Upward bound: Tips for setting and enforcing boundaries for women by Laura Harris, LCMHC | Aug 5, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Self-Improvement Hi ladies, it’s me, Laura, can we talk about boundaries for a bit? The title of this article reflects my hope to boost mental wellness for the distressed reader by providing tips and analogies for forming and enforcing boundaries. These tips can benefit anyone and it provides special consideration to…
How to gain someone’s trust back: Manageable steps for rebuilding security and stability in relationships by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Jul 27, 2023 | Feelings & Emotions, Mental Health Topics, Relationships To make mistakes is to be human—but when our actions result in us hurting someone we’re close to, it’s possible to lose their trust. And odds are, if you’re reading this, you’ve either lost someone’s trust, or are searching for ways to forgive someone for something they’ve done to you….
What is emotional intimacy? Overcoming emotional barriers and fostering closeness by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Jul 25, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships We all want to feel loved and valued by the people around us, but how do we get that? One type of connection that accomplishes this is emotional intimacy. Being emotionally intimate with people is an important part of developing relationships and allows us to create a deeper, more honest…
What is social wellness, and what is its impact? The importance of social wellness and how to improve it by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Jul 20, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships When it comes to the topic of health, physical health tends to be the focus. However, your mental and social health are just as important to your overall health and livelihood, and are even tied to your physical health. Social wellness is a term used to describe the quality level…
Narcissistic relationship patterns: Signs, behaviors, & how to leave the relationship safely by Kate Hanselman, PMHNP-BC | Jul 20, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Narcissism, Relationships The basis of all healthy relationships typically includes empathy, patience, and mutual support between everyone involved. But in a narcissistic relationship pattern, these healthy markers aren’t usually present. One of the key indicators of narcissism is a disregard for the well-being of others. In a relationship with a narcissistic individual,…
Love-hate relationships: What are they and when should you step away? by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Jul 20, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships Although they’re often framed as opposites, we can experience both love and hate for something at the same time. A love-hate relationship can exist between friends, family, coworkers, and, most frequently, romantic partners. While it is normal to have some negative feelings towards loved ones at times, these negative feelings…
What is phubbing? Impact on relationships and solutions by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Jun 20, 2023 | Communication, Mental Health Topics, Relationships 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…
What is monkey branching, and why do people do it? by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | May 12, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships “Monkey branching” describes a dating behavior where someone continues to pursue other potential partners while already in a relationship, often without the knowledge or consent of their current partner. The term comes from the image of a monkey swinging from one branch to another, never fully letting go of the…
How to create and maintain strong friendships: The importance of strong bonds and tips on staying close by Laura Harris, LCMHC | May 3, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships 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…
Dating someone with depression: What to know by Christine Ridley, LCSW | Apr 3, 2023 | Depression, Mental Health Topics, Relationships Dating someone with depression can be rewarding, but it may also require you as a partner to offer emotional strength and support in unique ways. Though depression doesn’t always create barriers to romantic relationships, depressive symptoms can affect the way your partner is able to express their emotions both verbally…
Sleep divorce: Relationship doom or sleep hygiene? Why sleeping apart can be both good and bad by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Feb 15, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Sleep Despite what it sounds like, sleep divorce doesn’t always spell the end of a relationship. It’s what happens when one or both partners decide to sleep in separate beds. As controversial as it sounds, it’s actually pretty common. But does sleep divorce truly spell the end of a relationship? And…
Polyamory: Defining polyamory, navigating polyamorous relationships, and more by Theresa Lupcho, LPC | Jan 25, 2023 | Mental Health Topics, Relationships, Sexuality Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, and not all are monogamous. While most people are only familiar with monogamous relationships, polyamory involves multiple nonmarital relationships between partners. Polyamory isn’t about being able to do whatever you want with other people, while still reaping the benefits of going steady with…