Mental Health Topics

Depression has many noticeable symptoms, including feelings of hopelessness, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. One of the more impactful depression symptoms is sleep disturbances. Those struggling with depression may sleep too much or not enough, and these sleep disturbances can exacerbate other depression symptoms. Read on to learn more…

A therapeutic approach or modality is a perspective counselors and therapists can use to understand and work with their client’s presenting concerns. Holistic counseling, though, can be applied in almost any situation to make treatment more effective and impactful. Holistic counseling looks at every area of a person’s life to…

The term “karma” refers to a spiritual law of cause and effect, suggesting that our actions in past lives can influence our current circumstances and relationships. In the context of relationships, a karmic relationship is believed to involve individuals who have a connection based on past actions and experiences in…

Anxiety is a natural part of life, but when anxiety goes beyond standard stress or fear, it can have a negative impact on life and relationships. Those with untreated anxiety might withdraw from or get irritable with their friends, and anxious parents might model fears and worries to their children. …

If you struggle with stress, it’s important to find ways to cope so you have healthy strategies to help you deal with whatever comes your way.  The good news is that there are several different resources for stress and several different ways to deal with it. Exercise, counseling, and just…

Career counseling, sometimes called career coaching, helps individuals choose or change their careers. This type of counseling is led by a therapist, life coach, or another professional who is trained to discuss general career information and career development. Research indicates that the average person will change occupations several times. With…

Have you noticed negative mental dialogue going on in your own head, calling yourself names and incessantly chattering? This thought pattern is called self-criticism, which is the act of evaluating, judging, or scrutinizing oneself, often in a negative or harsh manner. This critical voice can manifest in various ways, such…

We may not realize it, but we interact with a variety of conditioned stimuli on an average day, from getting up when the school bell rings to stopping at a red light in traffic. Conditioned stimuli can be created knowingly or unknowingly, but all elicit certain impulsive actions based on…

Positive psychology is a therapeutic approach that helps clients emphasize and learn from the positive aspects of life. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, positive psychology aims to enhance well-being by cultivating strengths and virtues.  This approach helps clients create a fulfilling and meaningful…

Though things like trust, openness, and communication are important in any relationship, open relationships require an abundance of both to function in a healthy way.  Open relationships occur when one or both parties in a romantic relationship start seeing additional partners in a sexual and/or romantic way with the consent…

In unhealthy or abusive relationships, many complex feelings and dynamics can develop over time. These relationships are rarely simple, which can make them difficult to end.  In the case of trauma-bonded relationships, breaking a trauma bond can be a long and involved process. However, with the right help from a…

Trauma dumping refers to a situation where an individual shares their traumatic experiences in an overwhelming, often boundary-violating manner without the listener’s consent. While it’s not  always intentional, trauma dumping typically crosses interpersonal boundaries and may cause the listener to feel overwhelmed or trapped.  Learn more about how to spot…