A Collection of Insights & Resources

Here you’ll find reflections on chronic pain, trauma, nervous system healing, and mind-body therapies like Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and EMDR. I write for people living with persistent pain, anxiety, and trauma-related symptoms — and for the providers who support them. My approach is grounded in neuroscience, compassion, and trauma-informed care.

Medical Disclaimer: This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or a substitute for professional care. If you have concerns about your physical or mental health, please consult with a licensed provider.

Moral Injury, Work Stress Julie Sliga Moral Injury, Work Stress Julie Sliga

Moral Injury in Focus: Why the DSM-5 Falls Short and How Therapists Can Bridge the Gap

Moral injury, characterized by profound psychological distress resulting from actions that violate one's ethical or moral beliefs, remains notably absent from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition). This exclusion has sparked considerable debate among mental health professionals. Despite this omission, effective therapeutic approaches can significantly aid those suffering from moral injury.

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Julie Sliga Julie Sliga

When Morals Collide: Individual and Systemic Impacts of Moral Injury

Moral injury is a term describing the psychological, emotional, and spiritual distress that arises when individuals experience situations that conflict with their deeply held moral or ethical beliefs. Unlike PTSD, which is linked to fear and trauma, moral injury involves actions or events that breach one's moral code, leading to profound guilt, shame, and a sense of betrayal. This condition can be prevalent in professions like the military, healthcare, and emergency response, where individuals may face ethical dilemmas or witness actions that disturb their moral framework. The distress can also lead to spiritual and existential crises, impacting mental health through depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. Learn how you can heal and how organizations play a critical role in mitigating the impact of moral injury.

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Counseling for Emotional Recovery After Job Loss

Discover how to navigate the emotional toll of job loss with expert guidance. Explore therapeutic approaches like CBT, EMDR, and ACT to overcome feelings of inadequacy and find clarity in your career path. As a seasoned career counselor, I offer personalized support to empower you in your journey towards emotional resilience and professional growth.

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Learning Assertiveness Skills and Boundary Setting in Therapy

Learn the importance of assertiveness and boundary setting for mental well-being. Symptoms of boundary issues include difficulty saying no and feeling resentful. Therapy offers effective treatment options such as ACT and CBT. Take control of your life and relationships by developing these essential skills.

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Julie Sliga Julie Sliga

Unearth Your Roots: Therapy for Intergenerational and Family of Origin Trauma

Therapy for family of origin and intergenerational trauma involves understanding how childhood experiences shape adult behaviors and relationships. Therapy aids in uncovering root causes, healing emotional wounds, breaking generational patterns, developing coping strategies, and fostering self-esteem and resilience. It addresses PTSD, anxiety, and self-destructive behaviors and empowers individuals to create fulfilling futures.

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Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Mental Health Julie Sliga Agoraphobia, Anxiety, Mental Health Julie Sliga

Finding Freedom in the Rose City: Navigating Agoraphobia with Compassionate Therapy

Therapy for agoraphobia is like holding a mirror to your inner world. It helps you make sense of the tangle of emotions that agoraphobia has woven into your life and encourages you to accept and love yourself in all your complexity. Through this process, you'll discover the strength within you, the resilience that can withstand the storms of anxiety.

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From Exhaustion to Empowerment: Navigating Burnout

Burnout has emerged as a critical issue impacting individuals across all industries and from all walks of life. But do you truly understand what burnout means, how it affects individuals, and what steps can be taken to prevent it? In this article, we will delve into the concept of burnout, exploring its definition, symptoms, causes, and strategies to combat it.

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Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: How Compassion Focused Therapy Can Transform Your Self-Confidence

Have you ever felt like you don't deserve your achievements, that you're just lucky, or that sooner or later, people will find out you're a fraud? If these thoughts sound familiar, you might be experiencing "Imposter Syndrome." And you're not alone in this struggle. Compassion-focused therapy (CFT) can help you break free from this self-limiting belief system.

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Fact Sheet, Anxiety, Mental Health Julie Sliga Fact Sheet, Anxiety, Mental Health Julie Sliga

Anxiety: Types, Prevalence, Symptoms, and Treatments

People with anxiety disorders frequently have intense, excessive, and persistent worry about everyday situations. Worrying is a normal part of life, but it becomes problematic when it is negative, difficult to control, and interferes with your daily life. Anxiety disorders can take a toll on your physical, mental, and social well-being.

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Julie Sliga Julie Sliga

Hands Over Heart: A Mighty Act of Resilience

Hands over heart is an act of kindness and self-compassion that elevates one’s mood in 30–90 seconds. Using touch to self-soothe has a calming effect on our nervous system. It releases oxytocin and allows us to feel safe.

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DISCLAIMER: This blog does not provide medical advice. The information on this blog, including but not limited to, text, links, graphics, images, and other material contained is for informational purposes only. No material is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Call 911 immediately if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency.