Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a condition that can make trusting other people and establishing lasting relationships extremely difficult. This can make coping with BPD in relationships frustrating for the person carrying the diagnosis, as well as for a loved one trying to understand and be supportive. While navigating borderline…
Self-advocacy is the practice of representing yourself and your interests, needs, and rights in various aspects of life, particularly in situations where your voice needs to be heard and acknowledged. Being a good self-advocate can improve life satisfaction and overall well-being, as it facilitates empowerment and allows you to take…
Therapy is a great tool for self-improvement and gaining personal insight. While your clinician will act as a guide and help provide direction in sessions, there are also ways you as the client can foster growth and make sessions more effective for you. There are many ways to get the…
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…
Communication is a key part of any relationship, but when talking about conflict or charged topics, it can be difficult to get one’s point across without starting an argument. However, there is a helpful tool that can be used to diffuse situations and keep conversations civil and productive—“I” statements. Often…
Everyone lies from time to time. Whether it’s to get out of work or spare someone’s feelings, lying every once in a while is normal and common. However, when someone lies frequently, they are known as a habitual liar. Lying often is harmful, and can even be a sign of…
When it comes to our cell phones, nothing else in our life gets as much attention. If we lose it, let it die, or can’t answer it, the stress starts to build up rapidly. Getting by without a cell phone really isn’t possible anymore—which means other areas of your life…
Starting therapy can be both exciting and a little frightening, especially if it’s your first time ever connecting with a therapist or counselor. The good news is that the process is very straightforward, focused on addressing your needs and concerns from the very first session. But still: You may be…
Therapists and clients have a professional relationship that’s built on mutual trust and respect. When someone attends therapy sessions, they work alongside their therapist to make improvements to their mental health. But sometimes, a client might feel like their therapist just doesn’t understand them, isn’t easy to talk to, or…
We all experience days when we’re just not in the mood to mince words; which means some conversations may get a little heated under the right circumstances. And often, we tend to snap at the people who are closest to us; the friends and family we care about. Those arguments…
Q: This is probably more common than I realize, but some of my family members have different political views from me. The fact that we disagree isn’t so much of an issue for me, but if at any point I share my beliefs and viewpoints, it feels like I’m instantly…
Q: My girlfriend of three years is starting to bother me. We’ve had our share of ups and downs, but we’ve always managed to talk things through whenever there’s been a disagreement. Except for one issue: She doesn’t trust me when I’m out and about with other people, specifically my…
