Blossom Team, Author at Blossom Counseling

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

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

Practical Self-Care Strategies for Survival Mode

When life feels like it’s spinning out of control, self-care can sound like a luxury you can’t afford. You’re juggling too much, barely keeping up, and the idea of pampering yourself with bubble baths or yoga retreats feels laughably out of reach. But here’s the thing: self-care isn’t just about indulgence—it’s about survival, especially when

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Coping Skills, 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

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

Understanding the Cost of Crossing Your Own Boundaries

Have you ever agreed to something that felt wrong the moment you said “yes”? Maybe you stayed late at work, even though you promised yourself you’d set firmer limits. Or perhaps you said “yes” to a favor when your plate was already overflowing. Crossing your own boundaries can feel like the easiest way to keep

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Boundaries, Mental Health

Why You Can’t Stop Ruminating (and How to Break the Cycle)

Ever find yourself stuck in an endless loop of overthinking? You replay an awkward conversation from three days ago, analyze every possible mistake, and convince yourself that you’ve completely ruined your reputation. Or maybe you obsess over a decision, imagining all the ways it could go wrong, long after the moment has passed. This mental

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Anxiety

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

The Silent Thief: What Anxiety Steals from Your Life

Anxiety is more than just feeling stressed or worried. It’s a silent thief, quietly sneaking into your life and taking things that might not seem obvious at first. Over time, the toll becomes undeniable. Understanding what anxiety robs us of can be the first step in reclaiming what’s ours. 1. Your Peace of Mind One

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Anxiety

Understanding High Cortisol: Signs Your Stress Hormone Might Be Overactive

Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes chronic, your body can enter a state of overdrive, producing more cortisol than it needs. Often called the “stress hormone,” cortisol plays a vital role in keeping you alert and prepared to handle challenges. But when cortisol levels remain high for extended periods, it

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Coping Skills, Emotions, Stress

Recognizing the Subtle Signs of Anxiety Deflection

Anxiety is sneaky. It doesn’t always show up as a racing heart or sweaty palms. Sometimes, it hides behind behaviors that seem unrelated. Deflection is one such behavior—when we shift focus away from our anxiety to avoid dealing with it head-on. The tricky part? Many of us deflect without even realizing it. What Is Anxiety

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Anxiety, Anxiety

How to Reprogram Your Subconscious Mind for Lasting Change

Have you ever felt stuck in a pattern, as if your mind is running on autopilot, steering you into the same situations over and over again? That’s the subconscious mind at work—quietly pulling strings behind the scenes. The good news is, this powerful part of your mind is not set in stone. You can reprogram

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Growth Mindset, How To, Personal Development

Understanding Limerence: The Psychology of Obsessive Infatuation

Have you ever felt utterly captivated by someone, to the point where they dominate your thoughts and emotions? Maybe it feels like love, but it’s also a little overwhelming, a little consuming. This intense state has a name: limerence. While limerence is often romanticized in books and movies, it’s a psychological phenomenon with roots in

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OCD

Understanding the Avoidant-Leaning Woman: Navigating Emotional Distance in Relationships

Relationships are a dance, a push-and-pull of connection and independence. For an avoidant-leaning woman, this balance can feel like walking a tightrope. On one hand, she craves intimacy and love like anyone else; on the other, she may instinctively pull back when things feel too close for comfort. This can create a confusing dynamic for

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Emotions, Relationships, Women

Understanding Nervous System Regulation: A Guide to Feeling Balanced and Calm

Picture this: You’re sitting in traffic after a stressful day, your heart racing and your breath shallow. You feel stuck in overdrive, unable to shake off the tension. Or maybe it’s the opposite—you’ve shut down, feeling emotionally numb and disconnected. These responses are your nervous system in action, reacting to perceived stressors in ways that

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Guides