As a licensed psychologist and sex therapist, I work with couples and individuals to improve their relationships with themselves and others. Acceptance is a cornerstone of resilience in challenging relationships. Whether the difficulty stems from differences in values, past hurts, or communication barriers, the ability to accept another person—flaws and all—creates the foundation for authentic connection and personal growth. Acceptance does not mean resignation or condoning harmful behavior; rather, it is an acknowledgment of reality as it is, without unnecessary resistance or futile attempts to control what cannot be changed.

Letting go is not about forgetting or dismissing what has shaped us, but rather about making space for growth, healing, and new possibilities. It is a courageous act of self-compassion, requiring us to release what no longer serves us so we can embrace the fullness of our present and future. Though the process may be uncomfortable or even painful at times, it is also profoundly freeing, offering us the chance to reclaim our energy and refocus on what truly matters. By practicing the art of letting go, we step closer to a life of clarity, balance, and peace, where we can fully inhabit the person we are becoming.

The Substance is steeped in commentary on the relentless societal obsession with women’s appearances. The transformations induced by the substance amplify these pressures, making the characters’ bodies sites of both fascination and horror. Moore’s character struggles with losing control over her body and identity, which reflects the anxiety many women feel about their autonomy in a world that demands physical perfection.

It's in therapy where raw and potentially confusing experiences are metabolized so they become understandable and usable. The therapist is there, with you, supporting you to process what has happened in your life, whether it was when you were a child, an adolescent, or an adult. That means you’re viewing what happened in a different way and perhaps for the first time feeling feelings that up until now remained unfelt.