February 05, 2025 - by Ryan LaPlant, AMFT and Brian Sedgeley - in Couples, Health, psychology
Humans are, by our very nature, wired for connection, a fact most obvious in our closest relationships. English psychoanalyst and pediatrician Donald W. Winnicott (1975) once (in)famously quipped “there is no such thing as a baby…If you show me a baby you certainly show me also someone caring for the baby.” This is, of course,
January 13, 2025 - by Brian Sedgeley - in Health, psychology
Isaac Ray, a prominent 19th-century American psychiatrist and one of the founders of forensic psychology, observed, “Insanity was the price we pay for civilization.” This insight reminds us that societal progress, while necessary, often comes with emotional and psychological costs. Every civilization defines “normal” and “abnormal” according to its own cultural values, frequently pathologizing behaviors
December 16, 2024 - by Brian Sedgeley - in psychology
Why Do We Blame Ourselves? The Impact of the “Dead Mother” and Early Caregiver Dynamics In the realm of psychodynamic therapy, few concepts capture the complexity of human guilt and self-blame as powerfully as André Green’s Dead Mother hypothesis. This idea explores how early emotional unavailability in caregivers can shape our unconscious minds, creating enduring
November 18, 2024 - by Brian Sedgeley - in Health, insurance, psychology
In the world of psychotherapy, the right fit between therapist and patient can make all the difference. True fit goes beyond a shared background or personality—it’s about aligning on a deeper level, where trust, understanding, and openness can foster meaningful growth. At Bay Psychology Group, Inc., we believe that successful therapy doesn’t stem from rigidly
November 01, 2024 - by Brian Sedgeley - in psychology
The Roots of Impatience: Exploring a Psychodynamic Perspective Impatience is a feeling we all know too well—whether it’s waiting in line, waiting for a promotion, or waiting for an emotional breakthrough in therapy. The feeling often leads to frustration, irritation, or even anger. But impatience, from a psychodynamic perspective, is more than just an emotional
October 21, 2024 - by Brian Sedgeley - in insurance, psychology, Telehealth
Finding mental health coverage under any insurance plan can feel like navigating a maze, and for those using Anthem Blue Cross, the process can be especially confusing. Many people assume that Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of California are the same entity, but they are two different companies that offer distinct insurance plans. Even
October 14, 2024 - by Brian Sedgeley - in psychology
When discussing mental health, depression is often portrayed through a lens that may not fully capture the experience of men. While depression affects both men and women, there are significant differences in how men experience and express this mental health issue. These differences often lead to underdiagnosis or untreated depression, making it a critical topic
September 09, 2024 - by Brian Sedgeley - in psychology
When navigating the complexities of a relationship, finding the right couples therapist in Oakland can make all the difference. Oakland offers a diverse range of therapy options, but choosing a therapist who aligns with your needs and values is crucial for effective and lasting change. In this guide, we will discuss what to look for
September 02, 2024 - by Brian Sedgeley - in Health, insurance, psychology, Telehealth
When searching for therapy, location might not always be your first concern, especially if you’re focused on finding a specific therapeutic approach like psychodynamic psychotherapy. However, finding a therapist near you who aligns with your needs can make a significant difference in the therapeutic process. In this post, we’ll explore why location matters, especially for
August 19, 2024 - by Brian Sedgeley - in insurance, psychology, Telehealth
Navigating health insurance can be a daunting task, especially for students balancing academics, social life, and self-care. If you’re a student at a University of California (UC) campus, the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) provides comprehensive health coverage, including mental health services. This blog post will guide you through the key aspects of