How do narcissists control you? Recognizing manipulation tactics and protecting yourself by Hannah DeWitt | Jun 10, 2025 | Mental Health Topics, Narcissism, Power & Control Narcissists often lack empathy but crave attention and admiration from those around them. They use a mix of subtle and overt tactics to keep others under their influence. They may dominate conversations, manipulate loved ones, or even resort to deception for personal gain. While it’s natural to want to avoid…
Words of encouragement for someone with a mental illness: 8 helpful things to say by Emily Simonian, M.A., LMFT | Sep 19, 2024 | Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Topics, Relationships There may come a time when someone with a mental illness — like depression, anxiety, or PTSD — needs your help. While mental health conditions require proper treatment from a mental health professional like a counselor or psychiatrist, you can provide help in the form of comfort, reassurance, and support….
How to forgive yourself: 7 tips on how to deal with guilt and let go by Anthony Centore, PhD | Sep 19, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement “Forgive yourself. Let it go. Forget about it. Move on.” They’re easy phrases to say, but so much harder to actually do. We all mess up sometimes, whether it’s lashing out at a friend, engaging in self-destructive behavior, or cutting corners at work. Those mistakes often come with overwhelming feelings…
How to cope with a job loss: Strategies and support by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Sep 4, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Work & Careers Loss and grief can come in many different forms, one of which is the loss of a job. Jobs not only give us financial stability and peace of mind, but also a sense of confidence, purpose, accomplishment, community, and much more. Loss of employment, especially when it’s unexpected, can be…
Healing and support for sexual abuse and trauma at Thriveworks by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Apr 6, 2024 | Abuse & Neglect, Mental Health Topics Whether it’s a one-time traumatic experience, or a multitude, healing from sexual abuse can take time and dedicated effort for many survivors. Thankfully, at Thriveworks, it’s an experience that clients don’t have to endure alone—because we offer professional support during your recovery process. Sexual abuse support, through trauma-informed counseling services,…
What is a guilt complex? by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Jan 25, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Guilt can be a tool for growth, but it can also be erosive and paralyzing when it’s felt too much. Sometimes, people can experience guilt for situations or events that aren’t their fault, or even have nothing to do with them. In some cases, this can be due to something…
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…
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A straight-talking, informative guide by Taylor Bennett | Jun 8, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, PTSD, Trauma It is entirely natural to experience a range of emotions after a traumatic event. Most people recover from these initial reactions and feelings within a few weeks. However, if you have ongoing problems, there could be something else going on, like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This practical guide will help…
Is it possible to fix relationships with my young children? by Emily Simonian, M.A., LMFT | Aug 1, 2022 | Ask a Therapist, Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Mental Health Topics, Parenting Q: Is it possible to recover or fix relationships with my young children? I hear often that the first 5 years are critical to a child’s development. I fear that I have messed those years up with my children. I have struggled with anxiety and have often found myself snapping…
A reliable roadmap for healing from sexual assault and sexual trauma by Wistar Murray | Jul 8, 2022 | Mental Health Topics, PTSD, Trauma Your abuser does not get to define the rest of your life. You can know this intellectually, but it’s a whole different beast to know it in your body. People who experience sexual assault might internalize their fear and trauma so they continue to feel unsafe in their skin. They…
Bullying: A guide for the bullied and their loved ones by Taylor Bennett | May 17, 2022 | Bullying Awareness & Prevention, Mental Health Topics When you think about bullying, you probably think about middle school or high school. Teenagers can be cruel after all, and it’s common for them to bully their weaker peers — shoving their victim against a locker (at least in the movies), teasing them in class, tripping them in the…
Grieving the loss of a pet: Self-care essentials and when to seek counseling by Taylor Bennett | Apr 5, 2022 | Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics, Self-Care In January of last year, my boyfriend and I jumped on the bandwagon and adopted a pandemic puppy. We named her Summer (thought it fitting for a golden retriever) and quickly fell in love. She’s like our child — we’ve watched her grow into the stick-loving, ball-chasing, somersaulting, silly, loving,…