Mental Health Topics

An inferiority complex refers to someone’s unrealistic perceptions of their inadequacy. While it can be a symptom of certain mental health conditions, inferiority complexes aren’t recognized in the DSM-5 but are still a mental health concern for many everyday people.  Learn the truth about inferiority complexes below, including the signs,…

Parent-child relationships are an important part of development and can impact children well into adulthood, for better or worse. Though parents often do their best, they are still people, and they will make mistakes raising children. Subsequently, issues and conflict can develop between children and their mothers or fathers.  Many…

LYNCHBURG, Va., April 4, 2024 — Thriveworks, a leading provider of online and in-person mental health services, has appointed Dr. Dan Frogel as CEO. Former interim CEO Emily Matorin will remain with the company in her primary role as chief operating officer. Frogel brings more than two decades of healthcare…

Trauma can have a variety of impacts on survivors, and each is often intense in its own way. One such impact traumatic experiences can have is called a “trauma bond.” Trauma bonding is a strong connection that occurs between victims/survivors and perpetrators of trauma or abuse. These bonds are complex…

Transactional relationships form a crucial aspect of our daily interactions, governing the dynamics in various areas of business, legal affairs, and personal dealings. These relationships are primarily based on the exchange of goods, services, or benefits, where each participant has clear expectations of receiving equivalent value.  This guide explores the…

Whether it’s a one-time traumatic experience, or a multitude, healing from sexual abuse can take time and dedicated effort for many survivors. Thankfully, at Thriveworks, it’s an experience that clients don’t have to endure alone—because we offer professional support during your recovery process. Sexual abuse support, through trauma-informed counseling services,…

While high self-esteem and soaring self-confidence are usually considered admirable traits, when delusions of grandeur set in, it’s often a cause for concern. Though delusions of grandeur may sometimes be a symptom of a mental health condition, these elevated self-perceptions can be visible even without a pre-existing condition. Take a…

Q: Marriage advice needed  My marriage of over 20 years is in deep trouble. How do you reconnect with someone you have ZERO intimacy with or seem to have no meaningful relationship with? We go through day-to-day life like we are roommates. We rarely have difficult conversations about our relationship….

Our team at Thriveworks recently interviewed one of our clinical experts to find out more about what it means to “play the victim,” why people do it, and how to deal with someone when they play the victim. These insights are provided by Dr. Brandy Smith, a Licensed Psychologist with…

Q: How can I handle feeling excluded from my dance team at a dance competition? A: Hi there,  I’m hearing how difficult this is for you, and I commend you for reaching out for support. Feeling excluded is one of the more challenging experiences for us as humans, given that…

Separation anxiety is a set of symptoms characterized by intense anxiety when separated from a support system or loved one. If symptoms are intense enough and begin to interfere with one’s daily life, it can be a sign of a deeper issue called separation anxiety disorder — a disorder with…

The subject of alcohol tends to elicit strong reactions. Most of us have deliberated about how much to drink, what, when, and why. We might associate alcohol with friends and fun times, or with guilt, loss, and shame. Often, our feelings are mixed. But how do you know when drinking…