Defense mechanisms protect us from feelings that our mind has decided are too much to handle. It redirects, reframes, deflects, and sometimes distorts reality in convincing ways, all in the service of keeping us functional. These mental strategies are called defense mechanisms, and once we know how to recognize them, we start spotting them everywhere. […]
At Nashville Psych, we believe that healing happens in relationships. The quality of the therapeutic relationship matters deeply, and so does the quality of the training clinicians receive as they grow into the work. That is one of the reasons we are so excited to welcome two new therapist-trainees to our team for the 2026–2027 […]
There is something deeply human about creating. Whether with the written word, music, or visual creations, creativity has always been one of the ways people process emotion, connect with others, and make sense of our lives. As adults, many of us have lost touch with that part of ourselves. Creativity can become something we associate […]
Sometimes changing ourselves means changing how we relate to other people. Yes, we can experience a lot of growth in individual therapy. That said, one of the most powerful tools we have for improved relationships is group therapy. Group therapy works really well for clients who intellectually understand why they pull away from people they […]
We recently presented to the Junior League of Nashville on the topic of “Managing Storm Anxiety.” Joined by Andrew Leeper from Nashville Severe Weather (we are huge fans so it was a thrill), we shared information about the different ways that people respond to severe weather and ways to manage it. Storms can evoke powerful […]
Most people feel hurt when they experience criticism or rejection. That response is human and expected. After all, we are wired to care about connection and belonging. Yet, for some people, the emotional impact of rejection feels even more intense. For example, a small piece of feedback, a delayed response, or a subtle shift in […]