Sousan Amiri, Therapy

11/04/2025

Shame is a quiet, heavy emotion that tells us we are bad—not just that we did something wrong. It thrives in secrecy and silence, convincing us we’re unworthy of love or belonging. Yet when we name it, share it, and meet it with compassion, shame begins to lose its power. Healing starts not in hiding, but in being seen!

10/17/2025

What a Healthy Relationship Looks Like

We take responsibility.

· We admit when we’re wrong.
· We own our actions and attitudes.

We create a safe space.

· We never intimidate or manipulate.
· We respect boundaries and communicate calmly.

We build on trust and honesty.

· We take each other at their word.
· We communicate openly and truthfully.

We operate as a team.

· We ask; we don’t expect.
· We make decisions together and compromise.
· We find “win-win” solutions.

We are each other’s support system.

· We listen without judgment.
· We encourage and understand each other.
· We value each other’s opinions and choices.

10/17/2025

10/15/2025

“Functional freeze” looks like you’re doing fine on the outside — working, socializing, showing up — but inside, you feel stuck, numb, or disconnected.

Signs to notice:
💡 Emotional numbness
💡 Constant fatigue
💡 Over-functioning or staying “too busy”
💡 Trouble making decisions
💡 Feeling detached from yourself or others

Your body isn’t broken — it’s protecting you. Healing starts with awareness. 💛

10/06/2025

آرزوی من برای تو این است که ادامه دهی.
ادامه بده خودت باشی،
جهانی سخت و بی‌رحم را با مهربانی‌هایت شگفت‌زده کن.
ادامه بده و بگذار شوخ‌طبعی،
بارِ دلِ نازک و لطیفت را سبک کند.
— مایا آنجلو

“My wish for you is that you continue.
Continue to be who you are,
to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness.
Continue to allow humor to lighten
the burden of your tender heart.”
— Maya Angelou

08/27/2025

07/28/2025

If there are no Safety/security in a Relationships , then there is no love and belongings!

07/16/2025

The “4 predictions of divorce” are famously known as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in relationships, a concept developed by psychologist Dr. John Gottman. Based on decades of research, he found that these four behaviors are strong predictors of relationship breakdown and divorce if they become patterns:

1. Criticism
• What it is: Attacking your partner’s character or personality rather than focusing on a specific behavior.
• Example: “You never think about anyone but yourself. You’re so selfish.”
• Healthier alternative: Use a gentle startup—express a complaint without blame.
Example: “I felt hurt when you didn’t call. I wish we could check in more during the day.”

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2. Contempt (the most dangerous)
• What it is: Showing disrespect, mockery, sarcasm, name-calling, eye-rolling—communicating that you see your partner as beneath you.
• Example: “Oh please, like you’d understand. You’re pathetic.”
• Healthier alternative: Build fondness and admiration, and practice gratitude and appreciation regularly.

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3. Defensiveness
• What it is: Playing the victim, making excuses, or shifting blame instead of taking responsibility.
• Example: “It’s not my fault. You never told me you needed help!”
• Healthier alternative: Practice responsibility and listen openly.
Example: “You’re right, I missed that. I’ll do better next time.”

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4. Stonewalling
• What it is: Shutting down, withdrawing, or refusing to engage—often as a response to feeling overwhelmed.
• Example: Giving the silent treatment or walking away mid-conversation.
• Healthier alternative: Take a break to self-soothe and return when calm, then re-engage constructively.

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If these behaviors are present and go unaddressed, they erode trust and connection. The good news? They can be replaced with positive communication skills, emotional attunement, and repair strategies.

07/11/2025

Social anxiety—also known as social anxiety disorder (SAD)—is more than just shyness or occasional nervousness. It’s a persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social or performance situations. .

Common Symptoms:
• Intense fear in social settings or while speaking in front of others
• Avoiding social interactions (even with familiar people)
• Physical symptoms: blushing, sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty making eye contact or speaking
• Overanalyzing conversations after they happen
• Worrying for days or weeks before an event

Causes:
• Genetics (family history of anxiety)
• Brain chemistry (imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin)
• Past social trauma or bullying
• Learned behavior (observing others with social fears)

Ways to Cope and Heal:
1. Therapy – especially Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which helps challenge and reframe anxious thoughts.
2. Exposure – Gradually facing feared situations can reduce sensitivity over time.
3. Mindfulness & Breathing Techniques – These can help calm physical symptoms and ground you in the moment.
4. Medication – Some people benefit from SSRIs or anti-anxiety medications (consult a healthcare provider).
5. Support Groups – Being around others who understand can reduce shame and build confidence.
6. Journaling & Self-Compassion – Helps identify patterns and reduce self-criticism.