Unraveling cognitive distortions: A guide to clearer thinking by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jun 17, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Cognitive distortions are inaccurate thoughts that we believe to be rational but only serve to perpetuate negative thought patterns and behaviors—ones that often make us feel bad about ourselves. Because cognitive distortions are the backbone of negative thinking and emotions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on helping patients change these…
Understanding and overcoming inferiority complex issues by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Apr 23, 2024 | Coping Skills, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Personality 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,…
Delusions of grandeur: A look at the nature of false beliefs and grandiosity by Evan Csir, LPC | Apr 6, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Personality 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…
What are abandonment issues? Causes, symptoms, and how to overcome them by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Feb 21, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Few other psychological conditions affect an individual’s ability to function quite like abandonment issues. Often formed in response to a traumatic or neglectful childhood experience, abandonment issues can wreak havoc on the emotional and external lives of both children and adults who struggle to see their own value and to…
Self-loathing: Why does it develop, and how do we heal? by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Feb 2, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Loving yourself is an important, and sometimes incredibly difficult, part of life. It often takes constant effort to stay positive and confident about who we are, and sometimes, the doubt and uncertainty win. Self-loathing is an intense and deeply-rooted feeling that builds over time, and can be caused by negative…
What is a guilt complex? by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Jan 25, 2024 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Guilt can be a tool for growth, but it can also be erosive and paralyzing when it’s felt too much. Sometimes, people can experience guilt for situations or events that aren’t their fault, or even have nothing to do with them. In some cases, this can be due to something…
I hate people: Is that normal? Causes, treatments, and shifting our perspectives by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Dec 22, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Is it normal to harbor such intense animosity towards others? It is—occasionally. Hate, with its corrosive nature, defies normalcy in its consuming grip, demanding a toll on both mind and body. This sentiment, characterized by intense malevolent feelings, often stems from perceived threats, chronic disappointment, or deep offense. However, navigating…
What are commitment issues? Signs, root causes, and therapeutic solutions by Evan Csir, LPC | Oct 27, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Navigating commitment issues in a relationship — sometimes referred to as gamophobia — can be challenging, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward resolving them. The root causes of these issues can vary, but often, they stem from a fear of vulnerability, fear of abandonment, lack of trust,…
Overcoming commitment issues with Thriveworks Counseling by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Sep 29, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Navigating commitment issues in a relationship can be challenging, and recognizing the signs is the first step toward resolving them. Common signs of commitment issues include avoiding discussions about the future, self-sabotaging behaviors, fear of emotional intimacy, constant criticism of your partner over trivial matters, serial dating without progressing, and…
Self-esteem counseling: Boost your confidence and self-worth with help from Thriveworks by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Sep 15, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Self-esteem significantly influences our life in many ways: It impacts our self-confidence, relationships, and ability to pursue our goals and aspirations, ultimately playing a pivotal role in our overall life satisfaction and success. This is precisely why low self-esteem can have detrimental effects on our life, leading to feelings of…
What is jealousy? Understanding the emotion and overcoming it by Alexandra Cromer, LPC | Aug 21, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics Jealousy is an emotional state in which an individual desires something that someone else has and they do not. It’s rooted in comparison — it most commonly occurs when someone is comparing themselves and their life situation to another. People can experience jealousy in a variety of areas of their…
A guide to individual therapy by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Aug 15, 2023 | Beginning Therapy, Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics If you’ve already been to individual therapy, you likely know its power. If you’ve never been to therapy, you may need more convincing. You might be wondering: “What is individual counseling? What is the true value of therapy sessions?” However you approach the individual therapy guide below, we hope that…