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What is Codependency? Part II

June 3, 2022

Meg Mulroy, LPC In part one of this short blog series, I defined and explained ways in which people form codependent relationships through caretaking, controlling, and self-abandonment. In part two, I’ll discuss characteristics indicative of codependent relationships. If you resonate with these problems, it does not mean you are bad, inferior, or broken. Most of these behaviors and characteristics were taught to us as children and/or were protective factors that were employed to keep us safe from…

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How to Cope With Dating App Burnout

June 2, 2022

Hannah Hopper, LCPC, EMDR Trained If you’ve ever felt drained, like you’ve been pushed past your breaking point, or are done with everything, you’re probably experiencing burnout. Burnout has become increasingly common over the past few years, and it can impact all areas of our lives. And now it’s becoming a regular experience with dating apps too. If you feel like chatting and setting up dates from an app has become work, or feels like a part-time…

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Desire in Relationships: How Can I Keep the Romance Alive?

June 1, 2022

Jessica Pontis, LCSW What are some of the things that we typically think about when we consider a healthy relationship?  Some of the things that may come to mind is an open line of communication. Maybe it’s problem-solving together in a way that feels constructive, or supporting one another through really difficult times. And maybe part of it is having a healthy sex life. For those who want to prioritize having a healthy sex life in their…

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How Can I Get Better at Self-Regulation?

May 31, 2022

Jessica Pontis, LCSW I’ve worked with a lot of people who have felt that their emotions were out of control, felt like their anxiety would take over, or were unable to snap themselves out of a funk. Emotions can be tricky because they are both so abstract and so concrete at the same time. We know that they’re there, but we sometimes struggle to connect with them and give them what they need to feel soothed. The…

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How Can I Cope With All of Life’s Transitions?

May 30, 2022

By: Danielle Bertini, LCPC Changes can be hard. And even if you’re happy with the status quo, life doesn’t always comply with your wishes, leaving you to face a major transition. Dealing with these changes can be tough, but Whitebourne (2017) outlines 10 useful coping tips based on research involving life-span studies of stressful events.  Recognize That Transitions Hold a Special Place in Your Life Memories. Regardless of what the transition might be, it’s usually something that…

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Am I Too Hypervigilant?

May 29, 2022

By: Danielle Bertini, LCPC Let’s consider this: Samantha admits that she is always on alert. Her head floods with worst-case scenarios if she wakes up at 3 am. She is always looking ahead to what might happen, what might go wrong — whether it is potential traffic, a talk she needs to have with someone at work, or what the cashier might say if she tries to return a shirt she bought last week. Samantha is what…

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Parenthood Challenges and How to Cope With Them

May 28, 2022

Andromeda Peters, LICSW Parenthood is described as a beautiful experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges as we assist our children in navigating the world of emotions. Parenthood is far from concrete, as it is a job that evolves as our children grow in and out of development stages from infancy into adulthood. This role constantly requires relearning and flexibility because we are preparing our children for socialization, processing emotions, and healthy communication. Strategies…

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How Does Screen Time Affect Our Children’s Brains?

May 27, 2022

Andromeda Peters, LICSW Children are currently growing up in a world dominated by technology. This manifests in increased screen time in areas of their socialization, entertainment, and education. Keeping in mind that children’s brains are still developing, are there any implications for screen time and the cognitive functioning of our children? It is reported that in the United States, over half of the children under the age of eight own tablets. What’s more, a study conducted by…

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Are There Benefits to Conflicts in Relationships?

May 26, 2022

Amanda Ann Gregory, LCPC, EMDR Certified  Couples and family therapists have told me that the couples and families that they worry about the most are the ones that engage in little to no conflict. This may sound surprising, but it’s not if you consider the fact that conflict is a necessary and healthy part of all relationships. All relationships need conflict in order to healthily grow and remain strong. Here are a few of the benefits of…

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What Is Codependency?

May 25, 2022

Part I: Control, Caretaking & Self Abandonment Meg Mulroy, LPC  Codependency has become somewhat of a buzz amongst my peers. Used casually, I’ve heard people say, “She can’t do anything without him — they are so codependent,” or, “Those roommates are completely codependent — they are attached at the hip!” One of my professional and personal pet peeves is the misuse of this word. Codependency has been defined in many different ways, but according to Melody Beattle,…

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