Social exclusion can be common for adolescents in middle and high school. Whether not being chosen for games or purposefully excluding kids in numerous situations, the consequences are extremely harmful. Salmivalli states, “Bullying can be direct, such as physical or verbal attacks, indirect (also referred to as relational bullying), such as social exclusion and rumor-spreading, …
Life is full of choices, and sometimes making a decision can feel overwhelming. Whether you’re deciding on a career move, where to live, or how to handle personal matters, it’s normal to feel stuck or unsure. But here’s the good news: decision-making is a skill you can develop. By breaking the process into manageable steps—and …
Part 3 of 3 Moving Beyond the Basics In Part 1, we introduced simple techniques like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation to calm anxiety in the moment. In Part 2, we covered mindfulness, grounding, and shifting focus to what you can control. Now, in Part 3, we’ll explore more advanced strategies. These techniques address …
Part 2 of 3 Building on the Basics In Part 1, we covered simple but effective ways to manage anxiety, like deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation. These techniques help in the moment, but what if you want to go deeper? Part 2 introduces strategies that take a little more effort but can provide longer-lasting …
Part 1 of 3 Understanding Anxiety and How to Manage It Anxiety is something most people experience at some point, but for some, it can feel overwhelming and difficult to manage. Whether you’re struggling with generalized anxiety, social anxiety, or panic attacks, the racing thoughts and physical symptoms can make it seem like you’re losing …
Ever felt like your job is draining more than just your energy? You’re not alone. Choosing a career that aligns with your mental health needs can feel like navigating a maze, especially if you’re already dealing with anxiety, depression, or burnout. Maybe you’ve found yourself staring at the clock, counting down the minutes until you …
Healing is a personal journey, and it’s essential to understand that it’s not always a straight path. We want you to know that experiencing ups and downs during therapy is typical. Recognizing this can help you set realistic expectations and be kinder to yourself as you work toward healing. Healing Doesn’t Follow a Straight Line …
Do you ever lie awake at night, struggling to quiet your thoughts? Maybe you’re replaying the day’s events or worrying about tomorrow. Falling asleep can be challenging when your mind doesn’t slow down. The good news is that mindfulness can help. Simple techniques can calm your racing thoughts and relax your body, making it easier …
Why do some relationships make you feel energized and supported while others leave you doubting yourself or feeling disconnected? In his book Deeper Dating, therapist Ken Page explores this idea through three key concepts: These ideas can help us understand the types of relationships we’re drawn to and how to cultivate healthier, more fulfilling connections. What …
Therapy can be a powerful tool for improving your mental health, but misconceptions and challenges can hold people back from getting the most out of it. Some people worry that their problems aren’t significant enough for therapy, while others fear they may never see positive changes. Therapy is a journey that requires patience, effort, and …
Routines are essential, yet some view them as traps that stifle creativity and foster complacency. Benefits of Routines Stability and Predictability: Do you know that feeling of comfort when you sip your first cup of coffee in the morning? That’s what a solid routine can offer you— a sense of calm that carries you through the …
What is Shame, and Why Does It Happen? Shame is a powerful and deeply ingrained emotion that can impact how you see yourself and interact with others. While guilt makes you feel bad about something you’ve done, shame tells you that you, as a person, are flawed. It says, “There’s something wrong with me,” “I don’t deserve love or …