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Burnout in Healthcare: Why So Many Professionals Are at a Breaking Point
Burnout, Healthcare Workers Laurel van der Toorn Burnout, Healthcare Workers Laurel van der Toorn

Burnout in Healthcare: Why So Many Professionals Are at a Breaking Point

If you work in healthcare, you’ve probably noticed a shift over the last few years. Colleagues leaving the field. Experienced nurses stepping away earlier than expected. Physicians quietly reducing hours or moving into nonclinical roles.

Many healthcare professionals assume this means they are failing at the job. In reality, something else is happening.

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How to Set Boundaries With Difficult In-Laws Without Causing More Conflict

How to Set Boundaries With Difficult In-Laws Without Causing More Conflict

If your in-laws leave you tense for days and your partner keeps saying ‘that’s just how they are,’ the issue is no longer just the in-laws. It’s the pressure the dynamic is putting on your relationship.

If you have difficult in-laws, you already know the problem is usually not just what they do. It’s the position they hold in your life.

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The Toll of Constant Health Tracking: A Therapist’s Perspective
Holistic Therapy, Healthy Coping Laurel van der Toorn Holistic Therapy, Healthy Coping Laurel van der Toorn

The Toll of Constant Health Tracking: A Therapist’s Perspective

We are absolutely drowning in data about our bodies. From sleep scores to glucose monitors, it’s never been easier to track your body’s every move. Apps and devices promise to optimize your health, boost your mood, and help you “finally feel like yourself again.” But for people dealing with anxiety, burnout, or body image issues, constant self-monitoring can become another source of stress.

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EMDR Therapy for Fear of Flying: How It Works and Why It Helps
EMDR, Trauma, Phobias Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma, Phobias Laurel van der Toorn

EMDR Therapy for Fear of Flying: How It Works and Why It Helps

Fear of flying is super common. It’s not just about turbulence or claustrophobia. For many people, the anxiety tied to flying can feel overwhelming, even debilitating. It can affect your ability to travel for work, see loved ones, or take vacations. Even the thought of booking a flight might cause panic, sleeplessness, or intrusive thoughts.

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Coming Out Later in Life: How a Lesbian Therapist Can Support Your Journey
LGBTQ, LGBT Mental Health Laurel van der Toorn LGBTQ, LGBT Mental Health Laurel van der Toorn

Coming Out Later in Life: How a Lesbian Therapist Can Support Your Journey

 Claiming your identity as a lesbian later in life can be both liberating and overwhelming. Working with a lesbian therapist can make all the difference. Therapy offers a protected space to process questions, grief, anxiety, and excitement, all while being supported by someone who understands the nuances of your experience.

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Reflections on the LA Marathon from a Trauma Therapist
Los Angeles, Healthy Coping, Self Care, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn Los Angeles, Healthy Coping, Self Care, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

Reflections on the LA Marathon from a Trauma Therapist

The taiko drums start before 7am, though it feels more like 6am thanks to Daylight Savings. Soon after the drums, amplified music kicks in. Then come the news helicopters.

Living one block off the LA Marathon race route, I look forward to it every year.

And every year, I’m overwhelmed by the emotional beauty and complexity of watching the LA Marathon experience.

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How EMDR Therapy Can Prevent PTSD (Rather Than Treat It)
EMDR, Trauma, Healthy Coping, Diagnosis Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma, Healthy Coping, Diagnosis Laurel van der Toorn

How EMDR Therapy Can Prevent PTSD (Rather Than Treat It)

Something happened. Maybe it was a car accident. A medical emergency. A sudden breakup. A traumatic birth. A natural disaster.

You keep thinking about it.

Your body feels jumpy. You’re not sleeping well. You replay certain moments. Loud sounds feel louder. Your nervous system feels… off.

And you might be wondering: Do I just wait this out? Or is there something I can do now?

There is.

EMDR therapy, when used early and strategically, can help prevent acute stress from becoming long-term PTSD.

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Does EMDR Therapy Work for Everyone?
EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

Does EMDR Therapy Work for Everyone?

EMDR therapy is often described as transformative. And for many people, it is. It’s gained a solid reputation for helping with trauma, anxiety, and distressing memories. But you might be wondering: Does EMDR therapy work for everyone?

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EMDR Therapy for Trauma: Why the Body Holds More Than the Mind
EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn EMDR, Trauma Laurel van der Toorn

EMDR Therapy for Trauma: Why the Body Holds More Than the Mind

You understand what happened. You can tell the story clearly. You know it was not your fault. You’ve read the books. You’ve done the insight work.

And yet.

You still have reactions that don’t fit the situation you’re in. Logically, you know you are safe. Your body does not.

This is one of the most confusing parts of trauma: the mind can move forward while the body remains vigilant. And this is why EMDR therapy can be so powerful.

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Using The Enneagram in the Workplace: Dos and Don’ts
Communication, Enneagram Therapy Laurel van der Toorn Communication, Enneagram Therapy Laurel van der Toorn

Using The Enneagram in the Workplace: Dos and Don’ts

The Enneagram isn’t just a fun personality typing system; it’s a dynamic, trauma-informed model. It can create real transformation at work when used intentionally. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just someone looking for personal growth, using the Enneagram can deepen relationships and improve communication.

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When Love and Money Collide: How To Smooth Over Differing Financial Beliefs That Create Relationship Stress

When Love and Money Collide: How To Smooth Over Differing Financial Beliefs That Create Relationship Stress

Money is one of the most common sources of conflict in relationships. It's not just about how much you earn or spend. More often, it's about the meaning you assign to money: safety, freedom, control, power, love, or worth.

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Our Holistic Therapy Services In California & Florida

We offer individualized teletherapy for a wide range of mental health and relational issues. Our San Francisco & Los Angeles therapists can help with anxiety, trauma therapy, EMDR therapy, LGBT gay and lesbian therapy issues, holistic therapy, enneagram therapy, therapy for lawyers, couples therapy, therapy for burnout, and therapy for teenagers. We serve many people in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Los Angeles, as well as throughout California and Florida. Our team is anti-racist, body positive, LGBT and trans affirming and sex positive. You deserve to feel good!