Acacia Collaborative Blog

The Power Of Our Thoughts We all know what it’s like to have recurring thoughts  that totally consume us. It may be a thought that convinces us to “chicken out” of a new experience, a thought that shifts our sense of self worth, or a thought that makes our heart race...

The holidays are right around the corner, once again. For many people this is a time of joy, slowing down, seeing extended family, and celebrating the year that has gone by. However, for others being home for the holdiays can be a time of heightened anxiety, preparing...

The beauty of this exercise is you can do it anywhere, even in a public space. You can also modify it to suit what you need at the moment. For example, maybe you focus on colors, shapes, smells or tastes. The goal is to use this exercise proactively, before whatever...

Life throws all kinds of curveballs, right? You’ve got job changes, relationship shifts, or a big move to a new city—and suddenly, everything feels a little off. We’ve all been there, trying to manage new stressors and cope to big life changes. But for some, these...

Living in this environment, daughters of narcissistic mothers often feel that they can never measure up, or that they’re valued only for what they can do rather than who they are. How This Relationship Affects Daughters The impact of growing up with a narcissistic...

The fear of being alone. For some people, it’s that creeping sense of dread when the house is empty, or even a tinge of unease when they’re just out and about by themselves.  Feeling this way isn’t unusual, but it can really get in the way of enjoying life and, well,...

Lying—let’s face it, we’ve all done it, haven’t we? Whether it was a little white lie to spare someone’s feelings or a full-blown fabrication, lying is part of human nature. But if you’ve ever wondered about the psychological reasons for lying, you’re not alone.  Why...

Ever wondered why you think, feel, and behave the way you do? Psychological testing can help shed some light on your inner workings. It's like a detective solving a mystery about your mind! When Do People Get Psychoeducational and Psychological Testing? People seek...

Ever wondered what life might be like without your weekend wine or Friday night cocktails? If so, you’re not alone! Welcome to the world of sober curiosity, a growing trend that’s all about exploring life with less (or no) alcohol. If the idea of being "sober curious"...

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It can significantly impact behavior, making it difficult to focus, stay organized, and control impulses. But don't worry, you're not alone!...

Election season is back, and whether you love politics or avoid it like a dentist appointment, it’s hard to escape the buzz. From non-stop debates to fiery tweets, and endless campaign ads, it’s enough to make anyone feel a little... well, anxious. Let’s talk about...

Irritability is more than just occasional annoyance. It often feels like the smallest things can provoke intense anger, snapping, or distress. Issues that normally wouldn’t elicit such strong reactions may suddenly cause significant frustration. For some, irritability...

Have you ever wondered if you or someone you know might fall on the autism spectrum? Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that affects how a person perceives and interacts with the world. It can manifest in a wide range of ways, and...

As a parent, witnessing your child struggle in school can be incredibly disheartening. They may be putting in hours of effort yet falling behind, experiencing test anxiety, or feeling frustrated with subjects that seem to come easily to others. If you suspect your...

How To Use This Audio: Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can fully immerse yourself in the practice. Whether you prefer to sit or lie down, ensure you are relaxed and free from distractions. Press play on the "Beach Tides" audio recording and allow yourself to...

Dopamine, often dubbed the "feel-good" chemical, plays a central role in motivation, learning, and overall happiness. While many associate it with quick bursts of pleasure, managing dopamine levels and understanding its nuances can empower you to harness it for...

Imagine a garden - its pathways well-worn, predictable. Now, picture new paths emerging, connecting previously unreachable corners, transforming the landscape. This is the essence of neuroplasticity, the brain's remarkable ability to adapt and rewire itself throughout...

College life: a whirlwind of new experiences, independence, and immense opportunities. But amidst the excitement, unique stressors and college mental health challenges can emerge. Balancing academic pressure, social demands, and newfound freedom can feel overwhelming,...

Let's face it, we've all been there: staring at a looming deadline, with the urge to dive into anything but the task at hand overwhelming us. While often framed as a character flaw, the psychology of procrastination is a normal human experience rooted in complex...

Have you ever wondered where groundbreaking ideas come from, or how some individuals consistently push boundaries? The answer lies within the fascinating realm that is the psychology of creativity and innovation. This blog delves into the psychological processes...

The sun, often associated with warmth and light, offers more than just a pleasant experience. It plays a crucial role in supporting our physical and mental well-being. Beyond its well-known benefits for bone health, emerging research highlights the significant impact...

When the past lingers in the form of trauma, it can cast a shadow over our present and future. The memories, emotions, and sensations associated with traumatic events can create barriers to our well-being, hindering personal growth and happiness. Eye Movement...

In the realm of psychotherapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) has emerged as a beacon of hope for individuals seeking to improve their mental well-being. Originally developed to treat borderline personality disorder, DBT therapy has since proven its efficacy in...

Navigating the challenging journey of recovery from an eating disorder can be an isolating and daunting experience. While professional therapy and medical interventions play a crucial role, the power of peer support should not be underestimated. Eating disorder...

People’s relationships with exercise often brings up a variety of complex emotions. From being made fun of in elementary gym class to being encouraged as adults to participate in home exercise videos, society's message comes across loud and clear. “Exercise is good...

Willfulness is defined in the DBT Skills Training Manual as, “Refusing to tolerate the moment, and not making changes that are needed.” Willfulness involves a refusal to accept the facts of your situation and this brings you distress in the long term.   Here are some...

A scarcity mindset is a limiting belief that there is not enough to go around, whether it be money, opportunities, love, or resources. It is a mindset rooted in fear, lack, and a constant focus on what is missing rather than what is available. Overcoming a scarcity...

Narcissistic projection is a defense mechanism commonly used by individuals with narcissistic tendencies. It involves attributing one's own flaws, insecurities, or negative traits onto others, effectively projecting their own issues onto someone else. Dealing with...

Walking meditation is a form of meditation that involves being fully present and mindful while walking. Unlike traditional sitting meditation, walking meditation combines the physical movement of walking with a focused awareness of each step and the sensations...

In our daily lives, we all experience moments of worry and concern. However, when these feelings become persistent and overwhelming, they can manifest as more significant issues such as paranoia and anxiety. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they...

In today's fast-paced and competitive work environments, it is not uncommon to experience performance pressure. The expectations to deliver results, meet deadlines, and excel can often lead to increased stress and anxiety. Coping with workplace pressure is essential...

Pets hold a special place in our hearts. They become cherished members of our families, offering unconditional love, companionship, and joy. However, when our beloved pets pass away, the grief and loss can be overwhelming. Coping with the death of a pet is a unique...

Life is full of significant dates that we celebrate, cherish, and remember with joy. Birthdays, weddings, and other milestones hold a special place in our hearts. However, not all anniversaries bring feelings of happiness and celebration. Some dates serve as stark...

In past (or present) relationships, have you ever felt like you were the one being mistreated, like you had to save someone else from their problems, or was the one being blamed and criticized for everything that went wrong? If so, you may be caught in what is known...

In many relationships, one partner may take on the majority of responsibilities while the other lags behind. This imbalance can cause tension and frustration, leading to an unhealthy dynamic known as the "over-functioner" and "under-functioner" dynamic. In this blog,...

Through this guided visualization, you will learn how to use peaceful imagery to relax when stressful or activating thoughts arise. You will learn why relaxation is necessary to a healthy and productive life as well as how to bring back the images you develop through...

Starting couples counseling can feel scary and awkward, especially if you have never done it before. But when you know what to expect, couples counseling is not as scary as you think. In fact, sometimes it is fun! Here are some common questions you can expect when...

The client-therapist relationship is just that, a relationship. This means that both the therapist and the patient play their own part in making the experience the best it can be. How can you ensure that you're not leaving therapeutic benefits on the table?  ...

Social media can have real consequential effects on your moods and thoughts. Being aware of this is the first step to mitigating the negative effects on yourself. Some of the negative effects include comparing yourself to unrealistic expectations resulting in lower...

Do you have a wedding coming up? Have you and your partner started to consider marriage? Sometimes when a couple gets engaged the pressure heats up in the relationship causing more tension. Between wedding planning and the reality of the commitment you are making,...

Let's start with some simple definitions.  Resistance is “the act or power of resisting, opposing, or withstanding”, or in psychiatry: “Opposition to attempt to bring repressed thoughts or feelings into consciousness” (Dictionary. com, 2019a) Acceptance,...

Watch The Video Below In the wake of multiple mass shootings in the United States taking place in seemingly mundane places where people ought to feel safe, such as grocery stores, schools, and hospitals many parents have felt the urge to hold their children tighter...

The first thing to know is that people considering therapy are encouraged to “shop around.” That means you can meet several therapists before deciding who you’d like to work with. Most therapists offer a short, complimentary consultation which gives you an opportunity...

Some people wonder why you would talk to a therapist when you can *just* talk to a friend. Why spill your problems to a stranger when you can pick up the phone and vent to your BFF?  There are many reasons why talking to a therapist is very different from talking to a...

Being able to effectively navigate conflict with your partner can make the difference between having a healthy relationship or a very stressful relationship. In our Healthy Fighting Part 1 blog, we learned how to identify “bread and butter” arguments vs more...

We’ve all been there. You’re in the middle of an argument with your partner and you’re so caught up in the details of the argument that you’ve lost sight of why you're fighting. Being able to pause at those times and ask yourself, “What am I trying to communicate...

Ever feel just as dreary as the rainy weather outside or caught the winter blues? What about summertime sadness? It’s relatively common to experience some shifts in mood with changing seasons or weather. And though colder, rainier days are intuitive to be correlated...

Summer is here! Temperatures are rising, CDC guidelines are loosening, and beach trips and community pools are sure to be popular as we transition to post-quarantine life. For some of us, that means showing off a home gym fitness transformation or an online shopping...

Loss is all around us. Sometimes it’s big, like when a family member or friend dies. Sometimes it’s smaller, like when you don’t get the job for which you were interviewing. When we are faced with a loss, our brains have some big grief tasks to do. Four, in fact....

Lately, the Triangle has a special yellow-tinged haze to it as the pine trees here release significant amounts of pollen. In addition to the annoyance of it covering our cars and porches, it can impact our bodies in multiple ways and many people even experience a...

We are discussing how to talk about racism with your kids and why this is so important right now.