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How Is Talking to a Therapist Different From Talking to a Friend?
This is one of the questions I get asked most frequently as a therapist: Why would I see a professional when I have my best friend with whom I can talk about my problems? What can a therapist do for me that I don’t get from venting to my spouse? I have even heard, “My dog is my therapist.” What’s the point in going to see a therapist? There are distinct differences in speaking to a professional and speaking to someone you know personally. Talking to a therapist should look very different from talking to a friend, so let’s get into those differences. 5 Key Differences Between Talking to a…
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Life Isn’t Either-Or: The Power of Dialectical Thinking
In life, we’re often taught to think in “either-or” terms: either I’m happy or I need to change; either I focus on others or take time for myself. This way of thinking can feel limiting, making it seem like every decision means letting go of something important. But in reality, opposites can exist side by side—and learning to embrace this idea can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life. This approach is known as dialectical thinking. How Dialectical Thinking Works Dialectical thinking encourages us to hold two seemingly opposing truths at once. It’s a mindset that helps us stay flexible and open to new perspectives. For example, consider the idea…
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The 3 P’s of Helping New Moms Postpartum
Before I had my daughter, I had no idea how to support the new moms in my life during postpartum. I wanted to show up and be helpful but did not want to insert myself. Would they want visitors? Or would they feel like they need to host me? Should I cook for them? What if they don’t like what I make and I just give them more stuff they need to throw away? Fast forward to the month after I had my baby. To me with dirty hair, a sink full of dishes, and not knowing what day it was. I found as I went through my own (rough)…
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Navigating Life After Divorce: How to Heal and Move Forward
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging experiences, leaving you feeling lost, overwhelmed, and uncertain about the future. However, many people find that with time, patience, and the right strategies, they can rebuild their lives and emerge stronger than before. I want to emphasize the importance of professional guidance, maintaining a healthy environment for children, prioritizing mental health, and embracing self-care. 6 Practical Steps to Reclaim Your Life After Divorce Here are some essential guidelines for managing life after divorce: 1. Choose the Right Attorney One of the first steps in navigating divorce is finding a good attorney. Your lawyer will play a crucial role in guiding you through…
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Pain Reprocessing Therapy: How to Train the Brain to Unlearn Pain
If you’ve been dealing with chronic pain for what feels like forever, you’ve probably heard it all: “Have you tried yoga?” “Maybe it’s your diet.” “It’s just stress!” Meanwhile, you’re over here thinking, If one more person tells me to meditate, I might just scream. Chronic pain can be exhausting, frustrating, and downright demoralizing. But what if I told you that your brain might be tricking you into feeling pain—even when there’s no real injury or ongoing damage? Enter Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a science-backed approach that helps retrain your brain to unlearn pain. Sounds wild, right? Stick with me. Your Brain: The Ultimate Drama Queen Our brains are incredible.…
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What Does It Mean To ‘Feel My Feelings’?
The phrases “Just let yourself feel your feelings” and “It’s okay to feel all the feels” are really popular in the mental health space and online, but for many of us this does not come naturally. Some of us try to distract ourselves from things that make us feel. Some try to logically think things through without stopping to see what emotions we are actually having. And some don’t have the language to even understand what we are feeling when we do, so we have a difficult time understanding where we stand on things. If you resonate with any of these things, there are 3 questions that I ask my…
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Breaking Free: The Power of Letting Go
Letting go is often one of the hardest things we face in life. Whether it’s a relationship, a job, or a personal project, the thought of walking away can fill us with fear and uncertainty. Yet, sometimes, letting go is exactly what we need to do to make room for growth and positive change. A concept that often keeps us attached to situations that no longer serve us is the sunk cost fallacy. What Is the Sunk Cost Fallacy? The sunk cost fallacy is a psychological phenomenon where people continue to invest in something because of the time, money, or effort they’ve already put into it, even when it no…
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Why an Integrative Health Therapist Might Be What You Need
It’s no secret to learn that today’s mental health concerns are at an all-time high. Many people seek therapeutic support to address their emotional and psychological needs. However, traditional therapy often focuses solely on mental health, overlooking the interconnected nature of human health. As an integrative health therapist, I believe that to achieve true psychological well-being, we must consider various aspects of health, including physical, social, and spiritual dimensions. Here’s what you can expect when you engage with an integrative health specialist and the transformative benefits that come with it. 5 Ways an Integrative Health Therapist Can Support Your Well-Being 1. Understanding the Interconnectedness of Health Research suggests that mental…
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TikTok Says I’m Autistic — How Do I Know If It’s True?
The age of social media has changed the game when it comes to mental health. It’s amazing that so many people have been able to see that they are not alone, and it has greatly helped de-stigmatize certain mental health issues. With that said, there is still a lot of stigma and we have a long way to go. The downside of the mental health side of social media is a sharp increase of people diagnosing themselves with disorders they do not meet the criteria for. I have had quite a few clients tell me that they have figured out from TikTok that they are Autistic, but upon talking to…
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How to Support a Friend with Mental Health Challenges
In a world that often prioritizes productivity and external success, mental health challenges can feel isolating and overwhelming, not just for those experiencing them but also for their friends and loved ones. If you have a friend who is struggling with their mental health, it’s natural to want to help, but knowing how to do so effectively can be daunting. The good news is that your support can make a significant difference in their journey to healing. So, let’s explore some practical ways to support a friend facing mental health challenges. 7 Meaningful Ways to Support a Friend Struggling with Mental Health 1. Listen Actively One of the most valuable…
