Blossom Team, Author at Blossom Counseling

7 Things Secure People Do Differently in Relationships (and Why It Matters)

Have you ever met someone who just gets relationships? They don’t overthink every text message, they don’t panic when their partner needs space, and they don’t seem to get caught in the same emotional loops that others do. These people aren’t perfect, but they do have one thing in common: secure attachment.Securely attached people experience […]

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Couples, Relationships

The Hidden Side Effects of Gaslighting: How It Impacts Your Mental Health

Gaslighting isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s a subtle but powerful form of emotional manipulation that can leave deep psychological scars. Often, people who experience gaslighting don’t realize it’s happening until the effects are already woven into their mental and emotional well-being. It’s like living in a funhouse of distorted mirrors where your sense of reality

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Anxiety, Compassion, Depression, Gaslighting, Mental Health, Therapy

How to Use Affirmations to Cultivate Self-Love (Even If They Feel Weird at First)

Affirmations have a bit of a reputation. Maybe you’ve seen those overly cheerful morning routine videos where someone stares into a mirror, declaring, “I am powerful! I am unstoppable!”—and you’ve thought, Yeah, okay, but I don’t feel that way. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. A lot of people struggle with affirmations, especially when

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Affirmations, Compassion, How To

Inside the Therapy Room: Things Your Therapist Probably Says (And Why They Matter)

Ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of a therapy session? If you’ve been in therapy before, you’ve probably noticed certain phrases that seem to pop up again and again. It’s not because therapists have a secret script (though that would make our jobs easier). These statements are often rooted in research, psychology,

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Mental Health, Therapists, Therapy, Tips

How to Stop Parenting Your Parents: Setting Healthy Boundaries with Aging Loved Ones

It can be a tricky dynamic: as our parents age, we might notice them needing more support, advice, or even care. Maybe they call you for help navigating technology or managing their finances, or perhaps they seem to rely on you for emotional reassurance more than you expected. It’s natural to want to help the

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Boundaries, Family, How To, Parenting

Teaching Kids to Apologize: Helping Children Say “I’m Sorry” (and Mean It)

Apologies are tricky—even for adults. We’ve all heard (or given) those half-hearted “I’m sorry you feel that way” non-apologies that don’t actually mend relationships. So, if saying sorry is hard for grown-ups, it’s no surprise that kids struggle too. Teaching children to apologize isn’t just about getting them to say the words—it’s about helping them

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Children, Parenting, Tips

Subtle Relationship Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore

In the early stages of a relationship, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement. That’s part of what makes dating fun! But while you’re getting to know someone, it’s also important to stay aware of the dynamics forming between you. Some relationship red flags aren’t as obvious as constant arguing or controlling behavior—they

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Couples, Relationships

The Hidden Costs of Avoiding Your Emotions (And Why They Add Up Fast)

Have you ever felt like emotions are an inconvenience—something to be ignored, stuffed down, or shoved to the side until you have time to deal with them (which, let’s be honest, is never)? Maybe you pride yourself on being logical, staying busy, or keeping things “under control.” The problem? Avoiding emotions doesn’t make them disappear—it

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Emotions, Therapy

Why Your Brain Loves 3AM Anxiety (And How to Stop the Spiral)

It’s 3AM. The world is quiet, your bed is warm, and logically, you know you need to sleep. But your brain has other plans. Suddenly, it’s a highlight reel of every awkward moment from the past decade, every unfinished task, every “what if” scenario that has never crossed your mind—until now. If this sounds familiar,

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Anxiety, How To, Tips

Better Ways to Respond Than Saying “It’s Okay”

“It’s okay.” It’s a phrase we often throw around without much thought. While it’s meant to comfort or reassure, it can sometimes come across as dismissive or superficial, especially in emotionally charged moments. Words carry weight, and when someone is opening up to us, choosing our responses thoughtfully can strengthen connection and understanding. Here are

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Communication, Relationships

The Mental Load of Anxiety: Why Your Brain Feels Exhausted All the Time

Ever feel like your brain just won’t shut up? Like you’re carrying an invisible to-do list in your head at all times, except instead of tasks, it’s worries, doubts, and worst-case scenarios? That’s the mental load of anxiety—the constant hum of “what ifs” and “did I forget to…?” that turns everyday life into an exhausting

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Anxiety

How Couples Can Manage Stress Together and Strengthen Their Relationship

Stress is inevitable, but when you’re in a relationship, it doesn’t just affect you—it impacts both of you. Whether it’s work deadlines, family drama, or financial worries, stress can seep into your relationship and turn even minor disagreements into full-blown conflicts. The good news? Couples who learn to manage stress together don’t just survive tough

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Challenges, Coping Skills, Couples, How To, Relationships, Stress

Practical Ways to Self-Soothe When Life Feels Overwhelming

Some days feel like they come straight out of a stormy weather forecast—cloudy, unpredictable, and a little too intense for comfort. Maybe it’s a work deadline that spiraled out of control, a difficult conversation you can’t stop replaying, or just an accumulation of life’s everyday stressors. Whatever the reason, finding ways to self-soothe can turn

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Challenges, Coping Skills, Emotions, Sensory, Stress, Tips

Finding Your Wise Mind in a Crisis: A DBT Skill for Staying Grounded

When life throws us into crisis mode, our emotions can feel like a tidal wave—overwhelming, chaotic, and all-consuming. In moments like these, making decisions can feel impossible. Do we react with pure emotion, letting anger or panic take the wheel? Or do we try to shut it all down, pushing our feelings away and acting

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Coping Skills, DBT, How To

Understanding Nonverbal Cues: What Your Body Language Says About You

Ever had a conversation where someone said all the right things, but something just felt off? Or maybe you’ve walked into a room and instantly picked up on tension without anyone saying a word? That’s the power of nonverbal communication—those silent signals that speak volumes before we even open our mouths. In therapy, relationships, and

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Communication