In our latest blog, we’re continuing our ‘Exploring Attachment’ series, focusing on how attachment theory influences our relationships. Previously, we discussed ambivalent, or anxious attachment, but in this blog, we delve into the second most prevalent form of insecure attachment: avoidant attachment. It's important to note that this article aims to describe the theory in detail and should not be considered a substitute for accurate diagnosis, self-reflection, or professional psychological treatment.This blog can serve as an additional resource for gaining insight into yourself and those around you, and like many aspects of ourselves that we might not be entirely satisfied with, change is possible if we are prepared to put in the effort.
Our practice aims to humanize psych professionals by sharing our thoughts and feelings about caring for clients. We believe the best way to do this is by discussing what therapists want clients to know. This article is a resource to help you focus on self-improvement, feel more at ease in sessions, and understand your therapist's perspective. We gathered insights from our team and network, highlighting seven key themes we believe are crucial for current and future patients.
Our desire to connect influences how we relate to others, which is shaped by our attachment style. Attachment theory examines our relationships with caregivers and the impact these relationships have on our social patterns. Approximately 40% of adults identify as having an insecure attachment, and even those with a secure attachment may experience emotional challenges in their relationships. Our "Attachment Styles" series aims to help readers better understand attachment styles and their own behaviors and we will start by going over ambivalent/anxious attachment.
Most of us have a basic understanding of empathy, but not everyone may be familiar with how to apply it or grasp its essence. Nevertheless, we recognize that embracing empathy and honing our capacity to relate to others is crucial for establishing meaningful connections. In this blog post, we are delving into the concept of empathy, exploring more about 'the powerful bond' that can unite us all.
In our fourth and final installment of the “Types of Therapy” series, we explore Family Therapy - a type of treatment that addresses issues that specifically affect the mental health and functioning of the entire family. By working with multiple family members, family therapy focuses on improving communication, managing conflicts, understanding unique family issues, and building stronger relationships.
In the wake of the COVID pandemic, many people are spending most of their time indoors due to our screen-dependent lifestyles. However, taking the time to step outside and immerse yourself in nature can have numerous benefits for both your physical and mental well-being. As the weather cools down and fall approaches, now is the perfect time to give it a try. This article explores the science behind the positive impact of being outdoors on our health and mindset, providing tips to help you incorporate more outdoor time into your routine.
Some view self-improvement as a linear process, but human nature is more complex. Untangling mental challenges often requires a mix of techniques over time. In moments of overwhelming stress, therapy can be beneficial, especially dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT). This therapy, based on the existence of opposites, helps individuals combat intense emotional struggles effectively.
Understanding our upbringing and experiences shape us, impacting our attachment style. Being mindful of this in relationships is crucial for our health and mentality. To address our attachment style, we must understand the building blocks of connection and the factors that influence it. Whether you're interested in forming healthier connections or learning more about yourself, this article delves deeper into relationship theories. Join us on this journey.
Art has always been a fundamental part of human existence, serving as a means of communication long before the written word. Today, it continues to be a powerful medium for expressing emotions and thoughts. Regardless of skill level, anyone can engage in art, using it to relax, learn about themselves, connect with others, and improve their mental health. Art has numerous benefits and can be used therapeutically to help patients connect with their emotions.
In our recent blog posts, we have discussed the process of selecting a therapist and starting therapy. While the onset of therapy marks a crucial point in one's mental health journey, it is equally important to recognize when therapy should end. People often enter therapy with specific objectives in mind, and understanding the indicators that suggest readiness to conclude therapy is essential. Moreover, the decision to terminate therapy is not always straightforward, as therapy journeys do not always have a definitive endpoint. Recognizing these signs and understanding the nuances of when to end therapy is what this blog aims to highlight as they can be pivotal in ensuring that you get the maximum benefit from your therapeutic experience.
Mental wellness is a lifelong journey that extends beyond therapy, with therapists continuously learning and evolving alongside their patients. Through education, field experience, and specializing in different types of therapy, therapists improve their ability to provide quality care. Whether an associate or licensed clinician, all therapists contribute to better patient care. When choosing a therapist, consider specialization, demographic alignment, and most importantly, a comfortable rapport for effective therapy and achieving personal goals.
Have you ever found yourself in a romantic relationship where you felt like you were putting in more effort than your partner? Did you experience a sense of not having your needs fulfilled? Despite clear signs that things were not improving, did you hold onto hope for change? If so, you may have been caught in a toxic relationship. Toxic love can manifest in various ways, such as emotional manipulation, lack of respect, or imbalance of power dynamics. It can leave one feeling drained, unappreciated, and constantly striving for validation. Breaking free from the cycle of toxic love requires a conscious effort to prioritize self-care and set boundaries. Core mindfulness skills play a crucial role in this process by helping individuals recognize and address unhealthy patterns in their relationships.
In this installment of our “Types of Therapy” series, we will go over Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). At its core, CBT seeks to address cognitive distortions and asserts by addressing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors and replacing them with more regulated and realistic ones. Much like what we described in our blog about narrative therapy, our perceptions, expectations, and narratives can shape our day-to-day experiences. When these perceptions take on a negative tinge due to cognitive dissonance, they can often negatively affect us in many ways. Cases like this are where cognitive behavioral therapy may be helpful to you or someone you love.
Finding your vision and your identity involves a process of introspection and reflection, where you sift through the layers of external conditioning to uncover the authentic self beneath. It requires a deep dive into your values, passions, and aspirations, allowing you to differentiate between what truly resonates with your inner being and what is merely a product of external influence. By cultivating this self-awareness, you can cultivate a strong foundation upon which to build a life that is aligned with your true essence.
In this new blog series, we aim to shed light on some of the more popular therapeutic approaches utilized by therapists to assist you in navigating your mental health journey. The first approach we will explore in this series is narrative therapy and we will dive into some narrative therapy techniques, as well as some of its benefits and limitations.
While beginning therapy has the potential to bring about transformative changes and improvements in one's life, it is common to feel a mix of emotions, including apprehension and uncertainty. Some individuals may find it easier to take the first step towards therapy, while others may struggle with doubts and hesitations. It is essential to acknowledge and validate your feelings, whether they are positive or negative, as they play a crucial role in the therapy process. If you find yourself hesitating to begin therapy, know that you are not alone in feeling this way. Many people experience similar concerns and uncertainties when considering therapy. In this article, we tackle the psychology of starting and offer some tips on how to break through the apprehension barrier and begin your therapeutic journey.
Self-acceptance means acknowledging and embracing all facets of our being, both the positive and the negative. It entails introspection and a willingness to expose our vulnerabilities. In honor of Pride Month, this article encourages individuals in the LGBTQIA+ Community to express their authentic selves. In this blog post, we delve into the process of coming out and explore essential strategies for self-exploration during times of uncertainty. Additionally, we delve into constructive approaches to coming out to loved ones and the importance of self-love regardless of one's identity or orientation. Embracing who you are and honoring your truth is a powerful journey that deserves recognition and support.
Being a parent is an extraordinary journey of caring for a life entrusted to you. Parenthood profoundly impacts everyone involved, highlighting the crucial role of fathers alongside mothers. This article is dedicated to exploring the intricacies of fatherhood and its effect on us and the minds of our children in celebration of Father's Day. Father's Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring the irreplaceable influence that fathers have on the development of their children and the intricate nature of fatherhood.' Whether you are a new father, soon-to-be dad, or experienced parent, we commend you for your role in nurturing the next generation.
Stress can harm our physical well-being and mental health, so understanding it and discovering ways to mitigate it can be extremely beneficial. Effectively managing stress can positively impact our overall health and mindset, allowing us to expend less energy on worrying and more on pursuing our goals. As we conclude our Unpacking series, we aim to provide insights and practical tips to help you tackle overwhelming stress.
The significance of therapy and medical intervention in addressing mental health issues is well-documented and extensive research has influenced the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders. Diagnosing these conditions requires specialized training and experience. Self-diagnosis, popularized by social media, can hinder those in need of professional help and perpetuate stigma around mental health conditions.
Research shows that a large percentage of adults in the U.S. have gone through a traumatic event at least once in their lifetime. While trauma is a common shared occurrence, each individual's experience is unique. It is evident that traumatic events can have profound effects on our physical and mental well-being, leading to various challenges. What exactly is trauma? Trauma is defined as a profoundly distressing or unsettling incident. In this blog post, we will delve into the topic of trauma - its nature, impact, and the journey towards healing.
Bullying is a prevalent issue among adolescents, and this blog aims to shed light on how to avoid contributing to the negative perception of bullying by showing our children compassion and empowering them. By taking the necessary steps at home to educate and prepare them, ensuring they have proper support at school, and uplifting both the bullies and the bullied, we can start making a positive impact.
Music and sound have played a significant role in human history, uniting people and evoking emotions. From the Hindu belief in the power of chanting "Om" to the Biblical description of God's voice creating light, the impact of sound is profound. In modern times, music has been found to greatly benefit mental health by fostering social connections, reducing stress, aiding memory, and enhancing brain function. Additionally, music serves as a form of communication, introduces us to diverse cultures, and amplifies marginalized voices. The power of music is undeniable.
Life changes are inevitable and often challenging to navigate. From moving to new places, experiencing loss, to making internal shifts, these changes can have a significant emotional impact. It is essential to understand the mechanics of change and how they affect individuals going through them. Embracing these transitions is key to finding peace amidst the ever-changing seasons of life.
Most people have struggled to disconnect and maintain their inner peace, especially in today’s digital world. A major contributor is how online we are today, which can lead to symptoms of overstimulation, burnout, and chronic connectivity and can have other negative effects on one’s mental health. Disconnecting takes a good deal of practice and mindfulness and there are ways to disconnect that don't leave us feeling out of touch. This blog goes over actionable tips and ways to disconnect and make the most of the information age without letting it consume us.
Clutter not only impacts our physical environment but also affects our mental health. This post highlights the benefits of decluttering and provides useful tips to assist you in tidying up!
Today we are introducing a new series on the blog called Unpacking. For those who might not know, the term is psychology slang. Unpacking is taking a larger emotional or situational concept and breaking it down into smaller pieces that can be more easily understood. This is a technique therapists use to help us understand the root of issues, and better untangle other interconnected issues or feelings. This series will focus on unpacking all the details of big emotional impacts within our lives, and give insight into what the experience may entail, the causes, and root emotions, along with steps for coping, and examples of treatment.
Couples therapy is a type of talk therapy that is centered around resolving issues and addressing dysfunctional patterns to improve your relationship long-term. This type of therapy can be conducted online or in person and is often led by a licensed clinical social worker, a marriage and family therapist or a professional clinical counselor.
Seasonal Affective Disorder is not spoken about as widely as depression and other mental health conditions, even though it affects over 10 million adults in the US, which is about 5% of the population.
So what does Seasonal Affective Disorder look like? It depends partially on when your symptoms onset. There are two different patterns for SAD winter and summer. The more common of the two is winter, and the symptoms are losing interest in hobbies, having cravings for carbohydrates, weight gain, feelings of listlessness, and worthlessness, as well as feeling sad and even suicidal. However, the most common side effect is tiredness and sluggishness that persist regardless of how much you sleep. This further reinforces the idea that the condition is related to our circadian rhythm. The symptoms often arrive around October and may persist through February and even early March.
Most people only see their therapist a handful of times a month for an hour at a time. With the limitations of time, it is important to use every tool at your disposal to make the most of every session. For those of you who may be looking for some helpful tips to jumpstart your therapy goals and get more out of your sessions, this article is a must-read.