Mental Health Topics

Positive psychology is a therapeutic approach that helps clients emphasize and learn from the positive aspects of life. Unlike traditional psychology, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating mental illnesses, positive psychology aims to enhance well-being by cultivating strengths and virtues.  This approach helps clients create a fulfilling and meaningful…

In unhealthy or abusive relationships, many complex feelings and dynamics can develop over time. These relationships are rarely simple, which can make them difficult to end.  In the case of trauma-bonded relationships, breaking a trauma bond can be a long and involved process. However, with the right help from a…

Trauma dumping refers to a situation where an individual shares their traumatic experiences in an overwhelming, often boundary-violating manner without the listener’s consent. While it’s not  always intentional, trauma dumping typically crosses interpersonal boundaries and may cause the listener to feel overwhelmed or trapped.  Learn more about how to spot…

Parent-child relationships aren’t always easy to navigate, and they can become fraught with tension when past conflict goes unresolved. When someone has issues with their mother, it can be difficult to know how to change things. When managing conflict in any relationship including with one’s mother, it’s important to prioritize…

An “affect” is a nonverbal method of communication that expresses emotion on an individual’s face. Though people’s feelings can appear on their faces without conscious effort or even notice, one’s affect doesn’t have to match their feelings. Different from someone’s affect, mood is specifically what someone is feeling, something that…

Although it’s less commonly used in contemporary mental health settings than in the 20th century, the concept of neurotic behavior is still relevant, especially in relation to anxiety-related traits. While neurotic behaviors may seem intuitive at first thought, recognizing the nuances of neurotic behavior is crucial for effectively addressing its…

May 1st marks the beginning of Mental Health Awareness Month, a time of observance during which every American is encouraged to put their mental health needs first. It’s also a time when dedicated mental health professionals are recognized for their efforts in offering compassionate care.  Mental Health Awareness Month presents…

Addiction is a pervasive issue that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with profound impacts on holistic health and well-being. While it can be difficult to implement change by yourself, mental health services such as those at Thriveworks offer powerful tools and strategies to assist you in overcoming addiction. Learn more…

Every April, National Infertility Awareness Week (April 21-27) serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by those who are dealing with infertility. During this time, we are each encouraged to come together to raise awareness, offer support, and advocate for better resources and understanding surrounding infertility and its impact…

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,…

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…