What is gender dysphoria? Symptoms and mental health impact by Hannah DeWitt | Mar 20, 2025 | Gender, LGBTQIA+, Mental Health Topics Gender dysphoria is the term used to describe deep feelings of distress, unease, and discomfort because one’s biological sex does not align with one’s gender identity, or the gender they feel they innately are. Gender dysphoria is a condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5),…
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…
Understanding the Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationships by Evan Csir, LPC | Nov 15, 2024 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Childhood trauma can cast a long shadow over a person’s life, affecting how you connect with others well into adulthood. It can make it difficult to navigate conflict, develop an effective communication style, build trust, and overcome fears of vulnerability. If early traumatic experiences are affecting your adult relationships, it’s…
Why do I hate my parents and what should I do about it? by Taylor Bennett | Aug 7, 2024 | Family, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Many people have close relationships with their parents — in fact, some consider their mother or father their best friend. But that isn’t always the case. There’s a less fortunate narrative: Some people hate their parents. They don’t just lack that connection or disagree with their parents from time to…
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,…
“I hate my mom — is that normal?” Common reasons for strained mother/child relationships, and what to do by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Mar 15, 2024 | Children, Teens, & Adolescents, Mental Health Topics Navigating relationships with parents can be complex and challenging, especially with so many deep, intense feelings involved. Not every mother/child relationship is loving and understanding, and sometimes an understanding can’t be reached, for one reason or another. With all the history between mothers and their children, it can be hard…
LGBTQIA+ counseling: The importance of inclusive counseling services by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Mar 15, 2024 | LGBTQIA+, Mental Health Topics The LGBTQIA+ community is a diverse group of individuals — specifically, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and a host of other identities. Despite outdated perceptions and unwarranted prejudice from others, cultural norms are shifting and society is becoming increasingly supportive of the community, thanks in…
My friend is suicidal: What should I do? What should I not do? by Hannah DeWitt | Aug 18, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Suicide Suicide isn’t an easy topic to think about, let alone discuss—especially with an individual you suspect is suicidal. A lot of emotions can be involved, and you certainly don’t want to make this person feel worse. That said, it is incredibly important that we do discuss the matter and get…
How to create and maintain strong friendships: The importance of strong bonds and tips on staying close by Laura Harris, LCMHC | May 3, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Friends make up a huge part of most peoples’ lives, but over time, friendships can fade and drift apart if they aren’t maintained. Fostering and putting effort into friendships is key to making sure those relationships stay strong and close. That being said, it can be hard to know where…
How long does depression last? The average time frame for depression, plus effective coping strategies by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Feb 27, 2023 | Depression, Mental Health Topics Depression is an extremely prevalent issue around the world. However, despite there being common symptoms, it often looks different to everyone that struggles with it. There are differing types of depression, as well as symptoms, intensity, duration, and more. Depression is pervasive, and an episode can last anywhere from a…
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month: How to support grieving families during the month of October by Hannah DeWitt | Oct 31, 2022 | Grief & Loss, Mental Health Topics, Postpartum & Pregnancy Losing any loved one is tragic, but losing a baby can be particularly devastating. It’s something no one should have to experience, yet every year, too many parents face miscarriages and infant loss. In order to support those who have lost babies, born and unborn, and remember the little ones…
How to cope with PMDD-related relationship issues by Emily Simonian, M.A., LMFT | Oct 24, 2022 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics, Postpartum & Pregnancy Q: I am diagnosed with PMDD. It is a very debilitating hormonal-based mood disorder that causes me The family member I love with truly is amazing and he really is my rock… but recently he’s been saying things like “your stress is stressing me out and I can’t be happy.”…