Blog
Why Dysregulation Makes Everyone Seem Angry (And How to Shift Your Nervous System)
Have you ever had a stressful morning and suddenly everyone feels… irritating?Or you walk into work and it seems like every expression is sharp, every comment is pointed, and every interaction feels harder than it should? This isn’t because everyone around you...
Why New Year’s Resolutions Fail
And What Actually Helps People Change By Megan Carraco, LCPCFounder, Potomac Behavioral HealthTrauma-informed psychotherapy serving Maryland and VirginiaSpecialties include EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, and nervous-system-based psychotherapy The short answer (if you...
Anxious Attachment During the Holidays: Why It Gets Louder (and What Helps)
The holidays are often described as a time of closeness, connection, and togetherness.But for many people, this season brings a noticeable spike in anxiety, especially in relationships. If you find yourself overanalyzing texts, worrying about how others perceive you,...
What Is DEAR MAN? And Why Channeling Confidence (Like Leslie Jones) Can Help You Use It with Power
View this post on Instagram A post shared by Megan Carraco (@potomacbehavioralhealth) We teach clients many tools for healing, from nervous-system regulation to trauma recovery to somatic therapy and EMDR. One of the most under-used tools comes from...
Why AI Can’t Replace Real Therapy, Especially for Trauma and Addiction Recovery
The Promises and the Dangers of AI in Mental Health Artificial intelligence is reshaping many professions, including mental health care. Some tools offer convenience: automated note-taking, mood-tracking apps, or chatbots that promise “therapy anytime.” According to a...
How to Navigate the First Holidays After Your Divorce
Neuroscience Based Tips for Emotional Resilience Practical, compassionate guidance for surviving (and even softening into) a season that can feel emotionally charged. The first holidays after divorce can feel like someone changed all the rules of a game you used to...
How To Overcome Your Fear of Starting Therapy
If you’re contemplating starting therapy, but feel trapped by fear, you’re not alone. Starting therapy can feel like standing on the edge of a diving board. You know the water below might be healing, but the leap feels uncertain. Even adults who are...
Supreme Court Weighs Conversion Therapy Bans: What Chiles v. Salazar Means for LGBT Youth and Mental Health Professionals
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing Chiles v. Salazar, a case that could redefine how states regulate conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ minors. The outcome will determine whether bans on conversion therapy currently enacted in 25 states can legally stand under the First...