Dr. Barek Sharif Dr. Barek Sharif

When Your Emotions Become You

What happens when we silence our emotions? They don't magically vanish—they sink into our bodies as chest pressure, stomach knots, and unexplainable anxiety. Written by Brenton Love, LMFT, this powerful post uncovers the dangerous cycle of emotional suppression, why 'pushing through' fails, and how to begin breaking the cycle to reclaim your true self.

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Dr. Barek Sharif Dr. Barek Sharif

Supporting Clients in Consensual Non-Monogamious Relationships: Lessons from The Ethical Slut

Relationships don't have to fit into a traditional mold to be healthy, secure, and fulfilling. Written by Jacquelyn Gurrieri, this post explores consensual non-monogamy (CNM) through the lens of the foundational book The Ethical Slut. Discover how affirming therapy helps individuals and couples navigate open relationships, jealousy, and boundary-setting with radical honesty and zero judgment.

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Dr. Barek Sharif Dr. Barek Sharif

When Spiritual Advice Misses the Mark on Emotional Health: A Clinical Perspective on Emotional Modeling and Parenting

Should parents always hide their frustration and anger from their children? While spiritual leaders often advocate for showing only 'joyful faces' at home, child development research tells a different story. Brenton Love, LMFT breaks down why shielding kids from difficult emotions robs them of a roadmap for life—and what healthy emotional modeling actually looks like.

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