Mental Health Archives - Blossom Counseling

Why Therapy Can Feel Exhausting—And Why That’s Completely Normal

Therapy is often painted as a relaxing escape—a space to unwind, unload your worries, and feel refreshed. While that’s true (therapy can be wonderfully restorative), it can also be surprisingly exhausting. But why? Aren’t you supposed to leave sessions feeling lighter, not drained? The truth is, therapy can feel tiring for a very good reason. […]

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Emotions, Getting Started, Mental Health, Therapy

Fortune Telling: How This Sneaky Cognitive Distortion Keeps You Stuck

Picture this: you’re lying in bed, unable to sleep, convinced tomorrow’s meeting is destined to be a disaster. You’ve imagined every possible way it could go wrong—your boss frowning, colleagues rolling their eyes, or your ideas being dismissed. Before you know it, you’ve already decided tomorrow is doomed, leaving you anxious and exhausted before the

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Connection, Mental Health, Mindfulness

Understanding the Window of Tolerance: Why You Feel “Too Much” or “Totally Numb”

Have you ever found yourself reacting way more strongly than the situation called for—like crying after a mildly annoying email or snapping at someone because they asked a question? Or maybe you’ve had moments when you felt nothing at all, just flat and checked out, even when something big was happening. These aren’t just mood

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Challenges, Emotions, Mental Health

Why Replacing Negative Thoughts Isn’t Working (And What to Try Instead)

We’ve all been there: your therapist or favorite Instagram self-help guru tells you to “just replace those negative thoughts!” So, you try swapping out “I’m terrible at this” for something like, “I’m amazing and totally unstoppable!” But for some reason, it feels fake, forced, or just plain ineffective. Here’s the truth: simply swapping negative thoughts

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Congitive Defusion, Mental Health, Mindfulness, Tips

7 Grounding Techniques to Help You Stay Present When You Dissociate

Dissociation can feel like slipping out of reality—like you’re floating outside your body, detached from your surroundings, or watching your life like a movie. It’s a protective mechanism, often linked to trauma, anxiety, or extreme stress. Your brain essentially hits the “eject” button when things feel overwhelming.While dissociation can serve a purpose in the moment,

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Dissociation, Guides, Mental Health, Tips

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

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

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

8 Common Phrases to Stop Saying for Better Mental Health

Words are powerful, and sometimes the things we say—both to ourselves and others—can unintentionally reinforce negativity, limit growth, or even hurt relationships. Many of these phrases are habits, tossed out without much thought, but they can have a surprising impact on our mindset and interactions. Let’s take a closer look at some common expressions to

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Growth Mindset, Mental Health, Personal Development

Finding Symbols of Hope in Everyday Life

Hope can often feel elusive, especially when life throws its curveballs. Yet, it’s remarkable how the simplest things in our environment can quietly serve as symbols of hope—offering a little light in the darkness and grounding us when we feel untethered. These symbols may not be loud or grand, but they carry a quiet resilience

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Acceptance, Affirmations, Coping Skills, Mental Health, Resilience

Boosting Self-Esteem: Practical Tips to Reclaim Your Confidence

Low self-esteem can feel like a constant shadow, quietly influencing your thoughts, decisions, and how you interact with the world. It’s more than just feeling down occasionally—it’s a deeply rooted mindset that can shape how you see yourself and your potential. The good news? Self-esteem isn’t set in stone. Like a muscle, it can be

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Mental Health, Personal Development, Resilience, Tips

Simple Mental Health Swaps: What to Do Instead for a Happier Mind

We’ve all been there—caught in habits that feel comforting in the moment but leave us drained, stressed, or stuck in the long run. It’s easy to fall into patterns that feel familiar, even if they don’t serve us. But what if we could shift those habits into something healthier, more supportive, and ultimately more empowering?

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Affirmations, Coping Skills, Mental Health, Tips

Mastering Social Media Boundaries for Better Mental Health

Social media has become a central part of our daily lives. It’s where we connect with friends, share milestones, and keep up with the latest trends. But it’s also a place where boundaries—those invisible lines that protect our time, energy, and emotional well-being—can blur faster than a disappearing Snapchat message. Setting boundaries on social media

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Boundaries, Mental Health, Social Media

5 Lesser-Known Suicide Prevention Tips Everyone Should Know

When we talk about suicide prevention, many of us immediately think of reaching out to a hotline, finding a therapist, or offering support to someone in crisis. While these are vital steps, there are some lesser-known ways to help prevent suicide that often fly under the radar. These tips can be powerful tools in fostering

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Connection, Emotions, Mental Health

The Hidden Struggles of High IQ: Understanding Giftedness and Mental Health

When we think of individuals with a high IQ or those who are labeled as gifted, it’s common to imagine a life filled with academic achievements, professional success, and an enviable ability to learn and adapt quickly. However, the reality is often more complex, as high intellectual capabilities can sometimes mask underlying mental health issues.

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Challenges, Giftedness, Mental Health