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…
How to rekindle a relationship: Tips and strategies by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Mar 8, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships The honeymoon phase of relationships is full of excitement, love, passion, and anticipation. Often, you feel like you can’t get enough of each other. Eventually, though, this phase comes to an end. You settle into the relationship and everything becomes normal and, sometimes, you and your partner start to drift…
What is an emotional affair? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Mar 1, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Romantic partnerships thrive on trust, intimacy, and honesty. When something starts to infringe on or inhibit that in a relationship, it can threaten its well-being. Though physically cheating is one of the most talked about ways that such trust gets broken, emotional affairs should also be taken into account. An…
Navigating relationship PTSD: Tips for healing by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Feb 23, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, PTSD, Relationships An abusive relationship can consist of several traumatic events, which can cause these symptoms to stay present during the relationship as well as long after the relationship has ended. In the first month following a traumatic experience, if these symptoms are present, it is considered to be an acute stress…
What are abandonment issues? Causes, symptoms, and how to overcome them by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Feb 21, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Few other psychological conditions affect an individual’s ability to function quite like abandonment issues. Often formed in response to a traumatic or neglectful childhood experience, abandonment issues can wreak havoc on the emotional and external lives of both children and adults who struggle to see their own value and to…
How to improve your relationships: Behaviors to avoid and how to foster a healthy relationship by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Feb 14, 2024 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Relationships are often full of joy and new experiences. However, they can also be challenging, as they will always have to balance the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of two different people. However, there are certain things that can quickly increase negative thoughts and behaviors in a relationship, as well as…
I hate people: Is that normal? Causes, treatments, and shifting our perspectives by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Dec 22, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Is it normal to harbor such intense animosity towards others? It is—occasionally. Hate, with its corrosive nature, defies normalcy in its consuming grip, demanding a toll on both mind and body. This sentiment, characterized by intense malevolent feelings, often stems from perceived threats, chronic disappointment, or deep offense. However, navigating…
Helping your loved ones embrace therapy: Effective strategies by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Nov 16, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Are you worried about a loved one? Maybe they show signs of depression, are having trouble coping with a recent loss, or simply appear to be stressed out of their mind. Whatever the case, you might be considering the benefits of talking with a mental health professional and want to…
Understanding and dealing with emotional manipulation tactics by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Oct 27, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Spotting emotional manipulation is vital—and unfortunately, deceptive behaviors are all too common in many relationships. Whether you’re struggling with manipulative communication, actions, or experiences, it’s crucial to safeguard your emotional health and protect your relationships and yourself. We’ve assembled a streamlined guide to understanding and dealing with emotional manipulation. Learn…
What are commitment issues? Signs, root causes, and therapeutic solutions by Evan Csir, LPC | Oct 27, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Navigating commitment issues in a relationship — sometimes referred to as gamophobia — can be challenging, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward resolving them. The root causes of these issues can vary, but often, they stem from a fear of vulnerability, fear of abandonment, lack of trust,…
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…
Understanding and navigating relationship dynamics by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Oct 13, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Understanding and navigating relationship dynamics is a complex and ever-evolving journey. Relationships, whether they are romantic, familial, or platonic, form the cornerstone of our lives—and can bring profound joy and fulfillment, but they also come with their unique challenges and complexities. In this article, you’ll explore the fundamental principles that…