P' psych care

Acceptance is the key to healing

Heartwarming and Empowering Lessons on Forgiveness

Imagine forgiveness as a shut doorway. Now pain peeks through the cracks, whispering taunts of "never" and "impossible." Lysa TerKeurst, in her book "Forgiving What You Can't Forget," doesn't just tell you to push that door open; she guides you, hand-in-hand, through the dust and debris within. It's a journey I embarked on, and let me tell you, the lessons learned were life-altering.

1. Forgiveness isn't condoning the act, it's disarming the bomb it planted in your heart. Holding onto anger is like letting the offender win, renting them space in your mind rent-free. Forgiveness is eviction, taking back your peace.

2. Forgetting is a myth, but remembering without resentment is a superpower. The scars remain, but they don't have to define you. Lysa teaches you to transform them into stepping stones, not stumbling blocks.

3. Forgiveness isn't linear; it's a messy, beautiful dance with setbacks. There will be days you rage, days you doubt. But with each wobble, you learn, you grow, and the dance becomes a waltz of resilience.

4. The hardest forgiveness isn't for the one who hurt you, but for yourself. You weren't the villain, and clinging to the hurt only punishes you. Lysa offers tools to release that self-blame, a burden far heavier than any offense.

5. Forgiveness isn't about the other person; it's about setting your soul free. You can't control their response, but you can choose your reaction. And choosing forgiveness is choosing lightness, choosing life.

6. Triggers are inevitable, but they don't have to control you. Lysa equips you with strategies to identify and disarm those emotional landmines, preventing them from hijacking your present.

7. True forgiveness isn't a one-time event; it's a continuous practice. It's a muscle you strengthen with every act of letting go, with every choice to rise above the hurt.

8. Forgiveness isn't weakness; it's the ultimate act of strength. It takes courage to confront the pain, to choose vulnerability over bitterness. And in that strength, you discover a power you never knew you possessed.

9. Forgiveness isn't magic; it's a journey of grace, often fueled by faith. Lysa intertwines her personal story with biblical wisdom, offering hope and solace even for those who don't share her beliefs.

10. The most beautiful surprise? Forgiveness isn't just about healing the past; it's about creating a brighter future. It opens you to joy, to connection, to a life unburdened by the weight of the past.

"Raising Good Humans" by Hunter Clarke-Fields is a guidebook for parents aiming to cultivate mindful parenting practices. The book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in parenting, and provides tools to navigate challenges and promote positive communication within the family dynamic.

In "Raising Good Humans" by Hunter Clarke-Fields, you'll find a range of strategies to enhance your parenting skills:

1. Practice Mindful Parenting: Learn to be present in the moment with your child, fostering deeper connections and understanding.

2. Embrace Emotional Intelligence: Help your child recognize and manage their emotions by modeling healthy emotional expression and providing a supportive environment.

3. Set Boundaries with Empathy: Establish clear boundaries while considering your child's perspective and feelings, promoting mutual respect and understanding.

4. Cultivate Resilience: Teach your child resilience by encouraging them to learn from setbacks, cope with challenges, and develop a growth mindset.

5. Promote Positive Communication: Foster open and honest communication within your family, creating a safe space for sharing thoughts, feelings, and concerns.

6. Prioritize Self-Care: Take care of yourself to be a better parent, managing stress and prioritizing your well-being to show your child the importance of self-care.

7. Practice Patience and Compassion: Approach parenting with patience and compassion, understanding that mistakes happen and growth takes time for both you and your child.

By incorporating these strategies into your parenting approach, you can cultivate a nurturing and supportive environment that fosters your child's growth and well-being.

"Set Boundaries, Find Peace" by Nedra Glover Tawwab is a comprehensive guide on setting effective boundaries to improve one's mental health and interpersonal relationships.

Here are seven key lessons from Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab (Author).

1. Understanding Boundaries: Tawwab begins by defining what boundaries are—rules and limits that a person creates to identify reasonable, safe, and permissible ways for others to behave towards them. Understanding and communicating these boundaries is crucial for mental health and relationship stability.

2. Types of Boundaries: The book details various types of boundaries, including emotional, physical, time, s*xual, intellectual, and material. Recognizing and respecting these different types is essential for nurturing healthy interactions.

3. Signs of Poor Boundaries: Tawwab outlines signs that indicate weak boundaries, such as feeling overwhelmed, inability to say no, and experiencing disrespect from others. Recognizing these signs can prompt one to reassess and adjust their boundaries.

4. Communication is Key: Effective communication is central to setting and maintaining boundaries. Tawwab emphasizes the importance of being clear, direct, and assertive when communicating boundaries to ensure they are understood and respected.

5. Dealing with Pushback: The book provides strategies for handling situations when boundaries are challenged. This includes staying firm in your decisions, not over-explaining or justifying your boundaries, and, if necessary, distancing yourself from those who consistently disrespect your limits.

6. Self-Care and Boundaries: Tawwab links boundary setting with self-care, explaining that proper boundaries are a form of self-respect and self-preservation. They allow individuals to prioritize their needs, manage their energy, and reduce stress.

7. Growth and Change: The author acknowledges that as people grow and situations change, their boundaries might also need to adjust. Being open to reassessing and modifying boundaries is portrayed as a part of personal growth and maintaining healthy relationships.

"Set Boundaries, Find Peace" provides readers with the tools to take control of their lives by setting boundaries that foster peace and healthy relationships. These lessons empower readers to protect their emotional and mental well-being through clear and thoughtful boundary-setting.

Trust the universe
He will always be there in different ways to show light

8 lessons from "Find Your People: Building Deep Community in a Lonely World" by Jennie Allen:

1. Loneliness is a Universal Experience: The book dispels the myth that loneliness is uncommon. Allen acknowledges that despite our increasingly connected world, loneliness is a pervasive issue. Sharing this understanding can be a first step towards connection.

2. Moving Beyond Self-Sufficiency: Our culture often glorifies self-reliance, but "Find Your People" argues that deep connections are essential for well-being. It encourages embracing vulnerability and seeking meaningful relationships.

3. The Power of Choosing Your Response: While external circumstances may be beyond your control, the book emphasizes the power of choosing your internal response. You can choose to see challenges as opportunities to build connections and overcome loneliness.

4. Focusing on What You Can Control: Dwelling on the past or fearing the future can exacerbate loneliness. "Find Your People" encourages focusing your energy on fostering meaningful relationships in the present moment.

5. Finding Meaning and Purpose in Connection: Connecting with others who share your values and interests brings a sense of belonging and purpose. The book highlights the importance of finding your "tribe" and building a supportive community.

6. The Importance (and Difficulty) of Forgiveness: Holding onto resentment towards others isolates you. Allen emphasizes the power of forgiveness, not for the other person, but for your own inner peace and ability to connect with others authentically.

7. Healthy Relationships Require Vulnerability: Genuine connection requires opening yourself up to others, sharing your vulnerabilities, and being open to receiving theirs. "Find Your People" encourages moving beyond superficial interactions and building deeper connections.

8. Embrace the Journey: Building strong relationships takes time and effort. The book emphasizes the importance of patience, nurturing existing connections, and being open to new friendships throughout your life.

By incorporating these lessons, "Find Your People" offers a roadmap for overcoming loneliness and building a strong network of supportive and meaningful connections, fostering a sense of belonging and enriching your life.

🪳The Cockroach Theory 🪳

The cockroach theory for self-development

At a restaurant, a cockroach suddenly flew from somewhere and sat on a lady.

She started screaming out of fear.

With a panic-stricken face and trembling voice, she started jumping, with both her hands desperately trying to get rid of the cockroach.

Her reaction was contagious, as everyone in her group also got panicky.

The lady finally managed to push the cockroach away but ...it landed on another lady in the group.

Now, it was the turn of the other lady in the group to continue the drama.

The waiter rushed forward to their rescue.

In the relay of throwing, the cockroach next fell upon the waiter.

The waiter stood firm, composed himself and observed the behaviour of the cockroach on his shirt.

When he was confident enough, he grabbed it with his fingers and threw it out of the restaurant.

Sipping my coffee and watching the amusement, the antenna of my mind picked up a few thoughts and started wondering, was the cockroach responsible for their histrionic behaviour?

If so, then why was the waiter not disturbed?

He handled it near to perfection, without any chaos.

It is not the cockroach, but the inability of those people to handle the disturbance caused by the cockroach, that disturbed the ladies.

I realized that it is not the shouting of my father or my boss or my wife that disturbs me, but it's my inability to handle the disturbances caused by their shouting that disturbs me.

It's not the traffic jams on the road that disturbs me, but my inability to handle the disturbance caused by the traffic jam that disturbs me.

More than the problem, it's my reaction to the problem that creates chaos in my life.

Lessons learnt from the story:

I understood I should not react in life.

I should always respond.

The women reacted, whereas the waiter responded.

Reactions are always instinctive whereas responses are always well thought of.

A beautiful way to understand

LIFE.

The HAPPY person is not because Everything is RIGHT in his Life.

He is HAPPY because his Attitude towards Everything in his Life is Right!

Here are seven key lessons from Strong Mothers, Strong Sons by Meg Meeker (Author).

1. The Importance of the Mother-Son Relationship: The book emphasizes the crucial role mothers play in nurturing and guiding their sons. It explores the unique dynamics of the mother-son relationship and provides insights on how to strengthen it.

2. Understanding Boys' Emotional Needs: Meg Meeker discusses the emotional needs of boys and how mothers can support their emotional development. She offers guidance on fostering healthy emotional connections and helping boys navigate their feelings.

3. Building Confidence and Resilience: The book provides strategies for mothers to help their sons build confidence and resilience. It explores ways to encourage independence, self-esteem, and a positive sense of self in boys.

4. Navigating Peer Pressure and Media Influence: Meeker addresses the challenges of peer pressure and media influence that boys face. She offers advice on how mothers can help their sons make wise choices, develop strong values, and resist negative influences.

5. Teaching Respect and Healthy Relationships: The book emphasizes the importance of teaching boys about respect, empathy, and healthy relationships. Meeker provides guidance on teaching boys to value and appreciate women, fostering positive attitudes towards gender equality.

6. Preparing Boys for Adulthood: "Strong Mothers, Strong Sons" offers insights on preparing boys for adulthood. It discusses the importance of teaching responsibility, work ethic, and life skills to help boys become successful and well-rounded men.

7. The Power of Communication: Meeker highlights the significance of open and effective communication between mothers and sons. She provides practical advice on how to establish strong lines of communication, fostering trust and understanding.

"The Absent Father Effect on Daughters" by Susan E. Schwartz delves into the profound impact that the absence of a father can have on a daughter's development, identity, and emotional well-being. Through a psychological lens, Schwartz explores how this absence—whether physical, emotional, or both—affects daughters and shapes their adult lives.

Here are several key lessons from the book

1. Understanding the Impact of Absence: The book highlights the importance of recognizing the depth and breadth of the impact an absent father can have on a daughter's psyche. This absence can manifest in various aspects of life, including issues with self-esteem, difficulties in forming healthy relationships, and challenges in understanding one's identity.

2. The Role of Recognition and Acknowledgment: A vital step in addressing the effects of an absent father is the acknowledgement of his absence and its impact. Recognizing these effects allows for the beginning of healing and provides a framework for understanding behaviours and emotions that may have been confusing or painful.

3. Navigating the Path to Healing: Schwartz offers insights into the healing process, emphasizing that while the journey is personal and can be challenging, it is also filled with opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Healing may involve therapy, creating supportive relationships, and engaging in self-care practices.

4. The Importance of External Support Systems: The book suggests that building a strong support system is crucial for daughters dealing with the absence of a father. This support can come from other family members, friends, mentors, or professional counsellors who can provide understanding, validation, and guidance.

5. Exploring One's Identity Beyond Absence: One of the lessons is the encouragement for daughters to explore and define their identity independently of the father's absence. This exploration can lead to a more robust sense of self and a reclamation of power over one's life narrative.

6. Developing Healthy Relationships: Schwartz discusses the impact of an absent father on a daughter's relationships, particularly in choosing partners and establishing boundaries. The book offers strategies for understanding and breaking patterns that may lead to unhealthy relationship choices.

7. The Power of Narrative: There's a focus on the power of personal narrative and storytelling in healing. By reframing their stories, daughters can find meaning in their experiences and move towards a more empowered and self-aware future.

8. The Role of Forgiveness: The concept of forgiveness, both of oneself and the absent father, is explored as a potential component of healing. Forgiveness is presented not as an obligation but as a choice that can lead to emotional freedom.

9. Empowerment through Understanding: Gaining insight into how an absent father has influenced one's life can be incredibly empowering. It allows for a reclaiming of control over one's emotional well-being and life decisions.

10. The Continuum of Absence: Schwartz acknowledges that absence can vary in degree and type, affecting daughters in uniquely individual ways. Understanding this spectrum is crucial in addressing and healing from its effects personally and sensitively.

"The Absent Father Effect on Daughters" is a comprehensive guide to understanding and healing from the complex dynamics of growing up without a father's presence. It provides valuable insights and practical advice for those looking to navigate the challenges and find a path toward healing and fulfilment.

8 Lessons from "When Less Becomes More":

1. This book goes beyond physical clutter. It encourages decluttering your schedule, commitments, and even negative self-talk to create space for what truly matters.

2. In a fast-paced world, "When Less Becomes More" advocates for slowing down. Savor moments, prioritize rest, and avoid the constant feeling of needing to rush.

3. Streamline your daily activities to create more time and mental space. This could involve routines, decision fatigue reduction, and focusing on a few key goals instead of many.

4. Learn to politely but firmly say no to commitments that don't align with your values or drain your energy. Free yourself from unnecessary obligations.

5. Focus on building meaningful relationships and experiences rather than chasing a large number of shallow connections or possessions.

6. Shift your focus towards appreciating the good things in your life, big and small. Cultivating gratitude fosters contentment and a sense of abundance.

7. Reconnect with loved ones, pursue your passions, and spend time in nature. Nurture the things that truly bring you joy and fulfillment.

8. Instead of autopilot living, make conscious choices that align with your values and goals. Move towards a life you design, not one that happens to you.

8 lessons from "Mind Management, Not Time Management: Productivity When Creativity Matters" by David Kadavy:

1. Focus on Your Mental Energy: Forget rigid time management schedules. This book emphasizes managing your mental energy for optimal productivity. When you feel focused and inspired, you get more done in less time.

2. Choose Hidden Patterns: Look for hidden patterns in your daily routine or creative process. These patterns can become launchpads for skyrocketing your productivity. Identify peak creativity times and schedule demanding tasks accordingly.

3. Passive Thinking too Has Power: Sometimes, the best solutions come when you're not actively trying to solve a problem. Let your subconscious mind work its magic by taking breaks, going for walks, or engaging in activities that allow for passive thinking.

4. Writer's Block is a Myth: The book challenges the idea of writer's block as an insurmountable obstacle. It offers strategies to overcome creative ruts, such as setting small, achievable goals and shifting your perspective on the task at hand.

5. Harness the Power of the Five-Minute Rule: Dedicate just five minutes to a daunting task. Often, that initial push is all you need to overcome inertia and get started. You might be surprised how much you can accomplish in just five focused minutes.

6. Learn from the Masters: The book explores historical figures who achieved incredible feats despite limited resources. Studying their techniques and mindsets can offer valuable lessons for boosting your own productivity.

7. Sometimes, unexpected disruptions can lead to new ideas and creative breakthroughs. Learn to adapt to the unexpected and use it to your advantage.

8. Technology Mastery: The book encourages finding the right technological tools to enhance your productivity, while avoiding distractions and becoming a slave to technology.

Book: https://amzn.to/3xv31SA

Here are 7 lessons on The Organized Mind by Daniel Levitin:

Lesson 1: The Attentional System Is Limited
The human brain is designed to focus on one thing at a time. When we are constantly bombarded with information, it's difficult to focus on anything. This can lead to procrastination, stress, and poor decision-making. To improve your focus, it's important to create a distraction-free environment and practice mindfulness techniques.

Lesson 2: Constant Decision-Making Tires The Brain
Making decisions is a mentally taxing process. When we are constantly making decisions, we put a lot of stress on our brains. This can lead to fatigue, irritability, and increased error rates. To reduce the amount of stress on our brains, we need to learn to make decisions more efficiently. For example, setting priorities, delegating tasks, and automating routine decisions can help reduce the number of decisions we need to make.

Lesson 3: The Trick to Organization
The key to organization is to find a system that works for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so it's important to experiment with different methods until you find one that helps you manage your time and information effectively. Some popular organizational methods include creating a filing system, using a to-do list, and developing a personal organization style.

Lesson 4: The Power of To-do Lists
To-do lists are a simple yet powerful tool for organizations. They can help you track your progress, stay on top of deadlines, and avoid forgetting important tasks. To create a to-do list that works for you, prioritize your tasks, set realistic deadlines, and break down large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps.

Lesson 5: Take Time to Rest and Refuel
Our brains, like our bodies, need time to rest and recharge. When we are constantly working and never taking breaks, we put a lot of stress on our brains. This can lead to burnout, poor performance, and even health problems. To avoid burnout, make sure to take breaks throughout the day to rest your mind and clear your head. You should also get enough sleep at night to allow your brain to fully recharge.

Lesson 6: The Power of Habits
Habits can be a powerful tool for an organization. They can help us make good decisions and automate routine tasks. However, bad habits can be difficult to break, and they can sabotage our efforts to organize our lives. To improve your organization, focus on developing good habits and breaking bad ones. This can be a challenging process, but it is worth it in the long run.

Lesson 7: There Is No Such Thing as Perfect Organization
There is no one right way to organize your mind and your life. Everyone has their own unique style and preferences. The important thing is to find a system that works for you and to be consistent with it. Don't compare yourself to others or strive for perfection. Focus on making progress and improving your organizational skills over time.

C.C- book therapist

A must read and important to understand

What is Stockholm syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response to being held captive. People with Stockholm syndrome form a psychological connection with their captors and begin sympathizing with them.

In addition to the original kidnapper-hostage situation, Stockholm syndrome now includes other types of trauma in which there’s a bond between the abuser and the person being abused.

Many medical professionals consider the victim’s positive feelings toward their abuser a psychological response — a coping mechanism — that they use to survive the days, weeks or even years of trauma or abuse.

Other closely linked psychological conditions include:

Trauma bonding.
Learned helplessness.
Battered person syndrome

How did Stockholm syndrome get its name?
This condition gets its name from a 1973 bank robbery incident that happened in Stockholm, Sweden. During the six-day standoff with police, many of the captive bank employees became sympathetic toward the bank robbers. After they were set free, some bank employees refused to testify against the bank robbers in court and even raised money for their defense.

A criminologist and psychiatrist investigating the event developed the term, “Stockholm syndrome” to describe the affinity some bank employees showed toward the bank robbers.

Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of Stockholm syndrome?
People who have Stockholm syndrome have:

Positive feelings toward the captors or abusers.
Sympathy for their captors’ beliefs and behaviors.
Negative feelings toward police or other authority figures.
Other symptoms are similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and include:

Flashbacks.
Feeling distrustful, irritated, jittery or anxious.
Can’t relax or enjoy things that you previously enjoyed.
Trouble concentrating.
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What causes Stockholm syndrome?
Researchers don’t know why some captives develop Stockholm syndrome and others don’t.

One theory is that this is a learned technique passed down from our ancestors. In the early civilization, there was always a risk of being captured or killed by another social group. Bonding with captors increased the chance of survival. Some evolutionary psychiatrists believe this ancestral technique is a natural human trait.

Another theory is that a captive or abuse situation is highly emotionally charged. People adjust their feelings and start having compassion for their abuser when they’re shown some kindness over time. Also, by working with and not fighting against an abuser, victims may secure their safety. When not harmed by their abuser, a victim may feel grateful and even view their abuser as humane.

Diagnosis and Tests
How is Stockholm syndrome diagnosed?
The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t officially recognize or include Stockholm syndrome as a condition in its latest diagnostic manual — the gold standard of mental health diseases and conditions. Because it’s not included, healthcare providers may or may not recognize this condition. However, all healthcare providers recognize behaviors that result from a traumatic situation. The criteria for PTSD or acute stress disorder and some treatments are often similar to Stockholm syndrome.

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Management and Treatment
How is Stockholm syndrome treated?
As Stockholm syndrome isn’t recognized as a psychological condition, there’s no standard treatment. However, like treatment for PTSD, treatment of Stockholm syndrome usually involves psychiatric and psychological counseling (“talk therapy”) and/or medication. If you or a loved one has Stockholm syndrome, you’ll learn healthy ways to cope with your trauma.

Therapy may help you:

Understand your experience.
Understand how sympathetic behavior toward your captors was a survival skill.
Learn how you can move forward with your life.
If you have symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help you sleep or reduce your anxiety or depression.

Care at Cleveland Clinic
Mental Health Care
Make an Appointment
Outlook / Prognosis
What’s the prognosis for people with Stockholm syndrome?
First, most people who experience abuse, trauma or captive situations don’t develop Stockholm syndrome. Stockholm syndrome is a rare psychological reaction to a captive or abusive situation. Psychotherapy can help you or a loved one recover and move forward with your life.

Additional Common Questions
Does Stockholm syndrome apply only to hostage situations?
Although Stockholm syndrome was named based on the location of a bank robbery-hostage situation, some of the same behaviors and feelings are seen in victims of other types of trauma, including:

Sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Child abuse.
Coach-athlete abuse. One example might be athletes who agree to extreme, abusive workouts because they believe the coach knows what’s best for them.
Human s*x trafficking.
A note from Cleveland Clinic

Stockholm syndrome is a coping mechanism. Instead of feelings of fear, terror and hostility toward your abuser, you may begin feeling a sense of humanity and compassion for them. If you or a loved one has experienced Stockholm syndrome, know that your positive feelings toward your abuser are not a fault. What you’re feeling is an understandable way of coping with and surviving what happened to you. Your healthcare provider will work with you to help you or your loved one recover.

C.C- Cleveland Clinic

What is Stockholm syndrome?
Stockholm syndrome is a psychological response to being held captive. People with Stockholm syndrome form a psychological connection with their captors and begin sympathizing with them.

In addition to the original kidnapper-hostage situation, Stockholm syndrome now includes other types of trauma in which there’s a bond between the abuser and the person being abused.

Many medical professionals consider the victim’s positive feelings toward their abuser a psychological response — a coping mechanism — that they use to survive the days, weeks or even years of trauma or abuse.

Other closely linked psychological conditions include:

Trauma bonding.
Learned helplessness.
Battered person syndrome

How did Stockholm syndrome get its name?
This condition gets its name from a 1973 bank robbery incident that happened in Stockholm, Sweden. During the six-day standoff with police, many of the captive bank employees became sympathetic toward the bank robbers. After they were set free, some bank employees refused to testify against the bank robbers in court and even raised money for their defense.

A criminologist and psychiatrist investigating the event developed the term, “Stockholm syndrome” to describe the affinity some bank employees showed toward the bank robbers.

Symptoms and Causes
What are the symptoms of Stockholm syndrome?
People who have Stockholm syndrome have:

Positive feelings toward the captors or abusers.
Sympathy for their captors’ beliefs and behaviors.
Negative feelings toward police or other authority figures.
Other symptoms are similar to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and include:

Flashbacks.
Feeling distrustful, irritated, jittery or anxious.
Can’t relax or enjoy things that you previously enjoyed.
Trouble concentrating.
ADVERTISEMENT

What causes Stockholm syndrome?
Researchers don’t know why some captives develop Stockholm syndrome and others don’t.

One theory is that this is a learned technique passed down from our ancestors. In the early civilization, there was always a risk of being captured or killed by another social group. Bonding with captors increased the chance of survival. Some evolutionary psychiatrists believe this ancestral technique is a natural human trait.

Another theory is that a captive or abuse situation is highly emotionally charged. People adjust their feelings and start having compassion for their abuser when they’re shown some kindness over time. Also, by working with and not fighting against an abuser, victims may secure their safety. When not harmed by their abuser, a victim may feel grateful and even view their abuser as humane.

Diagnosis and Tests
How is Stockholm syndrome diagnosed?
The American Psychiatric Association doesn’t officially recognize or include Stockholm syndrome as a condition in its latest diagnostic manual — the gold standard of mental health diseases and conditions. Because it’s not included, healthcare providers may or may not recognize this condition. However, all healthcare providers recognize behaviors that result from a traumatic situation. The criteria for PTSD or acute stress disorder and some treatments are often similar to Stockholm syndrome.

ADVERTISEMENT

Management and Treatment
How is Stockholm syndrome treated?
As Stockholm syndrome isn’t recognized as a psychological condition, there’s no standard treatment. However, like treatment for PTSD, treatment of Stockholm syndrome usually involves psychiatric and psychological counseling (“talk therapy”) and/or medication. If you or a loved one has Stockholm syndrome, you’ll learn healthy ways to cope with your trauma.

Therapy may help you:

Understand your experience.
Understand how sympathetic behavior toward your captors was a survival skill.
Learn how you can move forward with your life.
If you have symptoms, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to help you sleep or reduce your anxiety or depression.

Care at Cleveland Clinic
Mental Health Care
Make an Appointment
Outlook / Prognosis
What’s the prognosis for people with Stockholm syndrome?
First, most people who experience abuse, trauma or captive situations don’t develop Stockholm syndrome. Stockholm syndrome is a rare psychological reaction to a captive or abusive situation. Psychotherapy can help you or a loved one recover and move forward with your life.

Additional Common Questions
Does Stockholm syndrome apply only to hostage situations?
Although Stockholm syndrome was named based on the location of a bank robbery-hostage situation, some of the same behaviors and feelings are seen in victims of other types of trauma, including:

Sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
Child abuse.
Coach-athlete abuse. One example might be athletes who agree to extreme, abusive workouts because they believe the coach knows what’s best for them.
Human s*x trafficking.
A note from Cleveland Clinic

Stockholm syndrome is a coping mechanism. Instead of feelings of fear, terror and hostility toward your abuser, you may begin feeling a sense of humanity and compassion for them. If you or a loved one has experienced Stockholm syndrome, know that your positive feelings toward your abuser are not a fault. What you’re feeling is an understandable way of coping with and surviving what happened to you. Your healthcare provider will work with you to help you or your loved one recover.

C.C- Cleveland Clinic