Navigating the Mental Strain of Gendered Caregiving
A daughter feels obligated to take on the caregiving role for her mother, even if it conflicts with her own career, personal life, or financial situation. Meanwhile, her brother may not participate as much, either because of gendered expectations or poor communication. An adult child is the caregiver for their elderly father, but there is […]
How to Teach Mindfulness in a More Social Way
Social disconnection, isolation, and stress are key contributors to the loneliness epidemic and Mental health crisis impacting young people on college campuses today. These issues affect people of all generations in the United States and across the globe. Feeling connected and accepted by others is a fundamental human need. In education, belonging and connection […]
The Trouble With Toxic Boundary Setting
While therapy can foster Self-awareness and growth, some misuse therapeutic language to justify their actions. Consider a friend who constantly cancels plans at the last minute, stating the need to protect their “energy” or “Mental health,” yet expects unwavering support when they need company. Or someone who declares, “I’m just setting a boundary,” when really, […]
The Beauty of Being Ordinary: Getting Past Society’s Obsession with Success
“I’ve found beauty in the whimsically ordinary.” ~Elissa Gregoire The pervasive message of our time asserts that success is essential in every facet of life, be it education, career, friendships, or relationships. In the relentless pursuit of success, many of us toil ceaselessly, ingrained with the belief that triumph is the gateway to happiness. Rewind […]
Why Is Loneliness So Bad for Your Health?
Human beings are inherently social. We thrive on connection, communication, and shared experiences, which help shape our identities and foster a sense of belonging. Yet, in an increasingly digital and fast-paced world, feelings of loneliness and social isolation have become alarmingly common. The World Health Organization has stated that these feelings are widespread. About 25% […]
The Green-Eyed Monster: Navigating Jealousy in Infertility
Jealousy is a natural human emotion, but admitting it can feel uncomfortable, especially when it involves the people we love. For those navigating infertility, jealousy can feel particularly sharp when friends or siblings announce pregnancies, celebrate baby milestones, or casually mention their growing families. Feelings of jealousy do not mean you are a bad person. […]
3 Thinking Swaps Every Anxious Person Should Consider
Sometimes we over-complicate what we need to do to experience better Mental health. By targeting common patterns of anxious thinking in our daily lives, we can make meaningful improvements without feeling overwhelmed Try these thinking swaps to ease your anxiety, build balanced thinking, and reduce daily stress. 1. What if They’re Actually Thinking Something Positive […]
Skill-Based Apps for Developing Emotional Awareness
I sometimes work with individuals who can’t put words to their feelings or can’t understand the emotional responses of others. It’s not that they don’t want to—it’s more that they don’t know how. The clinical term for this experience is alexithymia, which is defined as the inability to recognize emotions and their subtleties. The word […]
What Are the End Goals of Therapy?
What Is the End Goal of Therapy? This is an important question to ask a therapist or to at least reflect on in your own time. Many of us come to therapy with immediate and acute goals—to manage anxiety, to have better focus, to feel less depressed. In many cases, some relief in therapy for […]
Cyberstalking and the Role of Mental Health Professionals
Cyberstalking involves using digital technology—including social media, digital tracking devices, digital messaging, email, spyware, surveillance cameras, or keyloggers—to track, follow, intimidate, or harass an individual, family, group, or community (Marcum & Higgins, 2021). Cyberstalking scenarios may range from someone harassing their former spouse after separation, to racist or homophobic bullying in a school or other […]