Therapy Archives - Blossom Counseling

What No One Tells You About Therapy: The Totally Normal Parts of the Process

Therapy can feel like a mystery if you’ve never been before. You sit down, spill your thoughts to a stranger, and somehow—through a mix of talking, reflecting, and probably some awkward silences—you’re supposed to feel better. But if you’re new to therapy, you might wonder: Is this normal? Am I doing this right? Spoiler alert: […]

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Getting Started, Therapy

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

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

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

The Quiet Revolution: The Transformative Power of Spending Time in Silence

In our noisy, fast-paced world, silence is often overlooked, even avoided. We’re surrounded by the hum of technology, the chatter of daily life, and the constant ping of notifications. Silence, however, holds incredible power—it’s not just the absence of noise, but a gateway to clarity, connection, and calm. The Science of Silence Studies show that

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Detox, Mindfulness, Monday Motivation

Can AI Be Your Therapist? Exploring the Pros and Cons of Virtual Support

The idea of using artificial intelligence (AI) as a therapist might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but it’s becoming an increasingly common option in the world of mental health. AI-powered chatbots and apps offer a kind of “always-on” support system that promises to make mental health care more accessible, affordable, and stigma-free.

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Getting Started, Q&A, Therapists, Therapy, Tips

What to Talk About in Therapy: Finding Your Voice in the Room

Therapy often feels like a big question mark when you first walk in. You might think, What am I supposed to say? Do I need a plan? Should I talk about my childhood, my stress at work, or that fight I had with my partner? If these questions sound familiar, you’re not alone. Talking in

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Communication, Getting Started, Therapy

Understanding the Different Types of Depression: More Than Just Feeling Blue

Depression is one of the most common mental health challenges, but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. When people think of depression, they often imagine someone who feels persistently sad or low. While that’s certainly one part of the picture, depression can take many forms, each with its own unique features and challenges. Knowing

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Depression, Emotions, Therapy

Navigating Post-Election Stress: The Role of Trauma-Informed Therapy

Presidential elections can stir up a whirlwind of emotions—hope, anxiety, anger, exhaustion, or even numbness. The campaign season, with its heated debates, relentless news cycles, and divisive rhetoric, often leaves us grappling with more than just political opinions. For many, these events can trigger deeper emotional responses rooted in past experiences, highlighting the importance of

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Stress, Therapy, Trauma

Understanding ACT and ERP for OCD: Effective Therapies for Real Change

When it comes to navigating the challenges of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), finding the right therapeutic approach can feel like untangling a complex web of thoughts and behaviors. Two evidence-based therapies, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), have emerged as powerful tools in helping individuals reclaim their lives from the grip

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OCD, Therapy, Treatments

How to Tell If Your Therapist Is the Right Fit for You

Finding the right therapist can feel a bit like dating—except instead of sharing awkward first-date stories, you’re sharing your deepest fears and hopes. The connection between you and your therapist is one of the most important parts of the therapeutic process. It can be the difference between feeling stuck and making real progress. But how

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Clinicians, Getting Started, Therapy

5 Practical Ways to Combat Burnout and Reclaim Your Energy

Burnout is like a slow leak in your tire—by the time you realize something’s wrong, you’re already running on empty. It can sneak up on anyone, especially in today’s fast-paced world where we’re constantly juggling work, family, social obligations, and that never-ending list of things to do. If you’ve been feeling drained, unmotivated, or emotionally

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Boundaries, Connection, Family, Friends, Relationships, Therapy

Coping Statements for People Pleasers: Reclaim Your Voice Without Losing Yourself

Do you often find yourself saying “yes” when every fiber of your being wants to say “no”? If you’re nodding, you’re not alone—people-pleasing is a habit many of us pick up without realizing it. The urge to make everyone happy can feel like a full-time job, but it often leaves us feeling depleted, resentful, or

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Boundaries, Coping Skills, Personal Development, Relationships, Therapy

The Power of Prevention: Embracing Proactive Mental Health Care

In a world that often feels like it’s spinning faster by the day, taking a moment to consider our mental well-being is more crucial than ever. While we’re quick to address physical ailments with routine check-ups and preventive measures, the concept of preventative care in mental health might not be as well-known—but it’s just as

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Getting Started, Mental Health, Therapy, Wellness