How to deal with anxiety: Helpful tips for managing anxiety flare-ups by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Dec 11, 2024 | Anxiety, Mental Health Topics While anxiety is a universal emotion, it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. For some, it’s a fleeting feeling; for others, anxiety can grow into a persistent challenge that disrupts everyday life and negatively impacts mental well-being. The good news is there are quick and effective ways to manage anxiety…
Alcohol use disorder: Causes, symptoms, and treatments by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Nov 4, 2024 | Addiction, Alcohol & Drugs, Disorders, Mental Health Topics Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the current diagnosis for what may also be called chronic alcoholism, alcohol addiction, alcohol abuse, dipsomania, and alcohol dependence. This comprehensive look at alcohol use disorder will provide an in-depth explanation of the disorder, its causes, diagnostic criteria, symptoms, and treatments.
Decoding neurotic behavior: Causes, signs, and coping strategies by Evan Csir, LPC | May 2, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Personality, Psychology Although it’s less commonly used in contemporary mental health settings than in the 20th century, the concept of neurotic behavior is still relevant, especially in relation to anxiety-related traits. While neurotic behaviors may seem intuitive at first thought, recognizing the nuances of neurotic behavior is crucial for effectively addressing its…
Understanding and treating separation anxiety in relationships by Evan Csir, LPC | Mar 29, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Separation anxiety is a set of symptoms characterized by intense anxiety when separated from a support system or loved one. If symptoms are intense enough and begin to interfere with one’s daily life, it can be a sign of a deeper issue called separation anxiety disorder — a disorder with…
Coping with depression: Practical strategies for managing your mental health by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Feb 2, 2024 | Depression, Mental Health Topics Depression is a common mental health condition that has affected at least 29% of Americans at some point in their lives. As a result, mental health treatments for depression have become an essential part of coping with different types of depressive disorders. Learn more about depression symptoms, risk factors, and…
I hate people: Is that normal? Causes, treatments, and shifting our perspectives by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Dec 22, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Is it normal to harbor such intense animosity towards others? It is—occasionally. Hate, with its corrosive nature, defies normalcy in its consuming grip, demanding a toll on both mind and body. This sentiment, characterized by intense malevolent feelings, often stems from perceived threats, chronic disappointment, or deep offense. However, navigating…
Exploring the benefits of psychodynamic therapy by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Nov 3, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Psychology Psychodynamic therapy is a cornerstone of modern psychotherapy. This approach delves into the depths of human consciousness, unearthing the hidden influences on thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This therapeutic approach, rooted in the pioneering work of Sigmund Freud and further developed by subsequent theorists, seeks to bring unconscious processes to the…
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,…
Self-esteem counseling: Boost your confidence and self-worth with help from Thriveworks by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Sep 15, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Self-esteem significantly influences our life in many ways: It impacts our self-confidence, relationships, and ability to pursue our goals and aspirations, ultimately playing a pivotal role in our overall life satisfaction and success. This is precisely why low self-esteem can have detrimental effects on our life, leading to feelings of…
Exposure therapy: What does it treat, and how does it work? by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Sep 15, 2023 | Anxiety, Mental Health Topics Throughout our lives, we will all face certain amounts of anxiety and fear. However, when anxiety and fear begin to control someone’s life, even keeping them from going to different places or participating in certain experiences, therapeutic intervention may be necessary. When someone is plagued by intense anxiety in safe,…
How to succeed in college: Prevention and proactive strategies soften the transition by Hannah DeWitt | Aug 8, 2023 | College, Mental Health Topics College can bring some of the most precious times, offering life-changing and beautiful opportunities. However, it can also be a stress-filled time, full of change, uncertainty, and hard work. College is unique in that you are learning to function in a new academic environment as well as learning to function…
What are maladaptive behaviors? Examples, types, and treatment by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | May 31, 2023 | Behavioral Issues, Mental Health Topics Life can get stressful and overwhelming, and sometimes our methods of dealing with it are helpful in the short term but become more problematic over time. These unhelpful behaviors are referred to as “maladaptive behaviors” or, more specifically, actions or responses that are not suitable or effective in a given…