How do I know if my anxiety is normal or something more serious? by Ashlee Martin | Jul 1, 2025 | Anxiety, Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics If you’re questioning whether your anxiety is normal, you’re not alone. The truth is, anxiety itself is completely normal. It’s a future-focused emotion that helps us prepare for potential challenges. Anxiety is the feeling that prompts you to buckle your seatbelt, study for an exam, or rehearse before a big…
How can I get my teen to go to therapy without forcing them? by Jami Dumler | May 25, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics If you believe your teenager could benefit from therapy, bringing up the conversation now can make a real difference. Today’s teens face more stress than previous generations. According to a recent poll from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), two out of three teens feel life is more overwhelming…
I’m lonely in my marriage. How can I reconnect with my partner? by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | May 13, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Communication, Loneliness, Mental Health Topics, Relationships It can be confusing to feel lonely in a marriage. After all, many of us spend each day near our partners—sharing meals, visiting family, caring for children, even sleeping in the same bed. So how is it possible to feel lonely with someone right beside you? The truth is, it’s…
I’m worried my kid has an eating disorder. How do I bring it up? by Jami Dumler | May 6, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Children, Teens, & Adolescents You might notice shifts in your child’s eating habits or a sudden fixation on specific body parts. Maybe they’re often scrolling fitness influencers’ profiles, lamenting “perfect” bodies, or pushing to try some new diet that’s alarmingly low in calories for their active growth stage. Sometimes it’s just a gut feeling:…
I’m worried my partner is depressed but won’t talk about it. What should I do? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Apr 21, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Depression, Mental Health Topics I want to start by acknowledging how tough this situation is. Depression is hard not just for the person experiencing it, but also for their partner and the relationship. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to what you’re going through. First, kudos to you for noticing that your…
How do I know therapy is working? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Apr 9, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics Congratulations on starting therapy! Making this choice is a big step. You invest time, energy, and sometimes money into your well-being, and just like if you had a physical illness, you want to know if the treatment is making a difference. I completely understand. It’s important to remember that therapy…
My partner won’t go to couples therapy. Is that a dealbreaker? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Mar 31, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics, Relationships This is a common question, as many people feel uncertain about couples therapy. Is it a dealbreaker? The answer isn’t always straightforward. While refusing to attend couples therapy can be a red flag, it doesn’t always mean the relationship is doomed. Every couple’s situation is unique, and there are other…
I’m a people pleaser. How can I set boundaries without feeling guilty? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Mar 25, 2025 | Ask a Therapist, Communication, Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Self-Care Boundaries are a popular topic right now, especially on social media. But if you consider yourself a people pleaser, you might find it stressful—if not impossible—to set them. I’m here to convince you that setting healthy boundaries is worth the effort, both for your own well-being and your ability to…
Marriage advice needed: How do I restore my marriage and reconnect with my husband? by Valerie Proctor Greene, LICSW | Apr 1, 2024 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics Q: Marriage advice needed My marriage of over 20 years is in deep trouble. How do you reconnect with someone you have ZERO intimacy with or seem to have no meaningful relationship with? We go through day-to-day life like we are roommates. We rarely have difficult conversations about our relationship….
How can I handle feeling excluded from my dance team? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Mar 29, 2024 | Ask a Therapist, Mental Health Topics Q: How can I handle feeling excluded from my dance team at a dance competition? A: Hi there, I’m hearing how difficult this is for you, and I commend you for reaching out for support. Feeling excluded is one of the more challenging experiences for us as humans, given that…
Does Thriveworks offer family therapy for processing domestic violence? by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Mar 21, 2024 | Abuse & Neglect, Ask a Therapist Q: Do you offer family therapy? My family has experienced domestic violence and would like a space to process abusive experiences. A: Hello there, First of all, I’m sorry for what you and your family have experienced. A history of domestic violence within a family can be challenging to repair,…
How do I know when to speak up about things that make me uncomfortable at work? Is it my problem to deal with? by Valerie Proctor Greene, LICSW | Mar 19, 2024 | Ask a Therapist Q: I left my last workplace due to discomfort with a small group of men there. In the process of asking for accommodation in my workspace, I was obligated to file a formal report against my wishes. Everything that happened was subtle, or they couldn’t remember it, or it was…