I don’t know why but sleeping in your childhood bedroom or being around certain relatives makes you physically feel like an anxious, defensive teenager again. While it may be nostalgic and feel like a trip down memory lane, the familiar environment can shock your body into a trap that can be hard to get out of.

Working with a therapist can help you learn nervous system regulation techniques (like feeling your feet on the floor or a specific breathing exercise) to physically ground yourself when you feel the regression happening.

If you’ve spent any time on self-care Instagram or TikTok lately, you’ve likely seen some version of the quote: "No is a complete sentence." It sounds empowering, right? The phrase is simply but lacks context. It’s framed as the ultimate tool for reclaiming your time, your energy, and your peace. On paper, it’s the perfect solution to burnout.

But for many of the women and Black and Brown folks we see here at AWA Counseling Services, that advice often feels… empty. Or worse, it feels dangerous. Especially for the eldest daughter in tight-knit families.