They make a comment that stings. You flinch or fall silent. They laugh and say, “Relax, I was just joking.”But it doesn’t feel like a joke. It feels like a dig — and you’re left wondering if you’re too sensitive, or if something deeper is happening. Humor can be a beautiful part of a relationship […]
How “Just Joking” Becomes Verbal Abuse Read More »
Leaving home for college is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring new challenges and stressors that impact mental health. Preparing mentally and emotionally can help ease the transition and provide tools to handle the ups and downs. Here are some practical mental health tips for students preparing for college life away from home.
Preparing for College: 12 Mental Health Tips for Students Leaving Home Read More »
Leaving an abusive relationship is often portrayed as a moment of strength — and it is. But what’s rarely talked about is the deep, complex grief that can follow. You finally got out. You know it wasn’t healthy. And yet… you miss them. You ache. You wonder what’s wrong with you for feeling this way.
Why You Might Mourn the Loss of an Abuser Read More »
Not every manipulative or hurtful person is a sociopath — but when you’ve been mistreated, it’s natural to wonder. Were they just emotionally immature, or was there something more dangerous going on beneath the surface? The term “sociopath” is often used loosely in conversations about narcissism, toxicity, and emotional abuse. But while toxic behavior can
Sociopath or Just Toxic? How to Tell the Difference Read More »
Catching feelings for your therapist can feel confusing, embarrassing — even a little scary. But it’s more common than you think. Therapy is intimate: you’re seen, heard, accepted without judgment. That can stir up strong emotions, including attraction. The key is not to shame yourself, but to explore what the feelings might be telling you.
What to Do If You’re Developing a Crush on Your Therapist? Read More »
Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies we use — often unconsciously — to protect ourselves from pain, discomfort, or emotional threat. In therapy, these defenses can quietly shape how we speak, what we avoid, and how we relate to the process itself. They’re not signs of weakness — they’re signs of survival. But recognizing them is
Common Defense Mechanisms That Show Up in Therapy Read More »