors masked as concern.
• Manipulation: Twisting situations to make the victim feel at fault or unsure of their own perceptions.
• Humiliation: Public or private shaming to create embarrassment or guilt.
• Intimidation: Using verbal aggression, gestures, or threats to maintain dominance.
• Gaslighting: Denying reality or experiences to create confusion and self-doubt.
• Isolation: Restricting contact with friends, family, or supportive networks.

Emotional abuse often acts as the foundation for other types of abuse, such as physical, sexual, or financial, as it conditions the victim to accept harmful behaviors as normal or deserved (see Domestic Violence for more details).

The Impact of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse can be deeply harmful, leading to long-term psychological effects such as:

• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Feelings of inadequacy or hopelessness.
• Difficulty trusting others or forming healthy relationships.
• A diminished sense of self or identity.

These impacts are real, serious, and deserving of acknowledgment and support. Healing from emotional abuse is not only possible but essential for reclaiming your sense of self and moving toward healthier connections.

How We Can Help

Therapy provides a supportive space for individuals to process and heal from the effects of emotional abuse. Through compassionate, evidence-based approaches, therapy can help you:

• Recognize Abuse: Understand the patterns and dynamics of emotional abuse, breaking through denial or confusion.
• Rebuild Self-Worth: Restore confidence and self-esteem, helping you reconnect with your strengths and values.
• Set Boundaries: Learn to identify and establish healthy boundaries to protect your emotional well-being.
• Process Trauma: Work through the lingering psychological effects of abuse, such as anxiety, depression, or self-doubt.
• Regulate the Nervous System: Emotional abuse often leaves the nervous system in a heightened state of stress. Therapy can help you feel grounded and regain a sense of safety.

You Deserve Support

Emotional abuse is real, serious, and deserving of professional support. At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we understand the invisible wounds emotional abuse can leave behind. Our compassionate, holistic approach to therapy empowers individuals to heal, rebuild, and thrive. You are not defined by the abuse you’ve experienced, and you don’t have to face the journey of healing alone. 

Take the first step toward reclaiming your life & contact us to schedule an appointment.

At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we recognize that a child’s early years lay the foundation for their emotional health, relationships, and overall development. Our Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Services are designed to support children ages 0–8 (and up to age 12) by addressing attachment, emotional regulation, behavioral challenges, and early trauma—all while integrating parents into the process. We strive to integrate parents as we strongly believe in supporting secure attachment & emotional wellbeing.  

Why Early Childhood Mental Health Matters

From birth, children rely on their caregivers for safety, connection, and emotional regulation. Their nervous systems are shaped by these early interactions, influencing their ability to manage stress, build relationships, and feel secure in the world. When a child experiences stress, trauma, or disruptions in attachment, they may struggle with emotional dysregulation, meltdowns, sensory overload, or behavioral challenges that impact daily life.

Early intervention provides the support, tools, and co-regulation strategies needed to help young children and their caregivers navigate these challenges in a way that fosters resilience and well-being.

How Our Approach Helps

Our specialized Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist, Ashlei Stanczyk, LMSW, works closely with families to create a nurturing, attachment-focused space where both parent and child feel supported.

• For Infants & Toddlers (Ages 0–5): Therapy is relationship-based, meaning sessions involve both the child and their caregiver. This strengthens the parent-child bond, helps caregivers better understand their child’s needs, and provides strategies to regulate emotions together. 
• For Young Children (Ages 6–8, Up to 12): Therapy may involve a combination of play-based interventions, somatic practices, and nervous system education, with parental involvement to reinforce skills outside of sessions.

Who Can Benefit?

Your child may benefit from early childhood therapy if they experience:

• Frequent tantrums, emotional outbursts, or difficulty self-soothing,
• Anxiety, fearfulness, or difficulty separating from caregivers,
• Sensory sensitivities or struggles with transitions,
• Early experiences of trauma, stress, or medical challenges,
• Challenges in bonding, attachment, or parent-child connection, or 
• Difficulties in social situations or with peers.

The Power of Parent Integration

When caregivers are actively involved in the therapeutic process, healing happens faster and extends beyond the therapy room. You’ll learn tools to:

• Co-regulate with your child and help them feel safe in their emotions,
• Respond to stress and meltdowns in ways that promote nervous system balance,
• Strengthen your child’s sense of security, connection, and self-worth, &
• Build a foundation for lifelong emotional resilience.

Supporting your child’s mental health today creates the foundation for a lifetime of emotional strength, secure relationships, and well-being. Get started today - contact us to schedule an appointment.

Sexual abuse and sexual exploitation, though closely related, are distinct forms of harm that deeply affect an individual’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Both involve a violation of trust, boundaries, and autonomy, but sexual exploitation often includes an element of manipulation or coercion for personal gain or profit.

Understanding Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse includes any form of non-consensual sexual contact or behavior, regardless of the relationship between the individuals involved. This includes, but may not be limited to:

• Unwanted or Forced Sexual Contact: Any sexual act performed without explicit consent.
• Coercion and Manipulation: Using threats, guilt, or pressure to force sexual acts.
• Exposure to Pornography: Being forced to view or participate in sexualized content.

Sexual abuse can occur in intimate relationships, within families, or by individuals in positions of trust or authority. Grooming behaviors are often used, particularly in child sexual abuse, to build trust and lower defenses before abuse occurs.

Understanding Sexual Exploitation

Sexual exploitation is a form of abuse that involves taking advantage of someone sexually for personal, financial, or social gain. Unlike sexual abuse, it often has a transactional element and is frequently systemic in nature. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Sex Trafficking: Forcing individuals into prostitution or other sexual acts for profit.
• Digital Exploitation: Sharing, distributing, or creating explicit images or videos without consent, such as revenge porn or sextortion.
• Transactional Sexual Exploitation: Manipulating vulnerable individuals, such as those in financial hardship, to engage in sexual acts in exchange for basic needs like food, shelter, or money.
• Abuse of Power: Exploiters may use their authority, such as in workplaces, schools, or other institutions, to demand sexual acts.

Sexual exploitation often targets vulnerable populations, including minors, individuals in poverty, or those with limited social support, leveraging their circumstances to maintain control and compliance.

Grooming and Manipulation

Both sexual abuse and exploitation can involve grooming, a process where offenders manipulate their victims to gain trust and access. Grooming tactics might include:

• Building emotional dependence through flattery, gifts, or attention.
• Isolating the victim from support networks like family or friends.
• Normalizing inappropriate behaviors, making them harder to recognize as abuse.

The Impact of Sexual Abuse and Exploitation

The effects of sexual abuse and exploitation are profound and long-lasting, often leaving survivors with mental health or emotional struggles that could include:

• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
• Shame, guilt, or feelings of worthlessness.
• Difficulty trusting others or maintaining healthy relationships.
• Fear or avoidance of intimacy.
• Disconnection from their own body and sense of safety.

Despite the challenges, healing is possible with the right support and resources.

How We Can Help

Therapy provides a safe, confidential space for survivors to process and heal from the trauma of sexual abuse and exploitation. It offers:

• Trauma Processing: Evidence-based approaches, such as EMDR or somatic therapy, to release trauma held in the body and mind.
• Restoring Empowerment: Therapy helps survivors regain a sense of autonomy, self-worth, and control over their lives.
• Rebuilding Boundaries: Survivors learn to establish and maintain boundaries in relationships, fostering a sense of safety and respect.
• Addressing Shame: Therapy challenges the internalized shame and guilt that survivors often carry, helping them reclaim their narrative with self-compassion.
• Navigating Systems of Justice: For survivors seeking legal action, therapists can provide emotional support and help them navigate complex systems.

You Deserve Support

Whether you’ve experienced sexual abuse, exploitation, or both, your pain is real, valid, and deserving of care. At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we provide a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to help survivors process their experiences, rebuild their sense of self, and move toward a brighter, healthier future.

Take the first step toward healing, contact us to schedule an appointment.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, contact local authorities or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) for confidential support and resources. 

Grief and loss are most commonly associated with the death of a loved one, but the experience of grief extends far beyond that. Loss can take many forms, such as the end of a significant relationship, the loss of a job, financial instability, a decline in physical health, the loss of independence, or other life-altering changes. Each type of loss can evoke a deeply personal and complex emotional response, unique to the individual and their circumstances.

Recognizing the Stages of Grief

Grieving often involves navigating the emotional stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages are not linear and may be experienced in various orders or repeated over time. Grief manifests differently for everyone, but some common emotions and challenges include, but certainly are not limited to:

• Shock and Disbelief: Struggling to accept the reality of the loss.
• Anger: Feeling frustration or resentment, sometimes directed at oneself or others.
• Guilt: Lingering feelings of responsibility or regret.
• Sadness and Loneliness: Overwhelming feelings of emptiness or isolation.
• Relief or Acceptance: Moments of calm or understanding that coexist with ongoing grief.

While these emotional responses are natural, they can sometimes become overwhelming or prolonged, leading to what is known as complicated grief—an intense and persistent form of mourning that disrupts daily life.

Types of Loss Beyond Death

Grief is not exclusive to bereavement. Other losses that may trigger grief include:

• Loss of a Friendship: The end of meaningful connections can leave a void and emotional pain.
• Divorce or Relationship Changes: The breakdown of partnerships can challenge one's sense of identity and stability.
• Career or Financial Loss: Sudden changes in professional or financial circumstances may evoke fear and uncertainty.
• Health Challenges: Serious illness or loss of physical abilities can lead to mourning the life or independence once enjoyed.
• Life Transitions: Major life changes, such as retirement or moving away, can result in feelings of loss and adjustment difficulties.

When to Seek Support

Grief can feel like an isolating journey, but it doesn’t have to be one you face alone. Therapy can provide a compassionate, structured space to help you process and navigate your emotions. Consider seeking support when:

• Grief feels unmanageable or overwhelming.
• You struggle to carry out daily responsibilities.
• You feel stuck or unable to move forward in life.
• The loss triggers symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.

How We Can Help

Therapy for grief and loss focuses on providing tools, understanding, and support to process emotions and rediscover a sense of balance. Here’s how therapy can help:

• Processing Emotions: Learn to acknowledge and express the full range of feelings tied to your loss.
• Navigating Transitions: Adjust to the changes and uncertainties that follow significant loss.
• Building Resilience: Develop coping skills to move through grief while honoring the significance of your loss.
• Creating Meaning: Find ways to carry forward memories, relationships, or lessons that hold importance.
• Exploring Complicated Grief: Address persistent or disruptive patterns of grief to regain emotional well-being.

Grief is a natural part of life, but when it feels too heavy to bear, reaching out for support can make a profound difference. At Level Up Mental Health Collaborative, we provide a safe and empathetic space to guide you through the complexities of grief and loss. 

Take the first step toward healing and contact us to schedule an appointment.

Struggling with self-esteem or body image can feel like an ongoing battle, often influencing the way you perceive yourself and interact with the world. Self-esteem reflects your sense of self-worth, confidence, and belief in your abilities, while body image relates to how you view, feel, and think about your physical appearance. When either of these areas is negatively impacted, it can lead to feelings of inadequacy, shame, or self-criticism, and even affect your relationships and overall mental health.

Understanding Self-Esteem Struggles

Low self-esteem may manifest as:

• Doubt in Abilities: Feeling incapable or unworthy of achieving goals.
• Negative Self-Talk: Constantly criticizing or devaluing yourself.
• Fear of Failure: Avoiding challenges due to fear of judgment or rejection.
• Seeking External Validation: Relying on others to feel a sense of worth.

These patterns often lead to defeating emotions such as sadness, frustration, or a sense of hopelessness. They can also perpetuate a cycle of self-sabotage, where feelings of inadequacy hold you back from pursuing opportunities for growth and fulfillment.

Understanding Body Image Struggles

Body image issues often accompany low self-esteem but can also exist independently. Common struggles include:

• Distorted Perceptions: Seeing yourself in a way that doesn’t align with reality.
• Comparisons to Others: Constantly measuring yourself against societal or cultural standards.
• Discomfort with Appearance: Avoiding mirrors, photos, or situations where your body is visible.
• Harmful Behaviors: Engaging in restrictive diets, over-exercising, or other behaviors to alter appearance.

These struggles are often fueled by external pressures, such as social media, cultural ideals, or past criticism from others, and can impact mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, or disordered eating patterns.

How We Can Help

Therapy offers a safe and supportive environment to explore the roots of self-esteem and body image struggles, while empowering you to create a healthier, more compassionate relationship with yourself. Here’s how therapy can help:

• Exploring Root Causes: Uncover how past experiences, trauma, or societal influences may have shaped your self-esteem or body image.
• Nervous System Education: Nervous system education and regulation can help with body image issues by addressing the underlying stress and emotional dysregulation that often amplify negative self-perception. By fostering safety and connection within the body, these practices create space for more compassionate and balanced self-awareness. 
• Building Self-Compassion: Develop a kinder, more accepting attitude toward yourself.
• Fostering Confidence: Learn skills to build resilience, assertiveness, and a stronger sense of self-worth.
• Developing Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Replace harmful behaviors with nourishing, self-affirming practices.
• Challenging Negative Thoughts: Identify and reframe self-critical or body-shaming beliefs

Therapy can also guide you in understanding the connection between your self-esteem and body image struggles, helping you establish a balanced perspective and find greater peace in your daily life.

Struggling with self-esteem or body image doesn’t define who you are. With the right support, you can begin a journey toward self-acceptance, confidence, and a positive relationship with yourself.

Start your path to empowerment today, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Self-harm refers to intentional behaviors that result in direct or indirect self-injury or unintentional harm via means of high risk behaviors. These actions are often a way for individuals to cope with overwhelming emotions, numbness, or a lack of control in their lives. While not always linked to suicidal intent, self-harming behaviors can carry serious physical, emotional, and psychological risks as well as physical health implications, making it essential to seek professional support.

Common Types of Self-Harm

Self-harm can take many forms, including:

• Cutting or Scratching: Using sharp objects to create wounds on the skin.
• Burning: Inflicting pain through heat or chemicals.
• Carving or Marking: Writing words or symbols into the skin.
• Hitting or Punching: Intentionally striking oneself to cause bruising or pain.
• Head-Banging: Repeatedly hitting the head against surfaces.
• Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania): Pulling out strands of hair or eyebrows.
• Skin Picking (Dermatillomania): Picking at existing wounds or blemishes, preventing healing.
• Excessive Piercing or Body Modification: Engaging in repetitive or harmful practices.
• Food Restriction: Severely limiting food intake as a form of self-punishment.

These behaviors are typically driven by the need to manage emotional pain or regain a sense of control, but they can lead to severe complications, including infections, scarring, or unintentional escalation of harm.

Why Might an Individual Engage in Self-Harm?

Self-harm often serves as a coping mechanism for individuals who feel overwhelmed or unable to express their emotions in healthy ways. It may stem from:

• Emotional Regulation Challenges: Using physical pain to distract from emotional pain.
• Numbness or Dissociation: Seeking a way to feel something when emotions feel distant or detached.
• Control Over Chaos: Creating a sense of control in situations where life feels unpredictable.
• Unresolved Trauma: Attempting to process or cope with past abuse, neglect, or trauma.

While self-harm might provide temporary relief, it does not address the underlying emotional struggles and often leads to a cycle of shame, secrecy, and further harm.

The Importance of Seeking Help

If you are experiencing self-harming thoughts or behaviors, reaching out for help is a courageous and critical step toward healing. Therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space to explore your emotions, understand the roots of self-harm, and develop healthier coping mechanisms.

How We Can Help

Therapists trained in trauma and emotional regulation can offer tools and support to help individuals overcome self-harming behaviors, including:

• Understanding Triggers: Identifying what drives self-harming urges and learning to address these underlying emotions.
• Emotional Regulation Skills: Developing healthier ways to process and manage overwhelming feelings.
• Somatic Practices: Reconnecting with the body in non-harmful, restorative ways.
• Replacing Behaviors: Finding alternative outlets for stress, pain, or numbness that promote healing rather than harm.
• Building Self-Compassion: Challenging shame and fostering kindness toward yourself.

Self-harm is a signal that something deeper needs attention, but it does not define who you are. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. 

Take the first step toward understanding and overcoming self-harming behaviors, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Suicidal thoughts involve experiencing ideas, ruminations, or contemplation about ending one’s own life. These thoughts can vary in intensity, ranging from passive feelings, such as wishing to no longer be alive, to more active and intentional plans to take action. Suicidal thoughts are often accompanied by overwhelming emotions such as hopelessness, despair, or a sense of being trapped with no way out.

Understanding Suicidal Thoughts

Suicidal thoughts are more common than many people realize and do not always mean that someone intends to act on them. However, they are always a sign of significant emotional distress and should never be dismissed or minimized.

• Passive Suicidal Thoughts: Wishing you were no longer alive without specific plans to act.
• Active Suicidal Thoughts: Considering or planning actions to end your life.

These thoughts often stem from deep emotional pain, feelings of disconnection, or an inability to see a way forward. They may also be linked to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, or unresolved grief.

Why Therapy Is Important

Seeking therapy can be a crucial step toward finding relief and reclaiming hope. Our therapists provide a compassionate and nonjudgmental space to explore the emotions, experiences, and triggers underlying suicidal thoughts. They also offer tools and strategies to cope with distress and rebuild a sense of purpose and connection.

How We Can Help

• Reducing Emotional Pain: Therapy can help address feelings of despair, loneliness, and hopelessness.
• Identifying Triggers: Understanding the factors or experiences that contribute to suicidal thoughts can help create meaningful change.
• Building Coping Skills: Learn healthier ways to manage stress and emotional pain.
• Improving Connections: Therapy fosters stronger relationships and a deeper sense of belonging.
• Fostering Resilience: Develop a greater capacity to navigate life’s challenges and maintain emotional balance.

Immediate Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, it’s important to seek help right away.

• Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for confidential support 24/7. 
• Visit your nearest Emergency Room for immediate assistance.

Although it may feel impossible right now, healing and recovery are within reach. Therapy can help you find the light in your darkest moments and equip you with the tools to create a life worth living.

Begin your journey toward hope and healing, contact us to schedule an appointment.

As easily described by Dr. Aimie Apigian, trauma is anything that is too much too fast or too little too long and overwhelms the nervous system and a person's ability to cope. Trauma is also often defined not by the event itself but by the lasting emotional and physiological impact it has on an individual. As Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading expert on trauma, explains, trauma is “not the story of something that happened back then, but the current imprint of that pain, horror, and fear living inside [the individual],” as if it were still happening. This continuous imprint can disrupt emotional regulation, self-worth, and the way we view and interact with the world.

Trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including emotional and nervous system dysregulation, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming or maintaining healthy relationships. Whether stemming from a single traumatic event or cumulative stress over time, trauma has a profound impact on how we experience our thoughts, bodies, and relationships.

Developmental Trauma

Developmental trauma refers to the impact of adverse experiences during childhood that disrupt a person’s ability to develop a healthy sense of self and navigate relationships. These formative years are crucial for emotional and psychological development, and when trauma occurs in this time, it can lead to long-term effects on emotional regulation, self-esteem, and relational patterns.

Individuals who experience developmental trauma often struggle with:

• Attachment concerns: Difficulty forming secure and trusting relationships, often feeling disconnected from others.
• Low Self-Worth: A sense of being unworthy of love, respect, or care, which can manifest in self-destructive behaviors.
• Difficulty with Emotional Regulation: Struggling with overwhelming emotions or feeling numb and disconnected from one’s feelings.
• Behavioral and Cognitive Patterns: Repeated cycles of unhealthy behavior, such as people-pleasing, avoidance, or self-sabotage, rooted in early traumatic experiences.

Healing from developmental trauma requires reprocessing these early wounds and learning new patterns of emotional regulation, self-compassion, and trust. Therapy offers the tools to create a sense of safety, reclaim self-worth, and build healthier connections with others.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD is marked by intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, and hypervigilance, causing significant distress. 

Symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intrusive Thoughts: Reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks or distressing memories.
• Avoidance: Steering clear of people, places, or activities that remind you of the trauma.
• Hypervigilance: A heightened sense of alertness, always feeling like danger is imminent.
• Negative Mood: Feelings of detachment, hopelessness, or a negative view of oneself or the world.
• Emotional Dysregulation: Difficulty managing strong emotions, leading to outbursts of anger, irritability, or emotional numbness.

While PTSD can be triggered by a variety of traumatic experiences, including combat, assault, accidents, or natural disasters, it is not limited to these events. PTSD can affect anyone who has experienced life-altering trauma, and it can be debilitating if left unaddressed.

The Role of Nervous System Education and Somatic Exercises in Healing Trauma

A key aspect of trauma recovery is understanding and regulating the nervous system. Trauma disrupts the body’s ability to return to a balanced state, leading to a chronic state of fight, flight, or freeze. Nervous system education helps individuals become aware of how their bodies respond to stress, anxiety, and trauma, and provides tools to shift the body out of these activated states.

Nervous system education teaches how to:

• Recognize Stress Responses: Understanding the physiological responses to stress, such as increased heart rate, shallow breathing, or muscle tension, is crucial in trauma recovery.
• Regulate Responses: Learning strategies to calm the nervous system, such as deep breathing, grounding techniques, and mindfulness practices, can reduce the intensity of stress reactions.
• Build Resilience: Training the nervous system to respond to stress in healthier ways can reduce the long-term effects of trauma on the body and mind.

Somatic exercises focus on the connection between the body and mind, encouraging individuals to tune into their physical sensations and use this awareness to process and release trauma. These exercises include, but are not limited to:

• Body Scanning: Paying attention to areas of tension or discomfort in the body to become more attuned to emotional states.
• Breathwork: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and promote relaxation.
• Grounding Practices: Engaging the senses to connect with the present moment and reduce feelings of dissociation or detachment.
• Movement: Gentle movement practices, such as yoga or stretching, that allow the body to release stored trauma and tension.

These practices help regulate the nervous system, release unhelpful stored emotions, and create a greater sense of safety within the body. Integrating somatic exercises into therapy allows individuals to process trauma more holistically and feel more in control of their emotional and physical states.

How We Can Help

Therapy provides the space to explore trauma in a safe, nonjudgmental environment, while incorporating tools like nervous system education and somatic exercises to support healing. Therapy helps individuals:

• Reprocess Traumatic Memories: Techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) allow individuals to process traumatic memories, reducing their emotional intensity.
• Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Learning new ways to respond to stress and emotional pain that promote healing rather than harm.
• Reconnect with the Body: Somatic techniques help individuals reconnect with their bodies, reducing the physical effects of trauma and building resilience.
• Regulate Emotions: Develop skills to manage intense emotions, reducing the overwhelming impact of trauma on daily life.

Trauma may feel like a permanent part of who you are, but it does not have to define you. With the right support, it is possible to heal, regulate your nervous system, and reclaim your sense of safety and self-worth. You deserve to feel at peace in your body and mind. 

If you are ready to explore the complexities that trauma has had on your life, contact us to schedule an appointment.

Mental health challenges come in many forms beyond what is commonly listed, including struggles with self-esteem, chronic stress, social anxiety, and other emotional difficulties. These concerns can have a significant impact on daily life, and seeking support can be the first step toward healing. 

If you don’t see your specific concern listed, we encourage you to reach out to us as our therapists are here to help. 

CBT is an evidence-based approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, CBT empowers you to break free from unhelpful habits and create healthier ways of thinking and responding to life’s challenges. It’s a practical, solution-focused therapy that helps you develop lasting skills for emotional resilience and personal growth. 

EMDR is a transformative therapy that helps you heal from trauma by reprocessing distressing memories. Through guided eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, EMDR enables your brain to process emotional pain more effectively, reducing the intensity of traumatic memories and allowing for emotional and psychological healing. It’s a powerful way to regain control and peace in your life. 

Person-centered therapy emphasizes the importance of a safe, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship where you are empowered to explore your feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Through empathy, understanding, and unconditional positive regard, this approach helps you uncover your own strengths and potential, fostering self-acceptance and personal growth in a supportive environment. 

Strength-based therapy focuses on identifying and building upon your inherent strengths and resources. Rather than focusing on problems or weaknesses, this approach encourages you to harness your unique abilities and resilience to overcome challenges. By emphasizing your capabilities, strength-based therapy empowers you to approach life with greater confidence and optimism. 

Trauma-informed and focused therapy recognizes the deep impact that trauma can have on your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. It integrates trauma-sensitive practices into every aspect of the therapeutic process, ensuring that you feel safe, supported, and understood. This approach helps you process past trauma while also building resilience and healthier coping strategies. 

Somatic and nervous system therapy focuses on the mind-body connection, recognizing that trauma and stress are often stored in the body. By using body-centered techniques such as breathwork, movement, and body awareness, this approach helps release physical tension, calm the nervous system, and promote emotional healing. It empowers you to regulate your emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with your body in a healthy way. 

Mindfulness skills involve cultivating present-moment awareness through practices that help you connect with your thoughts, emotions, and body without judgment. By bringing mindful awareness to your experiences, you can reduce stress, enhance emotional regulation, and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness teaches you to live in the moment and create a deeper sense of peace and acceptance in your life. 

Meditation is a therapeutic practice that helps calm the mind, reduce stress, and increase emotional clarity. It involves focusing on your breath, body, or a particular thought or mantra to quiet the mental noise and cultivate a state of inner peace. Meditation is a powerful tool for managing anxiety, improving focus, and deepening your connection to the present moment. 

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered therapy that helps you explore and resolve ambivalence about change. By providing a compassionate, non-judgmental space, it encourages you to find your own motivation and build confidence in making meaningful changes. This approach is particularly effective for individuals facing challenges with addiction, behavior change, or personal growth. 

The Neurosequential Model, developed by Dr. Bruce Perry, is a trauma-informed approach that recognizes how a child’s brain develops in a sequential, experience-dependent manner. It emphasizes that early life experiences, particularly in relationships, shape the nervous system and influence emotional regulation, attachment, and behavior. In therapy, this model helps us understand how stress, trauma, or disruptions in early caregiving impact brain development and guides interventions that support co-regulation, sensory processing, and relational healing. By meeting a child where they are developmentally—not just by age—we can create therapeutic experiences that promote safety, connection, and long-term emotional resilience. 

Parts work, based on the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model, explores the different “parts” of yourself that influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These parts are often protective mechanisms developed in response to past experiences. By understanding and integrating these parts, you can heal emotional wounds, restore inner harmony, and live more authentically and fully. 

Play Therapy is a therapeutic approach that helps children express their emotions and process challenging experiences through play. By using techniques like role-playing, art, and games, a therapist helps children work through feelings of anxiety, trauma, or grief. This method is especially effective for children who have difficulty verbalizing their thoughts. Play Therapy supports emotional regulation, builds confidence, and fosters healthy emotional development, offering a safe space for children to heal and grow.

Culturally sensitive therapy recognizes the importance of understanding and respecting your cultural background and values. It ensures that therapy is tailored to honor your unique experiences and identities, fostering a more inclusive and compassionate healing environment. This approach takes into account the diverse aspects of your life, including cultural, racial, and socioeconomic factors, to provide the most effective support. 

In addition to the therapies mentioned, we offer a range of other supportive therapeutic modalities tailored to your unique needs. Our therapists integrate evidence-based practices to support your journey toward healing and personal growth. Each therapy is designed to address your emotional, mental, and physical well-being in a holistic and individualized manner. 

Level Up Mental Health Collaborative also implements clinical supervision and guidance for our therapists, offering a space for professional growth, reflection, and development. Our licensed supervisors are here to support clinicians in their therapeutic work, ensuring the highest standard of care and fostering a collaborative, growth-oriented environment for mental health professionals.