When grief becomes anger: 5 steps that will help you work through the anger stage of grief by Sarah Barness | Jan 7, 2025 | Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics In 1969, Swiss-American Psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross theorized that there are five universal stages of grief: denial and seclusion, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages have since become a widely recognized framework for understanding how people process heartbreaking loss. However, grief is an incredibly personal experience and these stages don’t…
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…
A guide to individual therapy by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Aug 15, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics If you’ve already been to individual therapy, you likely know its power. If you’ve never been to therapy, you may need more convincing. You might be wondering: “What is individual counseling? What is the true value of therapy sessions?” However you approach the individual therapy guide below, we hope that…
Empathic responding (or active listening) in counseling: A basic, yet essential response for counselors to master in their practice by Taylor Bennett | Feb 28, 2022 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Have you ever wondered what makes for a positive therapist-client relationship and an overall successful therapy journey? Maybe you’re a past/present therapy client who wants to better understand how this process works. Maybe you’re considering therapy and you’re hoping for some insight that’ll help you start believing in the journey….
Is “post-Disney depression” worse than normal vacation withdrawal? by Wistar Murray | Dec 1, 2021 | Depression, Mental Health Topics It’s day 2 after your arrival home from a fun, meaningful, and memorable vacation. You’re back at work and you feel down, almost disassociated from the business around you. Everyday reality feels drained of color and emotion. Unofficial diagnosis: You have the post-vacation blues. But what if you’ve just returned…
I feel trapped in my head: Basic tips for slowing down racing thoughts during self-isolation by Taylor Bennett | Mar 30, 2020 | Anxiety, COVID-19, Loneliness, Mental Health Topics Due to the rapid spread of COVID-19, many of us are on lockdown. We’re self-isolating, which means we’re staying home and avoiding all unnecessary contact with others. Some of us are fortunate enough to have roommates, be it a friend, family member, or significant other, with whom we can spend…
Mental health and illness statistics in the US: A look at the prevalence of mental health disorders, treatment, and impact by Taylor Bennett | May 6, 2019 | Disorders, Mental Health Topics, Research Every single year, millions of Americans suffer with a mental illness. By definition, a mental illness is a disorder that negatively affects a person’s thoughts, feelings, mood, and/or behavior. Examples include depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Each individual has a unique experience, as far as which symptoms they…
Can I be in love with two people at once? by Taylor Bennett | Feb 12, 2019 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Love is complicated, in and of itself; but it becomes even more complicated when you experience romantic feelings for more than one individual. While it might not be super common, it is possible to fall in love with two people at once and there are signs that this is happening to you….
Do men get angrier than women? by Taylor Bennett | Jan 24, 2019 | Anger Management, Mental Health Topics “Do men get angrier than women?” The majority would probably say yes: Men do get angrier than women, and more often. But would the majority be correct? Or, would they be endorsing another one of many gender stereotypes? Science overwhelmingly shows that this is, indeed, just another false label—men do…
When a family member dies—how to adjust to a new normal by Christy Monson | Nov 13, 2018 | Family, Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics There are many different types of loss and a plethora of different reactions to loss; loss might mean a loved one’s death, divorce, or moving, while common reactions to loss include depressive or anxious feelings. The way we react to such a loss has much to do with two systems:…
Are my friends bullying me? How do I get them to stop? by Taylor Bennett | Nov 1, 2018 | Bullying Awareness & Prevention, Mental Health Topics Our friends are some of the last people we’d expect to bully us or mistreat us in anyway, but it happens and it’s important to know what that looks like. While disagreeing and hurting each other’s feelings every now and then is normal, it is not normal nor okay for…
Parents, here’s how to stop a temper tantrum before it gets going by Taylor Bennett | Oct 25, 2018 | Mental Health Topics, Parenting Parents dread the temper tantrums their children throw, but there are proactive steps they can take to prevent them from happening in the first place. First, set expectations: make the rules and boundaries known. For example, before going into the grocery store, explain to your child that you’re only getting…