The men who are caught in secrecy and acting out are unconsciously looking for answers to their pain. Their childhood wounds hold the answers they seek.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
Toxic shame isn’t just a painful feeling—it erodes our sense of agency, and often drives impulsive or self-defeating behaviors we struggle to explain.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
Self-sabotaging behaviors are painful and confusing. Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy helps us understand this complex issue and offers a path to healing.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
Childhood abuse is innately shaming. The traumatized person struggles with internalized shame and deep-seated loneliness that has resulted from the abuse.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
Compartmentalization and escapism are common ways to handle difficult emotional experiences. However, they can be overused and weaken our self-capacities.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
There are many reasons why men cheat on their wife/partner. This is the first article in a series that examines this complex issue of what motivates men.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
The effects of childhood abuse follow men throughout their lives. Remaining silent about the abuse keeps it alive. Healing requires this silence to be broken.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
Sexualization is a defense against emotional pain and trauma. It momentarily numbs pain but it ultimately keeps traumatic wounds buried and unhealed.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
Toxic shame and its enduring impact often stem from childhood trauma, making it crucial to understand how it manifests in adulthood for effective healing.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
Internal Family Systems (IFS) manager and firefighter parts help us understand the different ways in which we protect ourselves from emotional pain.| Richard Nicastro, PhD
Toxic shame impacts a person on many levels. Low self-esteem, depression and anxiety, as well as relationship challenges are likely.| Richard Nicastro, PhD