Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition. PTSD can happen after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can happen when a person isn’t able to fully process and move forward from memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the traumatic event. The body and brain go into fight-or-flight mode. The ...

When we start to feel anxious, our bodies immediately enter into “fight-or-flight” mode. We are simply trying to survive a perceived threat. Sometimes, our bodies fail to tell the difference between possible danger and completing a specific task. No need to worry—anxiety is a natural response to stress! If you are struggling to ...

Have you ever felt trapped by the weight of your family’s past? Unresolved trauma can cast a long shadow, affecting your relationships, self-esteem, and overall well-being. Family trauma often stems from unfortunate events like divorce, broken promises, and relationship issues. Abandonment and childhood trauma can have lasting effects, rippling through generations as individuals ...

Childhood trauma can leave a lasting impact on the way you see yourself and the way you live your life. It’s not uncommon for people who have experienced this kind of trauma to try to forget about it or push it so far down that they think it doesn’t affect them. But even if ...

Have you ever felt a deep unease about your place in the world? Perhaps you’ve questioned the meaning of life or grappled with feelings of isolation and insignificance. These experiences may be signs of existential anxiety, a profound psychological state that stems from confronting life’s fundamental questions. What Is Existential Anxiety? Unlike fleeting existential crises, ...

It can feel a little overwhelming if you’re new to the world of therapy. This is the last thing you want from something that is supposed to be a solution for you. The truth is that no two people in the world are the same. Each person has their own history, wants, needs, values, ...

When children experience anxiety, it’s natural for parents to want to shield them from discomfort. However, this protective instinct can inadvertently exacerbate their anxiety. Instead, teaching kids to confront and manage their anxious feelings is crucial. Parents can help children develop resilience and coping skills by allowing them to face challenging situations. It’s ...

As your wedding day approaches, you may experience “cold feet” – a mix of excitement and anxiety. This common phenomenon can manifest as fear of commitment, uncertainty about the future, or self-doubt. It’s essential to recognize that these feelings are normal and don’t necessarily negatively affect your relationship. By identifying the specific sources ...

When you’re looking at different therapy options, there isn’t one perfect choice out there. You don’t need to search for one that wins compared to the rest. What you want to find is one that meets your needs and allows you to feel comfortable while seeking treatment. This all starts with gaining a ...

Maybe you took a long break from dating and enjoyed being purposefully single for a while. Now, you’re starting to put yourself out there again. Yet dating feels like a completely different experience than it did the last time you tried to connect with potential partners. Perhaps you were partnered up for many years ...

Young girls are often pressured to handle their problems on their own and avoid “burdening” anyone else. They are taught to be polite and put the needs of others first. But in adulthood, many women realize that they’ve been trying to suppress frustrating symptoms throughout their entire lives. Some women suffer from symptoms like ...

When you’re the parent of a teenager, you can expect some particular challenges. It can be joyous to watch your child grow and be able to communicate with them in new, more mature ways. At the same time, your child’s teen years are a unique time of growth, confusion, head-butting, and reconnecting. However, ...

As a parent, you want to provide and support your child while they’re navigating growing up. This includes meeting their basic human needs, but also encouraging them to make mistakes, fail, pick themselves back up, and try again. It’s important to find the balance to be there for your child, but also letting them ...

Sexual needs and desires are an essential part of any romantic relationship, and yet it tends to be a topic that couples often struggle to bring up to each other. Conversations about sex seem to be heavily avoided, which causes misunderstandings and unmet sexual needs. However, learning to talk about these needs can ...

Most people understand that anxiety is a mental health condition. It affects the brain so directly that it can actually impair the prefrontal cortex and release additional stress hormones, among other things. But anxiety often directly impacts other areas of the body, too. You might notice your muscles tense up and ache when you’re ...

Beyond popular belief, children have just as many thoughts and feelings as adults do. The difference? They are not yet equipped with the language to express what’s on their minds. This is where play therapy comes in—a therapeutic approach that allows children to communicate, explore emotions, and process experiences through play. What Is Play ...

Facing a terminal illness is one of the toughest challenges anyone can experience. Along with the physical pain, many people also struggle with depression. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, sad, or hopeless when you’re confronted with a life-threatening illness, but understanding these feelings and knowing how to manage them can help. Understanding Depression in ...

Bringing a new baby into the world should be one of life’s most joyous experiences, but it can also be deeply emotionally challenging. While most people have heard of postpartum depression (PPD), fewer are aware of postpartum anxiety (PPA). This condition is just as real, just as distressing, and just as deserving of ...

Sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, school runs—yes, these are the joyous responsibilities of parenthood! While we know that parenting is no easy task, it’s a skill that naturally builds over time. But with all the running around and endless organizing, couples may find themselves at a disconnect. It’s a difficult balance, and it’s ...

When you think of either ADHD or PTSD, you’re probably not going to include them in the same conversation. They are distinct conditions, often associated with different symptoms. Studies have now started to indicate somewhat of a linkage between the two, though. Many adults with ADHD have also shown a presentation of PTSD symptoms. ...

PTSD and ADHD, two complex mental health conditions, share a surprising connection. You might not initially associate these two disorders, but research suggests a complex interplay between them. If you have ADHD, you’re four times more likely to experience PTSD, while PTSD doubles your chances of developing ADHD. Understanding this relationship can provide valuable ...

Being in a relationship with a narcissist can leave deep scars. The impact often extends far beyond the relationship itself, regardless of whether it was romantic, familial, or professional. As a relational life therapist (RLT), I’ve seen how these relationships affect people in unique and often subtle ways. Let’s look deeper at the ...

From the moment your child is born, they cling to you. They form an attachment to their primary caregiver because they rely and depend on them for their basic human needs and survival. Since a child spends the majority of the first few years of their life being surrounded and cared for by their ...

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, better known as OCD, is a type of mental health condition that often gets thrown around when people have repetitive habits or quirky behaviors. While it’s usually laughed off, either by others or the person who has the habits themself, it can have a significant impact on quality of life. ...

You’ve probably heard of famous scientists, historians, or celebrities who had high IQ scores. IQ stands for intelligence quotient, and it is used as a way to measure one’s ability to do concrete problem-solving using critical thinking, logic, and reasoning. A measure of intelligence that is less common than an IQ score is an ...

You’ve probably heard of couples counseling, even before you were in a relationship. If you’re reading this, you might have even considered it before. But, maybe you’ve talked yourself out of it more than once because of common myths and misconceptions. Couples counseling can be beneficial for just about anyone in a relationship, no ...

We often use the words “anxiety” and “stress” interchangeably, but they’re not the same. While they are similar, understanding their differences can help us better manage them. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re experiencing stress or anxiety, here are the distinctions and how to cope. What is stress? Stress is a natural response to outside ...

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues in the world. In the U.S. alone, it’s expected that about 40 million adults experience some type of anxiety disorder. While it can impact people differently, there’s no denying that anxious thoughts and fears can wreak havoc on a person’s quality of life. If ...

Anxiety comes with a wide variety of signs and symptoms: persistent worry, mood swings, and irritability are just few. But did you know that anxiety can also impact your concentration and memory? When anxiety is present, you may have trouble concentrating and remembering certain details about your daily life. As it turns out, anxiety and ...

Even though the presidential election is behind us for a few years, there’s no denying the sense of tension many of us still feel. So much of the country still seems divided when it comes to political stances, values, and more. Things like social media and a constant stream of news don’t necessarily make ...

The immigration process can be stressful. The stakes are high, the process can be confusing, and it often requires navigating an unfamiliar culture and language. An immigration evaluation might sound intimidating, but it’s sometimes a necessary tool for helping a court understand why you should be able to stay in the country. Immigration stories ...

No two relationships are exactly the same. People all over the world have found their perfect match in a person who shares similar likes, interests, hobbies, wants, goals, needs, and more. But, as they say, opposites attract. People can also find their match in a person who is wholly different from them. These couples ...

Ever feel like your ADHD is just the tip of the iceberg? For many people with ADHD, there’s a whole lot more going on under the surface. We’re talking anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, and a host of other conditions that love to tag along for the ride. Over two thirds of people with ...

If you have ever experienced anxiety, you know how overwhelming it can be. The constant worrying, the racing thoughts, and the physical tension are all signs of anxiety that can impact your daily life. The good news is that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for managing anxiety. ...

Who remembers the days when “going to work” meant going to work? You had hours, a workplace, and a reasonably reliable schedule. Today, with the advent of digital technology, the lines have blurred to an unrecognizable extent. When does the workday begin? Why am I still getting texts or emails on the weekend? ...

You’ve likely heard of the autism spectrum and have a basic idea of what it means. People with an autism diagnosis can be anywhere on the spectrum. That’s easy enough to understand. But what does that actually look like? Autism is stereotyped or misconstrued far too often because people aren’t aware of the diversity of ...

While we often associate anxiety with adults, children can have it too—and often in ways that are more difficult to recognize. Unlike adults, children may not have the language to express their worries clearly, so their anxiety can manifest in behaviors that might be mistaken for something else. Understanding the signs of anxiety ...

Your attachment style, rooted in early childhood experiences, profoundly shapes your adult relationships. The bond formed with your primary caregiver as an infant influences your ability to connect with others throughout life. A secure attachment in infancy often leads to self-confidence and healthy relationship skills in adulthood. Conversely, inconsistent or inadequate caregiving can result ...

Codependency and enabling often go hand-in-hand. Codependent relationships are frequently thought of as relationships between two romantic partners. The truth is that this type of dynamic can happen between romantic partners, family members, friends, or even coworkers. Codependent relationships aren’t considered to be healthy relationship dynamics. While they might appear loving, they lack the ...

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective treatment for trauma, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can take years to uncover and process painful memories, EMDR follows a structured, research-backed process that often leads to improvements in a relatively short period of time. If ...

Jealousy is a complex emotion that virtually everyone has experienced at some point. While often associated with romantic relationships, it can also manifest in friendships, among siblings, or in professional settings. Though occasional jealousy is normal, it can lead to risky behaviors and damage relationships when it spirals out of control. At its core, ...

A selfless spirit and a desire to help others are both wonderful human qualities. If everyone spent some of their energy focusing on how to help others, the world might just be a better place. However, there is a fine line between being a helpful person and being a people-pleaser. If you can ...

Despite evolving attitudes towards sexuality in Western society, monogamy remains the predominant relationship model. While premarital sex and divorce have become more socially acceptable, those who challenge traditional monogamy often face stigma and potential consequences. This is particularly true for individuals engaged in secret infidelity, which can cause significant harm to relationships. Contrary to ...

It’s an age-old question that every child is asked many times during their school year. What do you want to be when you grow up? When you’re younger, it’s an easy question. Nothing is unimaginable or out of the question. If you want to be a baseball player or ballerina, of course, you can. ...

On the surface, this may seem like a straightforward concept. However, with a little thought, you’ll recognize that teens are typically inspired and motivated. Sure, the mood swings and misbehaving are frustrating, but they often highlight an important reality. What causes strife between teens and their parents is what inspires and motivates them. Therefore, ...

While most people wouldn’t associate the concept of “high functioning” with depression, it’s actually far more common than we imagine. The type of depression we often hear about is called major depressive disorder (MDD). The focus of this post, however, is a lesser-known parallel known as persistent depressive disorder (PDD), also known as ...

Anxiety is your body’s healthy response to a potentially stressful situation. But it can also be much more than that. If this response becomes chronic and is not addressed, anxiety can be the source of a diagnosable mental health disorder. Cycles of fear, worry, and rumination can become the norm — impacting all ...

It’s easy to assume that love is all you need for a committed relationship. When you’re young, it can feel like the spark of romantic chemistry will keep you and your partner together forever. But as you grow up, shared values become just as important as that initial chemistry. In fact, shared values ...

In today’s volatile political climate, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Many people are going through anxiety related to politics, sometimes so intensely that they want to disengage altogether. While stepping back is a way to protect your mental health, completely checking out can make you feel even more helpless. Here are some ...

Maybe you’ve been concerned your child is dealing with challenges at school that they aren’t ready to talk about. But you’re not sure if your suspicions are correct, or if you’re overreacting. Your child’s teacher might not have reached out to you, and perhaps your child hasn’t had any disciplinary issues in the ...