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TAPROOT BLOG:
​PSYCHOEDUCATION FOR CLIENTS AND PROVIDERS

DBT Skills Everyone Can Use

7/7/2026

 
By Emma Shelton, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by daily stressors, had trouble managing interpersonal relationships, or struggled to regulate your emotions? If so, DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) might offer some helpful skills for you. 

While DBT was originally developed for specific mental health diagnoses, its emphasis on building practical coping skills means it can be helpful in a myriad of situations. And, you don't have to be in DBT therapy to benefit from these skills, as they're designed to help anyone respond to life's challenges more effectively.

DBT is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that combines acceptance and change, two seemingly conflicting ideas. Instead of trying to eliminate difficult emotions and behaviors, DBT teaches us to acknowledge them and validate that these are reasonable responses to the stress we are going through. At the same time, DBT encourages us to recognize that these feelings and behaviors do not define us or have to last forever. We can acknowledge them while choosing behaviors that align with our values and long-term goals.

DBT is built around four main skill areas that help people better manage emotions, cope with stress, and improve relationships. These are:
  1. Mindfulness
  2. Distress tolerance
  3. Emotional regulation 
  4. Interpersonal effectiveness
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1. Mindfulness

Mindfulness has become pretty popular over the years, but at its core, it means being fully present in the moment without judgment. This is important not only because it is the foundation for the other DBT skills, but also because it increases your awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in the moment. 

There are a few ways we can practice this. 

One way might be simply doing one thing at a time. When you’re eating dinner, instead of watching TV, planning out the rest of your night, and scrolling on your phone, put the distractions away and focus solely on your meal. 

Another way could be a five-senses grounding exercise. When your anxiety is activated, you may be thinking about the past (I shouldn't have done that) or the future (this is going to ruin everything). Take a moment and: 
  • Pause.
  • Notice five things you can see.
  • Notice four things you can feel.
  • Notice three things you can hear.
  • Take one slow breath.

This simple exercise can help interrupt anxious or racing thoughts and reconnect you with the present moment.

2. Distress Tolerance 

Distress tolerance, at its core, is about skills for getting through difficult moments without making them worse. This helps us reduce impulsive reactions during emotional crises and become more comfortable sitting in distress. It also builds resilience by allowing us to tolerate situations that cannot be changed immediately. 

One way to practice this is the TIPP method, which is a set of techniques that can help shift your physical body out of fight-or-flight mode. It stands for Temperature, Intense exercise, Paced breathing, and Progressive muscle relaxation

  • Temperature: Changing your body temperature can reset your system and slow your heart rate. Try dunking your head in a bowl of cold water or placing a cool washcloth over your eyes. 
 
  • Intense exercise: Letting out some energy helps lower stress hormones and increase endorphins. Try doing jumping jacks or dancing to your favorite song for 10 minutes. 
 
  • Paced breathing: Regulating your breathing tells the body that you’re safe, and moves you out of the fight-or-flight stress response. Try to breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds and out through your mouth for 6 seconds. Do this for a few minutes. 
 
  • Progressive muscle relaxation: Releasing physical tension from your body helps alleviate your stress response. Try focusing on one part of your body (say, your shoulders). Tense the muscles as hard as you can for 5-10 seconds, and then let all of the tension out. You can do this with every part of your body. 

3. Emotional Regulation

Emotional regulation is about learning to understand, manage, and respond to your emotions. While we can learn a lot from the emotions we feel in situations, we don’t have to let them dictate our behavior. 

One way we help decrease our emotional vulnerability is by taking care of ourselves. The PLEASE acronym details how we do this: 

  • PL- treat Physical iLLness
  • E- Eat balanced meals
  • A- Avoid mood-altering substances
  • S- Sleep
  • E- Exercise, or just move your body 

When our physical health is struggling, we're more likely to experience intense emotions or have difficulty coping with stress. By taking care of these basic needs, we create a stronger foundation for managing emotions.

4. Interpersonal Effectiveness

Interpersonal effectiveness is about communicating clearly, navigating interpersonal relationships, and maintaining your boundaries and self-respect. This can help improve your communication in relationships and increase confidence in expressing your own needs. 

One way to practice this is the FAST method for maintaining self-respect in relationships. 

  • F- be Fair to yourself and stick to your boundaries
  • A- Apologize when necessary, but not overly so! You don’t need to apologize for existing or having opinions. 
  • S- Stick to your values
  • T- be Truthful

This frame for interpersonal interaction can help you to engage in communication without sacrificing yourself. 

​

The good news is you don't need to be an expert to engage in DBT skills. You can practice these skills whenever you want, in response to whatever stressors come up. However, if you are interested in learning more or engaging in more structured DBT sessions, we are hosting a virtual DBT skills group starting July 15, 2026. 


References 
Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. 

Linehan, M. M. (2015). DBT skills training handouts and worksheets (2nd ed.). Guilford Press. American Psychological Association.
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Simple Self-Soothing–What is Butterfly Tapping?

7/2/2026

 
By Natasha Stein, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee
​
Butterfly tapping, also commonly known as the butterfly hug, is a self-soothing technique that is simple, but evidence based! In 1998, Lucina Artigas developed this technique to help trauma survivors calm their nervous systems. Artigas intended for the technique to work alongside EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapy, but it can also be an effective “on-the-go” form of emotional regulation!

The technique consists of wrapping your arms around your chest, as if to hug yourself, and using rhythmic, alternating tapping on your chest to soothe the nervous system. The theory behind the tapping is that by using bi-lateral stimulation (BLS), you are activating the entire brain. The activation helps process and sort thoughts, while regulating emotions. 

​
How it works:
  1. Find a comfortable and safe place to begin this experience. 
  2. Position your arms crossed over your chest, similar to how you would hug yourself. Your hands should rest on your shoulders or upper arms and your palms facing the chest. 
  3. Begin to tap or pat gently and alternatively on your upper arms, chest or shoulder. 
  4. Breathe in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Breathe mindfully. As you are tapping, take slow deep breaths. 
  5. Focus on a positive feeling or memory. Focus your attention on comforting and easing your mind. 
  6. Be in the moment. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the present moment. Try to guide your focus back to the tapping, the touch of your hands, and the rhythm of your breath.


What this does: 

The technique is meant to combine the soothe of self touch, mindfulness, and intentional breathing to ease anxiety. The rhythmic tapping or patting mimics a steady heartbeat and a comforting hug, which can lead to the release of calming neurochemicals in your brain. 

The butterfly tapping method can be used to manage negative emotions at any time, and in any situation. It can be subtle, or be turned into a mindfulness mediation! 
​

References: 
The butterfly hug technique | trauma research UK. Trauma Research UK. (n.d.). https://traumaresearchuk.org/the-butterfly-hug-technique/
Tappana, J. (n.d.). The butterfly hug & EMDR — aspire counseling. Aspire Counseling. https://aspirecounselingmo.com/blog/the-butterfly-hug-resourcing-amp-bilateral-stimulation-in-emdr

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What Anxiety Really Looks Like in Children: Signs Parents Often Miss

6/29/2026

 
By Emma Dall, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

When many people think of anxiety, they picture someone who is constantly worrying or talking about their fears. While this can be true, anxiety in children often looks very different. Many children don't have the words to explain what they're feeling, so their anxiety shows up through their behaviors, emotions, or even physical symptoms.

Because of this, anxiety can easily be mistaken for shyness, defiance, perfectionism, or simply "acting out." Understanding how anxiety presents in children can help parents recognize when their child may need additional support.


1. Irritability and Emotional Outbursts
Children experiencing anxiety may become more irritable than usual. They might have frequent meltdowns, cry over small problems, or become easily frustrated when things don't go as planned.


This isn't because they're trying to be difficult. Anxiety keeps a child's nervous system on high alert, making it harder to manage everyday stressors. What may seem like an overreaction is often a sign that they're feeling overwhelmed.


2. Physical Complaints
Children often experience anxiety physically before they can recognize it emotionally. Common symptoms include:


  • Stomach aches
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Fatigue

You may notice these complaints before school, sports practices, birthday parties, or other situations that feel stressful. While it's always important to rule out medical concerns, recurring physical symptoms without a clear cause can sometimes be linked to anxiety.


3. Avoidance
Avoidance is one of the most common signs of anxiety. A child may refuse to attend school, avoid social events, hesitate to try new activities, or cling to a caregiver during transitions.

Although allowing children to avoid situations may bring temporary relief, it can unintentionally reinforce anxiety over time. Gradually building confidence through support and practice is often more helpful than avoiding the situation altogether.


4. Perfectionism
Not all anxious children appear nervous. Some become perfectionists, placing a great deal of pressure on themselves to get everything "just right."

They may become upset over small mistakes, spend excessive time completing assignments, or avoid trying something new unless they're certain they'll succeed. Beneath this perfectionism is often a fear of making mistakes, disappointing others, or not being "good enough."


5. Constant Reassurance Seeking
Does your child frequently ask questions like:
  • "Are you sure everything will be okay?"
  • "Did I do this right?"
  • "What if something bad happens?"
  • "Will you stay with me?"

While occasional reassurance is normal, repeated reassurance seeking can be a sign that your child is struggling to tolerate uncertainty. Although answering these questions may help in the moment, the relief is often temporary, leading them to seek reassurance again and again.


6. Difficulty Concentrating
An anxious mind is often busy thinking about "what if" scenarios, making it difficult for children to stay focused. This can sometimes be mistaken for inattention or lack of motivation.

Children with anxiety may appear distracted in class, struggle to complete assignments, or have trouble following directions. This is not because they aren't trying, but because their minds are occupied by worries.


When Should Parents Seek Additional Support?
It's important to remember that every child experiences worry from time to time. Feeling nervous before a big test, trying something new, or meeting new people is a normal part of growing up. However, if anxiety begins interfering with your child's daily life, such as their ability to attend school, make friends, participate in activities, sleep well, or enjoy things they once loved, it may be time to seek additional support.

Anxiety doesn't always look the way we expect it to. Sometimes it appears as tears instead of fear, anger instead of worry, or stomachaches instead of anxious thoughts. The behaviors that seem confusing on the surface may actually be your child's way of communicating that they're struggling.

The good news is that anxiety is highly treatable. With early support, children can learn to understand their emotions, develop healthy coping skills, and build confidence in navigating challenges. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward helping your child feel understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.


References
  • Ronald M. Rapee, R. M., Heidi J. Lyneham, H. J., et al. (2010). Developments in the prevention and early intervention of anxiety disorders. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 51(5), 548–561
  • American Psychological Association. (2020). Understanding child anxiety. https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety/childhood-anxiety
  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. (n.d.). Anxiety disorders: Parents' medication guide and facts for families. https://www.aacap.org
  • National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Children and mental health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/child-and-adolescent-mental-health​

Why Pride Can Bring Up Complicated Emotions

6/24/2026

 
By Emma Shelton, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

While Pride Month is famously a celebration of queer joy and community, it can also bring up complex emotions. Throughout the month of June, we as queer people may feel the constant urge to express our pride, joy, and general merriment for the identities and lives that we have built for ourselves. However, it can also be a reminder of past rejection, family or relational loss, and internalized fear and shame. Our emotional responses are shaped by our lived experiences, and while we may have plenty of moments of pride and joy, it's completely valid to remember the more complex aspects of our queer identity. 

The minority stress framework is the idea that marginalized populations (like LGBTQ+ individuals) can experience chronic stressors that impact their current emotional experiences. Chronic stressors can be: 
​
  • Expectations of rejection (based on past experiences or general concern)
  • A history of concealing your identity for safety or self-protection
  • Internalized heteronormative and cisnormative expectations
  • Stress about gender presentation and being “visibly queer” in public spaces
  • Fear of discrimination in medical, occupational, and other institutional settings
  • Concern about personal safety in the current sociopolitical climate
  • Any experience you have had as a queer person that causes identity, attachment, or relational stress

Over time, these stressors can add up to chronic anxiety, hypervigilance, emotional exhaustion, burnout, depressive symptoms, difficulty relaxing in safe moments, and grief. Even in affirming and allied spaces, these feelings can arise as grief, discomfort, comparison, and feeling “not queer enough”. While pride can be a space for connection and queer family, it's important to recognize that not everyone has access to a safe community, and not everyone may feel safe at a big pride event. People of color, transgender, gender nonconforming folks, and people with intersecting identities have historically been marginalized even within the LGBTQ+ community, and may not feel safe at predominantly cisgender and white events. 

Having mixed emotions about this time of year is completely normal. Whether you're experiencing grief over lost time or family distance, loneliness over lack of a community, or joy at being affirmed and celebrated, how you feel does not invalidate your identity or participation in pride. If you are feeling overwhelmed this month, try some of these exercises to ground yourself and celebrate pride in your own way. 

  • Mindfulness! It doesn't need to be a whole meditation; try closing your eyes, grounding yourself, and feeling your emotions as they arise. Notice them without judgment and accept that this is what is happening in your body right now. If you need to step away, feel free to do so as long as you are remaining safe. 
  • Setting boundaries! You don't have to go to every event, or any event at all. And if you do, you can always leave any time. 
  • Create your own pride traditions! Start something new to connect with your community (or to build a new one). It can be something small and tailored to you– potlucks, park hangs, book clubs, etc.
  • Engage in queer media! There is so much LGBTQ+ literature, podcasts, movies, TV, and more. Celebrate by supporting LGBTQ+ artists. 
  • Most importantly, treat yourself with self-compassion, not judgment. Your feelings (however ambivalent) and your identity are valid and should be celebrated. 

Taproot Therapy is here for you this June, however you may be feeling. Happy Pride!




References:
The Trevor Project. (2021). Ways young folks can celebrate Pride Month. https://www.thetrevorproject.org/blog/ways-young-folks-can-celebrate-pride/
Hatzenbuehler, M. L. (2009). How does sexual minority stigma “get under the skin”? A psychological mediation framework. Psychological Bulletin, 135(5), 707–730. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016441
Sanscartier, S., & MacDonald, G. (2019). Connectedness to the LGBTQ community and well-being among sexual minority individuals. Journal of Homosexuality, 66(14), 1983–2005. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31580125/

Navigating Travel Anxiety: Tools for Staying Grounded Away From Home

6/10/2026

 
By Kate (Katie) Pargament, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

Summer is here, which means many people are packing their bags and heading off on vacations, weekend getaways, and visits with family and friends. For some people, travel is exciting. For others, it can bring up a lot of anxiety. If you've ever found yourself worrying about being far from your comfort zone, feeling trapped on a plane, or wondering, "What if I panic and can't get out of this situation?" you're not alone.  

Travel anxiety can affect people in many different ways. Some individuals experience racing thoughts before a trip, while others notice physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, or feelings of panic. For those who struggle with anxiety, agoraphobia, or claustrophobia, travel can feel particularly overwhelming.

The good news is that anxiety does not have to prevent you from doing the things that matter to you. While the goal is not to eliminate anxiety completely, it is possible to develop tools that help you manage it and continue moving toward experiences that are important to you.


1. Engage Your Senses

When anxiety starts to build, bringing attention back to your senses can help ground you in the present moment.

Many people find it helpful to keep a strong sensory item nearby while traveling. Sour candy, peppermint gum, mints, or a cold carbonated beverage can create an intense sensory experience that redirects attention away from anxious thoughts and back to the present. While these tools will not eliminate anxiety, they can help interrupt the spiral of fear and provide a helpful grounding point.

Ask yourself:
  • What do I taste right now?
  • What do I feel in my hands?
  • What sounds can I hear around me?

Grounding through the senses can help remind your brain that you are safe in the present moment.

2. Create a Comfortable Environment

Travel often involves unfamiliar sounds, crowds, and sensory stimulation. Noise from airports, train stations, and airplanes can increase feelings of stress and overwhelm.

Noise-canceling headphones can be a helpful way to reduce sensory input and create a greater sense of control. Listening to calming music, a favorite podcast, a guided meditation, or an audiobook can also help make travel feel more manageable.

Creating small moments of comfort can go a long way when navigating an anxiety-provoking situation.


3. Prepare Familiar Comforts

Anxiety often pulls us toward what feels safe and familiar. Before a trip, consider downloading favorite movies, television shows, playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks.

Watching a comfort show or listening to familiar voices can provide a sense of predictability during an unfamiliar experience. These activities can also serve as healthy distractions when anxious thoughts become particularly loud.

Sometimes comfort is not about avoiding anxiety. It is about giving yourself supportive tools while you work through it.


4. Look at Photos That Ground You

One simple but powerful strategy is to keep photos of loved ones easily accessible on your phone.

Pictures of your dog, family members, friends, favorite memories, or meaningful moments can help reconnect you to feelings of safety, connection, and joy. When anxiety convinces us that we are alone or far from home, these reminders can help us feel emotionally connected to the people and experiences that matter most.

Looking through familiar photos can also serve as a grounding exercise by bringing your attention to positive memories and reminding you that home, relationships, and support systems still exist even when you are physically away.


5. Move Your Body Before Traveling

Physical activity can be a helpful way to reduce stress before a trip.

Whether it is a workout class, a walk around your neighborhood, stretching, yoga, or a quick jog, movement can help release tension and support emotional regulation. Exercise may also help reduce some of the physical sensations that often accompany anxiety.
You do not need an intense workout. Even a short walk before heading to the airport can make a difference.


6. Slow Down Your Breathing

When anxiety rises, our breathing often becomes shallow and rapid. Intentionally slowing your breathing can help calm your nervous system.

Try this simple exercise:
  • Inhale slowly through your nose.
  • Pause briefly.
  • Exhale slowly through your mouth, making the exhale longer than the inhale.
  • Repeat several times.

Rather than fighting anxiety, focus on creating a slower rhythm in your body. Even a few minutes of intentional breathing can help reduce the intensity of anxious symptoms.


Keep Going, Even When Anxiety Shows Up

One of the most challenging parts of anxiety is that it often encourages avoidance. In the short term, avoiding situations can bring relief. In the long term, however, avoidance often strengthens anxiety and makes it more difficult to engage in the activities we value.

​Travel anxiety can be exhausting, frustrating, and isolating. At the same time, it is possible to feel anxious and still move forward.

The goal is not to travel without anxiety. The goal is to build confidence in your ability to handle anxiety when it appears.

​Each trip, each train ride, each flight, and each step outside of your comfort zone is an opportunity to remind yourself that anxiety does not get to make all of your decisions.

This summer, as the travel season ramps up, remember that you do not have to wait until you feel completely calm to participate in the experiences that matter to you. With preparation, self-compassion, and the right coping tools, you can learn to carry anxiety differently and continue creating meaningful memories along the way.

Losing Ourselves in a Relationship: Understanding “Codependence”

4/27/2026

 
By Allison Torsiglieri, MPH, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

We strive to be supportive, reliable, and empathetic in our close relationships. For some of us, wanting to support those we care about can grow into a more extreme state of feeling responsible for them. When we start to feel that sense of responsibility, we may find ourselves in the territory of codependence. Codependence is characterized by a pattern of making others’ needs, emotions, and problems our priority—often leading us to neglect our own well-being. ​

A Note on Language: There is ongoing debate around and an evolution of how we use the term “codependence.” It is thus important that we use it with intentionality and explain what we intend it to mean when we do so. We want to be careful not to pathologize healthy human behaviors that are characteristic of being in a caring relationship. It is also crucial to be mindful of a relationship’s social and cultural context, asking ourselves: how is this relationship influenced by cultural or gender expectations around caregiving within a family? 

​Codependence as an Adaptation
Like many of our behaviors in relationships, codependence may have at one time felt like a necessary adaptation. If we grew up in homes that were unstable or unpredictable, like having a caregiver who was emotionally volatile, this may have taught us that to stay safe we needed to become adept at assessing and addressing the emotional needs of others. Becoming expert at anticipating others’ moods and needs gave us a sense of control and helped us feel safe amid uncertainty. In adulthood, even once we have exited those higher-stakes childhood environments, we may persist in an automatic state of relating to others as though we hold responsibility for their well-being, over our own. 

Repercussions of Codependence
While the part of us that seeks to care for others arguably has noble intentions, this constant self-subjugating pattern of relating comes at a significant cost. When we are in a codependent relationship, taking on someone else’s emotional labor can have negative repercussions:
  • We may fall out of touch with our own feelings. 
  • We may build resentment towards others, or feel like we are underappreciated—even if the reality is that we are being overly supportive without the other person having asked us to be.
  • We may experience physical and emotional symptoms of burnout.

Achieving Interdependence 
The goal of moving out of codependence and towards interdependence is not to entirely detach or isolate from others, but rather to achieve balanced, reciprocally caring and concerned relationships. This balance involves members of a relationship supporting each other, while also being in touch with their own needs, as well as their own identities and values. 

Ways to begin the shift:
  • Start by noticing the urge that arises for you, to fix someone else’s problem or improve their mood. Where do you feel this in your body? 
  • Before jumping in to take on the responsibility for someone else’s distress or someone else’s problem, pause and ask yourself: is this my burden to carry? 
  • Instead of jumping into problem-solving mode, explore alternative forms of support that honor the other person’s ability to solve their own problem. For example, approach their problem with curiosity, by asking them: “What are you planning to do next?” 

Using Self-Compassion to Reconnect with Our Own Needs
Shifting away from engaging in codependent behaviors and thinking is greatly facilitated by self-compassion, and practicing this over time. The goal is to learn that we are worthy and we are good enough even when we are not being overly helpful or selfless. This is a process of getting back in touch with our own feelings and needs and recognizing that these deserve our attention—and that we can stay safe even when we attend to ourselves. 

If you or someone you know struggles with losing their sense of self in close relationships, therapy can provide a safe space to disentangle what might be unhealthy in these patterns, and to reconnect with one’s independence.

​
​
References

Aslanian, A. (2026, March 6). Understanding codependent relationships. The Gottman Institute. https://www.gottman.com/blog/codependency-in-relationships/ 

Bacon, I., McKay, E., Reynolds, F., & Belton, S. (2020). The lived experience of codependency: An interpretative phenomenological analysis. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 18, 754–771. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-018-9983-8 

Mental Health America (MHA). (n.d.). Co-dependency. https://mhanational.org/resources/co-dependency/

Psychology Today. (n.d.). Codependency. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/codependency

​

A Quick Guide to Stimming

4/13/2026

 
By: Zoe Chambers-Daniel, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

Self stimulatory behavior, also known as stimming, are repetitive movements that can help soothe ourselves when experiencing overwhelming emotions. Stimming can also increase focus, acting as a grounding tool to tune out distracting stimuli. Although stimming is associated with diagnoses such as ADHD and autism, it is something that all human beings do. If you have ever thought about stimming and what it can look like, this quick sensory guide is for you! There is no universal way to stim, and everyone engages in their senses differently. 

Vestibular Input 
- Roll neck and head slowly 
- Rock in a rocking chair 
- Tap toe, heel, or foot 
- Tap pencil/pen 

Tactile Input 
- Pet a furry animal 
- Twist your hair 
- Fidget with a necklace or ring 
- Trace skin with fingers

Visual Input 
- Watch oil and water toys 
- Watch waves lapping the shore 
- Watch a sunset/sunrise 
- Adjust lighting in your room 

Auditory Input 
- Listen to your favorite song on repeat 
- Sing/hum to yourself 
- Notice the sounds of a busy street 

Verbal/Oral Input 
- Chew gum 
- Drink a carbonated beverage 
- Take slow, deep breaths 
​

Stimming can be a part of our daily lives without being fully conscious of it. This list of stims is a way to intentionally engage in our senses. This is not an exhaustive list of possible stimming, as it creates a foundation for you to create your own unique toolbox of regulation and/or focus!

Understanding Perfectionism

4/10/2026

 
By Allison Torsiglieri, MPH, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

Striving for perfection can be exhausting. What makes it even more so is the feeling that no matter what you achieve, there is always another “should”—another goal on the horizon. For some of us, perfectionism goes beyond ambition; it is a constant state of mind telling us that making mistakes is potentially dangerous. 

Perfectionism as Adaptation
Our perfectionism may have roots in childhood: a strategy we developed to make sense of and move through the world safely. As children our brains are shaped by our repeated experiences; if not making mistakes consistently leads to positive attention from adults—and mistakes lead to conflict or punishment—we learn to maintain “good” behavior as a way to survive. And when as children our environments felt unpredictable or our circumstances felt out of control, our own perfectionism may have felt like a way to achieve a sense of control and safety. 

Perfectionism as Self-Protection
By holding ourselves to high standards we may be trying to protect ourselves from the high standards of others. Maybe we figure that if we criticize ourselves first, others’ criticisms will hurt less. Or maybe we figure that by being critical of ourselves we can avoid mistakes entirely, thereby becoming immune to others’ critiques. Making mistakes can feel like a reflection of who we are—of our character. Perfectionism becomes tied to our identity, and to our sense of self-worth. To avoid being made to feel like we are not good enough, we endure anxiety and exhaustion from excessive self-criticism. 

Challenging Perfectionism
In reality, mistakes are a part of everyone’s experience. Often, mistakes can be indicators that we are challenging ourselves to grow. When we avoid these kinds of mistakes, we are holding ourselves back from growth. 

Instead of protecting us, perfectionism can weigh us down by increasing our sense of shame in ourselves. The first step to lightening this burden can be trying to understand our perfectionism and its roots. Start to pay attention to what perfectionism feels like in your body and in your mind—e.g., tightness in your chest, or a feeling of irritability. When we notice those feelings of perfectionism coming up as we fixate on a few sentences in an email or blame ourselves for something we forgot to buy at the store, we can pause and ask ourselves: what about making a mistake here feels dangerous to us? What are we trying to protect ourselves from? This curiosity can lead to a clearer sense of perfectionism’s roots in childhood, and to a clearer picture of whether we are really in danger when we make a mistake. 

Once you’ve practiced noticing perfectionism and developing that curiosity about its role and its roots, consider running an experiment: when you make a mistake, notice what happens next. The more times you can show yourself that mistakes do not translate to danger, the more you can start to train your brain to experience mistakes as safe—and even as a natural part of growth. 

Striving for Self-Acceptance
When we learn to accept ourselves even when we make mistakes, we can separate those mistakes from assessments of our worth. This journey—from relying on perfection to keep us safe, to finding safety within ourselves—takes time, patience, and support. Therapy can be a brave environment to slowly lower the shield of perfectionism, to explore vulnerability and pursue self-acceptance—self-acceptance as someone who cannot be perfect, but can keep themselves safe.

Spring Somatic Awareness Exercise

4/8/2026

 
By Cathy Wang, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

With melting snow and warmer temperatures we are finally starting to see the first signs of spring! It’s time to come out of our bundled up coats and scarves, bracing against the cold and wind and just like the snow, take this moment to melt some tension in your body with a somatic awareness exercise. 

Throughout this practice, if you notice your mind has drifted, simply notice that you’ve drifted and bring awareness back to your breath or feeling of relaxation in your body.

  1. Lie down on your back anywhere: your couch, bed, even the floor. Rest your arms next to your body.
  2. Focus on your breath, notice how each breath feels, the rise and fall of your chest.
  3. Notice if anything else has started to slow or relax in your body as you’ve been focusing on your breath. If you notice any sensations of relaxation or softening, take some time to live inside that sensation, imagine yourself curling up in it.
  4. Allow your body to melt into the surface you’re lying on. Continue to notice any contrasting sensations of both tension and relaxation. Should you notice any sensations of tension, say to yourself “It is safe to relax”
  5. Continue this for five to ten minutes and rest!

This is an exercise with no stakes, just a simple moment to yourself to just breathe, notice, and be. Once you finish, check in with your body, noticing any remaining tension as well as spots of relaxation. I hope this exercise was able to provide some reprieve in your day and can continue to help in the days ahead.

Combating Revenge Bedtime Procrastination

3/18/2026

 
By Zoe Chambers-Daniel, ​Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

The recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7 to 9 hours, and in a post COVID world where the boundaries between work and home are increasingly getting blurred, this suggestion can be challenging to maintain. Daily demands often leave very little time to experience simple pleasures such as reading, watching a comfort show, or talking to a friend. The time that would be used to get ready for bed becomes the only time we can identify to take back some control. After all the work we did, we can now scroll on our phones, or binge-watch the show we didn’t have time for. This phenomenon is known as Revenge Bedtime Procrastination (Kroese et al., 2014; Liang, 2022). Although there is a conscious effort to take back some control over our time, there are also adverse effects. When we replace much needed sleep with leisure activities on a regular basis, our cognitive abilities decline, our immune systems weaken, and we are more likely to experience irritability. These effects make it harder to show up at work and creates a cycle of exhaustion despite the valid need for autonomy (Kamphorst et al., 2018; Kroese et al., 2018). So, how can we combat Revenge Bedtime Procrastination without sacrificing that need for control in our daily schedules? Let’s review these crucial tips to start making a routine that works for us: 



Prioritize Consistency 
Remember the recommended amount of sleep for adults is 7 to 9 hours. You know yourself best so start thinking about where you exist on this range. You may even need 10 hours to have a truly productive day. Once you understand the amount of sleep you need to show up at your best,
line that up with the time you need to wake up each morning. This will be the time you aim to be in bed. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each morning creates consistency. Sounds simple right? Not always. Our environment can set us up for success or create more barriers to getting ready for bed. 


Practice Sleep Hygiene 
Now that you have identified the time you need to go to bed to wake up feeling refreshed, we need to figure out how to prepare for bed. Creating a boundary for yourself where your bed is just for sleeping is crucial. Work is done outside of the bed, even reading. Creating that simple association of bed being solely for sleep can make it easier to wind down once you get in. The 
sensory environment is also important in getting ready for bed. Keeping a cool quiet environment is generally best practice for inducing restful sleep. Remember, you know yourself best. Think of factors in your home that relax you and incorporate that into your routine. 


Incorporate Autonomy into Your Schedule 
When thinking about the contributing factors that lead people to experience Revenge Bedtime Procrastination, autonomy is the leading one. If you relate to this, you probably lead a busy life with little room for leisure activities. Reframing how we view control in our daily lives can help us combat this phenomenon. Finding wiggle room where you have 15 minutes to watch part of a show you love, getting a sweet treat from a cafe, or calling a loved one, can make a big difference in our day. So when we are off the clock, the need to get revenge is reduced.


Make Revenge Bedtime Procrastination Work For You 
There will be days when the need for control during bedtime is much too great and we succumb to the nighttime procrastination. That is completely alright. We can make this phenomenon work for us. Using the tips listed above, Revenge Bedtime Procrastination can be a once in a while occurrence instead of a daily one. We lead busy lives and oftentimes our work schedules can’t be changed. Extending grace to ourselves, and acknowledging that sleep is something we don’t have to deprive ourselves of to feel pleasure is the first step in combating Revenge Bedtime Procrastination.
​

References 
Kamphorst, B. A., Nauts, S., De Ridder, D. T. D., & Anderson, J. H. (2018). Too depleted to turn in: The relevance of end-of-the-day resource depletion for reducing bedtime procrastination. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 252. 
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00252 
Kroese, F. M., Adriaanse, M. A., Evers, C., Anderson, J., & De Ridder, D. (2018). Commentary: Why don’t you go to bed on time? A daily diary study on the relationships between chronotype, self-control resources and the phenomenon of bedtime procrastination. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 915. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00915 
Kroese, F. M., De Ridder, D. T. D., Evers, C., & Adriaanse, M. A. (2014). Bedtime procrastination: Introducing a new area of procrastination. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 611. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00611 
Liang, L. (2022, February 25). The psychology behind “revenge bedtime procrastination.” https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201123-the-psychology-behind-revenge-bedtime -procrastination
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