Depression and sadness are commonly misunderstood due to the similar emotions associated with the two. It’s important to realize that there are fluctuating levels of sadness, but unlike depression, sadness is temporary and will heal with time. Depression is considered a long-term mental illness, because It affects social, occupational and intrapersonal areas of functioning. When…
The increasing use of smartphones and social media is changing the way kids develop social skills. Technology decreases the amount of face-to-face interaction and increases the amount of communication done from behind a screen. There are pros and cons to this. Technology allows kids to connect with others worldwide, exposing them to a much wider…
Coming out is a difficult and trying process. At the same time, it can also be freeing and liberating to finally live openly as you. You may find support within the LGBTQ community and learn to love yourself for who you are. You may find that your family and friends are more accepting than you…
Has your child recently come out to you as transgender, but you’re not sure how to react? Do you want to support them, but feel in over your head on gender terminology? Raising any child requires dedication, hard-work, and understanding. It comes with fights, worrying, and other obstacles as you navigate parenthood and do your…
Do you find yourself avoiding people, places, or other triggers because you feel overwhelmingly anxious? Do you want you could seek new opportunities, but are too afraid to pursue your goals? Are headaches, shaking, or feelings of dread and panic a regular part of your life? Everyone feels stressed from time to time. In fact,…
I am worthy of love and acceptance. My identity is valid. I am allowed to make decisions that are right for me. I value who I am. The above statements are all examples of affirmations, or positive statements that can help people overcome negative thoughts and low self-esteem. When affirmations are repeated often, many individuals…
Do you feel worn out and exhausted from constant stress and anxiety? Do you feel like your life is on “hold” because your anxiety is so severe? Do you experience overwhelming, recurring feelings of dread, but aren’t sure why? Feeling anxious once in a while is an expected part of life. After all, stressful situations…
“When I talk, I sound stupid.” “No one likes me.” “No one cares about me.” “I should have done better. I am a failure.” Do thoughts like these ever come to your mind? If so, you may be struggling with social anxiety. While everyone feels anxious sometimes, severe social anxiety comes with overwhelmingly strong negative…
While anyone can experience anxiety or depression, transgender and gender non-conforming individuals face unique challenges that can contribute to the development of mental health problems. Unfortunately, these challenges have led transgender and gender non-confirming individuals to experience rates of depression and anxiety that are much higher the general population. Far too many transgender and non-conforming…
Suffering from Low Self-Esteem? Counseling Can Help you Build and Boost Confidence Do you struggle to accept positive feedback or compliments from others? Are you preoccupied with what you believe to be your weaknesses and shortcomings? Do you frequently compare yourself to others – and usually find that they’re “better” than you in some way?…
Processing the news that you are infertile, or unable to conceive a child, is an emotionally painful experience for many women. It can evoke feelings of grief over losing the child you can’t have, awkwardness in not knowing who to tell or how to tell them and impact your self-esteem and perspective on life. When…
Do you feel embarrassed or self-conscious about your body? Do your negative perceptions of your body interfere with you enjoying life? Is weight a key factor in your sense of self-worth? Everyone has a body-image. As someone goes through and experiences life, their body image can develop positively or negatively. It is extremely easy to…
What Now? Starting Couples Counseling After an Affair or Infidelity Simply defined, infidelity is unfaithfulness in a relationship. But what does this mean? Sometimes, infidelity involves a partner having a physical relationship with someone outside of the relationship. Sometimes, no physical cheating occurs, but one partner is involved in an emotional or cyber affair that…
Trying to Cope with Postpartum Depression? Were you excited throughout your pregnancy, but now feel overwhelmed with the responsibilities of being a mother? Are you struggling to bond with your new baby? Do you miss your pre-baby life? Expecting mothers are told a lot of things. They’re told that being a mom will come naturally,…
Do you find yourself neglecting your own well-being to fulfill other obligations and responsibilities? Are your relationships suffering because you feel overworked, burnt out, or depressed? Is it hard for you to say “no” to others so that you can say “yes” to yourself? Self-care is a blanket term for deliberate actions taken to maintain…