Live Better. Love Better. Work Better.

therapist near me

Categories

How Can I Help My Child Transition From High School to College?

November 6, 2020

The transition from high school to college can be a stressful experience, for both young adults and parents. Clinical Psychologist Debby Fogelman offers practical ways that parents can help their college-aged children prepare for their new experience on a college campus.  Although college is often an exciting time, it can also be a time that comes with a lot of anxiety and self-doubt. Which is normal! Being away from home can sometimes create a false belief that…

Read More

Hangxiety: What It Is and Tips to Manage It

November 5, 2020

Megan Mulroy, LPC Having a hangover is not an uncommon occurrence. Pounding headache, nausea, and fatigue are common symptoms. However, after a night of drinking many people suffer from a phenomenon known as “Hangxiety.” If you are unfamiliar, hangxiety is the intersection between a hangover and anxiety. Many people confuse hangxiety and regret. If you find yourself scrolling through your phone in fear to see what you texted or are worried about what you might have said,…

Read More

Dysfunctional Family Roles Part 3: Are You a Lost Child or A Compulsive?

November 4, 2020

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified  The Lost Child Aliases: “The Quiet One” “The Shy One,” “The Independent”  The “lost child” is the family member who retreats from family dysfunction due to feeling overwhelmed. They can spend a lot of time alone, pursue singular interests, and/or struggle to establish or maintain relationships with others. The lost child is rarely seen as a stressor in the family (unless they develop a compulsive coping mechanism; see #6, below).  For…

Read More

Dysfunctional Family Roles Part 2: Are You a Scapegoat or A Hero?

November 3, 2020

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified  The Scapegoat Aliases: “The Problem,” “The Bad One,” “The Crazy One” The scapegoat is the person in the family who is obviously struggling. They might express unhealthy behaviors, such as participation in illegal activities or acting out in the classroom or in the home. They might be viewed as unstable or as a “rebel.” The scapegoat is often in the family spotlight because they are regarded as the family member who…

Read More

Dysfunctional Family Roles Part 1: Are You an Enabler or a Jester?

November 1, 2020

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified  Regardless of if your family is biological or chosen, you have a role in your family. Your role may be healthy, unhealthy, or perhaps a combination of both. There are many factors that contribute to which role(s) you adopt and which one(s) you do not. It’s important to assess and change any dysfunctional roles in order to support your emotional health and improve your family relationships.  Ask yourself, do I embody…

Read More

The Importance of Attractive Alternatives

October 29, 2020

By Eric Dean JD MBA MA MA LPC CADC In the 1960’s, researchers conducted multiple studies with rats on the effects of drugs. The experimenters placed rats in a cage with two levers, one with drug-laced water and the other with plain water. Rats would obsessively press the lever for the drug-laced water until they overdosed and died. The conclusion then was that the chemical hooks in the drug were the most important factor in addiction; that…

Read More

Types of Courage and Ways it Shows Up in Our Lives

October 26, 2020

Courage may seem like a strange area to discuss in relation to mental health. However, courage presents itself every day and various capacities and can help us conquer life’s challenges. In today’s world, simply getting out of bed, calling up a friend, or making it through the day can be an act of courage. As the rate of mental health struggles rises, whether due to COVID-19 or other life challenges, asking for help and support is an…

Read More

Toxic Positivity: It’s Okay to Not be Okay

October 25, 2020

Toxic positivity is not a phrase many of us are used to hearing. Isn’t positivity, well, positive? Some of the time yes, and some of the time no. To better understand, it’s important to know the definition of toxic positivity. “Toxic positivity is the idea that we should focus only on positive emotions and the positive aspects of life. It’s the belief that if we ignore difficult emotions and the parts of our life that aren’t working…

Read More

Family Enmeshment: Part 2

October 23, 2020

By: Danielle Bertini, LPC In Part one of this blog, I discussed the topic of enmeshment within family systems, including what it is and signs for noticing it is occurring. As discussed, growing up in an enmeshed family might mean that you now have replicated enmeshment and codependency in other relationships in your life. In part two of this blog we will discuss four components of reversing enmeshment and becoming a healthier, more authentic version of yourself. …

Read More

Are you a People Pleaser?

October 22, 2020

Kaitlin Broderick LCPC Do you constantly find yourself saying “yes” to activities that you don’t even really want to do because you are afraid of hurting someone else’s feelings? For some of us, turning someone down and saying “no” can induce feelings of guilt and anxiety. Our automatic response may be to say yes to everything even when we’re already feeling overwhelmed, because we want to be liked and want others to see us as a competent…

Read More