Grief is something that is universally experienced, but very individually felt. The grief process can be emotional, challenging, and isolating. The pain and the journey are rarely a linear process, manifesting in emotional, physical, and spiritual forms. When someone you love is grieving, it’s natural to want to jump in and help them. Unfortunately, ...

Trauma isn’t just something that happens to us. It’s also something that happens within us. For a majority of people, the aftermath of trauma has nothing to do with the trauma or memories. Instead, the aftermath has much more to do with the way that the body and brain continue to respond to ...

With combined ADHD, individuals grapple with both inattentiveness and hyperactivity-impulsivity. Interestingly, this form is the most prevalent, affecting about 70% of adults with ADHD. It’s all about balancing both worlds in one whirlwind experience. Being diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder means you experience symptoms from both the inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive categories. Though officially termed “presentation,” ...

Empty nest depression is a real and often overlooked experience, especially for men and couples, when their children leave home. While it is common to feel a mix of emotions during this transition, for some, the shift can trigger feelings of sadness, loss, and even depression. Understanding this phase is crucial for recognizing ...

The drive for academic success can be overwhelming for many teenagers as they strive to meet the expectations of those around them. The pressure to perform well in school, get into a good college, and meet expectations from parents, teachers, and society can weigh heavily on their mental and emotional health. Understanding how ...

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is often used to treat the effects of trauma and PTSD. However, this science-backed approach is gaining popularity when it comes to addressing and helping with a variety of other mental health conditions, including anxiety. EMDR doesn’t take away the triggers and thoughts that might be causing ...

Young adults are juggling a lot nowadays. There are academic, social, and financial pressures, alongside expectations to make life decisions that seem monumental. It can be overwhelming, especially when you are still figuring out who you are and what you want to do in life. Learning how to manage these pressures is essential ...

Despite some common misconceptions, ADHD is not a “one-size-fits-all” disorder. We’ve already discussed some of the stereotypes and symptoms. Still, it’s important to note that understanding different types of ADHD can make it easier to get the correct diagnosis and change your management efforts. ADHD can present itself as inattentive, hyperactive, or a combination ...

Summer is finally here, and if your kids are out of school, you might assume that they’re happy and healthy. Perhaps your family has a trip planned, or you’re looking forward to a summer filled with fun activities. Maybe your child simply enjoys relaxing and spending more time at home. It’s not always easy ...

Deciding to have your child evaluated for ADHD can feel overwhelming, especially with advice coming in from every direction. You may have sought recommendations from friends or are opting for insurance options to find the right evaluation center. Once the appointment is scheduled, you might feel a sense of relief. Yet, questions about ...

Stress doesn’t play favorites, but it sure plays differently with everyone. For men, stress often triggers a more intense response compared to women, thanks to distinct psychological and biological differences. Men are more likely to show outward aggression or turn to unhealthy habits to cope. This might temporarily feel like it relieves stress, ...

Maybe you’ve been struggling with the symptoms of past trauma for a long time. Even if you’ve been taking steps to heal, part of you wonders if you’re really making any progress. Perhaps you’ve started seeing a therapist, or you might be trying to make lifestyle changes on your own. No matter your ...

For many individuals, trauma is not always stored in the mind as a clear, accessible memory. Sometimes, trauma is fragmented, repressed, or stored sporadically in the body rather than in the form of a continuous narrative. This can be incredibly frustrating for those who know something feels “off” but can’t pinpoint exactly why. ...

Attachment trauma is typically something that occurs very early in life. In a perfect world, all children would form secure attachments with their parents or caregivers. Unfortunately, that doesn’t always happen. Attachment trauma can occur due to abuse or neglect in childhood. Inconsistent caregiving can also create problems, caused by everything from separations in ...

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition that involves unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors that feel impossible to deny. While many people with OCD experience a decrease in symptoms over time, others find their symptoms worsening. Understanding what causes OCD to get worse can help people manage the condition and seek the right treatment. Let ...

Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes, you might feel like you’re in a rough patch that you can’t escape. This can bring down your mood and make you feel hopeless for a while. The key words, of course, are “for a while.” It’s okay to feel down when you’re going through something difficult, ...

Parenting is one of the most rewarding and demanding roles many of us will ever take on. But amid the late-night feedings, soccer practices, and never-ending laundry, it’s easy to overlook how parenting can quietly reshape our romantic relationships. Many couples find themselves caught off guard when the closeness they once shared begins ...

Among the different therapies, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) stands out for its structured, skill-focused approach. DBT blends traditional cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance strategies. The term “dialectical” highlights its balance between acceptance and change. If you’re grappling with intense emotions or behaviors that feel overwhelming, DBT offers tools to regulate emotions, manage ...

The Gottman Method is one of the most well-known and research-backed approaches to couples therapy. With decades of research on what makes relationships thrive or fall apart, the method offers tools like building love maps, managing conflict constructively, and fostering emotional connection. But once you’ve started using Gottman techniques, how do you actually know ...

Neurofeedback therapy is a fairly new form of therapy that has been gaining attention recently. It’s a non-invasive, drug-free approach that can help improve brain function. It’s already proven to be successful in helping several different mental health conditions. Anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sleeping problems are ...

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, affects both adults and children all over the world. ADHD impacts their focus, impulses, and even their emotional regulation. While behavioral therapy and/or medication are common treatment options that are used with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, many individuals and family members are trying to find alternative approaches. If ...

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most researched and widely practiced therapeutic approaches in the world. It’s often the primary treatment for conditions like anxiety, depression, and chronic pain. But when it comes to autistic or otherwise neurodivergent people, the effectiveness of CBT isn’t so straightforward. Can a therapy designed around ...

When you’ve gone through a traumatic event, talking about it can seem uncomfortable, scary, and nearly impossible. On top of your internal feelings, society often encourages us to be resilient instead of vulnerable. This can make you feel like you have to edit, soften, or even sanitize your trauma story. To avoid judgment and ...

Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) is often used to help people dealing with OCD and other anxiety disorders. The components of the therapy include exposure to whatever situations might trigger obsessions, and learning how to prevent the typical responses to those obsessions. For someone with OCD, ERP can be extremely helpful. It allows ...

We live in the age of anxiety. It’s not like there weren’t enough reasons to be chronically stressed in the past, but today, we hear about all of them in real-time. Therefore, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition on the planet and the most common reason anyone visits a doctor. ...

Parenting today looks dramatically different than it did just a generation or two ago. In the past, roles and expectations were more clearly defined. Moms, dads, kids, and communities had a set place and purpose. There was a shared script for raising a family, and support from extended relatives and neighbors was often close ...

Society is living in an era of self-improvement. There’s an emphasis on striving for perfection and being the best version of ourselves. Unfortunately, this is often met with harsh criticism, judgments, and pressure. While a little bit of each of those is technically alright, the argument can be made that self-compassion will get you ...

Did you know that there are different forms of depression? Not every form of depression is the same. Some forms of depression can appear without any specific known cause, while others are triggered by a particular event. Situational or reactive depression is a form of depression that can come on as a response to ...

Most of us weren’t handed a manual on healthy communication as kids. Instead, we absorbed our communication habits from our family of origin—our first teachers. These early interactions often shape how we express and receive love, frustration, and everything in between. Yet, there’s hope even if the patterns we learned were imperfect. With ...

Grief is a natural emotional response to a significant loss in life, such as the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, or a drastic life change. Even though grief is a common experience that is felt all over the world at some point during a person’s life, there isn’t necessarily a ...

Depression is often thought of as simply a mental health condition. While that is technically a true statement, depression should be considered more of a whole body condition. Depression starts with a chemical imbalance in your brain, triggering a variety of symptoms that range in severity and frequency. From there, it can transform into ...

Emetophobia is more than just a disgust response; it’s an intense fear of vomiting, feeling nauseous, or even seeing someone else be sick. Imagine dreading these sensations so much that they dominate your thoughts and actions. For those living with emetophobia, the fear can be debilitating. It often leads to avoidance behaviors like ...

In current times, it can be difficult, if not impossible, to turn on the news and feel good about what you’re seeing. Our news stream is flooded with high-alert stories of social, political, and financial chaos. Add that to the usual crime and violence that’s often reported. This type of news consumption can be ...

Millions of people struggle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). But many never feel comfortable reaching out for support. In fact, lots of people with PTSD do not even realize that they’re suffering from symptoms of past trauma. If someone has been living with PTSD symptoms for a long period of time, these uncomfortable ...

As therapists, we are dedicated to helping others heal, grow, and improve their mental well-being. However, it is easy to forget that we, too, can benefit from support. As mental health professionals, we cannot pour from an empty cup. So, we need to make sure we invest time in our mental health, in ...

If you have a physical injury or illness, for the most part, people will offer much more sympathy than blame. In the realm of addiction, however, stigmas remain. Even well-meaning souls will view alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a choice people make. Everyone knows alcohol is addictive; what did they expect to happen? ...

When you step into the whirlwind of divorce, there’s no established ritual to help you navigate the emotional chaos. Unlike the joyous fanfare of a wedding or the camaraderie of a retirement party, divorce leaves you without a social script. This absence can amplify feelings of isolation and grief, compelling you to process ...

Trying to heal from the effects of trauma is a unique experience for everyone. As such, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all modality to work through your trauma. It’s important to find the type of therapy that will meet your needs and give you the support required to keep moving forward on your healing journey. EMDR ...

The fight for women’s reproductive rights has been a constant topic of conversation over the years. Recently, it’s become more prevalent, urgent, and for many, deeply personal. The news, debates, social media posts, and constant setbacks can feel overwhelming for everyone. No matter if you’re involved in advocacy, watching the legal and political development ...

Growing up with a sibling can be one of the most rewarding and challenging parts of childhood. When a sibling is on the autism spectrum, it can come along with its own set of unique challenges. But these challenges also bring on opportunities for empathy, growth, and a deeper sense of connection. As a ...

Being neurodivergent simply means you process information differently. You can fall just about anywhere on the spectrum of having a neurodivergent mind. Unfortunately, when you’re in a relationship, that means your way of thinking might not always line up with your partner’s. That can become even more difficult if you are both neurodivergent and ...

Children are incredibly perceptive. They pick up on the subtle cues you send out: tone of voice, body language, and emotional availability. If they sense that certain feelings are uncomfortable for you, they might start suppressing them. Over time, this can lead to anxiety, shame, and emotional disconnection from oneself. Emotional safety means a ...

Trading rush hour traffic for pajama pants is definitely a desirable perk of remote work! There’s so much flexibility with your schedule, plus an added bonus of working out of the comfort of your home. But these benefits often come at an invisible challenge: isolation. Without the daily social interactions of an in-office setting, ...

The teen years are a time of big changes. From academic pressure and social media comparisons to changing hormones and an unpredictable world, today’s teens face challenges that can be overwhelming. If you’re a parent, caregiver, or supportive adult, knowing how to help a teen with anxiety can make a huge difference in ...

In relationships, the lines between innocent behavior and betrayal can sometimes blur. Why? Because everyone has different views on cheating. It can be confusing to keep it all straight. One of the terms gaining recognition in relationship psychology is micro-cheating.  It may not involve physical intimacy or even grand declarations of love, but it ...

Teen substance abuse is quickly becoming an area of public health concern. More and more students of high school age are exploring alcohol and marijuana use. The larger problem lies in the evolving landscape of substances and methods for use. Products are laced with other substances. There is easier access to various substances. Vaping ...

Let’s face it: being a teenager isn’t easy, especially in today’s world. Teens can be left feeling like they’re constantly trying to catch up just to meet their own expectations—and the expectations that their family, teachers, coaches, friends, and social media set out for them. Teens face a lot of pressure. This pressure can ...

Children are taught a lot in school. They attend classes for subjects like science, English, math, and more. But some of the most important lessons that are taught in schools don’t actually come from textbooks. Social skills, or a person’s ability to talk to others, manage difficult emotions, and share, can be just as ...

No one has to explain to the LGBTQIA+ population that discrimination is real and comes in many forms. Most recently, it seems a new story arises every day related to proposed legislation. As with everything online, it’s not always easy to discern fact from fiction. However, in some ways, the impact is the ...

Countless men struggle with depression. But if a man in your life is suffering from these symptoms, you might never know it. Men are discouraged from opening up and sharing their feelings. Instead, they’re taught to suppress painful or complex emotions in favor of acting stoic. Furthermore, our culture promotes the idea that ...