Resiliency is a Superpower

Resiliency is a Superpower

When certain, potentially traumatizing events occur between the ages of 0-17, the effect they can have on that individual's life is massive; these events are often referred to as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). A prevalence of ACEs in someone’s childhood can lead to a number of different issues later in life, including physical health issues such as heart disease and diabetes; mental health issues such as being at a higher risk of suicide, depression and bipolar disorder, and other issues such as pregnancy complications, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and struggling to create a stable work history as an adult.

Being the Family Member of Someone With a Chronic Illness

Being the Family Member of Someone With a Chronic Illness

Though I’ve gotten a lot better at it, I still sometimes have to catch myself when I find that I am judging someone at first glance. As a psychology major in college, part of why I love psychology so much is because I feel like in no other field do you really get the opportunity to look at other people and deep dive into what makes them unique. People, in my experience, often have a lot more going on in their lives than is outwardly apparent.

Transitioning into Spring

Transitioning into Spring

A number of weeks ago we covered seasonal affective disorder (SAD), often called seasonal depression. Often, when people think of seasonal depression, they think of winter, with its lack of hours of daylight and the cold keeping us inside. You might imagine that, regardless of whether or not someone has SAD, that spring is a time for growing as a person and “spring cleaning” your mind. Both of these can be true, however, it’s important to recognize the pressure that putting those expectations on yourself and others can lead to.

Who is the Person Sitting Next to You?

Who is the Person Sitting Next to You?

There is something inherently unique to each and every one of us: our identity. Or, is it our identities? The idea of intersectionality is one that has started to pick up more eyes and ears as time goes on, and is one that is such an inherently cool concept. Think about it: we all have different aspects of ourselves that we share with others, perhaps it is your gender or your age or your race. We all have multiple different identities as well, like being a 40-year-old woman, or a non-binary individual whose religious identity is important to them. Put these two facts together along with our own experiences, and we are our own unique and inimitable selves.

Why Can’t I Get This Done?: ADHD and Self-Esteem

Why Can’t I Get This Done?: ADHD and Self-Esteem

It often feels like, to me, that most people have heard of and have a general understanding of ADHD, but that they don’t necessarily know what ADHD is or what it is like to have. William Dodson, MD, a psychiatrist and author posits that children who have ADHD will, by the age of 12, “receive 20,000 more negative messages from parents, teachers, and other adults than their friends and siblings who do not have ADHD.” Being one of the most common mental disorders that affects children, one would think that we would have an easier and more effective time treating individuals with ADHD. This, however, as noted by William Dodson, is often far from the truth.

Group Therapy: You Don't Have To Go it Alone

Group Therapy: You Don't Have To Go it Alone

What do you think of when you hear the word “therapy?” What kind of setting do you picture? Chances are high that you probably picture two individuals across from each other talking. While that can be what therapy looks like, it doesn’t always have to look like that. Group therapy can often provide certain benefits that you don’t get from individual therapy.

The Case of the Winter (and Summer) Blues

The Case of the Winter (and Summer) Blues

Spring is almost upon us here in the Northern Hemisphere, and with that means a few more sunny days and hours of sunlight, something that I’m sure a lot of us have been counting down the days for. You might have heard about seasonal depression, also sometimes referred to as the “winter blues,” but did you know that seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is something that is actually recognized in the Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)?

Talking About Mental Health is Healthy!

Talking About Mental Health is Healthy!

As much as we hear that the stigma towards mental health is decreasing, it can still be really scary talking about your mental health, or even asking others about theirs. It was only until very recently that I felt nervous starting and having those conversations with the people I care about too, and sometimes, I still find myself struggling! It’s totally okay to find those kinds of conversations daunting.

How Gender Can Sometimes Define Diagnoses

How Gender Can Sometimes Define Diagnoses

Mental illness does not always show up the same in biological men and women. In fact, this is why men and women often go years, if not their whole lives without receiving an accurate diagnosis. Historically speaking, much of the information that we have on diagnostic criteria is based on research conducted on Caucasian, cisgendered, and heterosexual biological males. With that in mind, it makes a lot of sense that the results of that research do not necessarily apply to everyone with a certain mental illness.

Sleep: Chicken Soup for the Brain

Sleep: Chicken Soup for the Brain

Here’s a fatiguing fact: roughly 3 out of 5 Americans said that they hardly ever wake up feeling rested. Considering sleep is so integral to a healthy functioning of our body and mind, that statistic is mind-boggling! During sleep, our brains conduct important tasks that influence our mind and body’s functioning the next day. Not getting enough sleep means your brain doesn’t have enough time to do what it does best, which can lead to a number of physical health issues such as increasing risk of common infections like the cold and flu, but also of things like heart disease, stroke, and obesity.

Validating Your Physical Experiences with Mental Illness

Validating Your Physical Experiences with Mental Illness

For many, the journey to getting help can start with a conversation with a counselor, a therapist, or a social worker. For others, it begins with a visit to a doctor. For some, the first thing one might notice about their mental illness is the physical symptoms they have. Headaches, upset stomachs, insomnia, fatigue, and even pain all could potentially be signs of mental illness.

A Mindful Start to the New Year

A Mindful Start to the New Year

At times, everything can feel overwhelming. If you ever feel like you struggle to feel present in the moment or if you feel like you are constantly just rushing to be somewhere or do something, practicing mindfulness for even a few minutes can help to bring you back to awareness of the present. Beyond helping to manage stress, research suggests that mindfulness can even help reduce levels of anxiety and depression, alleviate pain, can aid in lessening symptoms of addiction, and can even be helpful in improving quality of life for individuals with cancer, hypertension, and other chronic illnesses. But what exactly is mindfulness?

6 Vital Mental Health Services — and Why They’re Important

As advanced as our society may be, we remain regressive in matters concerning mental wellness. Often, we’re treated as being weak for seeking help, which creates an environment where people feel judged or stigmatized.

This shouldn’t be the case, as psychological wellness should be just as important (and cared for) as physical wellness. Consider how often your coworkers freely discuss their physical conditions, from diabetes to irritable bowel syndrome, and ask yourself, “Why are mental health conditions treated any differently?

In this article, we take a look at 6 vital psychology services that every person should know about. Discover why each one is valuable to your mental health, below.

Adult Therapy & Mental Health Counseling

Adult therapy is a form of treatment that aims to empower you to navigate through the challenges of life, improve your mental well-being, and develop healthier coping behaviors. It’s a collaborative process in which a trained therapist provides a safe and confidential space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors openly, and without judgment.

A primary goal of adult therapy is to assist you in gaining a better understanding of yourself so that you can work towards positive change and personal growth. Meanwhile, mental health counseling is a specialized form of therapy that focuses specifically on addressing mental health challenges and conditions.

It encompasses a wide range of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, talk therapy, and more. The primary goal of mental health counseling is to alleviate symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance overall psychological well-being.

The Value of Adult Therapy & Mental Health Counseling

Therapy provides a platform for developing effective coping strategies. Many people face stressors and challenges in their lives, and having the tools to navigate them makes a profound difference. Therapy equips you with the skills to manage emotions, handle conflict, and make decisions in a healthy and constructive manner.

Mental health counseling provides a structured and targeted approach to addressing specific conditions. Therapists use proven techniques to help you manage symptoms, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and improve your overall well-being.

By providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment, therapists empower you to gain self-awareness, develop effective coping strategies, and achieve positive personal growth. Whether facing everyday stressors or managing specific mental health conditions, seeking adult therapy is a powerful step towards a happier and more fulfilling life.

Couples’ Therapy & Marriage Counseling

Couples' therapy and marriage counseling empower you to strengthen your relationships, resolve conflicts, and foster healthier communication patterns. These therapeutic approaches provide a safe space for couples to explore their emotions, concerns, and goals with the guidance of a trained professional.

Couples' therapy serves as a structured platform for partners to address and navigate challenges within their relationship. It also acknowledges the individual experiences and challenges each partner brings to the relationship. By addressing these individual aspects, couples can create a more supportive and nurturing environment for each other.

On the other hand, marriage counseling often targets issues unique to married couples, such as financial concerns, division of household responsibilities, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It provides a platform for couples to explore and address these specific challenges.

The Value of Couples’ Therapy & Marriage Counseling

Couples' therapy and marriage counseling equip you to nurture and strengthen your relationships. Regardless of background or personal experiences, these therapeutic approaches provide a framework for open communication, conflict resolution, and the cultivation of a deeper emotional connection.

By recognizing the universal importance of these interventions, individuals can embark on a journey towards a more fulfilling and harmonious partnership. In fact, studies have shown that couples who engage in therapy report higher levels of relationship satisfaction because they feel more connected, supported, and understood by their partners.

Trauma & PTSD Therapy

Trauma therapy is designed to help you regain a sense of control and develop healthier coping behaviors after experiencing a distressing or life-threatening event. This type of therapy is crucial because trauma often leaves deep emotional scars that can impact various aspects of your life, including your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

PTSD therapy is intended to help you process traumatic memories and learn how to manage the symptoms associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. This type of therapy often involves evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Exposure Therapy.

The Value of PTSD & Trauma Therapy

Trauma often leaves individuals with a range of intense and overwhelming emotions. Trauma therapy provides a space where these emotions can be expressed and understood without judgment. This can lead to a sense of relief and emotional healing.

Meanwhile, PTSD therapy is highly effective in reducing and, in some cases, eliminating the distressing symptoms of PTSD. This can significantly improve your quality of life and overall functioning.

Trauma and PTSD therapy offer a path to healing, recovery, and a brighter future. If you feel haunted by painful memories, it’s vital that you seek assistance from experts who have dedicated their lives to understanding and empowering the people in their communities.

Grief Therapy & Counseling

Grief is a universal human experience and a natural response to loss of any kind. Whether it be the passing of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or a major life transition, grief can be an overwhelming and complex emotion.

It can affect you in myriad ways, impacting your emotional, physical, and even spiritual well-being. In the face of such profound pain, grief counseling and therapy emerge as invaluable tools for processing and ultimately healing from these deep wounds.

Grief therapy equips you with the knowledge and tools to comprehend and come to terms with your emotions. Understanding that grief is a multifaceted experience that provides comfort and validation to those who might otherwise feel lost.

The Value of Grief Counseling & Therapy

Grief therapy imparts essential coping behaviors and emotional tools to help you build resilience in the face of loss. Through techniques like mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and narrative therapy, you’ll learn to process your grief in a healthy and constructive manner.

Grief can manifest in symptoms such as insomnia and fatigue, or even exacerbate pre-existing mental health conditions. Grief counseling addresses these aspects of well-being, offering strategies to manage and alleviate these physical and emotional burdens.

Your grief journey is unique, influenced by your personal history, culture, and beliefs. Grief therapy acknowledges and respects these individual differences, providing a customized approach to healing. Therapists work collaboratively with you to tailor interventions that align with your specific needs and values.

ADHD Assessments

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. It can have a significant impact on your daily functioning, from school and work performance to relationships and self-esteem.

ADHD assessments serve as a comprehensive evaluation process aimed at identifying and understanding the presence of ADHD in an individual. They involve a multi-faceted approach, incorporating various tools, observations, and interviews to gather relevant information.

A thorough ADHD assessment leads to a precise diagnosis, which is a pivotal first step in developing tailored interventions and strategies to address the specific challenges that you may face. It enables healthcare providers to recommend appropriate treatments, which may include behavioral interventions, psychoeducation, and, in some cases, medication.

The Value of ADHD Testing

For many people, receiving an ADHD diagnosis is a powerful moment of validation. It provides an explanation for the difficulties they may have faced throughout their lives, reassuring them that their experiences are real and not simply a result of personal shortcomings.

This validation often leads to increased self-esteem and a sense of empowerment, enabling others to advocate for their needs more effectively. In educational and occupational settings, an ADHD diagnosis opens the door to accommodations that make a significant difference in a person's ability to succeed academically or professionally.

In conclusion, ADHD testing serves as a vital tool in understanding and managing ADHD. By providing accurate diagnoses, tailored interventions, and a sense of validation, assessments play a crucial role in empowering you to navigate the challenges associated with ADHD, leading to improved quality of life, both personally and professionally.

Autism Spectrum Disorder Assessments

Autism assessments are comprehensive evaluations designed to diagnose and evaluate individuals for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The aim of these assessments is to provide a clear understanding of an individual's unique strengths and challenges related to ASD, facilitating appropriate support and interventions.

Each person with ASD is unique, with a wide range of strengths, challenges, and sensory sensitivities. Assessments help identify these individual differences, allowing for personalized interventions and strategies. This tailored approach is vital in maximizing your overall well-being.

For individuals diagnosed with ASD at a young age, assessments play a pivotal role in tracking their developmental progress over time. This longitudinal view helps professionals and caregivers understand how the individual is progressing in various domains, such as communication, social interaction, and adaptive behaviors.

The Value of Autism Assessments

Assessments provide the foundation for designing personalized interventions and strategies. This may involve speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, applied behavior analysis (ABA), or other evidence-based approaches. Tailoring interventions to an individual's specific needs maximizes their potential for growth and development.

Understanding an individual's unique communication style and preferences is essential. Assessments shed light on whether alternative communication methods, such as augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems, are beneficial. This can significantly enhance an individual's ability to express themselves and interact with others.

Autism Spectrum Disorder assessments serve as a crucial first step in understanding and supporting individuals with ASD. Recognizing the value of these assessments is paramount in creating an inclusive and supportive environment in our communities.

Start Your Journey Towards Mental Wellness Today

Your brain is a complex machine that took millions of years to evolve. It should come as no surprise that this machine needs regular care, just like your body does.

Whether you’re handling grief or PTSD, or you just want to talk about your life and your relationships, it’s vital that you commit to regular check-ups — just as you do for the rest of your body.

To start your mental health journey, reach out to our certified and compassionate experts, today.

Set Up a Phone Consultation Today

Holiday Stress!

Holiday Stress!

“Tis the Season to be Jolly,” but for some people, it’s a season for stress.

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can add an additional layer of stress to an already overworked, overscheduled, overtired person. On top of grocery shopping and meal planning, people are expected to shop for presents for family and friends and plan extravagant holiday meals.

How to "Handle" the Holidays

How to "Handle" the Holidays

We have a lot of people in our lives who care about us and who we care for in return. The only downside that can occur is that sometimes, we run out of time and energy to give to all of them. So, we give all that we have and don’t save any for ourselves, causing emotional anxiety, sadness, and other concerns. How do we do the best for ourselves and others in a losing situation?