Lupe Rodriguez, M.A., MFT - Psychologist

10/14/2025

10/11/2025

Why do I always overreact?”
“Why can’t I say no?”
“Why do I keep pushing people away?”

As a therapist, I want you to know:
These aren’t character flaws.
They’re trauma responses.

Behaviors like indecision, shutting down, or needing reassurance aren’t signs of immaturity—they’re survival strategies your body once needed.

💛 Healing begins when you stop judging yourself—and start understanding your nervous system.

09/19/2025

(Disclaimer: This post is also not a replacement for therapy and is only meant for educational purposes.) 

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern, most often emerging in the fall and winter months. Symptoms can include low mood, changes in sleep, loss of interest, and fatigue. Awareness and treatment such as light therapy, counseling, and lifestyle support can make a meaningful difference.
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(Descargo de responsabilidad: Esto no subestima la terapia y solo está destinada a fines educativos.)

El trastorno afectivo estacional (SAD) es una forma de depresión que sigue un patrón estacional, que suele surgir en los meses de otoño e invierno. Los síntomas pueden incluir mal humor, cambios en el sueño, pérdida de interés y fatiga. La conciencia y el tratamiento, como la terapia de luz, el asesoramiento y el apoyo al estilo de vida, pueden marcar una diferencia significativa.

09/16/2025

We often think of bullying as something that begins in schoolyards or among peers, but sometimes it starts much closer to home. A child’s first experience with criticism, comparison, neglect, or harsh words can come from an unhealed parent - one carrying their own wounds, projecting pain they never had the chance to process.
This isn’t about blame, but about awareness. Hurt that goes unhealed doesn’t disappear; it transfers.
Children don’t just inherit their parents’ eyes or smiles
- they often inherit their unspoken battles too. And when love is filtered through unresolved trauma, it can feel like judgment, control, or rejection.
The lesson here isn’t to shame parents, but to remind us all: healing ourselves is one of the greatest gifts we can give the next generation. When we choose to break cycles instead of passing them down, we create space for children to grow up knowing love without conditions, guidance without fear, and discipline without shame.
+* Heal yourself, so your children don’t have to recover from their childhood.

09/14/2025

There’s an extra layer to burnout when you have ADHD. But understanding why it happens can help you stop the cycle and take back control. Check out the link to better understand ADHD burnout and learn strategies for combating it:

09/10/2025

If you or someone you know is thinking about su***de, the most important thing is not to face it alone. Help is available right now:
• In the U.S., you can dial 988 to connect with the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline — it’s available 24/7, free, and confidential.
• If outside the U.S., you can find international hotlines at findahelpline.com, or call your local emergency number if you’re in immediate danger.

⸻

Ways to Support Su***de Prevention

For yourself (if you’re struggling):
• Reach out immediately to a trusted friend, family member, or professional.
• Avoid isolation — being alone can make dark thoughts stronger.
• Limit alcohol or drug use, since these can intensify suicidal feelings.
• Create a safety plan: write down warning signs, coping strategies, and contacts you can call when you feel unsafe.
• Seek professional help — therapy, counseling, or support groups can provide tools to cope. ***deawarness

09/02/2025

Time to raise awareness, offer support, and remind each other that every life is worth fighting for. This month, we focus on those who are battling suicidal thoughts, those who have lost someone to su***de, those who have attempted, and those who may feel alone or scared to speak up. It’s a reminder that mental health struggles are real, but so is hope. Together, we can break the stigma, provide the support needed, and ensure that everyone knows they are not alone. Let’s be the light for each other and spread love.
***depreventionmonth ***de

08/30/2025

Self-love in therapy usually refers to helping someone build a healthier, kinder, and more compassionate relationship with themselves. Many people enter therapy carrying self-criticism, guilt, shame, or feelings of unworthiness, so cultivating self-love becomes a central part of healing.

Here are some key ways self-love shows up in therapy: 1. Awareness of Inner Dialogue
• Exploring how you talk to yourself (often harsh or judgmental).
• Replacing self-criticism with self-compassion.

2. Healing Past Wounds
• Understanding how childhood experiences, trauma, or unhealthy relationships shaped your self-image.
• Rewriting those internalized messages with healthier beliefs.

3. Setting Boundaries
• Learning to say no without guilt.
• Recognizing that protecting your peace and energy is an act of self-love.

4. Self-Care as a Priority
• Viewing rest, healthy eating, movement, and creative expression not as luxuries but as necessities.
• Creating rituals that nourish body and mind.

5. Affirming Identity & Worth
• Identifying strengths, values, and goals.
• Separating self-worth from productivity, appearance, or others’ opinions.

6. Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Practices
• Guided meditations, journaling, or breathing exercises that help you reconnect with yourself.
• Treating mistakes as part of growth, not proof of failure.

7. Celebrating Progress
• Therapy often highlights small victories—moments of self-respect, courage, or joy—as proof of resilience.

✨ At its core, self-love in therapy is about moving from “I am not enough” to “I am worthy as I am, and I deserve to grow.”

08/19/2025

Mindfulness involves paying attention intentionally to the present moment. Instead of avoiding or reacting automatically to thoughts or feelings, a person observes them calmly and non-judgmentally.

08/15/2025

Mental Health and Relationships: Understanding the Connection
Healthy dating and mental health are interconnected; positive, supportive relationships can improve mental well-being, while mental health challenges can impact relationships. Open communication, setting boundaries, and seeking support when needed are crucial for navigating both aspects effectively.

07/20/2025

Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It is more than the absence of a mental illness. Mental health is essential to your overall health and quality of life. Self-care can play a role in maintaining your mental health and help support your treatment and recovery if you have a mental illness.