Breaking the silence on parental estrangement: Why it happens and how to reconnect by Jessica Migala | Jun 2, 2025 | Family, Mental Health Topics Sometimes, a relationship with a parent reaches a breaking point. Maybe your mom just doesn’t seem to hear you, no matter how many times you try to explain. Maybe your dad’s constant political remarks leave you feeling frustrated or unheard every time you talk. Or perhaps you’ve tried to open…
Is your family too close? Understanding enmeshment and how to heal by Kate Rope | May 5, 2025 | Family, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Does your mom depend on you for her emotional well-being? Does your partner prioritize a parent’s needs over yours—or your kids’? Do you feel like your parent’s expectations dictate your decisions—or that you’re “letting them down” when you do things your way? If any of this sounds familiar, you might…
Navigating an identity crisis: Causes, symptoms, and how to cope by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Nov 25, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Your identity represents the core of who you are and how you see yourself in the world. It might guide your decision-making process, how you handle life challenges, and how you prioritize your time. So, what happens if you lose your sense of self or begin to question your identity? …
“I hate my dad”: Why resentment can build between children and fathers, and what to do to repair father-child relationships by Evan Csir, LPC | Mar 22, 2024 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Mental Health Topics Fathers are a big part of our lives, as they raise us and teach us about life — both directly and indirectly. There’s a lot to love about our fathers, but they are often also someone with great potential to do us emotional harm. As research shows, having a strong…
“I” statements: What they are, and how to use them effectively by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Jan 24, 2024 | Communication, Mental Health Topics Communication is a key part of any relationship, but when talking about conflict or charged topics, it can be difficult to get one’s point across without starting an argument. However, there is a helpful tool that can be used to diffuse situations and keep conversations civil and productive—“I” statements. Often…
People-pleasing: A breakdown of the bad habit and how to kick it by Taylor Bennett | Oct 20, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Self-Improvement People-pleasing, a behavior where individuals prioritize the needs and desires of others over their own, can have far-reaching implications for mental health and relationships. Those who engage in people-pleasing often find themselves in a relentless pursuit of approval and acceptance, going to great lengths to avoid conflict or the discomfort…
How can I better deal with conflict or issues with my wife that make me uncomfortable? by Emily Simonian, M.A., LMFT | Jun 28, 2022 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Q: I’m looking for more information specifically strategies for dealing with avoidance with my wife when dealing with conflict, disagreements, or issues that make me uncomfortable. When in those moments I have a tendency to freeze up and we are expecting a child, our due date was Friday the 24th….
Generational differences: Stepping outside of our personal experiences and tolerating opposing views by Jason Crosby | Apr 20, 2022 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Self-Improvement In the 1960s, “don’t trust anyone over the age of 30” was a common phrase among young people as they clashed with their elders. Social upheavals, gender role-bending, and even global violence were visceral themes that influenced politics, educational systems, fashion, music, film, and more. Every step toward the new…