Family Archives - Blossom Counseling

What Are “Spoons”? Understanding the Spoon Theory in Mental Health

If you’ve ever heard someone say, “I’m out of spoons today,” and wondered what on earth they meant, you’re not alone. It’s not about forgetting to do the dishes—it’s a shorthand that’s taken root in disability and mental health communities to describe something many of us struggle to explain: limited energy. The Spoon Theory, coined […]

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Acceptance, Anxiety, Boundaries, Challenges, College/Students, Compassion, Coping Skills, Couples, Family, Friends, Mental Health, Relationships, Stress

5 Practical Ways to Help Kids Cope with Anxiety (That Actually Work)

Anxiety isn’t just an “adult thing.” Kids feel it too—sometimes just as intensely, but without the language or life experience to explain what’s going on. Whether it shows up as a stomachache before school, a meltdown over a seemingly small change, or a refusal to try something new, anxiety in kids can be sneaky and

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Anxiety, Children, Coping Skills, Parenting

Why “Letting Them” Might Be Your Best Mental Health Move Yet

If you’ve ever found yourself constantly stepping in to fix, manage, or smooth things over for everyone else, you’re in good company. It’s a habit that sneaks in quietly and stays for the long haul. And while it often comes from a caring place, it can leave you feeling exhausted and emotionally drained. What if

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Acceptance, Challenges, Family, Mental Health, Relationships

Why Young Adults Are Struggling More with Anxiety and Depression Than Ever Before

It’s no secret that anxiety and depression are rising, especially among young adults. If you’re in your twenties or thirties and feeling like life is heavier than it should be, you’re not alone. So many people are trying to make sense of a world that asks for constant productivity, endless optimism, and instant answers. It’s

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Anxiety, Children, College/Students, Depression, Parenting

Parenting in a Tech-Obsessed World: How to Raise Connected (Not Just Plugged-In) Kids

Let’s be real—raising kids in today’s digital world can feel like trying to parent in the middle of a 24/7 light show. Between smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and whatever new gadget dropped last week, it’s easy to feel like you’re competing with screens for your child’s attention. And honestly? You kind of are. But before we

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Children, College/Students, Communication, Connection, Family, How To, Parenting

The Real Difference Between Requests and Boundaries in Relationships

“Can you not do that?” “I need you to stop.” “That makes me uncomfortable.” These all sound like boundaries, but they are not always actual boundaries. In therapy and in everyday life, we talk about boundaries a lot. One of the biggest points of confusion is the difference between a request and a boundary. Both

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Boundaries, Couples, Family, Friends, Relationships

Understanding Attachment Styles: How Your Childhood Bonds Shape Adult Relationships

You know that feeling when someone pulls away and you suddenly spiral into overthinking every text you ever sent them? Or maybe you’re the one who feels smothered the moment someone gets emotionally close. These responses aren’t random—they’re often rooted in something called attachment styles. Attachment theory isn’t just psychobabble—it’s a well-researched framework that helps

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Attachment, Children, College/Students, Couples, Family, Friends, Relationships

The Truth About Closure: Why It’s More Complex Than You Think

Closure is one of those concepts we hear about all the time—often in the context of relationships, loss, or life’s messy transitions. The idea sounds comforting, almost like a magic trick: tie up the loose ends, process the experience, and voilà, you’re free to move on. But let’s be real—closure is rarely that simple, and

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Attachment, Challenges, College/Students, Couples, Family, Grief, Parenting, Relationships

Why Offering Reassurance Feels Impossible for Avoidant Attachment Styles

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

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Attachment, Emotions, Family, Relationships

How to Use Your Love Language for Better Self-Care

We often think of love languages in the context of relationships—how we express love to partners, friends, and family. But what if we flipped the script and used our love language to take better care of ourselves? Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and scented candles (though those can be great!); it’s about understanding what makes

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Couples, Family, Five Love Languages, How To, Personal Development, Relationships

How to Recognize Emotional Unavailability in Relationships

Emotional unavailability is one of those relationship roadblocks that can leave you feeling frustrated, unseen, and exhausted. Maybe you’ve been in a dynamic where you keep trying to get closer, only to hit an invisible wall. Or perhaps someone in your life gives mixed signals—warm one moment, distant the next. Whatever the case, emotional unavailability

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Couples, Emotions, Family, How To, Parenting, Relationships

Fighting Dirty in Relationships: What It Is and Why It Matters

Conflict is a natural part of any relationship. In fact, disagreements can strengthen connections when handled with respect and understanding. But sometimes, fights escalate into something far less productive—what’s often referred to as “fighting dirty.” Recognizing the signs of dirty fighting is crucial for maintaining a healthy, loving relationship and avoiding long-term emotional damage. What

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Communication, Family, Relationships

Understanding How ADHD Manifests in Motherhood: Challenges and Insights

Motherhood is a journey filled with joy, challenges, and the never-ending juggling act of meeting your children’s needs while trying to maintain your own sense of self. For mothers with ADHD, this already complex role can come with a unique set of hurdles and strengths that often go unnoticed or misunderstood. Let’s explore the ways

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ADHD, Challenges, 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

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