Growing up with a toxic mother can leave emotional wounds that extend far into adulthood. The mother-child relationship forms the foundation of how we view ourselves and interact with the world, making it particularly devastating when it becomes a source of pain rather than nurture. While all parents make mistakes, a ... Read More
Kristina Robb-Dover
Kristina Robb-Dover
Kristina Robb-Dover is an Atlanta-based writer, editor, and author of two books with publishing houses. She has degrees from Yale College and Princeton Theological Seminary.
Finding the Words: How to Act When It Feels Like There’s Nothing You Can Say or Do
In the past, family members affected by addiction mostly heard the message that they were “powerless” over the disease: that there was nothing they could do to help, except to avoid enabling their loved one’s substance use. In Episode 12 of the First Responder Families Podcast, show host and Director of Family ... Read More
From the Ashes: A Firefighter on “Post-Traumatic Growth”
In this installment of the First Responder Families Podcast, show host and licensed family therapist Ivona Bhahda explored the innovative concept of “post-traumatic growth,” by interviewing a former firefighter about his journey through trauma, alcoholism, and PTSD. When post-traumatic growth is an end destination, ... Read More
Efficacy of Therapy for Mental Health
If you're like most people, you've probably been to the doctor for the flu or an illness such as chicken pox. During your visit, the doctor may have prescribed medications and sent you home with a treatment plan and a follow-up appointment. You trust the process because you've recovered from past illnesses and can see ... Read More
What Men Need Out of Therapy
Men face unique mental health challenges that therapy can address. In celebration of Men’s Health Month, we decided to explore these issues with the help of Patrick Fitzgibbons, MBA, MS, MA. Fitzgibbons is a counselor and the program lead for Shatterproof FHE Health, our specialized treatment program for first ... Read More
How to Get Prescribed Anxiety Meds/Beta Blockers
Struggling with anxiety can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone, and treatment is available. Around 17.6% of U.S. adults say they experienced some type of anxiety disorder in the past 2 weeks. For many people, anxiety medication can play an important role in managing symptoms, especially when stress or worry starts ... Read More
Managing the Fear of Loss or Grief
Grief is something almost everyone experiences at some point. As of 2021, around 26% of the U.S. population had lost both of their parents, and 44.2% had lost at least one parent. Whether you've already had to face grief or not, it's normal to fear losing someone close to you, and that fear of loss can be quite ... Read More
A Molly Comedown
People use Molly for its euphoric and energizing effects. Yet the drug, also known formally as "3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine" and informally as "MDMA" or "ecstasy," can have very unpleasant aftereffects. Many users experience what's called a "Molly comedown" or "Molly hangover." This happens after the initial ... Read More
