People-Pleasing as a Coping Mechanism: Understanding Its Trauma Connection

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Counseling Wise

People-pleasing is often seen as simply being “nice” or “helpful,” but beneath its surface, it can be a deeply ingrained coping mechanism rooted in past trauma. Those who constantly prioritize others’ needs over their own may not realize that their behavior stems from a survival strategy developed in response to early experiences of emotional neglect, […]

Addressing Coexisting Conditions: Anxiety, Depression, and Eating Disorders

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Counseling Wise

Mental health conditions are often more complicated than people realize. Unfortunately, that can sometimes make them difficult to diagnose and treat properly, especially when you have coexisting conditions with similar symptoms. For example, it’s not uncommon for someone with an eating disorder to also struggle with anxiety or feel depressed. On the other hand, someone […]

How Vicarious Trauma Affects First Responders

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Counseling Wise

First responders have one of the toughest jobs in the world. They are often the first to arrive at a scene of chaos, violence, or tragedy. While this work is essential and life-saving, it also takes a heavy emotional toll on those who do it. One of the most common but often overlooked impacts is […]

Tips for Handling Family Conflicts Arising from Wealth Transfers

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Counseling Wise

You never thought it’d come to this. As your parents age, discussions about who gets what when they pass are getting heated. Money does weird things to people, even those you’re closest to. You want to keep the peace without getting taken advantage of. It’s a tricky balancing act. Here are constructive ways to handle […]

Strategies for Easing Back-to-School Anxiety in Children

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Counseling Wise

As the new school year approaches, children and parents often experience excitement and apprehension. The transition from relaxed vacation days to structured classroom routines can be challenging for many children. While some nervousness is normal, persistent anxiety that extends beyond the first few weeks of school may warrant closer attention. It’s crucial to distinguish between […]

Breaking Free from Imposter Syndrome: Practical Tips for Realizing Your Value

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Counseling Wise

Do you ever doubt your worth and accomplishments? Do you believe that your success in life is undeserved and that you’re just fooling everyone? Maybe you feel like a fraud or a fake, even if you’ve been presented with facts and evidence that you deserve the accolades you’ve received. If that sounds familiar, you could […]

Living with ADHD: How to Manage Symptoms Without Medication

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Counseling Wise

Living with any mental health condition requires methods for managing the symptoms and living a good life. Medication can be a powerful tool in dealing with many of these conditions, but it also has its drawbacks. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a condition that is frequently treated with various medications. These medications aren’t cures, but they […]

How to Establish Healthy Boundaries in Codependent Marriages

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Counseling Wise

Codependent marriages can be difficult to navigate for both people involved. A codependent relationship is circular. One person needs the other, and one person needs to be needed. While that might seem like a “perfect fit” on paper, it really breaks down to one person being a giver and the other being a taker.  Some […]

5 Effective Ways to Manage PTSD Triggers

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Counseling Wise

Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel like navigating an obstacle course of emotions. You might find yourself on edge, battling intrusive thoughts or reliving painful memories. No wonder anxiety becomes a constant when trying to avoid triggering situations. Recognizing PTSD Triggers Some days, you might be tempted to numb the pain with unhealthy […]

What Is Narcissistic Abuse?

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Counseling Wise

Narcissistic abuse is a form of emotional and psychological manipulation by individuals exhibiting narcissistic tendencies or diagnosed with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). They often lack empathy and crave admiration, leading to harmful behaviors that can wreak havoc on your life. You might face insults, threats, and accusations as they try to control you. While both […]