Embracing You Therapy

12/12/2025

Overstimulation is real — sometimes your nervous system is already carrying too much, and even one more question feels like a pop quiz you didn’t study for. Needing quiet, space, or a pause doesn’t make you rude or dramatic — it means your body is asking for regulation.

Taking a breath, setting a gentle boundary, or stepping away for a moment is listening to yourself. And learning to honor that need? That’s growth. 💛

*****This post is not meant to represent medical or psychological help. Instagram is not a replacement for mental health therapy*****

12/09/2025

The Hidden Faces of Codependency: How Caring Becomes Controlling

The hidden faces of codependency often show up in ways that feel like love—being there for others, anticipating their needs, offering support. But when caring becomes controlling, and self-worth depends on how much you’re needed, it may signal codependency. As a Codependency Counselor in Woodland Hills, I see how this dynamic can erode emotional health in both romantic and family relationships.

Read more here: https://embracingyoutherapy.com/the-hidden-faces-of-codependency-how-caring-becomes-controlling/

12/05/2025

Honestly? Surviving a chaotic year doesn’t always come with a neat, logical explanation. Sometimes you just crawled, coped, cried, laughed at the wrong moments, relied on iced coffee and sheer willpower, and somehow… made it.

You don’t need a perfect narrative to validate your resilience. What matters is that you kept going, even when everything felt upside down. And every confusing, messy, nonsensical moment you pushed through is part of the strength you’re carrying into the next season.

*****This post is not meant to represent medical or psychological help. Instagram is not a replacement for mental health therapy*****

12/01/2025

The Impact of BFRBs on Relationships and How to Navigate Them

Understanding how Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors affect the people we love—and how support can make all the difference.

A Black couple sits closely on a couch in a cozy living room, with the woman leaning her head on the man’s shoulder and his arm wrapped around her in a comforting embrace. They appear to be sharing an emotional moment.
The impact of BFRBs on relationships is often more complicated than it seems. Whether it’s hair pulling (trichotillomania), skin picking (excoriation disorder), or nail biting, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) can affect not only the individual experiencing them—but also their romantic partners, family, and close friends. As a BFRB counselor in Woodland Hills, I know that these behaviors are often misunderstood, leading to frustration, shame, or conflict in relationships.

Read more here:

Discover how BFRBs like hair-pulling or skin-picking impact romantic and family relationships—and learn healthy ways to build connection.

11/28/2025

There’s nothing quite like realizing that one tiny change — a boundary, a routine, a coping skill, a moment of honesty — actually made things lighter. Healing doesn’t usually happen in fireworks; it happens in these quiet little shifts where you finally feel just a bit more grounded, a bit more you.

And the best part? Those small shifts add up. Every time you try something new, challenge an old pattern, or show up for yourself, you’re building a foundation for a life that feels safer and more aligned. Keep going — the changes you feel are real. 💛

*****This post is not meant to represent medical or psychological help. Instagram is not a replacement for mental health therapy*****

11/21/2025

There’s something about the holidays that brings out the excitement — the food, the cozy vibes, the break from routine. And even if the season can come with its own stress, it’s totally okay to let yourself enjoy the moments that feel warm and grounding.

Give yourself permission to look forward to the things that bring comfort and joy. Whether it’s family, friends, food, or just a long weekend to breathe — you deserve moments that refill your cup.

*****This post is not meant to represent medical or psychological help. Instagram is not a replacement for mental health therapy*****

11/11/2025

3 Ways to Cope with Holiday Stress and Anxiety

The holiday season is supposed to be joyful—but for many, it brings stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. From family expectations to financial pressure and perfectionism, this time of year can easily drain your energy and peace of mind. In this video, Clara Nuckols, AMFT at Embracing You Therapy in Woodland Hills, CA, shares three evidence-based ways to reduce holiday stress and reconnect with calm and meaning.

🎄 In this video, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to set healthy boundaries and practice realistic self-care during the holidays
✔️ Why managing expectations and embracing imperfection can ease anxiety
✔️ Simple mindfulness and gratitude practices to stay grounded and present

Whether you’re feeling pressure to create the “perfect” holiday or struggling with family dynamics, these tools will help you navigate the season with more balance, compassion, and joy.

✨ Remember: The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be peaceful.

Watch here:

The holiday season is supposed to be joyful—but for many, it brings stress, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm. From family expectations to financial pressure ...

11/10/2025

From Isolation to Connection: Building Confidence in Social Settings as an Adult

From isolation to connection—it’s a journey many adults quietly long for, especially when moving to a fast-paced city like Los Angeles. If you’re new to Woodland Hills or just struggling to build meaningful relationships, you’re not alone. As a Young Adults Counselor in Woodland Hills, I know that making friends as an adult can feel intimidating, particularly in socially competitive or image-conscious environments. But with the right tools, you can move from loneliness to confidence—and create the connections you deserve.

Read more here:

Struggling to connect with others? Learn how to build confidence in social situations as an adult with tips to reduce social anxiety!

11/07/2025

Rest isn’t laziness—it’s recovery. When your week has been draining, your body and mind need downtime to reset. You don’t have to “earn” rest by being productive first. If your nervous system says, “We’re sleeping today,” that is self-care.

Sometimes the best way to recharge is by doing absolutely nothing, guilt-free. So yeah, sleep on your day off—you’re not wasting time, you’re restoring energy. 🌙💛

*****This post is not meant to represent medical or psychological help. Instagram is not a replacement for mental health therapy*****

11/03/2025

Breaking the Cycle: Strategies to Manage and Reduce BFRBs

Breaking the cycle of BFRBs (Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors) is not just about willpower—it’s about learning how to work with your nervous system, your environment, and your emotions. For individuals living with behaviors like hair-pulling (trichotillomania), skin-picking (excoriation), or nail-biting, the urge to engage in these actions often comes automatically, especially during stress, boredom, or emotional overwhelm. But with the right tools, change is possible—starting with awareness and compassion.

Read more here:

Learn how to manage and reduce Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) with practical strategies to break the cycle and regain control.

10/31/2025

Avoidance can feel easier in the moment—if you don’t look at it, you don’t have to feel it, right? But all those emotions you sidestep eventually start spinning back around, asking for your attention. Therapy helps you slow the spin, pause, and learn that facing your emotions doesn’t have to be scary—it can actually be freeing.

You don’t have to have it all figured out to start feeling. Just take one honest moment at a time. The goal isn’t to avoid the emotions—it’s to understand them. 🌱💛

*****This post is not meant to represent medical or psychological help. Instagram is not a replacement for mental health therapy*****

10/27/2025

Is Pre-Marital Counseling Right for Us? Signs You Should Consider It

“Is pre-marital counseling right for us?” It’s a question many engaged couples ask themselves as they prepare for marriage. While planning a wedding is exciting, planning for the marriage itself is even more important. Pre-marital counseling gives couples the opportunity to strengthen their foundation, address potential challenges, and build healthy habits that will support them for years to come. Sometimes, there is a fear that pre-marital counseling will uncover “reasons not to get married”. In reality, addressing potential hurdles before marriage can help to reduce their impact, or eliminate them altogether. Yes, there are some aspects of entering into a marriage that a couple can’t really compromise on. But avoiding those conversations won’t make those

Read more here:

Is pre-marital counseling right for you? Learn signs that it may benefit your relationship and help build a stronger foundation for marriage.