Mental Health Topics

Anxiety in teens is a pervasive mental health issue that can manifest in many ways and significantly affect teens’ daily lives. Because anxiety can have such an impact on teens’ mental health and their ability to function, it’s important to get it diagnosed and treated. Outside of therapeutic or psychiatric…

Attachment styles are emotional bonding patterns originating from early interactions and relationships with primary caregivers. Though these patterns are not always readily noticeable, they can significantly influence adult relationships by shaping expectations and behaviors toward intimacy, connection, and dependency. Everyone has an attachment style—some are healthy and secure, while others…

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…

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…

Gestalt therapy is a counseling theory that acknowledges the separation of the mind, body, and soul and the different “parts” working together. In fact, the word “gestalt” is German for “whole” or a configuration that is greater than the sum of its parts. Gestalt therapists focus on the present to…

Living with a partner who has depression can be a deeply challenging experience for both people. That’s why for those in a relationship, understanding the symptoms and effects of depression is crucial for providing the right support. This article explores the common signs of depression, offers communication tips, and emphasizes…

Generally considered to be the gold standard of therapeutic counseling methods, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to help clients cope with many of life’s hurdles by assessing the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is particularly well-known for offering clients coping strategies that work well outside of therapy. CBT…

Though panic attacks are intense and can be debilitating, there are many ways to cope with and even prevent them before they reach their peak.  Their intensity and quick onset can make them difficult to de-escalate—especially without effective coping strategies. However, with the right treatment and helpful coping skills, people…

Cognitive distortions are inaccurate thoughts that we believe to be rational but only serve to perpetuate negative thought patterns and behaviors—ones that often make us feel bad about ourselves.  Because cognitive distortions are the backbone of negative thinking and emotions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients change these…

Relationships can be tough enough to navigate without one or both partners suffering from faltering mental health. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of identifying and understanding mental health dynamics in a relationship, it’s very doable.  A great first step is to practice mindfulness skills and strategies,…

Many mental health conditions and disorders can influence emotions and emotional stability, including histrionic personality disorder. Histrionic personality disorder involves a pattern of excessive sensitivity and attention-seeking behavior, sometimes causing people with the disorder to go to extreme lengths to garner attention for themselves. There are a few ways to…

Depression is one of the most well-known and studied mental health conditions. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness, low energy, lack of concentration, and sleep and appetite changes, among a myriad of other symptoms, with episodes recurring over months or years. The different forms of depression are complex…