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A picture of many melted candles of different colors with a clay sculpture in the middle of 4 humans holding hands in the air, representing a group therapy session

Showing up for connection

The first group therapy I participated in was the result of a bargain with my therapist. I was in individual therapy for a while, circling the same themes, feeling stuck in patterns I couldn’t quite shift. Wishing for a little more insight. My therapist gently suggested group therapy, and I… Read More »Showing up for connection

A picture of a foggy sunrise. The CARE assessment group can increase energy and clarity through your relationships

CARE-ing for your mental health

As the world becomes increasingly complex—social upheaval, political strife, and personal stress—it’s tempting to withdraw and attempt to manage alone. However, Relational-Cultural Theory (RCT) emphasizes that connection is not just beneficial, it’s essential. Relationships provide the structure for healing, resilience, and sustainable well-being. The CARE Assessment, developed by Dr. Amy… Read More »CARE-ing for your mental health

A colorful drawing of brains and arrows, representing neuroscience and therapy

Neuroscience and Relational Wisdom

Countering Fear-Based Narratives with Relational Wisdom Fear is a powerful motivator. It fuels defensiveness, reinforces hierarchies, and creates division with ease. In a rapidly changing world, fear-based narratives like those promoted by figures such as Jordan Peterson, can seem appealing. These narratives often offer a sense of order and certainty… Read More »Neuroscience and Relational Wisdom

A colorful drawing of brains and arrows, representing neuroscience and therapy

Neuroscience for Connection

Connection, not control Neuroscience is a great tool for understanding human meaning-making. It helps us map our inner workings, offering insight into how our brains respond to stress, relationships, to exclusion, and more. But like the saying goes, neuroscience can be used to hammer when really what’s needed is a… Read More »Neuroscience for Connection

A colorful drawing of brains and arrows, representing neuroscience and therapy

Neuroscience and Therapy

Therapy isn’t about proving the validity of connection through science; it’s about creating growth-fostering relationships that honor our shared humanity. Neuroscience, when used thoughtfully, can help illuminate the path forward without overshadowing the relational wisdom that guides us.

An image of a shelf in the therapy office in Bloomington Center for Connection with Amy Banks' Relational-cultural Theory, and neuroscience of connection book, Wired To Connect, and a rainbow sculpture above it

Therapy Without Diagnosis

When we think about therapy, we often associate it with mental health diagnoses like anxiety or depression. But what if you’re struggling in ways that don’t fit into a diagnostic box? Job stress, loneliness, relationship difficulties, a big loss, or a sense of being stuck—these challenges don’t always come with… Read More »Therapy Without Diagnosis