Loss is a universal human experience, but when we think of grief, our minds often go straight to the loss of a loved one. While mourning the death of someone we care about is undoubtedly profound, it’s important to recognize that grief extends far beyond the boundaries of death. There are many types of losses […]
Understanding the Many Faces of Loss: Grieving Beyond Death Read More »
Grief
We all crave a little reassurance now and then. A quick “I love you,” a text that says, “Thinking about you,” or even a simple nod when we’re venting about our day—these tiny moments can be grounding and affirming. But if you’ve ever been in a relationship with someone who leans avoidant, you might have
Why Offering Reassurance Feels Impossible for Avoidant Attachment Styles Read More »
Attachment, Emotions, Family, RelationshipsHave 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
7 Things Secure People Do Differently in Relationships (and Why It Matters) Read More »
Couples, Relationships
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
The Hidden Side Effects of Gaslighting: How It Impacts Your Mental Health Read More »
Anxiety, Compassion, Depression, Gaslighting, Mental Health, Therapy
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
How to Use Affirmations to Cultivate Self-Love (Even If They Feel Weird at First) Read More »
Affirmations, Compassion, How To
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,
Inside the Therapy Room: Things Your Therapist Probably Says (And Why They Matter) Read More »
Mental Health, Therapists, Therapy, Tips
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
How to Stop Parenting Your Parents: Setting Healthy Boundaries with Aging Loved Ones Read More »
Boundaries, Family, How To, Parenting
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
Teaching Kids to Apologize: Helping Children Say “I’m Sorry” (and Mean It) Read More »
Children, Parenting, TipsIn 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
Subtle Relationship Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore Read More »
Couples, Relationships
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
The Hidden Costs of Avoiding Your Emotions (And Why They Add Up Fast) Read More »
Emotions, Therapy
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,
Why Your Brain Loves 3AM Anxiety (And How to Stop the Spiral) Read More »
Anxiety, How To, Tips
“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
Better Ways to Respond Than Saying “It’s Okay” Read More »
Communication, Relationships
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
The Mental Load of Anxiety: Why Your Brain Feels Exhausted All the Time Read More »
Anxiety
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
How Couples Can Manage Stress Together and Strengthen Their Relationship Read More »
Challenges, Coping Skills, Couples, How To, Relationships, Stress
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
Practical Ways to Self-Soothe When Life Feels Overwhelming Read More »
Challenges, Coping Skills, Emotions, Sensory, Stress, Tips