Category: Self-Connection

• Be Gentle With Yourselves Today: An Election Day Self-Compassion Invitation

  

  Feeling overwhelmed this Election Day? Take a moment to reconnect with yourself. In this blog, Forest Benedict, LMFT, shares a personal experience with effortless mindfulness and self-compassion, inviting you to lean into the gentle presence of compassion within. Find peace amidst the intensity and learn to turn compassion inward, allowing it to guide and steady…

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  November 5, 2024

  IFS, self-compassion, Self-Connection

  effortless mindfulness, election, IFS, self-compassion, self-connection

• From Religious Sexual Shame to Sex-Positive Self-Connection: New Podcast Interview Out Now!

  

  Listen to *Breaking Free: Healing from Religious Trauma and Fundamentalist Beliefs*—a heartfelt podcast filled with practical advice and encouragement for anyone on a journey of healing from religious trauma and sexual shame. Join as I open up about my path from faith-centered life to deep self-connection, sharing insights on inner trust and empowerment. Tune in…

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  November 4, 2024

  Change, IFS, Inspiration, Religious trauma, self-compassion, Self-Connection, Sexual shame, sexuality, Shame, trauma

  IFS, Religious trauma, self-compassion, self-connection, Sexual shame

• The Invitation (An IFS-Inspired Poem)

  

  Experience “The Invitation,” a heartfelt poem inspired by an IFS healing journey. Explore themes of self-discovery, courage, and embracing authenticity. Connect with your true self and let healing begin.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  November 2, 2024

  IFS, Inspiration, Poetry, Self-Connection, Shame, trauma, writing

  healing, IFS, poetry, self-connection, trauma

• Effortless Mindfulness for Election Season: Manage Stress & Emotions with Ease

  

  Discover how effortless mindfulness can help you stay calm and centered during election season. Learn practical tools to manage stress, build resilience, and navigate emotions with ease amidst the political noise. Embrace inner peace and balance this election season with these powerful mindfulness techniques.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  November 1, 2024

  Anxiety, IFS, self-compassion, Self-Connection

  authentic self, awareness mind, calm, effortless mindfulness, election stress, emotional balance, IFS, Internal Family Systems, Loch Kelly, meditation, mindfulness, mindfulness benefits, presidential election, resilience, self-connection

• Life After Sexual Shame: My New Podcast Interview

  

  Join me in this heartfelt podcast episode as I discuss healing from religious trauma, overcoming sexual shame, and finding self-acceptance through IFS therapy. Whether you’re seeking freedom from shame or exploring sexuality with curiosity, this episode offers encouragement, hope, and support.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  October 31, 2024

  Change, IFS, Inspiration, Religious trauma, self-compassion, Self-Connection, Sexual shame, sexuality, Shame, trauma

  IFS, life after religion, life after sexual shame, podcast, Religious trauma, Sexual shame

• IFS Therapy for Therapists: A Compassionate Space Just for You

  

  Therapists often carry unique professional challenges, from compassion fatigue to perfectionism. Discover how IFS therapy can help therapists reconnect with themselves, manage emotional demands, and find inner balance. Whether you’re a seasoned therapist or just starting, IFS offers a supportive space for growth and healing.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  October 29, 2024

  IFS, self-compassion, Self-Connection

  healing, IFS, mental health, self-compassion, therapists, therapy, trauma

• When Christianity Hurts: Understanding Religious Trauma and Its Psychological Impact

  

  Explore how certain aspects of Christianity can contribute to religious trauma and disconnection from the self. This blog post takes a skeptical, science-based approach to understanding the psychological and emotional impacts of rigid religious teachings, while offering support for those seeking healing and personal growth.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  October 24, 2024

  Faith, IFS, Religious trauma, Self-Connection, Sexual shame, Shame, trauma

  Christianity, critical thinking, disconnection from self, fear-based teachings, healing, intellectual growth, Internal Family Systems, mental health, moral absolutism, psychological impact, purity culture, religious suppression, Religious trauma, science-based perspective, Sexual shame, toxic religion

• Explore Specialized Areas of Healing and Growth on My Website

  

  Explore the areas of therapy I specialize in, including working with other therapists, religious trauma, anxiety, trauma/CPTSD, sexual shame, and more. Discover how Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy can help you heal from within. Reach out today for a free consultation and start your journey toward self-connection and transformation.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  October 24, 2024

  Anxiety, Connection, IFS, Recovery, Religious trauma, Self-Connection, Sexual shame, trauma

  anxiety, healing, IFS, recovery, Religious trauma, self-compassion, self-connection, Sexual shame, therapy, trauma

• Rebelling Into Me (A Poem)

  

  Oh, I’ve lived in a box, all tight and confined,Performing for others, mind always aligned.I’d smile, I’d nod, I’d do what you’d say,Pressed into a shape, day after day. I molded and twisted, I bent and I curled,Behaving just right to fit into your world.I amazed, I impressed, I wore every mask,But fuck all of…

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  October 23, 2024

  Religious trauma, Self-Connection

  healing, poetry, Religious trauma

• Be Weird Again: Embrace & Embody Your Unique Self

  

  Discover the power of embracing your weirdness and authenticity after years of rejection. Learn how reconnecting with your unique self can bring joy, creativity, and freedom into your life. Explore ways to love and accept the parts of yourself you’ve hidden, unlocking your true potential and self-expression.

  Forest Benedict, LMFT

  October 22, 2024

  IFS, Self-Connection

  healing, IFS, inner child, self-connection