How do I know therapy is working? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Apr 9, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Congratulations on starting therapy! Making this choice is a big step. You invest time, energy, and sometimes money into your well-being, and just like if you had a physical illness, you want to know if the treatment is making a difference. I completely understand. It’s important to remember that therapy…
Christian counseling: faith-based, online, or in-person therapy by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Jan 9, 2024 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Religion & Spirituality Spirituality is an integral part of effective psychotherapy. This doesn’t mean that therapy has to involve religion — it’s more considering one’s place in the universe and the purpose of life — but for some, incorporating Christian principles into the therapeutic process is helpful and comforting. This specific type of…
Understanding mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Sep 22, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Coping Skills Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) uses mindfulness and cognitive strategies in harmony to tackle various mental health disorders. This therapeutic approach, inspired by the pioneering work of Aaron Beck in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), combines the strengths of CBT with the enriching power of mindfulness. MBCT seeks to enhance healthy self-reflection,…
Empowering women through comprehensive mental health support by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Sep 22, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Women's Issues We can all benefit from therapy – that partnership with an unbiased, nonjudgmental expert is instrumental in managing our unique mental health challenges. That said, it is important to find the right provider, based on one’s needs and preferences. And when it comes to women, an important consideration may be…
Sleep therapy: Effective treatment options for sleep disorders by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Sep 7, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Sleep Though we might not often think about it, sleep is a very important part of functioning. Without sleep, our bodies struggle to think, act, and keep functioning. Over time, a lack of sleep can even cause health problems like heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, stroke, and many other…
A guide to anxiety therapy by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Aug 22, 2023 | Anxiety, Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Anxiety is a common and natural human response that can sometimes become overwhelming—impacting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s that flutter of unease before a big event or the cautious concern for a loved one’s well-being. However, for some, anxiety takes on a life of its own, leading to persistent…
What causes OCD to get worse? by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Jun 20, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a common mental health disorder that occurs when obsessive thoughts reoccur in an unwanted or intrusive way, and is followed by a compulsive behavior to relieve the unwanted thoughts. While many people with OCD are able to manage their symptoms and live normal lives, OCD…
What is avoidant personality disorder? Symptoms, causes, and treatment by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Jun 12, 2023 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics Avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a high sensitivity to perceived judgment from others and extreme discomfort with social contact and relationships. This distress is so great that a person will likely avoid any situation that may require a lot of socializing or closeness to others…
Psychotherapy vs. therapy: What’s the difference? by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Apr 3, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Therapy is an important resource that helps people from all walks of life. With all of the terms and types of therapy out there, it can be hard to discern which one might be best for you. Luckily, we’re here to help take some of the mystery out of things…
Adult ADHD treatment: Medication, therapy options, lifestyle adjustments, and dietary changes by Jason Crosby | Nov 17, 2022 | ADHD, Beginning Therapy, Medication, Mental Health Topics People of all ages can have ADHD, but specific treatment options apply to each age group. For adults, the medications, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments will be different than for adolescents or children. Like other mental health conditions, treatment options will be adapted to fit the needs of the individual. Some…
Selective mutism: A miniature manual by Taylor Bennett | Oct 14, 2022 | Anxiety, Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Many children are shy by nature. They might hug their parents’ legs and bury their faces when introduced to someone new or run off at a record pace to avoid the interaction altogether. This is not uncommon — but some children fail to speak in select (or all) social situations. If…
Phobias: Common types, symptoms, treatment, and more by Taylor Bennett | Sep 29, 2022 | Anxiety, Mental Health Topics Do you freak out in tiny spaces? Are you deathly afraid of heights? Do you refuse to meet your friend’s pet snake? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have something in common with much of the population. As it turns out, many of us share fears…