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 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…
How to say no to someone with borderline personality disorder: Learn to navigate conflicts while still offering support by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Sep 17, 2024 | Communication, Disorders, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition that can make trusting other people and establishing lasting relationships extremely difficult. This can make coping with BPD in relationships frustrating for the person carrying the diagnosis, as well as for a loved one trying to understand and be supportive. While navigating borderline…
Self-advocacy: Techniques for asserting your needs by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jul 9, 2024 | Communication, Mental Health Topics Self-advocacy is the practice of representing yourself and your interests, needs, and rights in various aspects of life, particularly in situations where your voice needs to be heard and acknowledged. Being a good self-advocate can improve life satisfaction and overall well-being, as it facilitates empowerment and allows you to take…
How to get the most out of therapy: Strategies for effective sessions by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Jul 5, 2024 | Communication, Mental Health Topics Therapy is a great tool for self-improvement and gaining personal insight. While your clinician will act as a guide and help provide direction in sessions, there are also ways you as the client can foster growth and make sessions more effective for you. There are many ways to get the…
Unlocking the dynamics of transactional relationships by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Apr 12, 2024 | Communication, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Transactional relationships form a crucial aspect of our daily interactions, governing the dynamics in various areas of business, legal affairs, and personal dealings. These relationships are primarily based on the exchange of goods, services, or benefits, where each participant has clear expectations of receiving equivalent value. This guide explores the…
“I” statements: What they are, and how to use them effectively by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Jan 24, 2024 | Communication, Mental Health Topics Communication is a key part of any relationship, but when talking about conflict or charged topics, it can be difficult to get one’s point across without starting an argument. However, there is a helpful tool that can be used to diffuse situations and keep conversations civil and productive—“I” statements. Often…
Habitual lying: What does it look like and what are its causes? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jul 27, 2023 | Behavioral Issues, Communication, Mental Health Topics, Psychology Everyone lies from time to time. Whether it’s to get out of work or spare someone’s feelings, lying every once in a while is normal and common. However, when someone lies frequently, they are known as a habitual liar. Lying often is harmful, and can even be a sign of…
What is phubbing? Impact on relationships and solutions by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Jun 20, 2023 | Communication, Mental Health Topics, Relationships When it comes to our cell phones, nothing else in our life gets as much attention. If we lose it, let it die, or can’t answer it, the stress starts to build up rapidly. Getting by without a cell phone really isn’t possible anymore—which means other areas of your life…
What to talk about in therapy: Establishing a trusting client-counselor relationship by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Mar 7, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Communication, Mental Health Topics Starting therapy can be both exciting and a little frightening, especially if it’s your first time ever connecting with a therapist or counselor. The good news is that the process is very straightforward, focused on addressing your needs and concerns from the very first session. But still: You may be…
How and when to “break up” with your therapist by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Feb 15, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Communication, Mental Health Topics Therapists and clients have a professional relationship that’s built on mutual trust and respect. When someone attends therapy sessions, they work alongside their therapist to make improvements to their mental health. But sometimes, a client might feel like their therapist just doesn’t understand them, isn’t easy to talk to, or…
Arguing with someone who has bipolar disorder: Why it’s not a good idea—plus tips for more constructive conversations by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Feb 3, 2023 | Bipolar Disorder, Communication, Coping Skills, Mental Health Topics We all experience days when we’re just not in the mood to mince words; which means some conversations may get a little heated under the right circumstances. And often, we tend to snap at the people who are closest to us; the friends and family we care about. Those arguments…