Eric Bergemann, PhD

Blended families often enter their new structure carrying a mix of hope, excitement, and uncertainty. When two households merge after divorce, separation, loss, or new partnerships, each member brings personal histories, emotional expectations , and habits formed long before the new family took shape. Children might struggle with loyalty conflicts or fears of being replaced. Parents may grapple with guilt, pressure, or competing responsibilities. Stepparents frequently face the delicate task of figuring out how to connect, influence, and support without stepping too far or too little. These challenges are not signs of failure; they are normal developmental hurdles in blended family life. Family therapy becomes an essential support because it creates a structured, neutral environment where each person’s experience is acknowledged. Therapists help blended families clarify roles, establish healthy expectations, and build communication patterns that reduce reactivity. Instead of trying to ...

Buddhist psychology, rooted in the teachings of the Buddha over 2,500 years ago, offers a profound and holistic approach to understanding the human mind. Unlike traditional Western psychology , which primarily focuses on diagnosing and treating mental disorders, Buddhist psychology emphasizes cultivating awareness, compassion, and balance. It provides a practical framework for reducing suffering by observing the mind, understanding emotions, and practicing mindfulness and ethical living. In the past few decades, psychotherapists have increasingly turned to Buddhist principles as they search for deeper and more sustainable ways to help clients heal. The rise of mindfulness-based therapies such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) demonstrates how ancient insights can blend seamlessly with modern clinical practices. Central to this integration are the core Buddhist teachings of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, both of wh...

Trauma reshapes the human brain in profound and lasting ways. What once was an adaptive response to danger can become an obstacle to peace, leaving survivors trapped in cycles of fear, anxiety, and emotional disconnection. Yet, modern neuroscience shows that the same brain capable of holding pain is also wired for healing. The emerging science of trauma and recovery reveals how our neural networks adapt to adversity—and how deliberate, compassionate practices can guide the brain back toward safety and resilience. 1. How Trauma Changes the Brain’s Architecture When a person experiences trauma, their brain responds as though survival depends on immediate action. The amygdala, the brain’s fear center, becomes highly active, flooding the body with stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These chemicals prepare the body to fight, flee, or freeze. Meanwhile, the prefrontal cortex—the rational, decision-making part of the brain—temporarily shuts down, allowing instinct to take over. Th...