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7 Powerful Ways to Improve Communication in Your Relationships
Watching the way you communicate is key in relationships. We don’t always grow up with the greatest examples of how to talk to others, so this can be a challenge for a lot of us. The good news is, healthy communication is a skill you can build. Here are seven tips on how to practice healthy communication in your relationships—whether it’s with a family member, partner, friend, or colleague. 7 Tips to Help You Practice Healthy Communication in Your Relationships 1. Assertiveness The four styles of communication are: passive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and assertive. People can shift between styles depending on their triggers and how comfortable they feel with the person…
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Breaking Free from Trauma: How It Affects Us and How to Heal
Trauma. It’s a word we often hear, but it can feel heavy, complicated, or even like it’s reserved for “big” life events. The truth is, trauma is simply an emotional response to something deeply distressing. And every one of us experiences events in life that can leave us feeling vulnerable, shaken, or changed. How Trauma Shows Up in Our Lives Whether it’s the loss of someone we love, a painful relationship, an accident, a health scare, or even subtle experiences that chip away at our sense of safety. These moments impact us. They shape the way we see ourselves, others, and the world. Here’s the thing: experiencing trauma is part…
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Suicide Prevention: Warning Signs and When to Seek Help
Suicide is one of the most pressing public health issues in the United States today. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is the 11th leading cause of death overall. For young people ages 10–24, it ranks even higher, making suicide the second leading cause of death in this age group. These numbers show that suicide is not just a statistic—it is a crisis affecting families, schools, and communities across the nation. Understanding the Numbers In 2023, suicide rates revealed concerning patterns: These patterns remind us that suicide affects people differently depending on their age, gender, and cultural background. Suicide prevention efforts need to be sensitive…
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Life Transitions: 5 Ways to Rediscover Yourself in Times of Change
I’ll never forget the moment I transitioned into a new role in my career in 2018. For so long, I had been responsible for others—leading a team, guiding a program, carrying the weight of decisions and outcomes. And then, one day, I found myself in a position where my responsibility was only to myself and the people I served. It was a shift I didn’t fully anticipate. At first, it felt like a loss—an identity I had built for so long was no longer there. I had spent almost 5 years shaping the direction of others, and now, I had more time to breathe, more space to think. It felt…
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How to Find Yourself: 3 Ways to Reclaim What Makes You Happy
There are lots of reasons why we may have lost ourselves: grief, trauma, parenthood, co-dependency, etc. This is why some of the most common goals I hear from my clients are “I want to find myself again,” “I want to figure out who I am,” and “I want to find what makes me happy.” It’s such an uneasy feeling not to feel connected to who you are, so let’s talk about ways to re-establish that connection. 3 Ways to Help You Find Yourself Again 1. Time Alone It can be difficult to hear our own inner voice when there is so much stimulus happening around us. Take time to be…
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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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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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Breaking the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Mental health has long been a taboo topic in society, shrouded in stigma and misconceptions. Despite progress in recent years, many individuals still feel ashamed or afraid to seek help for their mental health challenges. This stigma can prevent people from getting the support they need and deserve, leading to feelings of isolation and exacerbating their struggles. It is crucial to break down these barriers and create a safe and supportive environment for individuals to openly discuss and address their mental health. Seeking Help is a Sign of Weakness One of the most pervasive myths surrounding mental health is the idea that seeking help is a sign of weakness. This harmful belief contributes to the stigma surrounding mental…
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How to Maintain Adequate Mental Health During Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting and transformative time in a woman’s life, but it can also bring about a range of emotions and challenges that can impact mental health. It is essential for expecting mothers to prioritize their mental well-being during this period to ensure a healthy and positive pregnancy experience. Here are some tips on how to maintain adequate mental health during pregnancy: 1. Stay Connected Pregnancy can sometimes feel isolating, especially if you are experiencing mood swings or other emotional changes. It is crucial to stay connected with your partner, friends, family, and healthcare providers to share your feelings and seek support when needed. Joining a pregnancy support group…
