Therapist vs counselor vs psychologist: What’s the difference? by Angela Myers | Jun 17, 2025 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Trying to figure out mental health care can feel overwhelming. There are therapists, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurse practitioners—and they all seem to do similar things. Add in all the licensing abbreviations that vary by state, and it’s easy to feel lost before you even start looking for help….
Is it time for a career change? Lessons from a therapist who’s been there by Erin Strout | Mar 17, 2025 | Life Transition, Mental Health Topics, Work & Careers James Lavino’s first big break came by way of Winnie the Pooh. Spending his 20s in New York (circa the late 1990s), Lavino found himself composing scores for his friends’ documentary films and dipping his hand in whatever creative endeavors came his way—including editing at the literary magazine “The Paris…
Is it okay for my husband to have a personal relationship with his therapist? by Valerie Proctor Greene, LICSW | Mar 11, 2024 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Q: Seeking Guidance on Husband’s Unconventional Therapist I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out seeking advice and insight. My husband has been struggling with depression and anxiety, and he started therapy a few months ago. The way he chose his therapist is a bit unconventional and…
What do I do about a friend who takes advantage of my generosity? by Valerie Proctor Greene, LICSW | Oct 10, 2023 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Q: I have a friend who always borrows money but never pays me back. He tells me I’m wrong and am being selfish, but I am tired of lending. A: Hi there, I am sorry to hear you are having a difficult time with this friend. The first word that…
Holistic postpartum depression counseling: Reclaim your joy by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Sep 22, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Postpartum & Pregnancy Postpartum depression (PPD) is a severe and debilitating mood disorder that affects some women after childbirth. It typically emerges within the first few weeks to months following delivery, though it can develop up to a year postpartum. PPD is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and overwhelming fatigue that…
Solution-focused brief therapy: Techniques & benefits by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Jun 20, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Mental health professionals are always looking to use the most successful techniques—and deciding which method or approach to use is highly dependent on the individual’s needs and wants. One of the most successful and broadly-used methods in contemporary practice is known as solution-focused brief therapy. Solution-focused brief therapy offers a…
Therapist vs. psychiatrist: Understanding the difference by Tamiqua Jackson, PMHNP | May 3, 2023 | Mental Health Awareness, Mental Health Topics Taking the first step on the road to recovery can feel difficult or intimidating. You may not know where to start to get the help you need. However, scheduling mental health services and getting treatment becomes much easier if you understand the type of help you need. One facet of…
How can I actually relax on the weekends? by Jason Crosby | Jul 15, 2022 | Mental Health Topics, Work & Careers Q: I’m happy to have my job and I don’t really have anything bad to say about my coworkers or my position. But still, there are people and situations at work that can be really draining on me. As an introvert, by the time Friday rolls around, I can’t wait…
When friendships change: How to maintain friendships in adulthood by Taylor Bennett | May 16, 2022 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships As we get older, many things change: our appearance, our interests, our goals, our routines, and our relationships. I’ve found the latter to be especially true. Sure, my hair’s grown, I now enjoy camping, I’m no longer pressed to lose weight, and I actually go to bed at a decent…
What is more important: following your heart or making others happy? by Emily Simonian, M.A., LMFT | Apr 18, 2022 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics, Self-Improvement Q: What is more important? Following your heart, mind, body, and soul, even if it means hurting others’ feelings and emotions, or continuing to live in denial to make your dying spouse, special needs child, and others happy? A: Thank you for reaching out. I really feel for you and…
I am feeling super overwhelmed and alone: What are some things that I can do to calm down? by Emily Simonian, M.A., LMFT | Apr 7, 2022 | Ask a Therapist, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Q: I am feeling super overwhelmed and alone. What are some things that I can do to calm down? A: We’re so sorry to hear that you’re feeling overwhelmed and alone. Those feelings are really difficult and we understand that it can be hard to find ways to calm and…
7 professional tips to help you prepare for your first counseling session by Taylor Bennett | Feb 1, 2022 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Are you feeling nervous about starting therapy or counseling? If so, don’t worry. It’s totally normal to feel a little nervous. That said, you can take some proactive steps to prepare for your first therapy session. These tips will help to lessen those nerves and also help make for a…