How To Help Someone With Borderline Personality Disorder
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is an often misunderstood, serious mental health condition that affects about 2.2% of the population. BPD is shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding and trails behind the societal conversation about mental health. Often mistaken for Bipolar Disorder, BPD has distinctive characteristics that set it apart. BPD is a disorder of instability: in […]
Trauma and Addiction Recovery: Understanding the Healing Process
Traumatic experiences overwhelm an individual’s sense of safety and capacity to cope. These may be from early life experiences or later in life. In many people who are struggling with substance abuse, there is trauma in their background and substance abuse in the present. In this article I describe what trauma and trauma-informed care are, […]
Difference Between Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
It can be confusing, if not overwhelming, to understand what type of therapy might work best for you. Two of the best known are Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. They are very distinct, although they do share the overall goal of helping someone deal with life’s distressing elements. In this article, I explain the basics […]
8 Phases of EMDR: A Comprehensive List
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) was originally developed as a treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It has since branched out to treat a variety of applications including: phobias, test anxiety, dermatological disorders and pain management. It is based on the concept that certain eye movements reduce the intensity of negative emotions such as in […]
Can Anxiety Cause Nerve Pain—or Does It Just Feel That Way?
Identifying the causes of peripheral neuropathy (neuropathy) can be challenging, making it hard to diagnose. Damage to nerves and related pain, which are causes of neuropathy, can be triggered by injuries, certain medical conditions, and alcohol consumption. However, a common inquiry is whether anxiety or stress can cause nerve pain. What options exist for treatment? […]
How Does Brainspotting Heal Trauma? A Guide to Recovery
Brainspotting (BSP) is a relatively new alternative therapy. It was developed in 2003 by Dr David Grand, an EMDR therapist and relational analyst. He observed that his clients were sometimes “stuck” in a certain spot which he later called a “brain spot”. Brainspotting was first used to treat people who had experienced PTSD during 9/11. […]
Understanding Complex Betrayal Trauma: Symptoms, Signs, and More
Following a betrayal by someone we loved or trusted, we often feel shattered, wondering if or how we will ever regain ourselves. It can cause shock, loss, anger and grief. We even might doubt if we will ever have a future. The acutely despondent or even depressed feeling after a betrayal can leave us crushed […]
Nonpharmacologic Treatment for Anxiety: A Holistic Approach
You’re not alone if you feel occasionally anxious. It’s a normal feeling of fear, dread or uneasiness tied to the stress response that helps us sense danger, prepare and pay attention. Fear is an emotional response to the fight or flight reaction felt in a moment of immediate danger when we may feel anxiety. We […]
How Mood Disorders in Childhood Affect Adulthood
What are Mood Disorders? Mood disorders are a form of mental illnesses that directly affect how we feel and think about ourselves, others, and, in some cases, even life in general. These disorders have different types: Depressive Disorders In general, depressive disorders result in: Types of Depressive Disorders The main types of depressive disorders include: […]
How Long Does it Take for Anxiety to Go Away?
Each of us experiences anxiety at different times and for different reasons unique to our circumstances. Most types of anxiety are based around a specific cause and can last for varying lengths of time. For instance, think about a future significant work meeting, a school exam, or fixating on a past event – anxiety is […]
PTSD vs Adjustment Disorder: Key Differences Between Them
When faced with challenges or stressful events, it is normal for our brains to become overwhelmed. Most of us have had to respond to an unexpected experience that may trigger a period of intense stress. While many of us tend to overcome these quite quickly, some people may not have the resilience necessary to overcome […]
Short Term and Long Term Effects of Drugs on The Brain
Updated May 2024 By: Sara Sorenson, LCMHC Updated Resources, Data, Statistics, and Treatment Approaches Research has shown that drugs cause short term effects such as feelings of euphoria, as well as long-term consequences like addiction. While different drugs have their own set of unique effects on the brain, there are some universal commonalities they share. […]
BPD vs. DID: Key Differences in Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Mental health disorders are complex and often misunderstood. And these two are among the least well understood and most often confused. In fact, there is a lot of controversy surrounding the relationship between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and multiple personality disorder (MPD/DID). MPD is now known as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). It was once more […]
What Is the Science Behind PTSD?
What Is PTSD? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead to lasting changes in the brain and nervous system. Without treatment, it may prevent you from living a full life. It affects approximately 3.5 percent of U.S. adults every year or about 9 million individuals. For many trauma sufferers, PTSD can be a lifelong problem […]
ARFID vs Anorexia: Are They Different? How to Identify Them
Understanding ARFID: A New Eating Disorder Eating disorders is an umbrella term that consists of a host of conditions where a person has developed an unhealthy and dangerous relationship with how they see food and their body. ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) is a fairly new eating disorder, most frequently occurring in middle childhood but […]
10 Signs You Are Healing From Trauma
Uncover ten signs indicating progress in healing from trauma and enjoy the journey towards resilience and emotional restoration.
Emotional Wounds: Types, Symptoms, and How to Start Healing
Emotional wounds, often invisible yet profoundly impactful, shape our lives in myriad ways. They are scars left behind from painful experiences that mold our responses, behaviors, and interactions with the world around us. Understanding these wounds is not just about uncovering hurt but about embracing a journey toward healing and transformation. Emotional trauma can stem […]
How Long Does Childhood Trauma Last?
Childhood trauma refers to the psychological and emotional response that children undergo following events that are highly stressful, frightening, or disturbing. Such experiences can disrupt a child’s sense of security, making them feel helpless and vulnerable. Trauma can stem from singular, acute events or can develop through ongoing stressors over time. The types of […]
7 Physical Signs Your Body Is Releasing Trauma – and What They Mean
Discover 7 physical signs indicating trauma release, essential for healing and overall well-being. Explore insights into your body’s healing journey.
What Is Emotional Self-care? Importance, Benefits, and Practices
Emotional self-care is an essential component of maintaining mental and emotional well-being. It involves proactive strategies and practices that help you understand, process, and regulate your emotions effectively. This process is critical for building resilience, enhancing personal relationships, and achieving a balanced and fulfilling life. Emotional Self-care 101: Understanding Ourselves Self-awareness At the core of […]
What Are the Characteristics of a Mentally Healthy Person? 16 Key Traits
Exploring the nuances of mental health involves not only recognizing the struggles but also appreciating the strengths that characterize mentally healthy individuals. Mentally healthy people possess a variety of characteristics that significantly contribute to their well-being and effective functioning in society. Selecting some of these to focus on is an important strategy for those in […]
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Ketamine Therapy? How to Qualify
Discover who might not be an ideal candidate for ketamine therapy and the factors that inform safe and effective treatment decisions for mental health.
Ketamine vs SSRI: A Holistic Approach to Depression
Understanding Depression Understanding depression is essential when comparing treatment options like ketamine and SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Depression is not just a transient feeling of sadness; it’s a complex persistent mental health disorder that significantly impacts a person’s mood, thoughts, physical health, and daily functioning. What Are the Types and Symptoms of Depression? Depression […]
Sexuality Struggle: The Overlooked Evolving Issue
Understanding Sexuality In this article I explore the complex topic of sexuality. I discuss ways of understanding and types of sexuality, mental health related issues, talking about your own sexuality and 15 ways to help someone with their sexuality. Understanding sexuality is an important aspect of comprehending human identity and experiences and is a topic […]
What to Do After Ketamine Infusion—and What to Avoid
What to Expect After Ketamine Infusion (Days 1-7) How Does Ketamine Therapy Work? Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects. It distorts perceptions of sight and sound and makes the user feel disconnected and not in control. It is an injectable, short-acting anesthetic for use in humans and animals. Ketamine infusion therapy […]
Coping With Homophobia: Practical Steps for Safety, Support, and Advocacy
Combat homophobia with resilience. Discover effective strategies to confront and overcome prejudice in your environment while empowering yourself.
A Closer Look: Latest Statistics on Adult Mental Health
1 in 5 U.S. adults (57.8 million people) experience mental illness each year, representing a growing concern and reflecting a wide array of conditions that affect millions across the U.S. These disorders encompass a broad spectrum of conditions, each with its own set of challenges and demographic variations. And suicide is the 2nd leading cause […]
The Ultimate Guide to PHP and IOP: Which is Right for You?
Choosing the right mental health treatment is very important for effective recovery, as it lays the foundation for sustainable healing and growth. This guide compares Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), providing insights to help readers make an informed decision tailored to their needs. Understanding PHP and IOP What is PHP? Partial […]
A Complete Guide to Residential Treatment for Adults in Utah
Discover comprehensive mental health residential treatment in Utah at Corner Canyon Health Centers. Understand types of care, how to choose.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy vs Cognitive Processing Therapy: How They Compare
When it comes to evidence-based treatments for mental health, few approaches are as widely recognized as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Both are grounded in the idea that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are closely connected, yet they differ in focus, structure, and application. CBT is a broad, flexible approach used […]