Divorce is hard. It means that an influential chapter of your life is ending and one of the most important people in your life won’t be there like they were. “Divorce is hugely impactful in almost all aspects of our lives,” says Whitney McSparran, a licensed professional clinical counselor at…
Gender dysphoria is the term used to describe deep feelings of distress, unease, and discomfort because one’s biological sex does not align with one’s gender identity, or the gender they feel they innately are. Gender dysphoria is a condition recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5),…
In 1969, Swiss-American Psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross theorized that there are five universal stages of grief: denial and seclusion, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. These stages have since become a widely recognized framework for understanding how people process heartbreaking loss. However, grief is an incredibly personal experience and these stages don’t…
Childhood trauma can cast a long shadow over a person’s life, affecting how you connect with others well into adulthood. It can make it difficult to navigate conflict, develop an effective communication style, build trust, and overcome fears of vulnerability. If early traumatic experiences are affecting your adult relationships, it’s…
Many people have close relationships with their parents — in fact, some consider their mother or father their best friend. But that isn’t always the case. There’s a less fortunate narrative: Some people hate their parents. They don’t just lack that connection or disagree with their parents from time to…
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,…
Navigating relationships with parents can be complex and challenging, especially with so many deep, intense feelings involved. Not every mother/child relationship is loving and understanding, and sometimes an understanding can’t be reached, for one reason or another. With all the history between mothers and their children, it can be hard…
The LGBTQIA+ community is a diverse group of individuals — specifically, those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, and a host of other identities. Despite outdated perceptions and unwarranted prejudice from others, cultural norms are shifting and society is becoming increasingly supportive of the community, thanks in…
Suicide isn’t an easy topic to think about, let alone discuss—especially with an individual you suspect is suicidal. A lot of emotions can be involved, and you certainly don’t want to make this person feel worse. That said, it is incredibly important that we do discuss the matter and get…
Friends make up a huge part of most peoples’ lives, but over time, friendships can fade and drift apart if they aren’t maintained. Fostering and putting effort into friendships is key to making sure those relationships stay strong and close. That being said, it can be hard to know where…
Depression is an extremely prevalent issue around the world. However, despite there being common symptoms, it often looks different to everyone that struggles with it. There are differing types of depression, as well as symptoms, intensity, duration, and more. Depression is pervasive, and an episode can last anywhere from a…
Losing any loved one is tragic, but losing a baby can be particularly devastating. It’s something no one should have to experience, yet every year, too many parents face miscarriages and infant loss. In order to support those who have lost babies, born and unborn, and remember the little ones…
