Scapegoating in Families, family counseling, Hoboken NJ therapist, Jersey City NJ therapist, hudson county therapist
Courtney Glashow
Understanding the Psychology of Scapegoating in ...

Scapegoating means that you are blaming a person or group for something bad that has happened or for something that someone else has done. Scapegoating typically occurs to protect the image of a person or family. In a family dynamic, a person may be used as the scapegoat to protect a more favored member in the family. While it is common for one person to be used as the scapegoat, it can happen to multiple people.

Scapegoating can occur in different environments, such as work, but it is most prominent in unhealthy family dynamics. In this case, scapegoating then tends to start in childhood when a child is blamed for all of a family’s dysfunction and problems. A scapegoat bears the burden of taking on the mistakes of a family or team. 

When children are assigned this role at a young age, it can wreak havoc on their mental health. A scapegoated child may not believe that they are inherently good, worthy, or lovable. Instead, they hear insults regularly, experience constant bullying, and even abuse and neglect. This leads to a low self-esteem, decreased self-confidence, and negative self-talk. 

Understanding the Psychology of Scapegoating in Families
love bombing, nyc therapist, relationship counseling
Courtney Glashow
Overcoming the Aftermath of Love Bombing

Love bombing is a specific type of emotional abuse. It is a tactic where someone will “bomb” you with extreme displays of affection and attention. While it may seem like this person has fallen head over heels and madly in love with you, there is a darker truth to the matter. A love bomber is using their grand gestures with the intent of manipulating you. 

Being showered with love and affection can feel good and even positive at the very beginning of the relationship, but it can lead to serious issues down the road, like gaslighting and abuse. Love bombing is a very common tactic used by narcissists and sociopaths in relationships so they can control you.

Overcoming the Aftermath of Love Bombing
toxic relationship, relationship counseling, couples therapy, hoboken therapist, jersey city therapist, marriage counseling, nj therapist, nyc therapist, premarital counseling
Courtney Glashow
How To Tell If You’re In A Toxic Relationship

When you are in a healthy relationship, it naturally functions well. Of course, like any couple, you may have disagreements from time-to-time or there may be some hard times, but you band together no matter what. You are able to make major life decisions together, discuss problems once they occur, and genuinely enjoy spending time with one another.

On the other hand, you have toxic relationships. In a toxic relationship, the ‘norm’ is feeling drained and unhappy after spending time with your partner. This should be a major red flag that some things need to change.

You may still love your partner, but the relationship does not seem enjoyable. Maybe minor issues turn into full-blown arguments or you always seem to provoke one another. It may even get so severe that you dread spending time with your partner instead of getting excited to see them, like you were in the past.

Continue reading this blog to see if your relationship is toxic, and some guidance on how to navigate a toxic relationship.

How To Tell If You’re In A Toxic Relationship
Intergenerational Trauma, trauma counseling, jersey city therapist, hoboken counseling
Courtney Glashow
Disney’s Encanto: How It Got Intergenerational ...

Disney has a way of exploring heavier life topics that can help children and the 2021 film Encanto is no exception. Movies like Inside Out and Soul also assist children in exploring heavier aspects of life, such as emotions, trauma, consciousness, and even death. Encanto joins the long list of children’s movies that have a deeper message.

Disney’s Encanto offers a multigenerational story about a grandmother and her family who have been endowed with magical gifts. The Madrigal family lives in a hidden village in Colombia. While each family member does their best to live up to their reputation and help others in the community, the facade slowly begins to crumble figuratively and literally in the house that all three generations share.
Not only do people love this movie because of its catchy soundtrack, including the famous song “We don’t talk about Bruno”, but people also love it because of its exploration of generational trauma.

Disney’s Encanto: How It Got Intergenerational Trauma Right
control issues, mental health blog, jersey city therapist, hoboken counseling
Courtney Glashow
7 Ways to Let Go of Control Issues

Do you have a hard time going with the flow? Do you have to follow a schedule or routine at all times? Do you try to control other people in your life? If you are dealing with control issues, it is likely that you feel like you must exert power over your life, relationships, and general environment. In some cases, this exertion of power may extend to the life of other people.

Control can simply be defined as exerting influence or power over the environment, actions, and behaviors of yourself or another person. There are many reasons why you may feel like you need to be in control, such as insecurities or fear of the unpredictable. At times, your need for control may become overwhelming and tiring, causing chaos in your career, relationships, and your overall quality of life.

7 Ways to Let Go of Control Issues

anxiety relief

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Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety

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Exposure Therapy for Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can be an overwhelming and isolating experience, causing individuals to avoid situations that may trigger feelings of nervousness, embarrassment, or self-consciousness. Fortunately, one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety is exposure therapy. This therapeutic approach involves gradually and systematically exposing yourself to social situations in a controlled and supportive environment, helping you confront your fears without avoidance. Over time, this process helps to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and challenge the negative thought patterns that fuel social fears.


Exposure therapy works by allowing individuals to face their anxieties step by step, starting with less intimidating situations and slowly progressing to more challenging scenarios. This gradual exposure helps desensitize the individual to the feared stimuli, ultimately allowing them to experience social interactions without feeling overwhelmed. By practicing in real-world contexts, individuals can reframe their perceptions of social situations and learn that their fears are often exaggerated. Through consistent exposure and the guidance of a trained social anxiety therapist at Anchor Therapy, individuals with social anxiety can build the tools needed to navigate social environments with greater ease and comfort.

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What is the mind-gut connection?

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What is the mind-gut connection?

The mind-gut connection is a powerful and often overlooked link between our brain and digestive system. In fact, more and more research comes out every year on how the gut is an active player in our emotional and mental health. In fact, research shows that some gut microbiota (also known as microorganisms) were connected to some mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, anorexia nervosa, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and more. This connection is largely driven by the vagus nerve, which links the brain to the gut, enabling communication between the two. The gut is home to trillions of bacteria, known as the gut microbiome, which influence a variety of bodily functions, including digestion, immunity, and even mood regulation. Check out our blog “How to Regulate Your Emotions.”


The mind-gut connection works both ways, meaning that what we think and feel can also impact our digestive health. For example, when we experience stress or anxiety, our body releases hormones like cortisol, which can affect gut function and lead to digestive issues such as bloating, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), or even stomach ulcers. On the other hand, a healthy gut can promote positive mental health, enhancing mood and reducing stress. If you struggle with stress, read our blog “Everything You Need to Know About Stress Management Therapy.” Understanding the intricate relationship between our brain and gut is a crucial step toward achieving overall wellness since both physical and mental health are deeply intertwined.

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How does music affect your mental health?

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How does music affect your mental health?

Music can have a major impact on mental health whether it is played as a source of comfort or used as a tool for emotional expression. From the calming effects of a soft melody or the energizing power of a favorite song, music can shape our mood and influence how we perceive and respond to the world around us. Think about your last heartbreak, you likely listened to some sad music to relish in your feelings. Or think about when you are trying to hype yourself up before a presentation at work, you likely listen to an upbeat song that makes you feel like you can take on the world! Music’s ability to evoke emotions and memories creates a therapeutic environment where people can feel understood, grounded, and connected.


Beyond just listening, music can also be a means of self-expression and processing emotions, helping you work through complex feelings that might otherwise be difficult to express. Creating music or singing along can serve as a form of emotional release. This can actually create a sense of accomplishment and help you better manage your emotional state. Music can be used to help you relax, heal, or motivate you. Music’s ability to resonate with the mind and body underscores its important role in maintaining mental health. For more information, check out our blog “5 Ways to Nurture Your Mind-Body Connection.”

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