Dogs read people. They always have. Thousands of years of domestication have produced an animal whose survival has depended on understanding human emotional states — picking up on shifts in tone, body language, heart rate, breathing, and the dozens of other signals that humans broadcast continuously without realizing it.
Dog owners who love their dogs know this intuitively. They’ve seen the dog come close when they’re sad, get unsettled when an argument is happening, or react differently on a walk when their owner is anxious than when they’re calm. What most people don’t fully consider is what that attunement means for the dog’s behavior — and for the owner’s mental health.
How Dogs Experience Their Owner’s Emotional State
A dog’s sense of security is built around its owner. The owner provides food, safety, structure, and the emotional orientation that tells the dog how to interpret the world. When a person walks into a room relaxed and confident, the dog reads that signal and calibrates accordingly. When a person walks into a room tense, hypervigilant, or emotionally dysregulated, the dog reads that too — and often responds to it.
The mechanism isn’t complicated. Dogs don’t have access to the cognitive narratives humans use to process their experience — the explanations, the rationalizations, the ability to think their way through what they’re feeling. What they have is an exquisitely sensitive read on the emotional environment around them, communicated through every physical and behavioral signal the person in front of them is producing.
This is why a dog’s behavior is often a more accurate reflection of its owner’s emotional state than anything the owner might say about how they’re doing. The dog doesn’t have access to the performance of composure. It only has access to what’s actually happening.
What Anxiety, Depression, and Stress Look Like Through a Dog’s Eyes
The specific ways that an owner’s mental health affects their dog’s behavior depend on what the owner is experiencing and how the dog interprets it. Several patterns show up consistently:
Anxiety in an owner signals to the dog that the environment contains threat. A dog who senses that its owner is anxious around other dogs or other people may begin to treat those things as threatening — reacting with barking, pulling, lunging, or avoidance that has more to do with the owner’s nervous system than with the dog’s own experience of the situation.
Depression affects energy, engagement, and the quality of daily interaction. Dogs pick up on the flatness — the reduced walks, the less animated interaction, the absence of the emotional engagement that usually structures their day. A dog whose owner is significantly depressed may become lethargic, less responsive, or anxious in its own right as the emotional signal it’s reading changes.
Chronic stress affects the physical signals an owner sends — tension in the body, changes in heart rate, a quality of distraction that the dog registers as absence even when the owner is physically present. A stressed owner who comes home from work carrying the residue of a difficult day brings that into every interaction with the dog, often without intending to.
Trauma responses — hypervigilance, emotional reactivity, freeze states — communicate something specific to a dog that is constantly reading its owner for information about safety. A dog living with an owner whose nervous system is frequently in fight-or-flight is receiving a continuous signal that something in the environment requires alertness.
Each of these represents the dog doing exactly what dogs are built to do — reading its owner and responding to what it finds. The behavior that results isn’t the dog being difficult. It’s the dog being a dog.
“Our dogs need their owners to help them understand the world,” says Marc of Chicago Dog Trainer. “The more you take care of yourself, the more you’ll be able to take better care of your pet as well.”
The Regulation Connection
What dogs need from their owners, in behavioral terms, is co-regulation — the experience of being with a calm, grounded, emotionally stable presence that tells them the environment is safe and that their owner is in control of whatever needs to be managed. This is what good training builds toward. It’s also what mental health treatment supports.
A person who is managing significant anxiety has a nervous system that is running in a sustained state of activation — alert, scanning, reactive to signals that wouldn’t register the same way in a more settled state. That nervous system state is communicated to the dog continuously, regardless of what the person is doing or saying. The dog responds to the state, not the intention.
When therapy reduces the chronic activation — when anxiety treatment changes how the nervous system responds to perceived threat, when depression treatment restores engagement and energy, when trauma work reduces the hypervigilance that keeps a person in a persistent state of readiness — the signal the dog is reading changes. The owner is calmer. The dog, reading a calmer owner, becomes calmer too. The behavior that was a downstream effect of the owner’s emotional state often shifts without any direct intervention aimed at the dog.
The Owner’s Mental Health Is Part of the Training Environment
Dog trainers who work at a high level understand that training a dog means working with the owner as much as the dog. The dog is not operating in isolation — it’s operating within a relational environment, and the primary relationship in that environment is with its owner. Addressing behavior without addressing that environment produces limited results.
This is a principle that applies equally to human relationships. Couples therapy recognizes that a relationship’s difficulties can’t be addressed by working with only one partner in isolation. Family therapy recognizes that a child’s behavior exists within a family system that shapes it. The same logic applies to the owner-dog relationship — the dog’s behavior exists within an emotional environment that is largely determined by the owner’s mental health.
For dog owners who have tried training approaches that produced good results in certain contexts but didn’t hold up in others, the emotional environment is worth examining. A dog who performs well with a trainer and inconsistently with the owner at home is often telling you something about the difference between those two environments. The trainer’s calm, clear, regulated presence produces one result. The owner’s anxiety, stress, or emotional inconsistency produces another.
Why This Is a Reason to Seek Support
There are many reasons to address mental health, and most of them are personal — the quality of your own experience, your relationships, your capacity to be present in your own life. Sometimes those reasons feel abstract or insufficient to move someone to take action.
The connection to a dog’s wellbeing and behavior is more concrete for many people. A person who has delayed seeking therapy for anxiety because the reasons felt too internal or too uncertain may find more immediate motivation in the recognition that their dog is experiencing the anxiety alongside them — that the animal who depends on them most is reading their nervous system every day and calibrating its own sense of safety accordingly.
The dog wants its owner well. It wants the calm, grounded presence that tells it the world is safe. Therapy can help provide that — not just for the dog, but for the person whose life and relationships extend far beyond the end of the leash.
Flourish Psychology works with adults in Brooklyn and throughout New York City on anxiety, depression, trauma, and the full range of mental health concerns that affect daily life and every relationship in it. Call 917-737-9475 or reach out through the contact page to schedule a session.
Rejection is difficult. We know from experience applying for jobs or asking someone on a date that it can hurt to get rejected. Many people find rejection as painful, if not more painful, then insults and name calling. We tend to take rejection very personally, even in situations where it is not necessarily meant to be a personal attack.
Some people, however, experience rejection in an even more painful and more intense way. This is sometimes referred to as “Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria,” where an individual’s response to rejection is so personal, painful, and pronounced, it becomes overwhelming and potentially long lasting – affecting their mental health and behaviors in the future.
What Makes Rejection a “Dysphoria?”
“Dysphoria” refers to a “state of dissatisfaction and unease with life.” Most of us hate being rejected, but we can overcome it. We can find a way to push through, or not let it define who we are.
But some people take this a step further – rejection of any kind, even minor, becomes a triggering event, something that is so intense it can alter behavior and create overwhelming feelings of shame and emotional distress.
This is “Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.” It is more common with those that have ADHD, but can affect others as well. Symptoms may include:
Sensitivity to Criticism – People with RSD may have an extreme sensitivity to criticism, whether it is direct, implied, or perceived. Even well-meaning feedback can feel devastating, leading to a prolonged emotional response.
Fear/Phobia of Rejection – Individuals with RSD may develop a deep-seated fear of rejection in social, professional, or personal settings. This fear can cause them to avoid situations where they might be judged or rejected.
Emotional Outbursts as a Response to Rejection – Rejection or criticism can trigger intense emotional reactions, ranging from tearful outbursts to sudden withdrawal or emotional numbness. These reactions often occur quickly and without warning.
Low Self-Esteem – Because of the intense focus on perceived criticism or rejection, individuals with RSD may struggle with low self-esteem or a negative self-image. They may be highly critical of themselves and overly dependent on external validation.
Trouble in Relationships, Personal and Professional – RSD can make maintaining personal and professional relationships challenging. People with RSD might overreact to comments or behaviors that seem critical, leading to conflicts or withdrawal from relationships.
Individuals with RSD may avoid opportunities that could expose them to criticism, which can limit personal growth or career advancement. In addition, the intense emotional pain associated with RSD can contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and social isolation if left unmanaged.
Despite its challenges, it’s possible to manage RSD and reduce its impact over time with appropriate strategies and support. By addressing the emotional intensity and underlying fears associated with rejection, individuals with RSD can work towards healthier relationships and improved mental well-being.
If you need help with rejection, whether you suspect you have RSD or not, please contact Flourish Psychology, today.
Here at Flourish Psychology, we believe that each individual deserves their own approach for addressing their mental health. For some, that is cognitive behavioral therapy. For others, it might be EMDR. Each situation is different.
There are situations where an individual may benefit from what’s known as art therapy, which involves communicating and addressing issues through various artistic mediums. Art therapy provides a unique approach for adults seeking to address and heal from childhood trauma.
This therapeutic practice integrates the creative process of art making with psychological treatment, offering a non-verbal pathway to explore and express feelings that may be too difficult to articulate with words.
How Art Therapy Can Help Us Uncover Hidden Emotions and Memories
It can be very difficult to express our emotions or experiences with words, no matter how hard we try. In addition, childhood trauma also often involves experiences that are buried deep within an individual’s memory, sometimes inaccessible through conventional verbal therapy methods. Art therapy allows individuals to:
Express Unspoken Emotions – Through the creation of art, individuals can express feelings that they cannot easily discuss or may not even be consciously aware of.
Revisit Memories Safely – Art provides a buffer or a ‘safe distance’ from direct recollection of traumatic events, enabling individuals to explore their past with less intensity and more control.
Process Emotions Slowly – Art takes time. By helping the person create or recreate their feelings, they are also tasked with processing it in a way that is slow, safe, and less emotionally charged.
Art therapy can also help us understand ourselves better as we go through these emotions. How we process and discuss the art can be revealing as a way to better understand ourselves.
The Process of Art Therapy
Art therapy is conducted by one of our experienced and trained art therapists, who ensures a safe and supportive environment. The process involves:
Art Creation – Individuals use various mediums such as drawing, painting, sculpture, or collage to create artworks that reflect their personal experiences and emotions.
Reflection – The therapist helps the client reflect on the artwork produced, discussing the possible meanings and associations elicited by the art.
Integration – Through regular sessions, insights gained from the art and discussions are integrated into the individual’s understanding of their trauma and self.
Art therapy is a highly regarded form of therapy, and one that requires special training. Flourish Psychology in New York City has experienced art therapists to help with this approach.
Benefits of Art Therapy for Childhood Trauma
Art therapy offers several benefits for adults dealing with the aftermath of childhood trauma. Creating art helps individuals understand hidden aspects of their feelings and reactions, leading to greater self-awareness and insight. Art therapy provides a safe outlet for the expression and release of complex emotions associated with trauma, such as anger, sadness, or fear.
Through art therapy, individuals learn coping strategies to manage emotional distress and build resilience against future stressors. The therapeutic process can facilitate a transformative journey from trauma-induced suffering to emotional healing and recovery.
Start Art Therapy in New York City with Flourish Psychology, Today
Art therapists are trained to handle sessions with a trauma-informed approach, ensuring that they are sensitive to the triggers and psychological states of their clients. At Flourish Psychology, we believe that our therapy must be tailored to the individual’s specific trauma history and emotional needs, acknowledging that each person’s path to recovery is unique.
Art therapy can be an effective standalone treatment or part of a broader therapeutic plan, including talk therapies like CBT. By engaging the creative process, individuals can unlock emotional blockages, revisit and reinterpret their past, and move towards a more integrated and wholesome future. For many, art therapy is not just a treatment but a transformative experience that provides deep personal growth and recovery.
If you’re interested in pursuing art therapy to address trauma that you’ve experienced in childhood or adulthood, please contact Flourish Psychology, today.
The journey to parenthood is not always straightforward. Many couples face challenges when trying to conceive, which can lead to a range of emotional struggles including stress, disappointment, and a sense of loss. Infertility can deeply affect one’s mental health, impacting both individuals and couples as they navigate this complex and often painful path.
Here at Flourish Psychology in New York City, we have several evidence based therapeutic techniques we can use to address a person’s mental health, such as CBT and DBT, and together we determine what modalities make the most sense for you.
One that we may recommend for those that are struggling with infertility may be art therapy. Art therapy has been shown to be a helpful way to address infertility related issues, and is one of the many options that we have available here at Flourish Psychology.
Exploring Art Therapy as a Supportive Measure
It can be very difficult on both a couple and on an individual when they are struggling to conceive. It’s not necessarily a specifically diagnosed mental health issue (in the sense that it may not be a diagnosable condition, like depression or anxiety), but it is still extremely hard both emotionally and psychologically, and can cause substantial distress in a person’s life.
That is why art therapy is seen as useful. Art therapy is a processing and personal exploration tool. It allows an individual and their therapist to have guided conversations about worries, stresses, and other concerns related to infertility and parenthood, and then gives you strategies and tools to work through it. Advantages of art therapy include:
Emotional Expression and Processing – Art therapy provides a unique medium through which individuals can express and process complex feelings about infertility. Creating art can help articulate the sadness, anxiety, or frustration that often accompanies fertility struggles, offering a release and a way to work through these emotions.
Stress Reduction – Engaging in artistic activities is known to reduce stress levels, which is particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with infertility. Stress can theoretically negatively impact fertility, so finding ways to manage it is important. Art therapy offers a soothing, meditative practice that can help lower stress and promote a sense of peace.
Improving Coping Skills – Through art therapy, individuals can develop stronger emotional resilience and coping strategies. It teaches ways to handle setbacks and disappointments, which are common in the journey towards becoming parents.
Enhancing Relationship Dynamics – For couples, infertility can strain relationships. Art therapy can be a joint activity that helps couples communicate their feelings and strengthen their bond, making them feel more connected and supported as they face infertility together.
Support for Decision Making – Infertility often involves making difficult decisions regarding treatment options or considering alternatives such as adoption or surrogacy. Art therapy can help clarify thoughts and emotions, aiding in the decision-making process.
While art therapy does not treat infertility physically, it offers significant emotional support, helping individuals and couples navigate the psychological impacts of infertility. For those exploring therapy to help address infertility, art therapy is one technique that may be beneficial. For more information about infertility in NYC, contact Flourish Psychology, today.
Being present, happy, and productive is important for our mental health. At Flourish Psychology, our team of therapists is available to work with patients that struggle with this, whether it’s caused by anxiety, depression, or more recently: phone addiction.
Phone addiction can be a surprisingly challenging problem that affects relationships, parenting, and happiness. Flourish Psychology can support your “recovery” from phone addiction and help you reclaim control of your time. Based in Brooklyn, our therapists can address the causes of the addiction, what’s holding you back, the emotions created by too much phone use, and more.
If you are struggling with phone addiction in NYC, please contact Flourish Psychology today at 917-737-9475 or fill out our online form to get in touch with our team.
About Phone Addiction and Therapy
Most of us are on our smartphones too often. Based on our own analytics, about 75% of the people reading this are reading this from their phones. Most of the activities that we used to do in person or via computer now take place on small, handheld technology that we keep with us in our pockets.
But this type of technology is different.
Studies have shown that excessive smartphone leads to anxiety, depression, poor happiness scores, and – depending on what a person does online – issues like low-self esteem, eating disorders, and relationship difficulties.
Smartphone addiction is an addiction. People cannot seem to help checking their phones and spending time on there, and may experience withdrawals or anxiety if they put their phone away. Many also find that they get irritable when questioned about their cell phone use.
This addiction can have many causes and can also cause many additional difficulties:
Some people are overwhelmed by life and work and use their phone as a crutch to escape, without any other coping mechanisms.
Some people get addiction to scrolling social media, always looking for the next laugh, story, or “likes.”
Some people work too hard, and their phone becomes a tool they feel they need to be on at all times to manage their work life.
Some people find they crave the feedback and attention of likes, shares, and other engagement on social media in a way that occupies their time and thoughts.
There are any number of reasons that a person might find themselves become addicted to their phone, but the effects can be very real and very difficult. People may struggle with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, parenting difficulties – all while the time they do have in the day to care for themselves and enjoy life gets sapped away.
It’s easy to understand why many people would benefit from a therapist for phone addiction.
Phone Addiction Therapists for Mental Health
Therapy is about addressing our mental health to live happier and emotionally/psychologically healthier lives. It’s about reclaiming our time and our happiness, and not allowing anything to stand in the way. That is why it can be helpful to speak to a therapist about phone addiction, and why it is so valuable to know that you have someone that can help you get your time back.
Through therapeutic approaches, like CBT, we can work on helping you find ways to put the phone down and keep it down. Our therapists also specialize in conditions like trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and disordered eating – all the issues caused by phone addiction. We can make sure that not only are you no longer on the phone as often, but you’re also feeling happier again and finding yourself free to pursue passions and be present in your life.
Start Today with Flourish Psychology
Phone addiction causes issues, and can also be a symptom of other problems. If you’re someone that feels like you’re on the phone too often and would benefit from a therapist to help you re-claim your time again, contact our therapists at Flourish Psychology today.
Art therapy may sound like it’s about the art itself. But it’s not about so much more than that. Art therapists undergo extensive clinical training to be able to read and understand a person’s artistic expression in ways that can say so much about what a person is feeling, what they’re struggling with, and so much more.
You’ve likely heard that art is a form of expression. One of the reasons it’s capable of doing that is because there are themes in what a person’s psychology says about them in their art. It’s why, while much art is open to interpretation, most of us can get similar feelings about a piece of art if we see it and recognize themes if we know where to look.
What are some examples?
We want to limit the number of examples we share because we do not want it to influence a person’s art. We want everything to flow from you genuinely. However, some examples might include:
If a person uses bright colors in certain types of paintings, it may mean that they’re showing signs of anxiety and agitation. However, in other settings, it may be a sign of contentment and excitement.
Recurring symbols may have meanings. For example, if a person consistently adds fences to a drawing, it may indicate that they’re feeling trapped or guarded.
Lines that are more unnecessarily jagged might indicate a person is feeling frustrated or angry, while lines that flow more might indicate that the person is thoughtful and calm.
Because we want the art to be genuine, we are careful to not direct you. While art therapy is guided AND we discuss the art together, it is meant to be your expression and come naturally, so we encourage anyone considering art therapy not to look up meanings too much before their sessions.
Nevertheless, it’s important to understand that this type of therapy and interpretation is extensively studied, and your art therapists deeply know how to assess and understand what you create. If you are struggling, and would like to explore an alternative approach to more widely known mental health options might benefit you, contact Flourish Psychology, today!
Location: 300 Cadman Plaza West Floor 12 - Brooklyn, NY 11201
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