Mental Health Topics

Gestalt therapy is a counseling theory that acknowledges the separation of the mind, body, and soul and the different “parts” working together. In fact, the word “gestalt” is German for “whole” or a configuration that is greater than the sum of its parts. Gestalt therapists focus on the present to…

Living with a partner who has depression can be a deeply challenging experience for both people. That’s why for those in a relationship, understanding the symptoms and effects of depression is crucial for providing the right support. This article explores the common signs of depression, offers communication tips, and emphasizes…

Generally considered to be the gold standard of therapeutic counseling methods, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aims to help clients cope with many of life’s hurdles by assessing the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. CBT is particularly well-known for offering clients coping strategies that work well outside of therapy. CBT…

Though panic attacks are intense and can be debilitating, there are many ways to cope with and even prevent them before they reach their peak.  Their intensity and quick onset can make them difficult to de-escalate—especially without effective coping strategies. However, with the right treatment and helpful coping skills, people…

Cognitive distortions are inaccurate thoughts that we believe to be rational but only serve to perpetuate negative thought patterns and behaviors—ones that often make us feel bad about ourselves.  Because cognitive distortions are the backbone of negative thinking and emotions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients change these…

Relationships can be tough enough to navigate without one or both partners suffering from faltering mental health. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed at the thought of identifying and understanding mental health dynamics in a relationship, it’s very doable.  A great first step is to practice mindfulness skills and strategies,…

Many mental health conditions and disorders can influence emotions and emotional stability, including histrionic personality disorder. Histrionic personality disorder involves a pattern of excessive sensitivity and attention-seeking behavior, sometimes causing people with the disorder to go to extreme lengths to garner attention for themselves. There are a few ways to…

Depression is one of the most well-known and studied mental health conditions. It’s characterized by feelings of sadness or emptiness, low energy, lack of concentration, and sleep and appetite changes, among a myriad of other symptoms, with episodes recurring over months or years. The different forms of depression are complex…

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. …